Greenlight Capital Re (GLRE) 10-Q 2 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.
Entity Central Index Key	1,385,613
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Common Class A
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,183,763
Common Class B
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,254,895

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments
Debt instruments, trading, at fair value	$ 8,074	$ 22,473
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	1,054,427	844,001
Other investments, at fair value	139,453	156,063
Total investments	1,201,954	1,022,537
Cash and cash equivalents	37,961	39,858
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,344,059	1,202,651
Financial contracts receivable, at fair value	38,255	76,381
Reinsurance balances receivable	268,447	219,126
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	2,582	2,704
Deferred acquisition costs, net	73,470	61,022
Unearned premiums ceded	3,155	2,377
Notes receivable, net	35,236	33,734
Other assets	3,717	4,303
Total assets	3,008,836	2,664,693
Liabilities
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	867,709	859,902
Financial contracts payable, at fair value	3,215	2,237
Due to prime brokers	558,798	319,830
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	340,030	306,641
Unearned premium reserves	265,268	222,527
Reinsurance balances payable	52,249	41,415
Funds withheld	5,576	5,927
Other liabilities	13,639	14,527
Performance compensation payable to related party	1,189	0
Total liabilities	2,107,673	1,773,006
Equity
Preferred share capital (par value $0.10; authorized, 50,000,000; none issued)	0	0
Ordinary share capital (Class A: par value $0.10; authorized, 100,000,000; issued and outstanding, 31,183,763 (2016: 31,111,432): Class B: par value $0.10; authorized, 25,000,000; issued and outstanding, 6,254,895 (2016: 6,254,895))	3,744	3,737
Additional paid-in capital	501,180	500,337
Retained earnings	378,542	370,168
Shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders	883,466	874,242
Non-controlling interest in joint venture	17,697	17,445
Total equity	901,163	891,687
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,008,836	$ 2,664,693

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Shareholders' equity
Preferred share capital, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred share capital, authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred share capital, issued	0	0
Common Class A
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary share capital, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Ordinary share capital, authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Ordinary share capital, issued (in shares)	31,183,763	31,111,432
Ordinary share capital, outstanding (in shares)	31,183,763	31,111,432
Common Class B
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary share capital, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Ordinary share capital, authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Ordinary share capital, issued (in shares)	6,254,895	6,254,895
Ordinary share capital, outstanding (in shares)	6,254,895	6,254,895

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$ 197,214	$ 166,792
Gross premiums ceded	(3,426)	(2,107)
Net premiums written	193,788	164,685
Change in net unearned premium reserves	(41,886)	(26,573)
Net premiums earned	151,902	138,112
Net investment income (loss)	11,618	28,435
Other income (expense), net	(7)	(271)
Total revenues	163,513	166,276
Expenses
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net	104,812	90,668
Acquisition costs, net	43,211	38,963
General and administrative expenses	6,743	6,999
Total expenses	154,766	136,630
Income (loss) before income tax	8,747	29,646
Income tax expense	(121)	(204)
Net income (loss) including non-controlling interest	8,626	29,442
Loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	(252)	(773)
Net income (loss)	$ 8,374	$ 28,669
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$ 0.22	$ 0.77
Diluted	$ 0.22	$ 0.77
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the determination of earnings and loss per share
Basic	37,341,338	37,107,039
Diluted	37,376,649	37,422,921

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Ordinary share capital	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders	Non-controlling interest in joint venture
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 848,773	$ 3,703	$ 496,401	$ 325,287	$ 825,391	$ 23,382
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issue of Class A ordinary shares, net of forfeitures	20	20	0	0	20	0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	740	0	740	0	740	0
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	773	0	0	0	0	773
Net income (loss)	28,669	0	0	28,669	28,669	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	878,975	3,723	497,141	353,956	854,820	24,155
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	891,687	3,737	500,337	370,168	874,242	17,445
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issue of Class A ordinary shares, net of forfeitures	7	7	0	0	7	0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	843	0	843	0	843	0
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	252	0	0	0	0	252
Net income (loss)	8,374	0	0	8,374	8,374	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 901,163	$ 3,744	$ 501,180	$ 378,542	$ 883,466	$ 17,697

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ 8,374	$ 28,669
Adjustments to reconcile net income or loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments and financial contracts	23,378	(78,700)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments and financial contracts	(48,967)	38,611
Foreign exchange (gains) losses on cash and investments	6,480	5,057
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	252	773
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	850	760
Depreciation expense	92	102
Net change in
Reinsurance balances receivable	(49,321)	(58,922)
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	122	(180)
Deferred acquisition costs, net	(12,448)	(8,361)
Unearned premiums ceded	(778)	446
Other assets	494	(427)
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	(33,389)	(35,135)
Unearned premium reserves	42,741	25,965
Reinsurance balances payable	10,834	1,378
Funds withheld	(351)	(107)
Other liabilities	(888)	(579)
Performance compensation payable to related party	1,189	3,081
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,442	(7,299)
Investing activities
Purchases of investments, trading	(365,970)	(423,065)
Sales of investments, trading	239,048	308,059
Payments for financial contracts	(10,538)	(29,976)
Proceeds from financial contracts	47,295	9,123
Securities sold, not yet purchased	323,273	290,478
Dispositions of securities sold, not yet purchased	(345,313)	(276,369)
Change in due to prime brokers	238,968	148,028
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents, net	(143,135)	76,329
Change in notes receivable, net	(1,502)	(10,391)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(17,874)	92,216
Financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	535	(945)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,897)	83,972
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	39,858	112,162
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	37,961	196,134
Supplementary information
Interest paid in cash	1,883	2,576
Income tax paid in cash	$ 0	$ 0

