Essent (ESNT) 10-K 16 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 10, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Essent Group Ltd.
Entity Central Index Key	1,448,893
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,605,101,519
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		93,390,034
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments available for sale, at fair value
Fixed maturities (amortized cost: 2016 — $1,497,186; 2015 — $1,189,978)	$ 1,482,754	$ 1,190,638
Short-term investments (amortized cost: 2016 — $132,352; 2015 — $85,994)	132,348	85,996
Total investments	1,615,102	1,276,634
Cash	27,531	24,606
Accrued investment income	9,488	7,768
Accounts receivable	21,632	16,637
Deferred policy acquisition costs	13,400	11,529
Property and equipment (at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $46,543 in 2016 and $42,479 in 2015)	8,119	9,021
Prepaid federal income tax	181,272	119,412
Other assets	6,454	3,492
Total assets	1,882,998	1,469,099
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and LAE	28,142	17,760
Unearned premium reserve	219,616	201,045
Net deferred tax liability	142,587	87,964
Revolving credit facility borrowings	100,000	0
Securities purchases payable	14,999	14,996
Other accrued liabilities	33,881	28,093
Total liabilities	539,225	349,858
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)
Stockholders' Equity
Common Shares, $0.015 par value: Authorized - 233,333; issued and outstanding - 93,105 shares in 2016 and 92,650 in 2015	1,397	1,390
Additional paid-in capital	918,296	904,221
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,255)	(99)
Retained earnings	436,335	213,729
Total stockholders' equity	1,343,773	1,119,241
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,882,998	$ 1,469,099

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property and equipment
Accumulated depreciation	$ 46,543	$ 42,479
Stockholders' Equity
Common Shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.015	$ 0.015
Common Shares, authorized	233,333,000	233,333,000
Common Shares, issued	93,105,000	92,650,000
Common Shares, outstanding	93,105,000	92,650,000
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	$ 1,629,538	$ 1,275,972
Fixed maturities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	1,497,186	1,189,978
Short-term investments
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	$ 132,352	$ 85,994

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$ 441,278	$ 370,568	$ 276,778
Increase in unearned premiums	(18,571)	(44,097)	(53,549)
Net premiums earned	422,707	326,471	223,229
Net investment income	27,890	19,885	12,285
Realized investment gains, net	1,934	2,554	925
Other income	5,727	4,380	3,028
Total revenues	458,258	353,290	239,467
Losses and expenses:
Provision for losses and LAE	15,525	11,905	6,308
Other underwriting and operating expenses	130,851	112,987	97,232
Total losses and expenses	146,376	124,892	103,540
Income before income taxes	311,882	228,398	135,927
Income tax expense	89,276	71,067	47,430
Net income	$ 222,606	$ 157,331	$ 88,497
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.45	$ 1.74	$ 1.05
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.41	$ 1.72	$ 1.03
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	90,913	90,351	83,986
Diluted (in shares)	92,245	91,738	85,602
Net income	$ 222,606	$ 157,331	$ 88,497
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($2,941) in 2016, ($1,285) in 2015 and $2,825 in 2014	(12,156)	(4,766)	6,114
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(12,156)	(4,766)	6,114
Comprehensive income	$ 210,450	$ 152,565	$ 94,611

Consolidated Statements of Com5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, tax expense (benefit)	$ (2,941)	$ (1,285)	$ 2,825

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Public offering	Common Shares	Common SharesPublic offering	Additional Paid-In Capital	Additional Paid-In CapitalPublic offering	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Treasury Stock
Stockholders equity, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 722,141		$ 1,297		$ 754,390		$ (1,447)	$ (32,099)	$ 0
Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	88,497							88,497
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,114						6,114
Issuance of Common Shares net of issuance cost of $6,761		$ 126,739		$ 90		$ 126,649
Issuance of management incentive shares	416		2		414
Forfeiture of management incentive shares	0		0		0
Stock-based compensation expense	12,520				12,520
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation expense	1,809				1,809
Treasury stock acquired	(2,498)								(2,498)
Cancellation of treasury stock	0		(1)		(2,497)				2,498
Stockholders equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	955,738		1,388		893,285		4,667	56,398	0
Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	157,331							157,331
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,766)						(4,766)
Issuance of management incentive shares	0		6		(6)
Forfeiture of management incentive shares	0		(1)		1
Stock-based compensation expense	13,633				13,633
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation expense	2,420				2,420
Treasury stock acquired	(5,168)								(5,168)
Cancellation of treasury stock	0		(3)		(5,165)				5,168
Other equity transactions	53				53
Stockholders equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	1,119,241		1,390		904,221		(99)	213,729	0
Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	222,606							222,606
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,156)						(12,156)
Issuance of management incentive shares	0		10		(10)
Forfeiture of management incentive shares	0		0		0
Stock-based compensation expense	16,881				16,881
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation expense	1,083				1,083
Treasury stock acquired	(4,024)								(4,024)
Cancellation of treasury stock	0		(3)		(4,021)				4,024
Other equity transactions	142				142
Stockholders equity, end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,343,773		$ 1,397		$ 918,296		$ (12,255)	$ 436,335	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cha7

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Public offering
Common shares, issuance cost	$ 6,761

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 222,606	$ 157,331	$ 88,497
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on the sale of investments, net	(1,934)	(2,554)	(925)
Depreciation and amortization	4,064	3,219	2,464
Amortization of discount on payments due under Asset Purchase Agreement	0	0	51
Stock-based compensation expense	16,881	13,633	12,520
Amortization of premium on investment securities	10,486	10,004	6,840
Deferred income tax provision	57,564	52,157	44,614
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(1,083)	(2,420)	(1,809)
Change in:
Accrued investment income	(1,720)	(2,020)	(3,770)
Accounts receivable	(4,955)	(2,828)	(3,803)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(1,871)	(1,932)	(3,424)
Prepaid federal income tax	(61,860)	(59,739)	(51,673)
Other assets	(526)	(724)	78
Reserve for losses and LAE	10,382	9,333	5,357
Unearned premium reserve	18,571	44,097	53,549
Other accrued liabilities	6,871	6,582	5,138
Net cash provided by operating activities	273,476	224,139	153,704
Investing Activities
Net change in short-term investments	(46,352)	124,692	(196,609)
Purchase of investments available for sale	(656,768)	(798,891)	(699,324)
Proceeds from maturity of investments available for sale	27,186	8,613	27,382
Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale	313,780	449,834	144,744
Purchase of property and equipment	(3,162)	(4,960)	(3,893)
Net cash used in investing activities	(365,316)	(220,712)	(727,700)
Financing Activities
Revolving credit facility borrowings	100,000	0	0
Treasury stock acquired	(4,024)	(5,168)	(2,498)
Payment of issuance costs for revolving credit facility	(2,436)	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	1,083	2,420	1,809
Issuance of common shares net of costs	0	(537)	126,441
Payments under Asset Purchase Agreement	0	0	(5,000)
Other financing activities	142	53	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	94,765	(3,232)	120,752
Net increase (decrease) in cash	2,925	195	(453,244)
Cash at beginning of year	24,606	24,411	477,655
Cash at end of year	27,531	24,606	24,411
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Income tax payments	(30,800)	(15,500)	(1,000)
Interest payments	(324)	0	0
Noncash Transactions
Issuance of management incentive shares (see Note 10)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 416