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESE

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (“GLRE”) was incorporated as an exempted company under the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands on July 13, 2004. GLRE’s principal wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenlight Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Greenlight Re”), provides global specialty property and casualty reinsurance. Greenlight Re has a Class D insurer license issued in accordance with the terms of The Insurance Law, 2010 and underlying regulations thereto (the “Law”) and is subject to regulation by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”), in terms of the Law. Greenlight Re commenced underwriting in April 2006. During 2008, Verdant Holding Company, Ltd. (“Verdant”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLRE, was incorporated in the state of Delaware. During 2010, GLRE established Greenlight Reinsurance Ireland, Designated Activity Company (“GRIL”), a wholly-owned reinsurance subsidiary based in Dublin, Ireland. GRIL is authorized as a non-life reinsurance undertaking in accordance with the provisions of the European Union (Insurance and Reinsurance) Regulations 2015 (“Irish Regulations”). GRIL provides multi-line property and casualty reinsurance capacity to the European broker market and provides GLRE with an additional platform to serve clients located in Europe and North America. As used herein, the “Company” refers collectively to GLRE and its consolidated subsidiaries. The Class A ordinary shares of GLRE are listed on Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “GLRE”. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016 . In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all of the normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods presented. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full calendar year. Reclassifications During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company revised its classification of the lines of business presented in Note 10 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result the gross written premiums relating to certain lines of business previously reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassification resulted in no changes to net income (loss) or retained earnings for any of the periods presented.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company is required to maintain certain cash in segregated accounts with prime brokers and derivative counterparties. The amount of restricted cash held by prime brokers is primarily used to support the liability created from securities sold, not yet purchased and derivatives. Additionally, restricted cash and cash equivalent balances are held to collateralize regulatory trusts and letters of credit issued to cedents (see Notes 4 and 9 ). The amount of cash encumbered varies depending on the market value of the securities sold, not yet purchased, and the collateral required by the cedents in the form of trust accounts and letters of credit. In addition, derivative counterparties require cash collateral to support the current value of any amounts that may be due to the counterparty based on the value of the underlying financial instrument. Premium Revenue Recognition The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the event that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, deposit accounting is used and the contract is reported as a deposit liability. The Company writes excess of loss contracts as well as quota share contracts. The Company estimates the ultimate premiums for the entire contract period. These estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies and estimates from actuarial pricing models used by the Company. For excess of loss contracts, the total ultimate estimated premiums are recorded as premiums written at the inception of the contract. For quota share contracts, the premiums are recorded as written based on cession statements from cedents which typically are received monthly or quarterly depending on the terms specified in each contract. For any reporting lag, premiums written are estimated based on the portion of the ultimate estimated premiums relating to the risks underwritten during the lag period. Premium estimates are reviewed by management at least quarterly. Such review includes a comparison of actual reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums along with a review of the aging and collection of premium estimates. Based on management’s review, the appropriateness of the premium estimates is evaluated, and any adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Changes in premium estimates, including premium receivable on both excess of loss and quota share contracts, are expected and may result in significant adjustments in any period. A significant portion of amounts included in reinsurance balances receivable represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions and brokerage, and are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts. Certain contracts allow for reinstatement premiums in the event of a full limit loss prior to the expiry of a contract. A reinstatement premium is not due until there is a full limit loss event and therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company records a reinstatement premium as written only in the event that a client incurs a full limit loss on the contract and the contract allows for a reinstatement of coverage upon payment of an additional premium. For catastrophe contracts which contractually require the payment of a reinstatement premium equal to or greater than the original premium upon the occurrence of a full limit loss, the reinstatement premiums are earned over the original contract period. Reinstatement premiums that are contractually calculated on a pro-rata basis of the original premiums, are earned over the remaining coverage period. For additional premiums which are due on a contract that has no remaining coverage period, the additional premiums are earned in full when due. Certain contracts may provide for a penalty to be paid if the contract is terminated and canceled prior to its expiration term. Cancellation penalties are recognized in the period the notice of cancellation is received and are recorded in the consolidated statements of income under “other income (expense), net”. Premiums written are generally recognized as earned over the contract period in proportion to the period of risk covered. Unearned premiums consist of the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided. Deferred Acquisition Costs Policy acquisition costs, such as commission and brokerage costs, relate directly to, and vary with, the writing of reinsurance contracts. Acquisition costs relating solely to bound contracts are deferred subject to ultimate recoverability and are amortized over the related contract term. The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs by determining if the sum of future earned premiums and anticipated investment income is greater than the expected future claims and expenses. If a loss is probable on the unexpired portion of policies in force, a premium deficiency loss is recognized. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the deferred acquisition costs were considered fully recoverable and no premium deficiency loss was recorded. Acquisition costs also include profit commissions which are expensed when incurred. Profit commissions are calculated and accrued based on the expected loss experience for contracts and recorded when the current loss estimate indicates that a profit commission is probable under the contract terms. As of March 31, 2017 , $17.9 million ( December 31, 2016 : $15.2 million ) of profit commission reserves were included in reinsurance balances payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , $2.7 million ( 2016 : $1.1 million ) of net profit commission expense was included in acquisition costs in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves and Recoverable The Company establishes reserves for contracts based on estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses including losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). These estimated ultimate reserves are based on the Company’s own actuarial estimates derived from reports received from ceding companies, industry data and historical experience. These estimates are reviewed by the Company periodically on a contract by contract basis and adjusted as necessary. Since reserves are estimates, the final settlement of losses may vary from the reserves established and any adjustments to the estimates, which may be material, are recorded in the period they are determined. Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable include the amounts due from retrocessionaires for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on retrocession agreements. Ceded losses incurred but not reported are estimated based on the Company’s actuarial estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and adjusted when deemed necessary. The Company may not be able to ultimately recover the loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable amounts due to the retrocessionaires’ inability to pay. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires and records provisions for uncollectible reinsurance expenses recoverable when recovery is no longer probable. Consideration paid by the Company for retroactive reinsurance that meets the conditions for reinsurance accounting (e.g. loss portfolio transfers) are reported as loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable to the extent those amounts do not exceed the associated liabilities. If the amounts paid for retroactive reinsurance exceed the liabilities, the Company increases the related liabilities, at the time the reinsurance contract is effective, and the excess is charged to net income as losses incurred. If the liabilities exceed the amounts paid, the recoverable balance is increased to reflect the difference, and the resulting gain is deferred and amortized over the estimated loss payout period. Changes in the estimated amount of liabilities relating to the underlying reinsured contracts are recognized in net income in the period of the change. Notes Receivable Notes receivable include promissory notes receivable from third party entities. These notes are recorded at cost along with accrued interest, if any, which approximates the fair value. Interest income and realized gains or losses on sale of notes receivable are included under net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company regularly reviews all notes receivable individually for impairment and records valuation allowance provisions for uncollectible and non-performing notes. The Company places notes on non-accrual status when the recorded value of the note is not considered impaired but there is uncertainty as to the collection of interest in accordance with the terms of the note. For notes receivable placed on non-accrual status, the notes are recorded excluding any accrued interest amount. The Company resumes accrual of interest on a note when none of the principal or interest remains past due, and the Company expects to collect the remaining contractual principal and interest. Interest collected on notes that are placed on non-accrual status is treated on a cash-basis and recorded as interest income when collected, provided that the recorded value of the note is deemed to be fully collectible. Where doubt exists as to the collectability of the remaining recorded value of the notes placed on non-accrual status, any payments received are applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes. At March 31, 2017 , $17.4 million of notes receivable (net of any valuation allowance) were on non-accrual status ( December 31, 2016 : $18.6 million ) and any payments received were applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there was no accrued interest included in the notes receivable balance. Based on management’s assessment, the recorded values of the notes receivable, net of valuation allowance, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were expected to be fully collectible. Financial Instruments Investments in Securities and Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased The Company’s investments in debt instruments and equity securities that are classified as “trading securities” are carried at fair value. The fair values of the listed equity investments are derived based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs). The fair values of listed equities that have restrictions on sale or transfer which expire within one year, are determined by adjusting the observed market price of the equity using a liquidity discount based on observable market inputs. The fair values of debt instruments are derived based on inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as market maker or broker quotes reflecting recent transactions (Level 2 inputs), and are generally derived based on the average of multiple market maker or broker quotes which are considered to be binding. Where quotes are not available, debt instruments are valued using cash flow models using assumptions and estimates that may be subjective and non-observable (Level 3 inputs). The Company’s “other investments” may include investments in private and unlisted equity securities, limited partnerships and commodities, which are all carried at fair value. The fair values of commodities are determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The Company maximizes the use of observable direct or indirect inputs (Level 2 inputs) when deriving the fair values for “other investments”. For limited partnerships and private and unlisted equity securities, where observable inputs are not available, the fair values are derived based on unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs) such as management’s assumptions developed from available information using the services of the investment advisor, including the most recent net asset values obtained from the managers of those underlying investments. For certain private equity fund investments the Company has elected to measure the fair value using the net asset value practical expedient allowed under U.S. GAAP, and accordingly these investments are not classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy. For securities classified as “trading securities” and “other investments”, any realized and unrealized gains or losses are determined on the basis of the specific identification method (by reference to cost or amortized cost, as appropriate) and included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Dividend income and expense are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The ex-dividend date is the date as of when the underlying security must have been traded to be eligible for the dividend declared. Interest income and interest expense are recorded on an accrual basis. Derivative Financial Instruments U.S. GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value. It also requires that unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value be included in income or comprehensive income, depending on whether the instrument qualifies as a hedge transaction, and if so, the type of hedge transaction. The Company’s derivative financial instrument assets are included in financial contracts receivable. Derivative financial instrument liabilities are included in financial contracts payable. The Company’s derivatives generally do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes and are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis and not offset against any collateral pledged or received. Pursuant to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, securities lending agreements and other agreements, the Company and its counterparties typically have the ability to net certain payments owed to each other in specified circumstances. In addition, in the event a party to one of the ISDA master agreements, securities lending agreements or other agreements defaults, or a transaction is otherwise subject to termination, the non-defaulting party generally has the right to set off outstanding balances due from the defaulting party against payments owed to the defaulting party or collateral held by the non-defaulting party. The Company may from time to time enter into underwriting contracts such as industry loss warranty contracts (“ILW”) that are treated as derivatives for U.S GAAP purposes. Financial Contracts The Company enters into financial contracts with counterparties as part of its investment strategy. Financial contracts, which include total return swaps, credit default swaps (“CDS”), futures, options, currency forwards and other derivative instruments, are recorded at their fair value with any unrealized gains and losses included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Financial contracts receivable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon the contract’s current fair value, the Company will be entitled to receive payments upon settlement of the contract. Financial contracts payable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon each contract’s current fair value, the Company will be obligated to make payments upon settlement of the contract. Total return swap agreements, included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as financial contracts receivable and financial contracts payable, are derivative financial instruments whereby the Company is either entitled to receive or obligated to pay the product of a notional amount multiplied by the movement in an underlying security, which the Company may not own, over a specified time frame. In addition, the Company may also be obligated to pay or receive other payments based on interest rates, dividend payments and receipts, or foreign exchange movements during a specified period. The Company measures its rights or obligations to the counterparty based on the fair value movements of the underlying security together with any other payments due. These contracts are carried at fair value, based on observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) with the resultant unrealized gains and losses reflected in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Additionally, any changes in the value of amounts received or paid on swap contracts are reported as a gain or loss in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Financial contracts may also include exchange traded futures or options contracts that are based on the movement of a particular index, equity security, commodity, currency or interest rate. Where such contracts are traded in an active market, the Company’s obligations or rights on these contracts are recorded at fair value based on the observable quoted prices of the same or similar financial contracts in an active market (Level 1) or on broker quotes which reflect market information based on actual transactions (Level 2). Amounts invested in exchange traded options and over the counter (“OTC”) options are recorded either as an asset or liability at inception. Subsequent to initial recognition, unexpired exchange traded option contracts are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). For OTC options or exchange traded options where a quoted price in an active market is not available, fair values are derived based upon observable inputs (Level 2) such as multiple quotes from brokers and market makers, which are considered to be binding. The Company may purchase and sell CDS for strategic investment purposes. A CDS is a derivative instrument that provides protection against an investment loss due to specified credit or default events of a reference entity. The seller of a CDS guarantees to pay the buyer a specified amount if the reference entity defaults on its obligations or fails to perform. The buyer of a CDS pays a premium over time to the seller in exchange for obtaining this protection. A CDS trading in an active market is valued at fair value based on broker or market maker quotes for identical instruments in an active market (Level 2) or based on the current credit spreads on identical contracts (Level 2). Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company has no comprehensive income or loss, other than the net income or loss disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of restricted stock units (“RSU”) and additional potential common shares issuable when stock options are exercised and are determined using the treasury stock method. The Company treats its unvested restricted stock as participating securities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that unvested stock awards which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid (referred to as “participating securities”), be included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, all RSUs, stock options outstanding and participating securities are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted loss per share since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 37,341,338 37,107,039 Effect of dilutive employee and director share-based awards 35,311 315,882 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 37,376,649 37,422,921 Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding 335,991 485,991 Taxation Under current Cayman Islands law, no corporate entity, including GLRE and Greenlight Re, is obligated to pay taxes in the Cayman Islands on either income or capital gains. The Company has an undertaking from the Governor-in-Cabinet of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Concessions Law, as amended, that, in the event that the Cayman Islands enacts any legislation that imposes tax on profits, income, gains or appreciations, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax will not be applicable to GLRE, Greenlight Re nor their respective operations, or to the Class A or Class B ordinary shares or related obligations, until February 1, 2025. Verdant is incorporated in Delaware and therefore is subject to taxes in accordance with the U.S. federal rates and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Verdant’s taxable income is generally expected to be taxed at a rate of 35% . GRIL is incorporated in Ireland and therefore is subject to the Irish corporation tax rate of 12.5% on its trading income, and 25% on its non-trading income, if any. Any deferred tax asset is evaluated for recovery and a valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized in the future. The Company has not taken any income tax positions that are subject to significant uncertainty or that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, “Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts” (“ASU 2015-09”). ASU 2015-09 requires additional disclosures for short-duration contracts including incurred and paid claims development information, claims duration information, quantitative claims frequency information (unless impracticable), and an explanation of significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. ASU 2015-09 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-09 during 2016 and disclosed the additional information in its condensed consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The Company has implemented the interim disclosures commencing from the first quarter of 2017. Please refer to Note 5 “Loss and Loss Adjustments Expense Reserves” for the interim disclosures relating to ASU 2015-09. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”) . The new guidance is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01, among other things, requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income or loss, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes and requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset. ASU 2016-01 affects public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s net income or loss or retained earnings since the Company’s investments are currently classified as “trading” and the unrealized gains and losses are already recognized in net income or loss. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”) . Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company currently has two operating leases for its office spaces as disclosed in Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-02 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”) . ASU 2016-09 is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurements of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”) . ASU 2016-13 amends the guidance on reporting credits losses and affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, reinsurance recoverables and other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the requirements of ASU 2016-13 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-13 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statements of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash (Topic 230)” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows and disclose the nature of the restrictions on cash and cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently presents changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents under investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, the Company will amend the presentation in the statement of cash flows to include the restricted cash and cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and will retrospectively reclassify all periods presented.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS In the normal course of its business, the Company purchases and sells various financial instruments, which include listed and unlisted equities, corporate and sovereign debt, commodities, futures, put and call options, currency forwards, other derivatives and similar instruments sold, not yet purchased. Fair Value Hierarchy The Company’s financial instruments are carried at fair value, and the net unrealized gains or losses are included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2017 : Fair value measurements as of March 31, 2017 Description Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total ($ in thousands) Assets: Debt instruments $ — $ 7,370 $ 704 $ 8,074 Listed equity securities 1,035,992 18,435 — 1,054,427 Commodities 118,929 — — 118,929 Private and unlisted equity securities — — 6,076 6,076 $ 1,154,921 $ 25,805 $ 6,780 $ 1,187,506 Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1) 14,448 Total investments $ 1,201,954 Financial contracts receivable $ 20 $ 38,235 $ — $ 38,255 Liabilities: Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased $ (782,046 ) $ — $ — $ (782,046 ) Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased — (85,663 ) — (85,663 ) Total securities sold, not yet purchased $ (782,046 ) $ (85,663 ) $ — $ (867,709 ) Financial contracts payable $ (20 ) $ (3,195 ) $ — $ (3,215 ) (1) Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 : Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2016 Description Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total ($ in thousands) Assets: Debt instruments $ — $ 21,819 $ 654 $ 22,473 Listed equity securities 823,421 20,580 — 844,001 Commodities 137,296 — — 137,296 Private and unlisted equity securities — — 6,109 6,109 $ 960,717 $ 42,399 $ 6,763 $ 1,009,879 Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1) 12,658 Total investments $ 1,022,537 Financial contracts receivable $ 20 $ 76,361 $ — $ 76,381 Liabilities: Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased $ (770,267 ) $ — $ — $ (770,267 ) Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased — (89,635 ) — (89,635 ) Total securities sold, not yet purchased $ (770,267 ) $ (89,635 ) $ — $ (859,902 ) Financial contracts payable $ — $ (2,237 ) $ — $ (2,237 ) (1) Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 : Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Three months ended March 31, 2017 Debt instruments Private and unlisted equity securities Total ($ in thousands) Beginning balance $ 654 $ 6,109 $ 6,763 Purchases 1,750 1,750 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net 50 (15 ) 35 Transfers out of Level 3 — (1,768 ) (1,768 ) Ending balance $ 704 $ 6,076 $ 6,780 During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , $1.8 million of the private equity securities were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as these securities commenced trading on a listed exchange. However, due to lock-up period restrictions on those securities, they were classified as Level 2 upon transfer until the lock-up period expires. As of March 31, 2017 , the fair value of these securities was based on the last traded price on an active market, adjusted for an estimated discount due to the lock-up restriction. There were no other transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 : Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Three months ended March 31, 2016 Debt instruments Private and unlisted equity securities Total ($ in thousands) Beginning balance $ 505 $ 8,452 $ 8,957 Sales — (2,539 ) (2,539 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net (9 ) 18 9 Ending balance $ 496 $ 5,931 $ 6,427 There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . As of March 31, 2017 , the Company held investments in private equity funds of $14.4 million (December 31, 2016 : $12.7 million ) with fair values measured using the unadjusted net asset values as reported by the managers of these funds as a practical expedient. Some of these net asset values were reported from periods prior to March 31, 2017 . The private equity funds have varying lock-up periods and, as of March 31, 2017 , all of the funds had redemption restrictions. The redemption restrictions have been in place since inception of the investments and are not expected to lapse in the near future. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company had $8.0 million (December 31, 2016 : $9.2 million ) of unfunded commitments relating to private equity funds whose fair values are determined based on unadjusted net asset values reported by the managers of these funds. These commitments are included in the amounts presented in the schedule of commitments and contingencies in Note 9 of these condensed consolidated financial statements. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , included in net investment income in the condensed consolidated statements of income were net realized losses relating to Level 3 securities of nil ( 2016 : $1.4 million ). For Level 3 securities still held as of the reporting date, the change in net unrealized gain for the three months ended March 31, 2017 of nil ( three months ended March 31, 2016 : net unrealized losses of $1.4 million ), were included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Investments Debt instruments, trading At March 31, 2017 , the following investments were included in debt instruments: Cost/amortized cost Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair ($ in thousands) Corporate debt – U.S. $ 16,691 $ — $ (8,663 ) $ 8,028 Corporate debt – Non U.S. 2,109 — (2,063 ) 46 Total debt instruments $ 18,800 $ — $ (10,726 ) $ 8,074 At December 31, 2016 , the following investments were included in debt instruments: Cost/amortized cost Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair ($ in thousands) Corporate debt – U.S. $ 21,294 $ 6,509 $ (5,331 ) $ 22,472 Corporate debt – Non U.S. 2,109 — (2,108 ) 1 Total debt instruments $ 23,403 $ 6,509 $ (7,439 ) $ 22,473 The maturity distribution for debt instruments held at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost/ Fair Cost/ Fair ($ in thousands) Within one year $ — $ — $ — $ — From one to five years 15,083 6,732 17,803 19,492 From five to ten years 2,767 638 4,649 2,327 More than ten years 950 704 951 654 $ 18,800 $ 8,074 $ 23,403 $ 22,473 Equity securities, trading At March 31, 2017 , the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ 936,773 $ 152,340 $ (51,603 ) $ 1,037,510 Exchange traded funds 15,056 1,861 — 16,917 Total equity securities $ 951,829 $ 154,201 $ (51,603 ) $ 1,054,427 At December 31, 2016 , the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ 753,813 $ 115,379 $ (40,706 ) $ 828,486 Exchange traded funds 15,056 459 — 15,515 Total equity securities $ 768,869 $ 115,838 $ (40,706 ) $ 844,001 Other Investments “Other investments” include commodities and private and unlisted equity securities. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , all commodities were comprised of gold bullion. At March 31, 2017 , the following securities were included in other investments: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Commodities $ 103,680 $ 15,249 $ — $ 118,929 Private and unlisted equity securities 15,385 5,139 — 20,524 $ 119,065 $ 20,388 $ — $ 139,453 At December 31, 2016 , the following securities were included in other investments: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Commodities $ 130,671 $ 6,625 $ — $ 137,296 Private and unlisted equity securities 14,418 4,375 (26 ) 18,767 $ 145,089 $ 11,000 $ (26 ) $ 156,063 Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased Securities sold, 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet as the Company is obligated to purchase the securities sold, not yet purchased, in the market at prevailing prices to settle its obligations. To establish a position in a security sold, not yet purchased, the Company needs to borrow the security for delivery to the buyer. On each day 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 difference 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. At March 31, 2017 , the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased: Proceeds Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair value ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ (677,410 ) $ 28,687 $ (133,323 ) $ (782,046 ) Sovereign debt – Non U.S. (96,230 ) 10,567 — (85,663 ) $ (773,640 ) $ 39,254 $ (133,323 ) $ (867,709 ) At December 31, 2016 , the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased: Proceeds Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair value ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ (690,270 ) $ 30,768 $ (110,765 ) $ (770,267 ) Sovereign debt – Non U.S. (96,230 ) 6,595 — (89,635 ) $ (786,500 ) $ 37,363 $ (110,765 ) $ (859,902 ) Financial Contracts As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had entered into total return equity swaps, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, options, warrants, rights, futures and forward contracts with various financial institutions to meet certain investment objectives. Under the terms of each of these financial contracts, the Company is either entitled to receive or is obligated to make payments, which are based on the product of a formula contained within each contract that includes the change in the fair value of the underlying or reference security. At March 31, 2017 , the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: Financial Contracts Listing (1) Notional amount of Fair value of net assets ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable Call options USD 201,215 $ 15,530 Commodity Swaps USD 58,762 5,902 Forwards KRW 10,608 253 Interest rate swaps JPY 21,525 324 Put options (2) USD 51,543 1,435 Total return swaps – equities EUR/KRW/GBP/RON/USD 298,894 14,777 Warrants and rights on listed equities EUR/USD 67 34 Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value $ 38,255 Financial contracts payable Commodity Swaps USD 15,808 $ (97 ) Futures USD 5,998 (20 ) Put options USD 1,031 (153 ) Total return swaps – equities EUR/USD/GBP 32,683 (2,945 ) Total financial contracts payable, at fair value $ (3,215 ) (1) USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu. (2) Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2016 , the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: Financial Contracts Listing currency (1) Notional amount of Fair value of net assets ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable Call options USD 134,495 $ 26,508 Commodity Swaps USD 82,009 13,506 Interest rate swaps JPY 20,490 218 Put options (2) USD 115,481 6,703 Total return swaps – equities EUR/GBP/USD 100,199 29,413 Warrants and rights on listed equities EUR/USD 67 33 Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value $ 76,381 Financial contracts payable Forwards KRW 6,880 $ (118 ) Put options USD 815 (172 ) Total return swaps – equities EUR/GBP/KRW/RON/USD 31,257 (1,947 ) Total financial contracts payable, at fair value $ (2,237 ) (1) USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu. (2) Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars. Options are derivative financial instruments that give the buyer, in exchange for a premium payment, the right, but not the obligation, to either purchase from (call option) or sell to (put option) the writer, a specified underlying security at a specified price on or before a specified date. The Company enters into option contracts to meet certain investment objectives. For exchange traded option contracts, the exchange acts as the counterparty to specific transactions and therefore bears the risk of delivery to and from counterparties of specific positions. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company held $1.4 million OTC put options (long) ( December 31, 2016 : $6.7 million ) and $14.4 million OTC call options (long) ( December 31, 2016 : $22.4 million ). During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company reported gains and losses on derivatives as follows: Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Location of gains and losses on derivatives recognized in income Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Forwards Net investment income (loss) $ 623 $ (81 ) Futures Net investment income (loss) (513 ) 984 Interest rate swaps Net investment income (loss) 105 — Options, warrants, and rights Net investment income (loss) (7,528 ) (2,803 ) Commodity swaps Net investment income (loss) (6,959 ) (5,565 ) Total return swaps – equities Net investment income (loss) 10,311 6,919 Total $ (3,961 ) $ (546 ) The Company generally does not enter into derivatives for risk management or hedging purposes. The volume of derivative activities varies from period to period depending on potential investment opportunities. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows: 2017 Three months ended March 31 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts) Entered Exited ($ in thousands) Forwards $ 3,476 $ — Futures 29,510 24,069 Options, warrants and rights (1) 347,918 110,102 Commodity swaps — 8,182 Total return swaps 232,118 60,607 Total $ 613,022 $ 202,960 (1) Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows: 2016 Three months ended March 31 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts) Entered Exited ($ in thousands) Forwards $ — $ 63 Futures 174,721 169,710 Options, warrants and rights (1) 133,333 175,651 Commodity swaps 75,566 54,374 Total return swaps 1,483 28,271 Total $ 385,103 $ 428,069 (1) Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period. The Company does not offset its derivative instruments and presents all amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis. The Company has pledged cash collateral to derivative counterparties to support the current value of amounts due to the counterparties on its derivative instruments. As of March 31, 2017 , the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows: March 31, 2017 (i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii) (iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet (v) = (iii) + (iv) Description Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities) Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet Financial instruments available for offset Cash collateral (received) pledged Net amount of asset (liability) ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable $ 38,255 $ — $ 38,255 $ (3,087 ) $ (17,350 ) $ 17,818 Financial contracts payable (3,215 ) — (3,215 ) 3,087 128 — As of December 31, 2016 , the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows: December 31, 2016 (i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii) (iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet (v) = (iii) + (iv) Description Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities) Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet Financial instruments available for offset Cash collateral (received) pledged Net amount of asset (liability) ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable $ 76,381 $ — $ 76,381 $ (938 ) $ (44,572 ) $ 30,871 Financial contracts payable (2,237 ) — (2,237 ) 938 1,299 —