Nature of Operations and Basis

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation	Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Essent Group Ltd. (“Essent Group”) is a Bermuda-based holding company, which, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, offers private mortgage insurance and reinsurance for mortgages secured by residential properties located in the United States. Mortgage insurance facilitates the sale of low down payment (generally less than 20% ) mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage market, primarily to two government-sponsored enterprises ("GSEs"), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The primary mortgage insurance operations are conducted through Essent Guaranty, Inc. ("Essent Guaranty"), which is domiciled in the state of Pennsylvania. Essent Guaranty is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania and maintains operations centers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Irvine, California. Essent Guaranty is approved as a qualified mortgage insurer by the GSEs and is licensed to write mortgage insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Effective July 2014, Essent Guaranty began to reinsure 25% of GSE-eligible new insurance written to Essent Reinsurance Ltd. (“Essent Re”), an affiliated Bermuda domiciled Class 3A Insurer licensed pursuant to Section 4 of the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978 that provides insurance and reinsurance coverage of mortgage credit risk. Essent Re also provides insurance and reinsurance to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. In 2016, Essent Re formed Essent Agency (Bermuda) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, which provides underwriting services to third-party reinsurers. In accordance with certain state law requirements, Essent Guaranty also reinsures that portion of the risk that is in excess of 25% of the mortgage balance with respect to any loan insured, after consideration of other reinsurance, to Essent Guaranty of PA, Inc. (“Essent PA”), an affiliate domiciled in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition to offering mortgage insurance, we provide contract underwriting services on a limited basis through CUW Solutions, LLC ("CUW Solutions"), a Delaware limited liability company, that provides, among other things, mortgage contract underwriting services to lenders and mortgage insurance underwriting services to affiliates. CUW Solutions is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania and it maintains operations centers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Irvine, California that are subleased from Essent Guaranty. The Company operates as a single segment for reporting purposes as substantially all business operations, assets and liabilities relate to the private mortgage insurance business and management reviews operating results for the Company as a whole to make operating decisions and assess performance. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (" GAAP ") and include the accounts of Essent Group and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Investments Available for Sale Investments available for sale include securities that we sell from time to time to provide liquidity and in response to changes in the market. Debt and equity securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities reported in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. See Note 16 for a description of the valuation methods for investments available for sale. We monitor our fixed maturities for unrealized losses that appear to be other-than-temporary. A fixed maturity security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the security's fair value is less than its amortized cost basis and 1) we intend to sell the security, 2) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security's amortized cost basis, or 3) we believe we will be unable to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security (i.e., a credit loss has occurred). When we determine that a credit loss has been incurred, but we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security's amortized cost basis, the portion of the other-than-temporary impairment that is credit related is recorded as a realized loss in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, and the portion of the other-than-temporary impairment that is not credit related is included in other comprehensive income. For those fixed maturities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, we adjust the amortized cost basis of the security and record a realized loss in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We recognize purchase premiums and discounts in interest income using the interest method over the term of the securities. Gains and losses on the sales of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Short-term investments are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments, both readily convertible to cash and having maturities at acquisition of twelve months or less. Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Estimated useful lives are 5 years for furniture and fixtures and 2 to 3 years for equipment, computer hardware and purchased software. Certain costs associated with the acquisition or development of internal-use software are capitalized. Once the software is ready for its intended use, these costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software's expected useful life, which is generally 3 years . We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lives of the leases or estimated service lives of the leasehold improvements. The balances by type were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Cost Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization Cost Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization Furniture and fixtures $ 2,042 $ (1,298 ) $ 1,904 $ (1,005 ) Office equipment 625 (513 ) 600 (345 ) Computer hardware 5,700 (4,260 ) 4,526 (3,254 ) Purchased software 35,148 (33,304 ) 34,155 (31,825 ) Costs of internal-use software 7,140 (6,075 ) 6,479 (5,298 ) Leasehold improvements 4,007 (1,093 ) 3,836 (752 ) Total $ 54,662 $ (46,543 ) $ 51,500 $ (42,479 ) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs We defer certain personnel costs and premium tax expense directly related to the successful acquisition of new insurance policies and amortize these costs over the period the related estimated gross profits are recognized in order to match costs and revenues. We do not defer any underwriting costs associated with our contract underwriting services. Costs related to the acquisition of mortgage insurance business are initially deferred and reported as deferred policy acquisition costs. Consistent with industry accounting practice, amortization of these costs for each underwriting year book of business is recognized in proportion to estimated gross profits. Estimated gross profits are composed of earned premium, interest income, losses and loss adjustment expenses. The deferred costs are adjusted as appropriate for policy cancellations to be consistent with our revenue recognition policy. We estimate the rate of amortization to reflect actual experience and any changes to persistency or loss development. Deferred policy acquisition costs are reviewed periodically to determine that they do not exceed recoverable amounts, after considering investment income. Policy acquisition costs deferred were $7.7 million , $6.6 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs totaled $5.8 million , $4.7 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and was included in other underwriting and operating expenses on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Insurance Premium Revenue Recognition Mortgage guaranty insurance policies are contracts that are generally non-cancelable by the insurer, are renewable at a fixed price, and provide for payment of premium on a monthly, annual or single basis. Upon renewal, we are not able to re-underwrite or re-price our policies. Consistent with industry accounting practices, premiums written on a monthly basis are earned as coverage is provided. Monthly policies accounted for 81% of earned premium in 2016 . Premiums written on an annual basis are amortized on a pro rata basis over the year of coverage. Primary mortgage insurance written on policies covering more than one year are referred to as single premium policies. A portion of the revenue from single premium policies is recognized in earned premium in the current period, and the remaining portion is deferred as unearned premium and earned over the expected life of the policy. If single premium policies related to insured loans are cancelled due to repayment by the borrower, and the premium is non-refundable, then the remaining unearned premium related to each cancelled policy is recognized as earned premium upon notification of the cancellation. The Company recorded $36.9 million and $21.8 million of earned premium related to policy cancellations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unearned premium represents the portion of premium written that is applicable to the estimated unexpired risk of insured loans. Rates used to determine the earning of single premium policies are estimates based on an analysis of the expiration of risk. A significant portion of our premium revenue relates to master policies with certain lending institutions. For the year ended December 31, 2016 one lender represented 12% of our total revenue. The loss of this customer could have a significant impact on our revenues and results of operations. Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses We establish reserves for losses based on our best estimate of ultimate claim costs for defaulted loans using the general principles contained in ASC No. 944, in accordance with industry practice. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish loss reserves for future claims on insured loans which are not currently in default. Loans are classified as in default when the borrower has missed two consecutive payments. Once we are notified that a borrower has defaulted, we will consider internal and third-party information and models, including the status of the loan as reported by its servicer and the type of loan product to determine the likelihood that a default will reach claim status. In addition, we will project the amount that we will pay if a default becomes a claim (referred to as "claim severity"). Based on this information, at each reporting date we determine our best estimate of loss reserves at a given point in time. Included in loss reserves are reserves for incurred but not reported ("IBNR") claims. IBNR reserves represent our estimated unpaid losses on loans that are in default, but have not yet been reported to us as delinquent by our customers. We will also establish reserves for associated loss adjustment expenses, consisting of the estimated cost of the claims administration process, including legal and other fees and expenses associated with administering the claims process. Establishing reserves is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Our estimates of claim rates and claim sizes will be strongly influenced by prevailing economic conditions, such as the overall state of the economy, current rates or trends in unemployment, changes in housing values and/or interest rates, and our best judgments as to the future values or trends of these macroeconomic factors. Losses incurred are also generally affected by the characteristics of our insured loans, such as the loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, the percentage of coverage on the insured loan and the credit quality of the borrower. Premium Deficiency Reserve We are required to establish a premium deficiency reserve if the net present value of the expected future losses and expenses for a particular group of policies exceeds the net present value of expected future premium, anticipated investment income and existing reserves for that specified group of policies. We reassess our expectations for premium, losses and expenses of our mortgage insurance business periodically and update our premium deficiency analysis accordingly. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we concluded that no premium deficiency reserve was required to be recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Derivative Instruments Through June 30, 2016, insurance and certain reinsurance policies issued by Essent Re in connection with Freddie Mac's Agency Credit Insurance Structure ("ACIS") program were accounted for as derivatives under GAAP with the fair value of these policies reported as an asset or liability and changes in the fair value of these policies reported in earnings as a component of other income. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, these contracts were amended and are now accounted for as insurance contracts rather than as derivatives. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company had no derivative instruments. Stock-Based Compensation We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments at the grant date of the award using a fair value based method. Prior to our initial public offering, we estimated the fair value of each nonvested share grant on the date of grant based on management's best estimate using methods further described in Note 10 of our consolidated financial statements. Subsequent to our initial public offering, fair value is determined on the date of grant based on quoted market prices. We recognize compensation expense on nonvested shares over the vesting period of the award. Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the asset and liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, we determine the net deferred tax asset or liability based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various assets and liabilities and give current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Changes in tax laws, rates, regulations and policies, or the final determination of tax audits or examinations, could materially affect our tax estimates. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax asset and recognize a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of the deferred tax asset, we consider estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, carryback and carryforward periods, tax planning strategies available, and the general and industry specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires management to forecast changes in the mortgage market, as well as the related impact on mortgage insurance, and the competitive and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in the estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if applicable, are included in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. ASC No. 740 provides a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. In accordance with ASC No. 740, before a tax benefit can be recognized, a tax position is evaluated using a threshold that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. When evaluating the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, ASC No. 740 provides that a company should presume the tax position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As described in Note 12 , we purchase non-interest-bearing United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds ("T&L Bonds") issued by the Treasury Department. These assets are carried at cost and are reported as prepaid federal income tax on the consolidated balance sheets. It is our policy to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per common share amounts are calculated based on income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share amounts are calculated based on income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Potential common shares, composed of the incremental common shares issuable upon vesting of unvested common shares, are included in the earnings per share calculation to the extent that they are dilutive. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . This update is intended to provide a consistent approach in recognizing revenue. In accordance with the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In July 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date for this update to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In December 2016, the FASB clarified that all contracts that are within the scope of Topic 944, Financial Services-Insurance , are excluded from the scope of ASU 2014-09. Accordingly, this update will not impact the recognition of revenue related to insurance premiums or investments, which represent a significant portion of our total revenues. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated operating results or financial position. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (Topic 944) . The amendments in this update require insurance entities to disclose certain information about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The additional information required is focused on improvements in disclosures regarding insurance liabilities, including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows related to those liabilities and the effect of those cash flows on the statement of comprehensive income. The disclosures required by this update are included in Note 6 . In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . This update will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The new guidance will also require additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company expects a gross-up of its consolidated balance sheets as a result of recognizing lease liabilities and right of use assets. The Company is still evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718) . This update is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and treated as discrete items in the reporting period. In addition, excess tax benefits are required to be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. Further, the new guidance allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017 and recorded a charge of $0.1 million to retained earnings as of that date representing a cumulative-effect adjustment associated with our election to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The classification of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense may result in net income volatility in reporting periods subsequent to 2016. Through December 31, 2016, excess tax benefits have been recognized in additional paid-in-capital. The amount of excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies in future periods will vary based on the market value of the Company’s common stock at the vesting dates of nonvested common share and nonvested common share units. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326) . This update is intended to provide financial statement users with more information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of an allowance for credit losses. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance rather than as a write-down of the amortized cost of the securities. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. While the Company is still evaluating this ASU, we do not expect it to impact our accounting for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") as these items are not within the scope of this ASU.