DUE TO PRIME BROKERS

DUE TO PRIME BROKERS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Due to and from Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations [Abstract]
DUE TO PRIME BROKERS	DUE TO PRIME BROKERS As of March 31, 2017 , the amount due to prime brokers was comprised of margin-borrowing from prime brokers relating to investments purchased on margin, as well as margin-borrowing for providing collateral to support some of the Company’s outstanding letters of credit (see Note 9 ) and trust accounts. Under term margin agreements and certain letter of credit facility agreements, the Company pledges certain investment securities to borrow cash from the prime brokers. The borrowed cash is placed in a custodial account in the name of the Company and this custodial account provides collateral for any letters of credit issued. Similarly for the trust accounts, the Company may borrow cash from prime brokers which is placed in a trust account for the benefit of the cedent. Since there is no legal right of offset, the Company’s liability for the cash borrowed from the prime brokers is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as due to prime brokers while the cash held in the custodial account and trust account is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash and cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2017 , Greenlight Re’s investment guidelines, (which may be amended from time to time by the board of directors) allows for up to 15% (GRIL: 5% ) net margin leverage for extended periods of time and up to 30% (GRIL: 20% ) net margin leverage relating to investing activities for periods of less than 30 days.

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENS

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES [Abstract]
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]	LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES There were no significant changes in the actuarial methodology or assumptions relating to the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , loss and loss adjustment expense reserves were comprised of the following: Consolidated March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ in thousands) Case reserves $ 113,997 $ 98,815 IBNR 226,033 207,826 Total $ 340,030 $ 306,641 At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the health insurance IBNR and case reserve on reported claims included in the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves was $17.2 million and $19.0 million , respectively. A summary of changes in outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Consolidated 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Gross balance at January 1 $ 306,641 $ 305,997 Less: Losses recoverable (2,704 ) (3,368 ) Net balance at January 1 303,937 302,629 Incurred losses related to: Current year 99,807 89,347 Prior years 5,005 1,321 Total incurred 104,812 90,668 Paid losses related to: Current year (15,930 ) (12,027 ) Prior years (55,920 ) (42,639 ) Total paid (71,850 ) (54,666 ) Foreign currency revaluation 549 (1,047 ) Net balance at March 31 337,448 337,584 Add: Losses recoverable 2,582 3,548 Gross balance at March 31 $ 340,030 $ 341,132 The changes in the outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for health claims for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: Health 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Gross balance at January 1 $ 18,993 $ 21,533 Less: Losses recoverable — — Net balance at January 1 18,993 21,533 Incurred losses related to: Current year 10,015 11,513 Prior years (261 ) (266 ) Total incurred 9,754 11,247 Paid losses related to: Current year (2,123 ) (1,963 ) Prior years (9,416 ) (8,942 ) Total paid (11,539 ) (10,905 ) Foreign currency revaluation — — Net balance at March 31 17,208 21,875 Add: Losses recoverable — — Gross balance at March 31 $ 17,208 $ 21,875 For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the net loss reserves on prior period contracts increased by $5.0 million primarily related to the adverse loss development on Florida homeowners’ insurance contracts relating to the practice of “assignment of benefits” and two large claims reported on a surety contract.