Investments Available for Sale

Investments Available for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments Available for Sale	Investments Available for Sale Investments available for sale consist of the following : December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities $ 195,990 $ 55 $ (4,497 ) $ 191,548 U.S. agency securities 18,785 — (344 ) 18,441 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 324,654 335 (8,495 ) 316,494 Municipal debt securities(1) 334,048 3,649 (3,373 ) 334,324 Corporate debt securities(2) 457,842 2,343 (3,828 ) 456,357 Residential and commercial mortgage securities 68,430 488 (582 ) 68,336 Asset-backed securities 127,359 260 (447 ) 127,172 Money market funds 102,430 — — 102,430 Total investments available for sale $ 1,629,538 $ 7,130 $ (21,566 ) $ 1,615,102 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities $ 178,460 $ 235 $ (1,088 ) $ 177,607 U.S. agency securities 13,955 5 (178 ) 13,782 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 160,181 474 (1,053 ) 159,602 Municipal debt securities(1) 272,733 7,357 (262 ) 279,828 Corporate debt securities(2) 399,246 1,338 (3,852 ) 396,732 Residential and commercial mortgage securities 56,380 97 (1,121 ) 55,356 Asset-backed securities 127,919 29 (1,319 ) 126,629 Money market funds 67,098 — — 67,098 Total investments available for sale $ 1,275,972 $ 9,535 $ (8,873 ) $ 1,276,634 _______________________________________________________________________________ December 31, December 31, (1) The following table summarizes municipal debt securities as of : 2016 2015 Special revenue bonds 63.6 % 70.4 % General obligation bonds 29.7 24.5 Certificate of participation bonds 4.9 4.0 Tax allocation bonds 1.1 1.1 Special tax bonds 0.7 — Total 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31, December 31, (2) The following table summarizes corporate debt securities as of : 2016 2015 Financial 40.6 % 44.9 % Consumer, non-cyclical 18.6 14.8 Energy 9.3 9.0 Consumer, cyclical 6.3 6.2 Utilities 6.0 5.0 Communications 6.0 7.1 Industrial 5.6 5.2 Technology 4.3 3.8 Basic materials 3.3 4.0 Total 100.0 % 100.0 % The amortized cost and fair value of investments available for sale at December 31, 2016 , by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Because most U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, residential and commercial mortgage securities and asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives, they are listed below in separate categories . (In thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities: Due in 1 year $ 44,516 $ 44,519 Due after 1 but within 5 years 31,380 31,075 Due after 5 but within 10 years 106,366 102,835 Due after 10 years 13,728 13,119 Subtotal 195,990 191,548 U.S. agency securities: Due in 1 year — — Due after 1 but within 5 years 18,785 18,441 Subtotal 18,785 18,441 Municipal debt securities: Due in 1 year 4,475 4,478 Due after 1 but within 5 years 110,649 109,988 Due after 5 but within 10 years 130,963 132,079 Due after 10 years 87,961 87,779 Subtotal 334,048 334,324 Corporate debt securities: Due in 1 year 42,229 42,209 Due after 1 but within 5 years 252,946 252,684 Due after 5 but within 10 years 157,582 156,512 Due after 10 years 5,085 4,952 Subtotal 457,842 456,357 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 324,654 316,494 Residential and commercial mortgage securities 68,430 68,336 Asset-backed securities 127,359 127,172 Money market funds 102,430 102,430 Total investments available for sale $ 1,629,538 $ 1,615,102 Gross gains and losses realized on the sale of investments available for sale were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Realized gross gains $ 2,822 $ 3,908 $ 1,368 Realized gross losses 788 1,073 443 The fair value of investments in an unrealized loss position and the related unrealized losses were as follows : Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury securities $ 160,018 $ (4,497 ) $ — $ — $ 160,018 $ (4,497 ) U.S. agency securities 18,441 (344 ) — — 18,441 (344 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 289,282 (8,402 ) 1,812 (93 ) 291,094 (8,495 ) Municipal debt securities 149,368 (3,351 ) 6,015 (22 ) 155,383 (3,373 ) Corporate debt securities 213,965 (3,704 ) 8,344 (124 ) 222,309 (3,828 ) Residential and commercial mortgage securities 18,026 (434 ) 14,014 (148 ) 32,040 (582 ) Asset-backed securities 28,294 (57 ) 47,597 (390 ) 75,891 (447 ) Total $ 877,394 $ (20,789 ) $ 77,782 $ (777 ) $ 955,176 $ (21,566 ) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury securities $ 110,699 $ (1,088 ) $ — $ — $ 110,699 $ (1,088 ) U.S. agency securities 11,362 (178 ) — — 11,362 (178 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 101,465 (915 ) 3,683 (138 ) 105,148 (1,053 ) Municipal debt securities 47,850 (255 ) 1,254 (7 ) 49,104 (262 ) Corporate debt securities 252,792 (3,447 ) 9,404 (405 ) 262,196 (3,852 ) Residential and commercial mortgage securities 23,360 (458 ) 26,075 (663 ) 49,435 (1,121 ) Asset-backed securities 86,431 (871 ) 26,364 (448 ) 112,795 (1,319 ) Total $ 633,959 $ (7,212 ) $ 66,780 $ (1,661 ) $ 700,739 $ (8,873 ) The gross unrealized losses on these investment securities are principally associated with the changes in market interest rates and credit spreads subsequent to their purchase. Each issuer is current on its scheduled interest and principal payments. We assess our intent to sell these securities and whether we will be required to sell these securities before the recovery of their amortized cost basis when determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary. We recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $0.1 million and $0.3 million in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, on securities in an unrealized loss position. The impairments resulted from our intent to sell these securities subsequent to the reporting date. There were no other-than-temporary impairments of investments in the year ended December 31, 2014 . The fair value of investments deposited with insurance regulatory authorities to meet statutory requirements was $8.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $8.5 million at December 31, 2015 . In connection with its insurance and reinsurance activities, Essent Re is required to maintain assets in trusts for the benefit of its contractual counterparties. The fair value of the investments on deposit in these trusts was $349.6 million at December 31, 2016 and $194.5 million at December 31, 2015 . Net investment income consists of: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Fixed maturities $ 29,865 $ 21,693 $ 13,356 Short-term investments 142 63 56 Gross investment income 30,007 21,756 13,412 Investment expenses (2,117 ) (1,871 ) (1,127 ) Net investment income $ 27,890 $ 19,885 $ 12,285