RETROCESSION

RETROCESSION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
RETROCESSION	RETROCESSION The Company, from time to time, purchases retrocessional coverage for one or more of the following reasons: to manage its overall exposure, to reduce its net liability on individual risks, to obtain additional underwriting capacity or to balance its underwriting portfolio. Additionally, retrocession can be used as a mechanism to share the risks and rewards of business written and, therefore, can be used as a tool to align the Company’s interests with those of its counterparties. The Company currently has coverage that provides for recovery of a portion of loss and loss expenses incurred on certain contracts. Loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable from the retrocessionaires are recorded as assets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred of $104.8 million ( 2016 : $90.7 million ), reported on the condensed consolidated statements of income are net of loss and loss expenses recovered and recoverable of $0.1 million ( 2016 : $0.4 million ). Retrocession contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to the insureds. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. At March 31, 2017 , the Company had losses receivable and loss reserves recoverable of $2.1 million ( December 31, 2016 : $2.2 million ) from unrated retrocessionaires which were secured by cash collateral held by the Company. At March 31, 2017 , $0.5 million ( December 31, 2016 : $0.5 million ) of losses recoverable were from a retrocessionaire rated A- by A.M. Best. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires to assess the ability of the retrocessionaires to honor their respective obligations. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , no provision for uncollectible losses recoverable was considered necessary.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION The Company has a stock incentive plan for directors, employees and consultants that is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company’s shares authorized for issuance pursuant to the stock incentive plan include 3,500,000 ( December 31, 2016 : 3,500,000 ) Class A ordinary shares. As of March 31, 2017 , 345,592 ( December 31, 2016 : 424,787 ) Class A ordinary shares remained available for future issuance under the Company’s stock incentive plan. Employee and Director Restricted Shares As part of its stock incentive plan, the Company issues restricted shares for which the fair value is equal to the price of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation based on the grant date fair market value of the shares is expensed on a straight line basis over the applicable vesting period, net of any estimated forfeitures. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , 113,955 ( 2016 : 149,332 ) restricted Class A ordinary shares were issued to employees pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plan. These shares contain certain restrictions relating to, among other things, vesting, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Each of these restricted shares cliff vest after three years from the date of issuance, subject to the grantee’s continued service with the Company. During the vesting period, the holder of the restricted shares retains voting rights and is entitled to any dividends declared by the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , 46,319 ( 2016 : 4,177 ) restricted shares were forfeited. The restricted shares forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer (the “former CEO”) who resigned from the Company prior to the expiration of the applicable vesting periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , zero ( 2016 : $0.05 million ) stock compensation expense was reversed since the stock compensation relating to the former CEO’s restricted shares was previously reversed during the fourth quarter of 2016, as it was likely that these restricted shares would be forfeited. The following table summarizes the activity for unvested outstanding restricted share awards during the three months ended March 31, 2017 : Number of Weighted Balance at December 31, 2016 365,432 $ 26.76 Granted 113,955 21.65 Vested (101,518 ) 32.60 Forfeited (46,319 ) 24.61 Balance at March 31, 2017 331,550 $ 23.52 Employee and Director Stock Options For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , no ( 2016 : 156,000 ) stock options were exercised by directors or employees resulting in zero ( 2016 : 59,179 ) Class A ordinary shares issued, net of shares surrendered as a result of the cashless exercise of stock options. When stock options are granted, the Company reduces the corresponding number from the shares authorized for issuance as part of the Company’s stock incentive plan. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , 71,335 stock options vested, relating to the resignation of the Company’s former CEO, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.51 per share, pursuant to the deed of settlement and release. At March 31, 2017 , there was no remaining compensation cost to be recognized in future periods relating to the former CEO’s stock options as the expense was recognized in full as of December 31, 2016 when it was deemed likely that the stock options would vest. On April 1, 2017, 22,750 stock options were granted to the Company’s interim Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to his consulting agreement. These options vested 100% on the date of the grant. The grant date fair value of these options was $10.12 per share based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Employee Restricted Stock Units The Company issues restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain employees as part of the stock incentive plan. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is equal to the price of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation cost based on the grant date fair market value of the RSUs is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , 11,559 ( 2016 : 7,444 ) RSUs were issued to employees pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plan. These shares contain certain restrictions relating to, among other things, vesting, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Each of these RSUs cliff vest after three years from the date of issuance, subject to the grantee’s continued service with the Company. On the vesting date, the Company converts each RSU into one Class A ordinary share and issues new Class A ordinary shares from the shares authorized for issuance as part of the Company’s stock incentive plan. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , no ( 2016 : 11,330 ) RSUs were forfeited by employees, resulting in reversal of zero ( 2016 : $0.2 million ) stock compensation expense. Employee RSU activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows: Number of Weighted Balance at December 31, 2016 15,934 $ 27.88 Granted 11,559 21.65 Vested (4,695 ) 32.60 Forfeited — — Balance at March 31, 2017 22,798 $ 23.50 For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the general and administrative expenses included stock compensation expense (net of forfeitures) of $0.9 million and $0.8 million , respectively, for the expensing of the fair value of stock options, restricted stock and RSUs granted to employees and directors, net of forfeitures.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Investment Advisory Agreement The Company and its reinsurance subsidiaries are party to a joint venture agreement with DME Advisors, LP (“DME Advisors”) under which the Company, its reinsurance subsidiaries and DME Advisors LLC (“DME”) are participants of a joint venture for the purpose of managing certain jointly held assets, as may be amended from time to time (the “venture agreement”). In addition, the Company, its reinsurance subsidiaries and DME have entered into a separate investment advisory agreement with DME Advisors, as may be amended from time to time (the “advisory agreement”). Effective January 1, 2017, the venture agreement and the advisory agreement were amended and restated to replace the previous agreements dated January 1, 2014, and will expire on December 31, 2019 and renew automatically for successive three-year periods. DME and DME Advisors are related to the Company and each is an affiliate of David Einhorn, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Pursuant to the venture agreement, performance allocation equal to 20% of the net investment income of the Company’s share of the account managed by DME Advisors is allocated, subject to a loss carry forward provision, to DME’s account. The loss carry forward provision requires DME to earn a reduced performance allocation of 10% on net investment income in any year subsequent to the year in which the investment account incurs a loss, until all the losses are recouped and an additional amount equal to 150% of the aggregate investment loss is earned. DME is not entitled to earn a performance allocation in a year in which the investment portfolio incurs a loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , $1.2 million performance allocation ( 2016 : $3.1 million ) was deducted from gross investment income. Pursuant to the advisory agreement, a monthly management fee, equal to 0.125% ( 1.5% on an annual basis) of the Company’s investment account managed by DME Advisors, is paid to DME Advisors. Included in the net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were management fees of $4.3 million ( 2016 : $4.2 million ). The management fees have been fully paid as of March 31, 2017 . Pursuant to the venture and advisory agreements, the Company has agreed to indemnify DME and DME Advisors for any expense, loss, liability, or damage arising out of any claim asserted or threatened in connection with DME Advisors serving as the Company’s investment advisor. The Company will reimburse DME and DME Advisors for reasonable costs and expenses of investigating and/or defending such claims, provided such claims were not caused due to gross negligence, breach of contract or misrepresentation by DME or DME Advisors. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , there were no indemnification payments payable or paid by the Company. Green Brick Partners, Inc. David Einhorn also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Green Brick Partners, Inc. (“GRBK”), a publicly traded company. As of March 31, 2017 , $34.5 million ( December 31, 2016 : $34.8 million ) of GRBK listed equities were included on the balance sheet as “equity securities, trading, at fair value”. The Company along with certain affiliates of DME Advisors, collectively own 49% of the issued and outstanding common shares of GRBK. Under applicable securities laws, DME Advisors may be limited at times in its ability to trade GRBK shares on behalf of the Company. Service Agreement The Company has entered into a service agreement with DME Advisors, pursuant to which DME Advisors provides certain investor relations services to the Company for compensation of five thousand dollars per month (plus expenses). The agreement is automatically renewed annually until terminated by either the Company or DME Advisors for any reason with 30 days prior written notice to the other party.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Letters of Credit and Trusts At March 31, 2017 , the Company had the following letter of credit facilities, which automatically renew each year unless terminated by either party in accordance with the applicable required notice period: Facility Termination Date Notice period required for termination ($ in thousands) Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited $ 100,000 June 30, 2017 90 days prior to termination date Citibank Europe plc 400,000 October 11, 2017 120 days prior to termination date JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. 100,000 January 27, 2018 120 days prior to termination date $ 600,000 As of March 31, 2017 , an aggregate amount of $189.4 million ( December 31, 2016 : $255.4 million ) in letters of credit were issued under the above facilities. Under the facilities, the Company provides collateral that may consist of equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2017 , total equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents with a fair value in the aggregate of $202.8 million ( December 31, 2016 : $310.9 million ) were pledged as collateral against the letters of credit issued (also see Note 4 ). Each of the facilities contain customary events of default and restrictive covenants, including but not limited to, limitations on liens on collateral, transactions with affiliates, mergers and sales of assets, as well as solvency and maintenance of certain minimum pledged equity requirements, and restricts issuance of any debt without the consent of the letter of credit provider. Additionally, if an event of default exists, as defined in the letter of credit facilities, Greenlight Re will be prohibited from paying dividends to its parent company. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants of each of these facilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . In addition to the letters of credit, the Company has established regulatory trust arrangements for certain cedents. As of March 31, 2017 , collateral of $267.6 million ( December 31, 2016 : $86.4 million ) was provided to cedents in the form of regulatory trust accounts. Operating Lease Obligations Greenlight Re has entered into lease agreements for office space in the Cayman Islands. Under the terms of the lease agreements, Greenlight Re is committed to annual rent payments ranging from $0.3 million at inception to $0.5 million at lease termination. The leases expire on June 30, 2018 and Greenlight Re has the option to renew the leases for a further five -year term. Included in the schedule below are the minimum lease payment obligations relating to these leases as of March 31, 2017 . GRIL has entered into a lease agreement for office space in Dublin, Ireland. Under the terms of this lease agreement, GRIL is committed to minimum annual rent payments denominated in Euros approximating €0.1 million until May 2021, and adjusted to the prevailing market rates for each of the two subsequent five-year terms. GRIL has the option to terminate the lease agreement in 2021. Included in the schedule below are the net minimum lease payment obligations relating to this lease as of March 31, 2017 . The total rent expense related to leased office space for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.2 million ( 2016 : $0.1 million ). Private Equity and Limited Partnerships From time to time, the Company makes investments in private equity vehicles. As part of the Company’s participation in such private equity investments, the Company may make funding commitments. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company had commitments to invest an additional $8.0 million ( December 31, 2016 : $9.2 million ) in private equity investments. Included in the schedule below are the minimum payment obligations relating to these investments as of March 31, 2017 . Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies The following is a schedule of future minimum payments required under the above commitments: 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total ($ in thousands) Operating lease obligations $ 465 $ 388 $ 155 $ 155 $ 58 $ — $ 1,221 Private equity and limited partnerships (1) 7,952 — — — — — 7,952 $ 8,417 $ 388 $ 155 $ 155 $ 58 $ — $ 9,173 (1) Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017 . Litigation From time to time, in the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, which may include arbitration or litigation, the outcomes of which determine the rights and obligations under the Company’s reinsurance contracts and other contractual agreements. In some disputes, the Company may seek to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company may resist attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. While the final outcome of legal disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that any existing dispute, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results.