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consists of the following at December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Premiums receivable $ 21,265 $ 16,034 Other receivables 367 603 Total accounts receivable 21,632 16,637 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts — — Accounts receivable, net $ 21,632 $ 16,637 Premiums receivable consists of premiums due on our mortgage insurance policies. If mortgage insurance premiums are unpaid for more than 90 days , the receivable is written off against earned premium and the related insurance policy is cancelled. For all periods presented, no provision or allowance for doubtful accounts was required.

Triad Transaction

Triad Transaction	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Triad Transaction	Triad Transaction On December 1, 2009, under the terms of an asset purchase agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") dated October 7, 2009 between Essent Guaranty and Triad Guaranty, Inc. and Triad Guaranty Insurance Corporation (collectively referred to as "Triad"), we acquired all of Triad's proprietary mortgage insurance information technology and operating platform, certain software and substantially all of the supporting hardware, as well as furniture and fixtures, in exchange for fixed payments of $15 million , contingent payments of $15 million , and the assumption of certain contractual obligations. The final contingent payment of $5 million was made in the year ended December 31, 2014 and no further amounts are due to Triad under the Asset Purchase Agreement. Effective with the completion of the transaction, Essent Guaranty began providing information systems maintenance and development services, customer service and policy administration support to Triad under the terms of a services agreement dated December 1, 2009. Triad retains the obligation for all risks insured under its existing insurance contracts and will continue to directly manage loss mitigation and claim activity on its insured business. Under the terms of the services agreement, we provide the following services to Triad in exchange for fees: (i) maintain and support the licensed technology and equipment and provide to Triad certain information and technology services; (ii) access to the Triad technology platform in order to support Triad's business pursuant to the license grant outlined in the services agreement; (iii) customer support-related services; and (iv) technology development services. Effective December 1, 2010, the fee is based principally on the number of Triad's insurance policies in force on a monthly basis. Accordingly, this fee is reduced as Triad's policies in force decline. We earned fees under the services agreement of $1.4 million , $1.8 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, which are included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Reserve for Losses and Loss Adj

Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") for the years ended December 31: ($ in thousands) 2016 2015 Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of year $ 17,760 $ 8,427 Less: Reinsurance recoverables — — Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of year 17,760 8,427 Add provision for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in: Current year 21,889 14,956 Prior years (6,364 ) (3,051 ) Net incurred losses during the current year 15,525 11,905 Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in: Current year 927 544 Prior years 4,216 2,028 Net loss and LAE payments during the current year 5,143 2,572 Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of year 28,142 17,760 Plus: Reinsurance recoverables — — Reserve for losses and LAE at end of year $ 28,142 $ 17,760 Loans in default at end of year 1,757 1,028 For the year ended December 31, 2016 , $4.2 million was paid for incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses attributable to insured events of prior years. There has been a $6.4 million favorable prior year development during the year ended December 31, 2016 . Reserves remaining as of December 31, 2016 for prior years are $7.2 million as a result of re-estimation of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , $2.0 million was paid for incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses attributable to insured events of prior years. There was a $3.1 million favorable prior-year development during the year ended December 31, 2015 . Reserves remaining as of December 31, 2015 for prior years were $3.3 million as a result of re-estimation of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. In both periods, the favorable prior years' loss development was the result of a re-estimation of amounts ultimately to be paid on prior year defaults in the default inventory, including the impact of previously identified defaults that cured. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims. The following table summarizes incurred loss and allocated loss adjustment expense development, IBNR plus expected development on reported defaults and the cumulative number of reported defaults. The information about incurred loss development for the years ended December 31, 2010 to 2015 is presented as supplementary information. ($ in thousands) Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31, As of December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 Unaudited 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults (1) 2010 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — 2011 57 — — — — — — 1 2012 1,523 858 814 781 748 6 19 2013 2,986 2,461 2,008 1,997 16 52 2014 6,877 4,312 3,323 60 104 2015 14,956 9,625 416 300 2016 21,889 1,434 1,559 Total $ 37,582 (1) Cumulative number of reported defaults includes cumulative paid claims plus loans in default by accident year as of December 31, 2016. The following table summarizes cumulative paid losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance. The information about paid loss development for the years ended December 31, 2010 through 2015 is presented as supplementary information. ($ in thousands) Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 Unaudited 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 2010 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — 2011 — — — — — — 2012 24 535 659 665 665 2013 239 928 1,501 1,775 2014 138 1,587 2,463 2015 544 3,610 2016 927 Total $ 9,440 All outstanding liabilities before 2010, net of reinsurance — Reserve for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance $ 28,142 For our mortgage insurance portfolio, our average annual payout of losses as of December 31, 2016 is as follows: Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses and Allocated LAE by Year Year 1 2 3 4 5 Average Payout 6 % 45 % 24 % 7 % 0 %