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	SEGMENT REPORTING The Company manages its business on the basis of one operating segment, Property & Casualty Reinsurance. The following tables provide a breakdown of the Company’s gross premiums written by line of business and by geographic area of risks insured for the periods indicated: Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business * Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Property Commercial $ 5,170 2.6 % $ 8,750 5.3 % Motor 15,744 8.0 9,365 5.6 Personal 21,573 10.9 23,236 13.9 Total Property 42,487 21.5 41,351 24.8 Casualty General Liability 9,499 4.8 8,199 4.9 Motor 78,341 39.7 49,566 29.7 Professional 14,553 7.4 11,628 7.0 Workers' Compensation 10,536 5.4 4,766 2.9 Total Casualty 112,929 57.3 74,159 44.5 Specialty Accident & Health 23,739 12.1 27,121 16.2 Financial 12,056 6.1 15,382 9.2 Marine 2,223 1.1 3,652 2.2 Other 3,780 1.9 5,127 3.1 Total Specialty 41,798 21.2 51,282 30.7 $ 197,214 100.0 % $ 166,792 100.0 % * During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company revised its classification of the lines of business. As a result, the gross written premiums in the above table relating to certain lines of business previously reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016 have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Gross Premiums Written by Geographic Area of Risks Insured Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) U.S. and Caribbean $ 171,758 87.1 % $ 130,744 78.4 % Worldwide (1) 25,294 12.8 34,358 20.6 Europe 146 0.1 1,910 1.1 Asia (2) 16 — (220 ) (0.1 ) $ 197,214 100.0 % $ 166,792 100.0 % (1) “Worldwide” is comprised of contracts that reinsure risks in more than one geographic area and do not specifically exclude the U.S. (2) The negative balance represents reversal of premiums due to premium adjustments, termination of contracts or premium returned upon novation or commutation of contracts.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI17

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company is required to maintain certain cash in segregated accounts with prime brokers and derivative counterparties. The amount of restricted cash held by prime brokers is primarily used to support the liability created from securities sold, not yet purchased and derivatives. Additionally, restricted cash and cash equivalent balances are held to collateralize regulatory trusts and letters of credit issued to cedents (see Notes 4 and 9 ). The amount of cash encumbered varies depending on the market value of the securities sold, not yet purchased, and the collateral required by the cedents in the form of trust accounts and letters of credit. In addition, derivative counterparties require cash collateral to support the current value of any amounts that may be due to the counterparty based on the value of the underlying financial instrument.
Premium Revenue Recognition	Premium Revenue Recognition The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the event that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, deposit accounting is used and the contract is reported as a deposit liability. The Company writes excess of loss contracts as well as quota share contracts. The Company estimates the ultimate premiums for the entire contract period. These estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies and estimates from actuarial pricing models used by the Company. For excess of loss contracts, the total ultimate estimated premiums are recorded as premiums written at the inception of the contract. For quota share contracts, the premiums are recorded as written based on cession statements from cedents which typically are received monthly or quarterly depending on the terms specified in each contract. For any reporting lag, premiums written are estimated based on the portion of the ultimate estimated premiums relating to the risks underwritten during the lag period. Premium estimates are reviewed by management at least quarterly. Such review includes a comparison of actual reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums along with a review of the aging and collection of premium estimates. Based on management’s review, the appropriateness of the premium estimates is evaluated, and any adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Changes in premium estimates, including premium receivable on both excess of loss and quota share contracts, are expected and may result in significant adjustments in any period. A significant portion of amounts included in reinsurance balances receivable represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions and brokerage, and are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts. Certain contracts allow for reinstatement premiums in the event of a full limit loss prior to the expiry of a contract. A reinstatement premium is not due until there is a full limit loss event and therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company records a reinstatement premium as written only in the event that a client incurs a full limit loss on the contract and the contract allows for a reinstatement of coverage upon payment of an additional premium. For catastrophe contracts which contractually require the payment of a reinstatement premium equal to or greater than the original premium upon the occurrence of a full limit loss, the reinstatement premiums are earned over the original contract period. Reinstatement premiums that are contractually calculated on a pro-rata basis of the original premiums, are earned over the remaining coverage period. For additional premiums which are due on a contract that has no remaining coverage period, the additional premiums are earned in full when due. Certain contracts may provide for a penalty to be paid if the contract is terminated and canceled prior to its expiration term. Cancellation penalties are recognized in the period the notice of cancellation is received and are recorded in the consolidated statements of income under “other income (expense), net”. Premiums written are generally recognized as earned over the contract period in proportion to the period of risk covered. Unearned premiums consist of the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs Policy acquisition costs, such as commission and brokerage costs, relate directly to, and vary with, the writing of reinsurance contracts. Acquisition costs relating solely to bound contracts are deferred subject to ultimate recoverability and are amortized over the related contract term. The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs by determining if the sum of future earned premiums and anticipated investment income is greater than the expected future claims and expenses. If a loss is probable on the unexpired portion of policies in force, a premium deficiency loss is recognized. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the deferred acquisition costs were considered fully recoverable and no premium deficiency loss was recorded. Acquisition costs also include profit commissions which are expensed when incurred. Profit commissions are calculated and accrued based on the expected loss experience for contracts and recorded when the current loss estimate indicates that a profit commission is probable under the contract terms.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves and Recoverable	Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves and Recoverable The Company establishes reserves for contracts based on estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses including losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). These estimated ultimate reserves are based on the Company’s own actuarial estimates derived from reports received from ceding companies, industry data and historical experience. These estimates are reviewed by the Company periodically on a contract by contract basis and adjusted as necessary. Since reserves are estimates, the final settlement of losses may vary from the reserves established and any adjustments to the estimates, which may be material, are recorded in the period they are determined. Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable include the amounts due from retrocessionaires for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on retrocession agreements. Ceded losses incurred but not reported are estimated based on the Company’s actuarial estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and adjusted when deemed necessary. The Company may not be able to ultimately recover the loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable amounts due to the retrocessionaires’ inability to pay. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires and records provisions for uncollectible reinsurance expenses recoverable when recovery is no longer probable. Consideration paid by the Company for retroactive reinsurance that meets the conditions for reinsurance accounting (e.g. loss portfolio transfers) are reported as loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable to the extent those amounts do not exceed the associated liabilities. If the amounts paid for retroactive reinsurance exceed the liabilities, the Company increases the related liabilities, at the time the reinsurance contract is effective, and the excess is charged to net income as losses incurred. If the liabilities exceed the amounts paid, the recoverable balance is increased to reflect the difference, and the resulting gain is deferred and amortized over the estimated loss payout period. Changes in the estimated amount of liabilities relating to the underlying reinsured contracts are recognized in net income in the period of the change.
Notes Receivable	Notes Receivable Notes receivable include promissory notes receivable from third party entities. These notes are recorded at cost along with accrued interest, if any, which approximates the fair value. Interest income and realized gains or losses on sale of notes receivable are included under net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company regularly reviews all notes receivable individually for impairment and records valuation allowance provisions for uncollectible and non-performing notes. The Company places notes on non-accrual status when the recorded value of the note is not considered impaired but there is uncertainty as to the collection of interest in accordance with the terms of the note. For notes receivable placed on non-accrual status, the notes are recorded excluding any accrued interest amount. The Company resumes accrual of interest on a note when none of the principal or interest remains past due, and the Company expects to collect the remaining contractual principal and interest. Interest collected on notes that are placed on non-accrual status is treated on a cash-basis and recorded as interest income when collected, provided that the recorded value of the note is deemed to be fully collectible. Where doubt exists as to the collectability of the remaining recorded value of the notes placed on non-accrual status, any payments received are applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Investments in Securities and Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased The Company’s investments in debt instruments and equity securities that are classified as “trading securities” are carried at fair value. The fair values of the listed equity investments are derived based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs). The fair values of listed equities that have restrictions on sale or transfer which expire within one year, are determined by adjusting the observed market price of the equity using a liquidity discount based on observable market inputs. The fair values of debt instruments are derived based on inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as market maker or broker quotes reflecting recent transactions (Level 2 inputs), and are generally derived based on the average of multiple market maker or broker quotes which are considered to be binding. Where quotes are not available, debt instruments are valued using cash flow models using assumptions and estimates that may be subjective and non-observable (Level 3 inputs). The Company’s “other investments” may include investments in private and unlisted equity securities, limited partnerships and commodities, which are all carried at fair value. The fair values of commodities are determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The Company maximizes the use of observable direct or indirect inputs (Level 2 inputs) when deriving the fair values for “other investments”. For limited partnerships and private and unlisted equity securities, where observable inputs are not available, the fair values are derived based on unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs) such as management’s assumptions developed from available information using the services of the investment advisor, including the most recent net asset values obtained from the managers of those underlying investments. For certain private equity fund investments the Company has elected to measure the fair value using the net asset value practical expedient allowed under U.S. GAAP, and accordingly these investments are not classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy. For securities classified as “trading securities” and “other investments”, any realized and unrealized gains or losses are determined on the basis of the specific identification method (by reference to cost or amortized cost, as appropriate) and included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Dividend income and expense are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The ex-dividend date is the date as of when the underlying security must have been traded to be eligible for the dividend declared. Interest income and interest expense are recorded on an accrual basis.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments U.S. GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value. It also requires that unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value be included in income or comprehensive income, depending on whether the instrument qualifies as a hedge transaction, and if so, the type of hedge transaction. The Company’s derivative financial instrument assets are included in financial contracts receivable. Derivative financial instrument liabilities are included in financial contracts payable. The Company’s derivatives generally do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes and are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis and not offset against any collateral pledged or received. Pursuant to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, securities lending agreements and other agreements, the Company and its counterparties typically have the ability to net certain payments owed to each other in specified circumstances. In addition, in the event a party to one of the ISDA master agreements, securities lending agreements or other agreements defaults, or a transaction is otherwise subject to termination, the non-defaulting party generally has the right to set off outstanding balances due from the defaulting party against payments owed to the defaulting party or collateral held by the non-defaulting party. The Company may from time to time enter into underwriting contracts such as industry loss warranty contracts (“ILW”) that are treated as derivatives for U.S GAAP purposes. Financial Contracts The Company enters into financial contracts with counterparties as part of its investment strategy. Financial contracts, which include total return swaps, credit default swaps (“CDS”), futures, options, currency forwards and other derivative instruments, are recorded at their fair value with any unrealized gains and losses included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Financial contracts receivable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon the contract’s current fair value, the Company will be entitled to receive payments upon settlement of the contract. Financial contracts payable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon each contract’s current fair value, the Company will be obligated to make payments upon settlement of the contract. Total return swap agreements, included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as financial contracts receivable and financial contracts payable, are derivative financial instruments whereby the Company is either entitled to receive or obligated to pay the product of a notional amount multiplied by the movement in an underlying security, which the Company may not own, over a specified time frame. In addition, the Company may also be obligated to pay or receive other payments based on interest rates, dividend payments and receipts, or foreign exchange movements during a specified period. The Company measures its rights or obligations to the counterparty based on the fair value movements of the underlying security together with any other payments due. These contracts are carried at fair value, based on observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) with the resultant unrealized gains and losses reflected in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Additionally, any changes in the value of amounts received or paid on swap contracts are reported as a gain or loss in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Financial contracts may also include exchange traded futures or options contracts that are based on the movement of a particular index, equity security, commodity, currency or interest rate. Where such contracts are traded in an active market, the Company’s obligations or rights on these contracts are recorded at fair value based on the observable quoted prices of the same or similar financial contracts in an active market (Level 1) or on broker quotes which reflect market information based on actual transactions (Level 2). Amounts invested in exchange traded options and over the counter (“OTC”) options are recorded either as an asset or liability at inception. Subsequent to initial recognition, unexpired exchange traded option contracts are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). For OTC options or exchange traded options where a quoted price in an active market is not available, fair values are derived based upon observable inputs (Level 2) such as multiple quotes from brokers and market makers, which are considered to be binding. The Company may purchase and sell CDS for strategic investment purposes. A CDS is a derivative instrument that provides protection against an investment loss due to specified credit or default events of a reference entity. The seller of a CDS guarantees to pay the buyer a specified amount if the reference entity defaults on its obligations or fails to perform. The buyer of a CDS pays a premium over time to the seller in exchange for obtaining this protection. A CDS trading in an active market is valued at fair value based on broker or market maker quotes for identical instruments in an active market (Level 2) or based on the current credit spreads on identical contracts (Level 2).
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company has no comprehensive income or loss, other than the net income or loss disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of restricted stock units (“RSU”) and additional potential common shares issuable when stock options are exercised and are determined using the treasury stock method. The Company treats its unvested restricted stock as participating securities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that unvested stock awards which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid (referred to as “participating securities”), be included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, all RSUs, stock options outstanding and participating securities are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted loss per share since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Taxation	Taxation Under current Cayman Islands law, no corporate entity, including GLRE and Greenlight Re, is obligated to pay taxes in the Cayman Islands on either income or capital gains. The Company has an undertaking from the Governor-in-Cabinet of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Concessions Law, as amended, that, in the event that the Cayman Islands enacts any legislation that imposes tax on profits, income, gains or appreciations, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax will not be applicable to GLRE, Greenlight Re nor their respective operations, or to the Class A or Class B ordinary shares or related obligations, until February 1, 2025. Verdant is incorporated in Delaware and therefore is subject to taxes in accordance with the U.S. federal rates and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Verdant’s taxable income is generally expected to be taxed at a rate of 35% . GRIL is incorporated in Ireland and therefore is subject to the Irish corporation tax rate of 12.5% on its trading income, and 25% on its non-trading income, if any. Any deferred tax asset is evaluated for recovery and a valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized in the future. The Company has not taken any income tax positions that are subject to significant uncertainty or that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, “Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts” (“ASU 2015-09”). ASU 2015-09 requires additional disclosures for short-duration contracts including incurred and paid claims development information, claims duration information, quantitative claims frequency information (unless impracticable), and an explanation of significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. ASU 2015-09 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-09 during 2016 and disclosed the additional information in its condensed consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The Company has implemented the interim disclosures commencing from the first quarter of 2017. Please refer to Note 5 “Loss and Loss Adjustments Expense Reserves” for the interim disclosures relating to ASU 2015-09. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”) . The new guidance is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01, among other things, requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income or loss, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes and requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset. ASU 2016-01 affects public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s net income or loss or retained earnings since the Company’s investments are currently classified as “trading” and the unrealized gains and losses are already recognized in net income or loss. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”) . Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company currently has two operating leases for its office spaces as disclosed in Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-02 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”) . ASU 2016-09 is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurements of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”) . ASU 2016-13 amends the guidance on reporting credits losses and affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, reinsurance recoverables and other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the requirements of ASU 2016-13 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-13 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statements of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash (Topic 230)” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows and disclose the nature of the restrictions on cash and cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently presents changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents under investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, the Company will amend the presentation in the statement of cash flows to include the restricted cash and cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and will retrospectively reclassify all periods presented.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI18