Debt Obligations

Debt Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Obligations	Debt Obligations Revolving Credit Facility On April 19, 2016, Essent Group and its subsidiaries, Essent Irish Intermediate Holdings Limited and Essent US Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the "Borrowers"), entered into a three -year, secured revolving credit facility with a committed capacity of $200 million (the “Facility”). Borrowings under the Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, capital contributions to Essent’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Borrowings will accrue interest at a floating rate tied to a standard short-term borrowing index, selected at the Company’s option, plus an applicable margin. A commitment fee is due quarterly on the average daily amount of the undrawn revolving commitment. The applicable margin and the commitment fee are based on the senior unsecured debt rating or long-term issuer rating of Essent Group to the extent available, or the insurer financial strength rating of Essent Guaranty. The current annual commitment fee rate is 0.35% . The obligations under the Facility are secured by certain assets of the Borrowers, excluding the stock and assets of its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. The Facility contains several covenants, including financial covenants relating to minimum net worth, capital and liquidity levels, maximum debt to capitalization level and Essent Guaranty's compliance with the PMIERs (see Note 17 ). This description is not intended to be complete in all respects and is qualified in its entirety by the terms of the Facility, including its covenants. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company was in compliance with the covenants and $100 million had been borrowed under the Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 2.73% .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Obligations under Guarantees Under the terms of CUW Solutions' contract underwriting agreements with lenders and subject to contractual limitations on liability, we agree to indemnify certain lenders against losses incurred in the event that we make an error in determining whether loans processed meet specified underwriting criteria, to the extent that such error materially restricts or impairs the salability of such loan, results in a material reduction in the value of such loan or results in the lender repurchasing the loan. The indemnification may be in the form of monetary or other remedies. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we paid $129,669 and $25,829 , respectively, related to remedies. As of December 31, 2016 , management believes any potential claims for indemnification related to contract underwriting services through December 31, 2016 are not material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations. In addition to the indemnifications discussed above, in the normal course of business, we enter into agreements or other relationships with third parties pursuant to which we may be obligated under specified circumstances to indemnify the counterparties with respect to certain matters. Our contractual indemnification obligations typically arise in the context of agreements entered into by us to, among other things, purchase or sell services, finance our business and business transactions, lease real property and license intellectual property. The agreements we enter into in the normal course of business generally require us to pay certain amounts to the other party associated with claims or losses if they result from our breach of the agreement, including the inaccuracy of representations or warranties. The agreements we enter into may also contain other indemnification provisions that obligate us to pay amounts upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the negligence or willful misconduct of our employees, infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or claims that performance of the agreement constitutes a violation of law. Generally, payment by us under an indemnification provision is conditioned upon the other party making a claim, and typically we can challenge the other party's claims. Further, our indemnification obligations may be limited in time and/or amount, and in some instances, we may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by us under an indemnification agreement or obligation. As of December 31, 2016 , contingencies triggering material indemnification obligations or payments have not occurred historically and are not expected to occur. The nature of the indemnification provisions in the various types of agreements and relationships described above are believed to be low risk and pervasive, and we consider them to have a remote risk of loss or payment. We have not recorded any provisions on the consolidated balance sheets related to these indemnifications. Commitments We lease office space for use in our operations under leases accounted for as operating leases. Total rent expense was $1.9 million , $1.9 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The future minimum lease payments of non-cancelable operating leases are as follows at December 31, 2016 : Year Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2017 $ 2,356 2018 2,414 2019 2,468 2020 2,427 2021 2,483 2022 and thereafter 6,881 Total minimum payments required $ 19,029 Minimum lease payments shown above have not been reduced by minimum sublease rental income of $0.1 million due in 2017 under the non-cancelable sublease.

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock Our authorized share capital consists of 233.3 million shares of a single class of common shares (the "Common Shares"). The Common Shares have no pre-emptive rights or other rights to subscribe for additional shares, and no rights of redemption, conversion or exchange. Under certain circumstances and subject to the provisions of Bermuda law and our bye-laws, we may be required to make an offer to repurchase shares held by members. The Common Shares rank pari passu with one another in all respects as to rights of payment and distribution. In general, holders of Common Shares will have one vote for each Common Share held by them and will be entitled to vote, on a non-cumulative basis, at all meetings of shareholders. In the event that a shareholder is considered a 9.5% Shareholder under our bye-laws, such shareholder's votes will be reduced by whatever amount is necessary so that after any such reduction the votes of such shareholder will not result in any other person being treated as a 9.5% Shareholder with respect to the vote on such matter. Under these provisions certain shareholders may have their voting rights limited to less than one vote per share, while other shareholders may have voting rights in excess of one vote per share. In November 2014, Essent Group completed the sale of 6.0 million Common Shares in a public offering at a price of $22.25 per share and certain selling shareholders sold 7.8 million Common Shares. We did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling shareholders. The total net proceeds from this offering were approximately $126.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation On February 6, 2009, Essent Group adopted the 2009 Restricted Share Plan. In connection with the IPO in 2013, Essent Group's Board of Directors amended and restated the 2009 Restricted Share Plan, effective immediately prior to the initial public offering. In addition, Essent Group's Board of Directors adopted, and Essent Group's shareholders approved, the Essent Group Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2013 Plan"), which was effective upon completion of the initial public offering. The types of awards available under the 2013 Plan include nonvested shares, nonvested share units, non-qualified share options, incentive stock options, share appreciation rights, and other share-based or cash-based awards. The 2013 Plan authorized a total of 14.7 million Common Shares, which will be increased on the first day of each of the Company's fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 2014, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 1.5 million Common Shares, (ii) 2% of the Company's outstanding Common Shares on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year, or (iii) such number of Common Shares as determined by the Company's Board of Directors. The maximum number of common shares that may be issued in respect of incentive share options is 14.7 million . As of December 31, 2016 , there were 14.1 million Common Shares available for future grant under the 2013 Plan. In September 2013 and February 2014, certain members of senior management were granted nonvested Common Shares under the 2013 Plan that were subject to time-based and performance-based vesting. The time-based share awards granted in September 2013 vest in four equal installments on January 1, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The time-based share awards granted in February 2014 vest in three equal installments on March 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The performance-based share awards vest based upon our compounded annual book value per share growth percentage during a three -year performance period that commenced on January 1, 2014. The September 2013 performance-based share awards vest on the one -year anniversary of the completion of the performance period, and the February 2014 performance-based share awards vest on March 1, 2017. In February 2015, certain members of senior management were granted nonvested Common Shares under the 2013 Plan that were subject to time-based and performance-based vesting. The time-based share awards granted in February 2015 vest in three equal installments on March 1, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The performance-based share awards granted in February 2015 vest based upon our compounded annual book value per share growth percentage during a three -year performance period that commenced on January 1, 2015 and vest on March 1, 2018. In May 2015, nonvested Common Shares were granted to an employee in connection with an employment agreement that are subject to time-based and performance-based vesting. The time-based share award vests in four equal installments on July 1, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The performance-based share award vests based upon our compounded annual book value per share growth percentage during a three -year performance period that commenced on January 1, 2015 and vests on July 1, 2019. In February 2016, certain members of senior management were granted nonvested common shares under the 2013 Plan that are subject to time-based and performance-based vesting. The time-based share awards granted in February 2016 vest in three equal installments on March 1, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The performance-based share awards granted in February 2016 vest based upon our compounded annual book value per share growth percentage during a three -year performance period that commenced on January 1, 2016 and vest on March 1, 2019. The portion of the nonvested performance-based share awards that will be earned based upon the achievement of compounded annual book value per share growth is as follows: 2016 Performance-Based Grants 2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants Performance level Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Nonvested Common Shares Earned Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Nonvested Common Shares Earned <13 % 0 % <11 % 0 % Threshold 13 % 25 % 11 % 10 % 14 % 50 % 12 % 36 % 15 % 75 % 13 % 61 % 14 % 87 % Maximum ≥16 % 100 % ≥15 % 100 % In the event that the compounded annual book value per share growth falls between the performance levels shown above, the nonvested Common Shares earned will be determined on a straight-line basis between the respective levels shown. In connection with our incentive program covering bonus awards for performance year 2013, in February 2014, time-based share awards and share units were issued to certain employees that vest in three equal installments on January 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017. In connection with our incentive program covering bonus awards for performance year 2014, in February 2015, time-based share awards and share units were issued to certain employees that vest in three equal installments on March 1, 2016, 2017 and 2018. In connection with our incentive program covering bonus awards for performance year 2015, in February 2016, time-based share awards and share units were issued to certain employees that vest in three equal installments on March 1, 2017, 2018 and 2019. In May 2014, time-based share units were issued to non-employee directors that vest one year from the date of grant. The portion of the grant that related to director compensation for the period from our initial public offering through April 2014 vested on November 1, 2014 and the portion of the grant that related to director compensation from May 2014 through April 2015 vested on May 6, 2015. In May 2015, time-based share units were granted to non-employee directors that vested one year from the date of grant. In May 2016, time-based share units were granted to non-employee directors that vest one year from the date of grant. The following tables summarize nonvested Common Share and nonvested Common Share unit activity for the year ended December 31: 2016 Time and Performance- Based Share Awards Time-Based Share Awards Share Units (Shares in thousands) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Share Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 1,294 $ 15.15 890 $ 12.31 544 $ 19.84 Granted 209 17.01 181 17.01 215 18.21 Vested — N/A (461 ) 9.04 (254 ) 19.71 Forfeited — N/A (5 ) 0.23 (12 ) 18.12 Outstanding at end of year 1,503 $ 15.41 605 $ 16.32 493 $ 19.24 2015 Time and Performance- Based Share Awards Time-Based Share Awards Share Units (Shares in thousands) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Share Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 1,290 $ 14.83 1,472 $ 9.04 664 $ 18.32 Granted 50 24.58 109 24.51 129 24.47 Vested — N/A (644 ) 6.67 (239 ) 18.18 Forfeited (46 ) 16.40 (47 ) 15.50 (10 ) 17.89 Outstanding at end of year 1,294 $ 15.15 890 $ 12.31 544 $ 19.84 2014 Time and Performance- Based Share Awards Time-Based Share Awards Share Units (Shares in thousands) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Share Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 1,238 $ 14.50 2,839 $ 4.82 528 $ 17.03 Granted 52 22.68 82 23.47 188 21.95 Vested — N/A (1,434 ) 1.57 (26 ) 19.00 Forfeited — N/A (15 ) 2.70 (26 ) 17.83 Outstanding at end of year 1,290 $ 14.83 1,472 $ 9.04 664 $ 18.32 Quoted market prices are used for the valuation of Common Shares granted subsequent to our initial public offering. For nonvested Common Share units granted in October 2013, the initial public offering price of Common Shares was used. For nonvested Common Shares granted in September 2013, prior to our IPO, the valuation estimate was based on analysis provided by the underwriters regarding the estimated fair value of Essent and the estimated IPO price range. Factors considered in determining the IPO price range and Common Share valuation included prevailing market conditions, estimates of the Company's business potential and earnings prospects, the Company's historical operating results, market valuations of companies deemed comparable to the Company and an assessment of risks and opportunities. The total fair value of nonvested shares or share units that vested was $15.6 million , $22.4 million and $32.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , there was $16.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested shares or share units outstanding at December 31, 2016 and we expect to recognize the expense over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. In January 2017, 290,965 nonvested Common Share units were issued to all vice president and staff level employees and are subject to time-based vesting. In connection with our incentive program covering bonus awards for performance year 2016 , in February 2017 , 90,508 nonvested Common Shares and 70,862 nonvested Common Share units were issued to certain employees and are subject to time-based vesting. In February 2017 , 140,108 nonvested Common Shares were granted to certain members of senior management and are subject to time-based and performance-based vesting. Employees have the option to tender shares to Essent Group to pay the minimum employee statutory withholding taxes associated with shares upon vesting. Common Shares tendered by employees to pay employee withholding taxes totaled 184,583 , 201,553 and 105,317 in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The tendered shares were recorded at cost and included in treasury stock. All treasury stock has been cancelled as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Compensation expense, net of forfeitures, and related tax effects recognized in connection with nonvested shares were as follows for the years ended December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Compensation expense $ 16,881 $ 13,633 $ 12,520 Income tax benefit 5,455 4,378 4,382