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 37,341,338 37,107,039 Effect of dilutive employee and director share-based awards 35,311 315,882 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 37,376,649 37,422,921 Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding 335,991 485,991

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Fair Value Hierarchy	The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2017 : Fair value measurements as of March 31, 2017 Description Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total ($ in thousands) Assets: Debt instruments $ — $ 7,370 $ 704 $ 8,074 Listed equity securities 1,035,992 18,435 — 1,054,427 Commodities 118,929 — — 118,929 Private and unlisted equity securities — — 6,076 6,076 $ 1,154,921 $ 25,805 $ 6,780 $ 1,187,506 Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1) 14,448 Total investments $ 1,201,954 Financial contracts receivable $ 20 $ 38,235 $ — $ 38,255 Liabilities: Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased $ (782,046 ) $ — $ — $ (782,046 ) Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased — (85,663 ) — (85,663 ) Total securities sold, not yet purchased $ (782,046 ) $ (85,663 ) $ — $ (867,709 ) Financial contracts payable $ (20 ) $ (3,195 ) $ — $ (3,215 ) (1) Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 : Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2016 Description Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Total ($ in thousands) Assets: Debt instruments $ — $ 21,819 $ 654 $ 22,473 Listed equity securities 823,421 20,580 — 844,001 Commodities 137,296 — — 137,296 Private and unlisted equity securities — — 6,109 6,109 $ 960,717 $ 42,399 $ 6,763 $ 1,009,879 Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1) 12,658 Total investments $ 1,022,537 Financial contracts receivable $ 20 $ 76,361 $ — $ 76,381 Liabilities: Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased $ (770,267 ) $ — $ — $ (770,267 ) Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased — (89,635 ) — (89,635 ) Total securities sold, not yet purchased $ (770,267 ) $ (89,635 ) $ — $ (859,902 ) Financial contracts payable $ — $ (2,237 ) $ — $ (2,237 ) (1) Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 : Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Three months ended March 31, 2017 Debt instruments Private and unlisted equity securities Total ($ in thousands) Beginning balance $ 654 $ 6,109 $ 6,763 Purchases 1,750 1,750 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net 50 (15 ) 35 Transfers out of Level 3 — (1,768 ) (1,768 ) Ending balance $ 704 $ 6,076 $ 6,780	The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 : Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Three months ended March 31, 2016 Debt instruments Private and unlisted equity securities Total ($ in thousands) Beginning balance $ 505 $ 8,452 $ 8,957 Sales — (2,539 ) (2,539 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net (9 ) 18 9 Ending balance $ 496 $ 5,931 $ 6,427
Maturity Distribution for Debt Instruments	The maturity distribution for debt instruments held at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cost/ Fair Cost/ Fair ($ in thousands) Within one year $ — $ — $ — $ — From one to five years 15,083 6,732 17,803 19,492 From five to ten years 2,767 638 4,649 2,327 More than ten years 950 704 951 654 $ 18,800 $ 8,074 $ 23,403 $ 22,473
Other Investments	At March 31, 2017 , the following securities were included in other investments: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Commodities $ 103,680 $ 15,249 $ — $ 118,929 Private and unlisted equity securities 15,385 5,139 — 20,524 $ 119,065 $ 20,388 $ — $ 139,453 At December 31, 2016 , the following securities were included in other investments: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Commodities $ 130,671 $ 6,625 $ — $ 137,296 Private and unlisted equity securities 14,418 4,375 (26 ) 18,767 $ 145,089 $ 11,000 $ (26 ) $ 156,063
Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased	Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased Securities sold, 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet as the Company is obligated to purchase the securities sold, not yet purchased, in the market at prevailing prices to settle its obligations. To establish a position in a security sold, not yet purchased, the Company needs to borrow the security for delivery to the buyer. On each day 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 difference 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. At March 31, 2017 , the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased: Proceeds Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair value ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ (677,410 ) $ 28,687 $ (133,323 ) $ (782,046 ) Sovereign debt – Non U.S. (96,230 ) 10,567 — (85,663 ) $ (773,640 ) $ 39,254 $ (133,323 ) $ (867,709 ) At December 31, 2016 , the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased: Proceeds Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair value ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ (690,270 ) $ 30,768 $ (110,765 ) $ (770,267 ) Sovereign debt – Non U.S. (96,230 ) 6,595 — (89,635 ) $ (786,500 ) $ 37,363 $ (110,765 ) $ (859,902 )
Fair values of Financial Contracts Outstanding	At March 31, 2017 , the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: Financial Contracts Listing (1) Notional amount of Fair value of net assets ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable Call options USD 201,215 $ 15,530 Commodity Swaps USD 58,762 5,902 Forwards KRW 10,608 253 Interest rate swaps JPY 21,525 324 Put options (2) USD 51,543 1,435 Total return swaps – equities EUR/KRW/GBP/RON/USD 298,894 14,777 Warrants and rights on listed equities EUR/USD 67 34 Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value $ 38,255 Financial contracts payable Commodity Swaps USD 15,808 $ (97 ) Futures USD 5,998 (20 ) Put options USD 1,031 (153 ) Total return swaps – equities EUR/USD/GBP 32,683 (2,945 ) Total financial contracts payable, at fair value $ (3,215 ) (1) USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu. (2) Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2016 , the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: Financial Contracts Listing currency (1) Notional amount of Fair value of net assets ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable Call options USD 134,495 $ 26,508 Commodity Swaps USD 82,009 13,506 Interest rate swaps JPY 20,490 218 Put options (2) USD 115,481 6,703 Total return swaps – equities EUR/GBP/USD 100,199 29,413 Warrants and rights on listed equities EUR/USD 67 33 Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value $ 76,381 Financial contracts payable Forwards KRW 6,880 $ (118 ) Put options USD 815 (172 ) Total return swaps – equities EUR/GBP/KRW/RON/USD 31,257 (1,947 ) Total financial contracts payable, at fair value $ (2,237 ) (1) USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu. (2) Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.
Gain (Loss) on derivatives recognized in income	During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company reported gains and losses on derivatives as follows: Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Location of gains and losses on derivatives recognized in income Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Forwards Net investment income (loss) $ 623 $ (81 ) Futures Net investment income (loss) (513 ) 984 Interest rate swaps Net investment income (loss) 105 — Options, warrants, and rights Net investment income (loss) (7,528 ) (2,803 ) Commodity swaps Net investment income (loss) (6,959 ) (5,565 ) Total return swaps – equities Net investment income (loss) 10,311 6,919 Total $ (3,961 ) $ (546 )
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]	For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows: 2017 Three months ended March 31 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts) Entered Exited ($ in thousands) Forwards $ 3,476 $ — Futures 29,510 24,069 Options, warrants and rights (1) 347,918 110,102 Commodity swaps — 8,182 Total return swaps 232,118 60,607 Total $ 613,022 $ 202,960 (1) Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows: 2016 Three months ended March 31 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts) Entered Exited ($ in thousands) Forwards $ — $ 63 Futures 174,721 169,710 Options, warrants and rights (1) 133,333 175,651 Commodity swaps 75,566 54,374 Total return swaps 1,483 28,271 Total $ 385,103 $ 428,069 (1) Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.
Offsetting assets and liabilities	As of March 31, 2017 , the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows: March 31, 2017 (i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii) (iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet (v) = (iii) + (iv) Description Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities) Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet Financial instruments available for offset Cash collateral (received) pledged Net amount of asset (liability) ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable $ 38,255 $ — $ 38,255 $ (3,087 ) $ (17,350 ) $ 17,818 Financial contracts payable (3,215 ) — (3,215 ) 3,087 128 — As of December 31, 2016 , the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows: December 31, 2016 (i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii) (iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet (v) = (iii) + (iv) Description Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities) Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet Financial instruments available for offset Cash collateral (received) pledged Net amount of asset (liability) ($ in thousands) Financial contracts receivable $ 76,381 $ — $ 76,381 $ (938 ) $ (44,572 ) $ 30,871 Financial contracts payable (2,237 ) — (2,237 ) 938 1,299 —
Debt instruments
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading securities, Debt and Equities	Debt instruments, trading At March 31, 2017 , the following investments were included in debt instruments: Cost/amortized cost Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair ($ in thousands) Corporate debt – U.S. $ 16,691 $ — $ (8,663 ) $ 8,028 Corporate debt – Non U.S. 2,109 — (2,063 ) 46 Total debt instruments $ 18,800 $ — $ (10,726 ) $ 8,074 At December 31, 2016 , the following investments were included in debt instruments: Cost/amortized cost Unrealized gains Unrealized losses Fair ($ in thousands) Corporate debt – U.S. $ 21,294 $ 6,509 $ (5,331 ) $ 22,472 Corporate debt – Non U.S. 2,109 — (2,108 ) 1 Total debt instruments $ 23,403 $ 6,509 $ (7,439 ) $ 22,473
Total equity securities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Trading securities, Debt and Equities	At March 31, 2017 , the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ 936,773 $ 152,340 $ (51,603 ) $ 1,037,510 Exchange traded funds 15,056 1,861 — 16,917 Total equity securities $ 951,829 $ 154,201 $ (51,603 ) $ 1,054,427 At December 31, 2016 , the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading: Cost Unrealized Unrealized Fair ($ in thousands) Equities – listed $ 753,813 $ 115,379 $ (40,706 ) $ 828,486 Exchange traded funds 15,056 459 — 15,515 Total equity securities $ 768,869 $ 115,838 $ (40,706 ) $ 844,001