Dividends Restrictions

Dividends Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments [Abstract]
Dividend Restrictions	Dividends Restrictions Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries are subject to certain capital and dividend rules and regulations as prescribed by jurisdictions in which they are authorized to operate. Under the insurance laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Essent Guaranty and Essent PA may pay dividends during any 12 -month period in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus or (ii) the preceding year's statutory net income. The Pennsylvania statute also specifies that dividends and other distributions can be paid out of positive unassigned surplus without prior approval. At December 31, 2016 , Essent Guaranty had unassigned surplus of approximately $13.6 million . Essent Guaranty paid no dividends to Essent Group or any intermediate holding companies in the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . Essent PA had unassigned surplus of approximately $8.4 million as of December 31, 2016 . In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014 , Essent PA paid to its parent company, Essent US Holdings, Inc. ("Essent Holdings") a dividend of $3.75 million and $200,000 , respectively. Essent PA did no t pay a dividend in 2015 . Essent PA paid a $5.0 million dividend to Essent Holdings in February 2017 . Essent Re is subject to certain dividend restrictions as prescribed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority and under certain agreements with counterparties. In connection with the quota share reinsurance agreement with Essent Guaranty, Essent Re has agreed to maintain a minimum total equity of $100 million . As of December 31, 2016 , Essent Re had total equity of $401.3 million . At December 31, 2016 , our insurance subsidiaries were in compliance with these rules, regulations and agreements.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes As of December 31, 2016 , the statutory income tax rates of the countries where the Company does business are 35% in the United States and 0.0% in Bermuda. The statutory income tax rate of each country is applied against the taxable income from each country to calculate the income tax expense. Income tax expense consists of the following components for the years ended December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Current $ 31,712 $ 18,910 $ 2,816 Deferred 57,564 52,157 44,614 Total income tax expense $ 89,276 $ 71,067 $ 47,430 For the year ended December 31, 2016 pre-tax income attributable to Bermuda and U.S. operations was $51.6 million and $260.3 million , respectively, as compared to $21.4 million and $207.0 million , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015 . For the year ended December 31, 2014 pre-tax income attributable to Bermuda operations was not significant in comparison to total pre-tax income. Income tax expense is different from that which would be obtained by applying the applicable statutory income tax rates to income before taxes by jurisdiction (i.e. U.S. 35% ; Bermuda 0.0% ). The reconciliation of the difference between income tax expense and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate was as follows for the years ended December 31: ($ in thousands) 2016 % of pretax income 2015 % of pretax income 2014 % of pretax income Tax provision at weighted average statutory rates $ 91,092 29.2 % $ 72,461 31.7 % $ 47,930 35.3 % Non-deductible expenses 378 0.1 381 0.2 398 0.3 Tax exempt interest, net of proration (2,181 ) (0.7 ) (1,741 ) (0.8 ) (961 ) (0.7 ) Other (13 ) 0.0 (34 ) 0.0 63 0.0 Total income tax provision $ 89,276 28.6 % $ 71,067 31.1 % $ 47,430 34.9 % We provide deferred taxes to reflect the estimated future tax effects of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax laws. The net deferred tax liability was comprised of the following at December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets $ 43,291 $ 36,908 Deferred tax liabilities (185,878 ) (124,872 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (142,587 ) $ (87,964 ) The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows at December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Contingency reserves $ (181,031 ) $ (119,896 ) Unearned premium reserve 19,722 17,801 Nonvested shares 8,445 5,842 Fixed assets 4,702 5,879 Deferred policy acquisition costs (4,690 ) (4,035 ) Start-up expenditures, net 3,705 4,158 Unearned ceding commissions 3,568 2,557 Unrealized (gain) loss on investments 2,181 (760 ) Accrued expenses 775 519 Prepaid expenses (157 ) (181 ) Loss reserves 170 126 Organizational expenditures 23 26 Net deferred tax liability $ (142,587 ) $ (87,964 ) As a mortgage guaranty insurer, we are eligible for a tax deduction, subject to certain limitations, under Section 832(e) of the IRC for amounts required by state law or regulation to be set aside in statutory contingency reserves. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that we purchase non-interest-bearing United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds ("T&L Bonds") issued by the Treasury Department in an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from deducting any portion of our statutory contingency reserves. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we had net purchases of T&L Bonds in the amount of $61.9 million and $59.7 million , respectively, and held $181.3 million and $119.4 million of T&L Bonds as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In evaluating our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets, we consider the relevant impact of all available positive and negative evidence including our past operating results and our forecasts of future taxable income. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , after weighing all the evidence, management concluded that it was more likely than not that our deferred tax assets would be realized. Under current Bermuda law, the parent company, Essent Group, and its Bermuda subsidiary, Essent Re, are not required to pay any taxes on income and capital gains. In the event that there is a change such that these taxes are imposed, these companies would be exempted from any such tax until March of 2035 pursuant to the Bermuda Exempt Undertakings Tax Protection Act of 1966, and the Exempt Undertakings Tax Protection Amendment Act of 2011. Essent Holdings and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes imposed by U.S. law and file a U.S. Consolidated Income Tax Return. Each subsidiary has executed a tax sharing agreement with its parent company, which provides that taxes are settled in cash between parent and subsidiary on a quarterly basis based on separate company pro-forma calculations. Should Essent Holdings pay a dividend to its parent company, Essent Irish Intermediate Holdings Limited, withholding taxes at a rate of 5% under the U.S./Ireland tax treaty would likely apply assuming the Company avails itself of Treaty benefits under the U.S./Ireland tax treaty. Absent treaty benefits, the withholding rate on outbound dividends would be 30% . Currently, however, no withholding taxes are accrued with respect to such unremitted earnings as management has no intention of remitting these earnings. Similarly, no foreign income taxes have been provided on the un-remitted earnings of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries as management has neither the intention of remitting these earnings, nor would any Ireland tax be due, as any Irish tax would be expected to be fully offset by credit for taxes paid to the U.S. An estimate of the cumulative amount of U.S. earnings that would be subject to withholding tax, if distributed outside of the U.S., is approximately $550 million . The associated withholding tax liability under the U.S./Ireland tax treaty would be approximately $28 million . Essent is not subject to income taxation other than as stated above. There can be no assurance that there will not be changes in applicable laws, regulations, or treaties which might require Essent to change the way it operates or becomes subject to taxation. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2016 , the U.S. federal income tax returns for the tax years 2009 through 2015 remain subject to examination. The Company has not recorded any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015 .