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPE20

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]	At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , loss and loss adjustment expense reserves were comprised of the following: Consolidated March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 ($ in thousands) Case reserves $ 113,997 $ 98,815 IBNR 226,033 207,826 Total $ 340,030 $ 306,641 At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the health insurance IBNR and case reserve on reported claims included in the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves was $17.2 million and $19.0 million , respectively. A summary of changes in outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Consolidated 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Gross balance at January 1 $ 306,641 $ 305,997 Less: Losses recoverable (2,704 ) (3,368 ) Net balance at January 1 303,937 302,629 Incurred losses related to: Current year 99,807 89,347 Prior years 5,005 1,321 Total incurred 104,812 90,668 Paid losses related to: Current year (15,930 ) (12,027 ) Prior years (55,920 ) (42,639 ) Total paid (71,850 ) (54,666 ) Foreign currency revaluation 549 (1,047 ) Net balance at March 31 337,448 337,584 Add: Losses recoverable 2,582 3,548 Gross balance at March 31 $ 340,030 $ 341,132 The changes in the outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for health claims for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: Health 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Gross balance at January 1 $ 18,993 $ 21,533 Less: Losses recoverable — — Net balance at January 1 18,993 21,533 Incurred losses related to: Current year 10,015 11,513 Prior years (261 ) (266 ) Total incurred 9,754 11,247 Paid losses related to: Current year (2,123 ) (1,963 ) Prior years (9,416 ) (8,942 ) Total paid (11,539 ) (10,905 ) Foreign currency revaluation — — Net balance at March 31 17,208 21,875 Add: Losses recoverable — — Gross balance at March 31 $ 17,208 $ 21,875

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , 71,335 stock options vested, relating to the resignation of the Company’s former CEO, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.51 per share, pursuant to the deed of settlement and release. At March 31, 2017 , there was no remaining compensation cost to be recognized in future periods relating to the former CEO’s stock options as the expense was recognized in full as of December 31, 2016 when it was deemed likely that the stock options would vest. On April 1, 2017, 22,750 stock options were granted to the Company’s interim Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to his consulting agreement. These options vested 100% on the date of the grant. The grant date fair value of these options was $10.12 per share based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	Number of Weighted Balance at December 31, 2016 365,432 $ 26.76 Granted 113,955 21.65 Vested (101,518 ) 32.60 Forfeited (46,319 ) 24.61 Balance at March 31, 2017 331,550 $ 23.52
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Letters of Credit Facilities	At March 31, 2017 , the Company had the following letter of credit facilities, which automatically renew each year unless terminated by either party in accordance with the applicable required notice period: Facility Termination Date Notice period required for termination ($ in thousands) Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited $ 100,000 June 30, 2017 90 days prior to termination date Citibank Europe plc 400,000 October 11, 2017 120 days prior to termination date JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. 100,000 January 27, 2018 120 days prior to termination date $ 600,000
Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies The following is a schedule of future minimum payments required under the above commitments: 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total ($ in thousands) Operating lease obligations $ 465 $ 388 $ 155 $ 155 $ 58 $ — $ 1,221 Private equity and limited partnerships (1) 7,952 — — — — — 7,952 $ 8,417 $ 388 $ 155 $ 155 $ 58 $ — $ 9,173 (1) Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017 .

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business	he following tables provide a breakdown of the Company’s gross premiums written by line of business and by geographic area of risks insured for the periods indicated: Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business * Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) Property Commercial $ 5,170 2.6 % $ 8,750 5.3 % Motor 15,744 8.0 9,365 5.6 Personal 21,573 10.9 23,236 13.9 Total Property 42,487 21.5 41,351 24.8 Casualty General Liability 9,499 4.8 8,199 4.9 Motor 78,341 39.7 49,566 29.7 Professional 14,553 7.4 11,628 7.0 Workers' Compensation 10,536 5.4 4,766 2.9 Total Casualty 112,929 57.3 74,159 44.5 Specialty Accident & Health 23,739 12.1 27,121 16.2 Financial 12,056 6.1 15,382 9.2 Marine 2,223 1.1 3,652 2.2 Other 3,780 1.9 5,127 3.1 Total Specialty 41,798 21.2 51,282 30.7 $ 197,214 100.0 % $ 166,792 100.0 % *
Gross Premiums Written by Geographic Area of Risks Insured	Gross Premiums Written by Geographic Area of Risks Insured Three months ended March 31 2017 2016 ($ in thousands) U.S. and Caribbean $ 171,758 87.1 % $ 130,744 78.4 % Worldwide (1) 25,294 12.8 34,358 20.6 Europe 146 0.1 1,910 1.1 Asia (2) 16 — (220 ) (0.1 ) $ 197,214 100.0 % $ 166,792 100.0 % (1) “Worldwide” is comprised of contracts that reinsure risks in more than one geographic area and do not specifically exclude the U.S. (2) The negative balance represents reversal of premiums due to premium adjustments, termination of contracts or premium returned upon novation or commutation of contracts.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI24

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Premium deficiency loss	$ 0		$ 0
Profit commission reserves	17,900		15,200
Profit commission expense	2,700	$ 1,100
Notes receivable balance related to note placed on non-accrual status	17,400		18,600
Accrued interest	$ 0		$ 0

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI25

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Earnings Per Share Reconciliation (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	37,341,338	37,107,039
Effect of dilutive employee and director share-based awards	35,311	315,882
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	37,376,649	37,422,921
Stock Options
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding	335,991	485,991

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI26

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Income taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Verdant
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax rate	35.00%
GRIL | Ireland
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax rate on trading income	12.50%
Tax rate on non-trading income	25.00%

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Investments Categorized by Level of Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		$ 1,187,506	$ 1,009,879
Debt instruments		8,074	22,473
Listed equity securities		1,054,427	844,001
Commodities		118,929	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities		6,076	6,109
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)	[1]	14,448	12,658
Total investments		1,201,954	1,022,537
Financial contracts receivable		38,255	76,381
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		(867,709)	(859,902)
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		(782,046)	(770,267)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		(85,663)	(89,635)
Financial contracts payable		(3,215)	(2,237)
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		1,154,921	960,717
Debt instruments		0	0
Listed equity securities		1,035,992	823,421
Commodities		118,929	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities		0	0
Financial contracts receivable		20	20
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		(782,046)	(770,267)
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		(782,046)	(770,267)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Financial contracts payable		(20)	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		25,805	42,399
Debt instruments		7,370	21,819
Listed equity securities		18,435	20,580
Commodities		0	0
Private and unlisted equity securities		0	0
Financial contracts receivable		38,235	76,361
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		(85,663)	(89,635)
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		(85,663)	(89,635)
Financial contracts payable		(3,195)	(2,237)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		6,780	6,763
Debt instruments		704	654
Listed equity securities		0	0
Commodities		0	0
Private and unlisted equity securities		6,076	6,109
Financial contracts receivable		0	0
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		0	0
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Financial contracts payable		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Valu

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value Hierarchy- Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value		$ 6,780,000	$ 6,427,000	$ 6,763,000	$ 8,957,000
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)	[1]	14,448,000		12,658,000
Transfers out of Level 3		(1,768,000)	0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 due to lock-up period restriction expiration		0		0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net			9,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases		1,750,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales			(2,539,000)
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3			0
Net investment income (loss)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		0	(1,400,000)
Change in unrealized gains		0	1,400,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value		704,000	496,000	654,000	505,000
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		50,000	(9,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales			0
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value		6,076,000	5,931,000	$ 6,109,000	$ 8,452,000
Transfers out of Level 3		1,768,000
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		(15,000)	18,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases		1,750,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales			(2,539,000)
Private equity and limited partnerships (1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		1,800,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3			0
Financial contracts receivable | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0
Financial contracts payable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		35,000
Financial contracts payable | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3			0
Transfers into Level 3		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Level 3 r

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Level 3 reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 6,763,000	$ 8,957,000
Purchases	1,750,000
Sales		(2,539,000)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		9,000
Transfers out of Level 3	(1,768,000)	0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0		$ 0
Ending balance	6,780,000	6,427,000
Debt instruments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	654,000	505,000
Purchases
Sales		0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	50,000	(9,000)
Transfers out of Level 3	0
Ending balance	704,000	496,000
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,109,000	8,452,000
Purchases	1,750,000
Sales		(2,539,000)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	(15,000)	18,000
Transfers out of Level 3	1,768,000
Ending balance	6,076,000	5,931,000
Financial contracts payable
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	35,000
Net investment income (loss)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	0	(1,400,000)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	1,400,000
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) | Total equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3	1,800,000
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Financial contracts receivable
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Total equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Financial contracts payable
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Transfers into Level 3	$ 0	$ 0

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul30

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Investments Included in Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	$ 18,800	$ 23,403
Debt instruments	8,074	22,473
Corporate debt – U.S.
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	16,691	21,294
Unrealized gains	0	6,509
Unrealized losses	(8,663)	(5,331)
Debt instruments	8,028	22,472
Corporate debt – Non U.S.
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	2,109	2,109
Unrealized gains	0	0
Unrealized losses	(2,063)	(2,108)
Debt instruments	46	1
Total debt instruments
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	18,800	23,403
Unrealized gains	0	6,509
Unrealized losses	$ (10,726)	$ (7,439)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul31

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Maturity of Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Debt instruments, trading, within one year, cost	$ 0	$ 0
Debt instruments, trading, within one year, fair value	0	0
Debt instruments, trading, from one to five years, cost	15,083	17,803
Debt instruments, trading, from one to five years, fair value	6,732	19,492
Debt instruments, trading, from five to ten years, cost	2,767	4,649
Debt instruments, trading, from five to ten years, fair value	638	2,327
Debt instruments, trading, more than ten years, cost	950	951
Debt instruments, trading, more than ten years, fair value	704	654
Cost/ amortized cost	18,800	23,403
Debt instruments	$ 8,074	$ 22,473

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul32

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Investments in Equity Securities Trading (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	$ 18,800	$ 23,403
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	1,054,427	844,001
Equities – listed
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	936,773	753,813
Unrealized gains	152,340	115,379
Unrealized losses	(51,603)	(40,706)
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	1,037,510	828,486
Exchange traded funds
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	15,056	15,056
Unrealized gains	1,861	459
Unrealized losses	0	0
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	16,917	15,515
Total equity securities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	951,829	768,869
Unrealized gains	154,201	115,838
Unrealized losses	$ (51,603)	$ (40,706)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul33

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Other Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$ 119,065	$ 145,089
Unrealized gains	20,388	11,000
Unrealized losses	0	(26)
Fair value	139,453	156,063
Commodities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	103,680	130,671
Unrealized gains	15,249	6,625
Unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	118,929	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	15,385	14,418
Unrealized gains	5,139	4,375
Unrealized losses	0	(26)
Fair value	$ 20,524	$ 18,767

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NAV Instr

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NAV Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)	[1]	$ 14,448	$ 12,658
Percentage of funds that have investment restrictions		100.00%
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments relating to private equity funds		$ 8,000	9,200
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)		$ 14,400	$ 12,700
[1]	Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Investmen

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Corporate debt – U.S.
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Unrealized gains	$ 0	$ 6,509
Unrealized losses	(8,663)	(5,331)
Total equity securities
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Unrealized gains	154,201	115,838
Unrealized losses	(51,603)	(40,706)
Exchange traded funds
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Unrealized gains	1,861	459
Unrealized losses	0	0
Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Proceeds	(773,640)	(786,500)
Unrealized gains	39,254	37,363
Unrealized losses	(133,323)	(110,765)
Fair value	(867,709)	(859,902)
Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased | Total equity securities
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Proceeds	(677,410)	(690,270)
Unrealized gains	28,687	30,768
Unrealized losses	(133,323)	(110,765)
Fair value	(782,046)	(770,267)
Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased | Sovereign debt – Non U.S.
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Proceeds	(96,230)	(96,230)
Unrealized gains	10,567	6,595
Unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	$ (85,663)	$ (89,635)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul36

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Contracts Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	$ 38,255		$ 76,381
Financial contracts payable	(3,215)		(2,237)
Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	38,255		76,381
Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable	(3,215)		(2,237)
Call options | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	201,215		134,495
Financial contracts receivable	15,530		26,508
Commodity Swaps | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	58,762		82,009
Financial contracts receivable	5,902		13,506
Commodity Swaps | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	15,808
Financial contracts payable	(97)
Forwards | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	10,608
Financial contracts receivable	253
Forwards | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments			6,880
Financial contracts payable			(118)
Futures | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	5,998
Financial contracts payable	(20)
Put options (2) | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	51,543	[1]	115,481	[2]
Financial contracts receivable	1,435	[1]	6,703	[2]
Put options (2) | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	1,031		815
Financial contracts payable	(153)		(172)
Total return swaps – equities | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	298,894		100,199
Financial contracts receivable	14,777		29,413
Total return swaps – equities | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	32,683		31,257
Financial contracts payable	(2,945)		(1,947)
Warrants and rights on listed equities | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	67		67
Financial contracts receivable	34		33
Interest rate swaps | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	21,525		20,490
Financial contracts receivable	324		218
NO MARKET (E.G. UNLISTED) [Member] | Call options | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	14,400		22,400
NO MARKET (E.G. UNLISTED) [Member] | Put options (2) | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	$ 1,400		$ 6,700
[1]	Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.
[2]	Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul37

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Reported Gains and Losses on Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	$ (3,961)	$ (546)
Commodity Swaps | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	(6,959)	(5,565)
Forwards | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	623	(81)
Futures | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	(513)	984
Interest Rate Swaps | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	105	0
Options, warrants, and rights | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	(7,528)	(2,803)
Total return swaps – equities | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	$ 10,311	$ 6,919

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul38

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Volumes of Derivative Activities (Details) - Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		$ 613,022	$ 385,103
Exited		202,960	428,069
Forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		3,476	0
Exited		0	63
Futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		29,510	174,721
Exited		24,069	169,710
Options, warrants and rights (1)
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		347,918	133,333
Exited	[1]	110,102	175,651
Commodity Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		0	75,566
Exited		8,182	54,374
Total return swaps – equities
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		232,118	1,483
Exited		$ 60,607	$ 28,271
[1]	Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedul39

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Gross and Net Amounts of Financial Instruments and Cash Collateral (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Gross amounts of recognized assets	$ 38,255		$ 76,381
Financial contracts receivable, Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Financial contracts receivable	38,255		76,381
Financial contracts receivable, Financial instruments available for offset	(3,087)		(938)
Financial contracts receivable, Cash collateral (received) pledged	(17,350)		(44,572)
Financial contracts receivable, Net amount of asset (liability)	17,818		30,871
Financial contracts payable, Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)	(3,215)		(2,237)
Financial contracts payable, Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Financial contracts payable, Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet	(3,215)		(2,237)
Financial contracts payable, Financial instruments available for offset	3,087		938
Financial contracts payable, Cash collateral (received) pledged	128		1,299
Financial contracts payable, Net amount of asset (liability)	0		0
Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	38,255		76,381
Put Option [Member] | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	1,435	[1]	6,703	[2]
Put Option [Member] | NO MARKET (E.G. UNLISTED) [Member] | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	$ 1,400		$ 6,700
[1]	Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.
[2]	Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

DUE TO PRIME BROKERS (Details)

DUE TO PRIME BROKERS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Due to Prime Brokers [Line Items]
Amounts due to prime brokers	$ 558,798	$ 319,830
GLRE
Due to Prime Brokers [Line Items]
Maximum temporary leverage	30.00%
Maximum long-term leverage	15.00%
GRIL
Due to Prime Brokers [Line Items]
Maximum temporary leverage	20.00%
Maximum long-term leverage	5.00%

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPE41

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Case reserves			$ 113,997,000	$ 98,815,000
IBNR			226,033,000	207,826,000
Total	$ 306,641,000	$ 305,997,000	340,030,000	306,641,000	$ 341,132,000	$ 305,997,000
Gross balance at January 1	306,641,000	305,997,000
Less: Losses recoverable			2,582,000	2,704,000	3,548,000	3,368,000
Net balance at January 1	303,937,000	302,629,000
Current year	99,807,000	89,347,000
Prior years	(5,005,000)	(1,321,000)
Total incurred	104,812,000	90,668,000
Current year	(15,930,000)	(12,027,000)
Prior years	55,920,000	42,639,000
Total paid	71,850,000	54,666,000
Foreign currency revaluation	(549,000)	1,047,000
Net balance at March 31	337,448,000	337,584,000
Gross balance at March 31	340,030,000	341,132,000
Accident & Health
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Total	18,993,000	21,533,000	17,208,000	18,993,000	21,875,000	21,533,000
Gross balance at January 1	18,993,000	21,533,000
Less: Losses recoverable			0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Net balance at January 1	18,993,000	21,533,000
Current year	10,015,000	11,513,000
Prior years	(261,000)	(266,000)
Total incurred	9,754,000	11,247,000
Current year	(2,123,000)	(1,963,000)
Prior years	9,416,000	8,942,000
Total paid	11,539,000	10,905,000
Foreign currency revaluation	0	0
Net balance at March 31	17,208,000	21,875,000
Gross balance at March 31	$ 17,208,000	$ 21,875,000
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net			$ 17,200,000	$ 19,000,000

RETROCESSION (Details)

RETROCESSION (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net	$ 104,812,000	$ 90,668,000
Loss and loss expenses recovered and recoverable	100,000	400,000
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	2,582,000	$ 3,548,000	$ 2,704,000	$ 3,368,000
Funds withheld	5,576,000		5,927,000
Collateral Held in Trust	267,600,000		86,400,000
Provision for uncollectible losses recoverable	0		0
Unrated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	2,100,000		2,200,000
AM Best, A- Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	$ 500,000		$ 500,000

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Narrat

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares	71,335
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	10 years	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.12
Number of stock options exercised	0	156,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.51
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	$ 0
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	$ 0.9	$ 0.8
Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options	0	59,179
Stock options | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for stock incentive plan	3,500,000		3,500,000
Shares available for future issuance relating to share purchase options granted to service provider	345,592		424,787
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Number of RSUs issued to employees	113,955
Restricted stock | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	113,955	149,332
Number of restricted shares forfeited	46,319	4,177
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Stock compensation expense reversed due to forfeitures	$ 0	$ 0.2
Number of RSUs issued to employees	11,559	7,444
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Forfeiture Rate	6.00%	0.00%
Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%
Vesting In Year One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Vesting In Year Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Vesting In Year Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Restri

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Restricted Shares (Details) - Restricted stock - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	365,432
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Granted	113,955
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Vested	(101,518)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Forfeited	(46,319)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	331,550
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 26.76
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	21.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	32.60
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited	24.61
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 23.52
Stock Granted, Value, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited	$ 0	$ 0
Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	113,955	149,332
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Number of restricted shares forfeited	(46,319)	(4,177)

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Rest45

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Restricted Stock Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	365,432
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Granted	113,955
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Vested	(101,518)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Forfeited	(46,319)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	331,550
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 26.76
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	21.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	32.60
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited	24.61
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 23.52
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	15,934
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Granted	11,559	7,444
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Vested	(4,695)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Forfeited	0	(11,330)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	22,798
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 27.88
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	21.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	32.60
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited	0
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 23.50
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures	$ 0	$ 0.2

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Share

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Share Based Compensation Options Rollfoward (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of options, Exercised	0	(156,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$ 10.12

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Black

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Black Scholes option pricing model assumptions (Details) - shares	Apr. 01, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)		10 years	10 years
Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage		100.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	22,750

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment Income		$ (11,618,000)		$ (28,435,000)
Debt instruments		8,074,000			$ 22,473,000
Listed equity securities		$ 1,054,427,000			844,001,000
Investment Advisory Agreement | Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Performance compensation full rate		20.00%
Performance compensation reduced rate		10.00%
Loss carry forward recoupment required		150.00%
Performance compensation expense		$ 1,189,400		3,100,000
Investment management fee rate - monthly		0.125%
Investment management fee rate - annual		1.50%
Management fees		$ 4,300,000		$ 4,200,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Listed equity securities		34,500,000			34,800,000
Service Agreement [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investor relations monthly fee		5,000
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months		7,952,000	[1]		$ 9,200,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	[1]	$ 7,952,000
[1]	Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES49

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Contractual Obligation, Future Minimum Payments Due, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 8,417
Amount of letters of credit issued	189,400	$ 255,400
Total equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents fair value pledged as security against the letters of credit	202,800	$ 310,900
Facility
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	600,000
Facility | Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited [Member]
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000
Notice period required for termination	90 days
Facility | Citibank Europe plc
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 400,000
Notice period required for termination	120 days
Facility | JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000
Notice period required for termination	120 days

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES L

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Lease (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total rent expense related to leased office space		$ 200			$ 100
Operating Lease obligations, 2016		465
Operating lease obligations, 2017		388
Operating lease obligations, 2018		155
Operating lease obligations, 2019		155
Operating lease obligations, 2020		58
Operating lease obligations, Thereafter		0
Operating lease obligations, Total		1,221
Contractual Obligations Total 2016		8,417
Contractual Obligations Total 2017		388
Contractual Obligations Total 2018		155
Contractual Obligations Total 2019		155
Contractual Obligations Total 2020		58
Contractual Obligations Total, Thereafter		0
Contractual Obligations Total		$ 9,173
GLRE
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease renewal option		5 years		5 years
GLRE | Minimum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual rent payments		$ 300
GLRE | Maximum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual rent payments		500
GRIL
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual rent payments | €				€ 0.1
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months		7,952	[1]			$ 9,200
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	[1]	$ 7,952
[1]	Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	1
Gross premiums written	$ 197,214	$ 166,792
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	100.00%	100.00%
Total Property
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 42,487	$ 41,351
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	21.50%	24.80%
Commercial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 5,170	$ 8,750
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	2.60%	5.30%
Motor
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 15,744	$ 9,365
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	8.00%	5.60%
Personal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 21,573	$ 23,236
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	10.90%	13.90%
Total Casualty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 112,929	$ 74,159
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	57.30%	44.50%
General Liability
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 9,499	$ 8,199
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	4.80%	4.90%
Motor
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 78,341	$ 49,566
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	39.70%	29.70%
Professional
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 14,553	$ 11,628
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	7.40%	7.00%
Workers' Compensation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 10,536	$ 4,766
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	5.40%	2.90%
Total Specialty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 41,798	$ 51,282
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	21.20%	30.70%
Accident & Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 23,739	$ 27,121
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	12.10%	16.20%
Financial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 12,056	$ 15,382
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	6.10%	9.20%
Marine
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 2,223	$ 3,652
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	1.10%	2.20%
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 3,780	$ 5,127
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	1.90%	3.10%

SEGMENT REPORTING Geographic in

SEGMENT REPORTING Geographic information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (197,214)	$ (166,792)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		100.00%	100.00%
U.S. and Caribbean
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (171,758)	$ (130,744)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		87.10%	78.40%
Worldwide (1)
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	[1]	$ (25,294)	$ (34,358)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums	[1]	12.80%	20.60%
Europe
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (146)	$ (1,910)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		0.10%	1.10%
Asia (2)
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (16)	$ (220)	[2]
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		0.00%	(0.10%)	[2]
[1]	“Worldwide” is comprised of contracts that reinsure risks in more than one geographic area and do not specifically exclude the U.S.
[2]	The negative balance represents reversal of premiums due to premium adjustments, termination of contracts or premium returned upon novation or commutation of contracts.