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The Company is a party to an investment advisory agreement with Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. ("Goldman Sachs"), one of Essent Group's investors. Through the date of our IPO, Goldman Sachs beneficially owned 11.35% of our outstanding shares. Subsequent to the IPO, Goldman Sachs directly held less than 10% of our outstanding shares. Investment expense incurred under the investment advisory agreement totaled $0.8 million , $0.7 million , and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Goldman Sachs is also one of several lenders under our revolving credit facility discussed in Note 7 and was paid an upfront fee of $0.1 million in 2016. Commitment fees and interest expense incurred under the revolving credit facility allocable to Goldman Sachs totaled $0.1 million in 2016. The Company was also a party to underwriting agreements with Goldman Sachs in connection with the IPO and secondary offering of Common Shares. Amounts paid to Goldman Sachs in connection with the underwriting agreements totaled $3.5 million in 2014 .

Earnings per Share (EPS)

Earnings per Share (EPS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share (EPS)	Earnings per Share (EPS) The following table reconciles the net income and the weighted average common shares outstanding used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31: (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 2014 Net income $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Less: Common Shares dividends declared — — — Undistributed net income $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Net income allocable to Common $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Basic earnings per share $ 2.45 $ 1.74 $ 1.05 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.41 $ 1.72 $ 1.03 Basic weighted average Common Shares outstanding 90,913 90,351 83,986 Dilutive effect of nonvested shares 1,332 1,387 1,616 Diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding 92,245 91,738 85,602 There were 96,251 , 78,198 and 141,503 antidilutive shares for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The nonvested performance-based share awards are considered contingently issuable for purposes of the EPS calculation. Based on the compounded annual book value per share growth as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 100% of the performance-based share awards would be issuable under the terms of the arrangements at each date if December 31 was the end of the contingency period.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table shows the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31 : 2016 (In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Balance at beginning of year $ 661 $ (760 ) $ (99 ) Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized holding losses arising during the period (13,156 ) 2,376 (10,780 ) Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) (1,941 ) 565 (1,376 ) Net unrealized losses on investments (15,097 ) 2,941 (12,156 ) Other comprehensive loss (15,097 ) 2,941 (12,156 ) Balance at end of year $ (14,436 ) $ 2,181 $ (12,255 ) 2015 (In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Balance at beginning of year $ 6,712 $ (2,045 ) $ 4,667 Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized holding losses arising during the period (3,216 ) 664 (2,552 ) Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) (2,835 ) 621 (2,214 ) Net unrealized losses on investments (6,051 ) 1,285 (4,766 ) Other comprehensive loss (6,051 ) 1,285 (4,766 ) Balance at end of year $ 661 $ (760 ) $ (99 ) _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) Included in net realized investments gains on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments We carry certain of our financial instruments at fair value. We define fair value as the current amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair Value Hierarchy ASC No. 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. The level within the fair value hierarchy to measure the financial instrument shall be determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: • Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets accessible at the measurement date. • Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets. Inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. • Level 3—Valuations derived from one or more significant inputs that are unobservable. Determination of Fair Value When available, we generally use quoted market prices to determine fair value and classify the financial instrument in Level 1. In cases where quoted market prices for similar financial instruments are available, we utilize these inputs for valuation techniques and classify the financial instrument in Level 2. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows, present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and estimates of future cash flows and we classify the financial instrument in Level 3. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial instruments: • Investments available for sale—Investments available for sale are valued using quoted market prices in active markets, when available, and those investments are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 investments available for sale include investments such as U.S. Treasury securities and money market funds. Investments available for sale are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy if quoted market prices are not available and fair values are estimated using quoted prices of similar securities or recently executed transactions for the securities. U.S. agency securities, U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, municipal debt securities, corporate debt securities, residential and commercial mortgage securities and asset-backed securities are classified as Level 2 investments. We use independent pricing sources to determine the fair value of securities available for sale in Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We use one primary pricing service to provide individual security pricing based on observable market data and receive one quote per security. To ensure securities are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy, we review the pricing techniques and methodologies of the independent pricing service and believe that their policies adequately consider market activity, either based on specific transactions for the issue valued or based on modeling of securities with similar credit quality, duration, yield and structure that were recently traded. U.S. agency securities, U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, municipal and corporate debt securities are valued by our primary vendor using recently executed transactions and proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, yield curves and credit risk. Residential and commercial mortgage securities and asset-backed securities are valued by our primary vendor using proprietary models based on observable inputs, such as interest rate spreads, prepayment speeds and credit risk. As part of our evaluation of investment prices provided by our primary pricing service, we obtained and reviewed their pricing methodologies which include a description of how each security type is evaluated and priced. We review the reasonableness of prices received from our primary pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from additional pricing sources. We have not made any adjustments to the prices obtained from our primary pricing service. • Derivative liabilities—Through June 30, 2016, certain of our Freddie Mac ACIS contracts were accounted for as derivatives. In determining an exit market, we considered the fact that there is not a principal market for these contracts. In the absence of a principal market, we valued these ACIS contracts in a hypothetical market where market participants, and potential counterparties, included other mortgage guaranty insurers or reinsurers with similar credit quality to us. We believed that in the absence of a principal market, this hypothetical market provided the most relevant information with respect to fair value estimates. These ACIS contracts were classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, these contracts were amended and are now accounted for as insurance contracts rather than as derivatives. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company had no derivative instruments. Through June 30, 2016, we determined the fair value of our derivative instruments primarily using internally-generated models. We utilized market observable inputs, such as the performance of the underlying pool of mortgages, mortgage prepayment speeds and pricing spreads on the reference STACR notes issued by Freddie Mac, whenever they were available. There was a high degree of uncertainty about our fair value estimates since our contracts were not traded or exchanged, which made external validation and corroboration of our estimates difficult. Considerable judgment was required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates may not have been indicative of amounts we could have realized in a market exchange or negotiated termination. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies may have had a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value All assets measured at fair value are categorized in the table below based upon the lowest level of significant input to the valuations. All fair value measurements at the reporting date were on a recurring basis. December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Recurring fair value measurements Financial Assets: U.S. Treasury securities $ 191,548 $ — $ — $ 191,548 U.S. agency securities — 18,441 — 18,441 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 316,494 — 316,494 Municipal debt securities — 334,324 — 334,324 Corporate debt securities — 456,357 — 456,357 Residential and commercial mortgage securities — 68,336 — 68,336 Asset-backed securities — 127,172 — 127,172 Money market funds 102,430 — — 102,430 Total assets at fair value $ 293,978 $ 1,321,124 $ — $ 1,615,102 Financial Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ — $ — $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ — $ — $ — December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Recurring fair value measurements Financial Assets: U.S. Treasury securities $ 177,607 $ — $ — $ 177,607 U.S. agency securities — 13,782 — 13,782 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 159,602 — 159,602 Municipal debt securities — 279,828 — 279,828 Corporate debt securities — 396,732 — 396,732 Residential and commercial mortgage securities — 55,356 — 55,356 Asset-backed securities — 126,629 — 126,629 Money market funds 67,098 — — 67,098 Total assets at fair value $ 244,705 $ 1,031,929 $ — $ 1,276,634 Financial Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,232 $ 1,232 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ — $ 1,232 $ 1,232 Changes in Level 3 Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following table presents changes during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and the net realized and unrealized losses (gains) related to the Level 3 liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we had no Level 3 assets. Year Ended (In thousands) 2016 2015 Level 3 Liabilities Fair value of derivative liabilities at beginning of period $ 1,232 $ 661 Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) included in income (1,934 ) (1,092 ) Other comprehensive (income) loss — — Purchases, sales, issues and settlements, net 702 1,663 Gross transfers in — — Gross transfers out — — Fair value of derivative liabilities at end of period $ — $ 1,232 Changes in net unrealized losses (gains) included in income on instruments held at end of period $ (1,934 ) $ (1,092 ) The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used in our recurring Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2015 : December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Weighted Average Derivative Liabilities $ 1,232 Discounted cash flows Constant prepayment rate 10.60 % Default rate 0.50 % Reference STACR credit spread 3.93 % The significant unobservable inputs used for derivative liabilities are constant prepayment rates ("CPR") and default rates on the reference pool of mortgages and the credit spreads on the reference STACR notes. An increase in the CPR, default rate or reference STACR credit spread will increase the fair value of the liability.

Statutory Accounting

Statutory Accounting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting	Statutory Accounting Our U.S. insurance subsidiaries prepare statutory-basis financial statements in accordance with the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by their respective state’s department of insurance, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than GAAP. We did not use any prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices (individually or in the aggregate) that resulted in reported statutory surplus or capital that was significantly different from the statutory surplus or capital that would have been reported had National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ statutory accounting practices been followed. The following table presents Essent Guaranty’s and Essent PA’s statutory net income, statutory surplus and contingency reserve liability as of and for the years ended December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Essent Guaranty Statutory net income $ 215,951 $ 172,688 $ 118,204 Statutory surplus 578,887 522,172 465,226 Contingency reserve liability 480,829 315,058 179,221 Essent PA Statutory net income $ 12,978 $ 15,200 $ 13,299 Statutory surplus 47,387 47,139 42,672 Contingency reserve liability 36,401 27,502 16,909 Net income determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices differs from GAAP. In 2016 and 2015 , the more significant differences between net income determined under statutory accounting practices and GAAP for Essent Guaranty and Essent PA relate to policy acquisition costs and income taxes. Under statutory accounting practices, policy acquisition costs are expensed as incurred while such costs are capitalized and amortized to expense over the life of the policy under GAAP. As discussed in Note 12 , we are eligible for a tax deduction, subject to certain limitations for amounts required by state law or regulation to be set aside in statutory contingency reserves when we purchase T&L Bonds. Under statutory accounting practices, this deduction reduces the tax provision recorded by Essent Guaranty and Essent PA and, as a result, increases statutory net income and surplus as compared to net income and equity determined in accordance with GAAP. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the statutory capital of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which is defined as the total of statutory surplus and contingency reserves, was in excess of the statutory capital necessary to satisfy their regulatory requirements. Effective December 31, 2015, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, at the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, implemented new coordinated Private Mortgage Insurer Eligibility Requirements, which we refer to as the "PMIERs." The PMIERs represent the standards by which private mortgage insurers are eligible to provide mortgage insurance on loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The PMIERs include financial strength requirements incorporating a risk-based framework that require approved insurers to have a sufficient level of liquid assets from which to pay claims. The PMIERs also include enhanced operational performance expectations and define remedial actions that apply should an approved insurer fail to comply with these requirements. As of December 31, 2016 , Essent Guaranty, our GSE-approved mortgage insurance company, was in compliance with the PMIERs. Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles No. 58 , Mortgage Guaranty Insurance, requires mortgage insurers to establish a special contingency reserve for statutory accounting purposes included in total liabilities equal to 50% of earned premium for that year. During 2016 , Essent Guaranty increased its contingency reserve by $165.8 million and Essent PA increased its contingency reserve by $8.9 million . This reserve is required to be maintained for a period of 120 months to protect against the effects of adverse economic cycles. After 120 months , the reserve is released to unassigned funds. In the event an insurer’s loss ratio in any calendar year exceeds 35% , however, the insurer may, after regulatory approval, release from its contingency reserves an amount equal to the excess portion of such losses. Essent Guaranty and Essent PA did not release any amounts from their contingency reserves in 2016 , 2015 or 2014 . Under The Insurance Act 1978, as amended, and related regulations of Bermuda (the "Insurance Act"), Essent Re is required to annually prepare statutory financial statements and a statutory financial return in accordance with the financial reporting provisions of the Insurance Act, which is a basis other than GAAP. The Insurance Act also requires that Essent Re maintain minimum share capital of $1 million and must ensure that the value of its general business assets exceeds the amount of its general business liabilities by an amount greater than the prescribed minimum solvency margins and enhanced capital requirement pertaining to its general business. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , all such requirements were met. Essent Re's statutory capital and surplus was $390.9 million and $213.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and statutory net income was $53.8 million and $26.7 million , respectively. Statutory capital and surplus and net income determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices differs from GAAP. The more significant differences from GAAP for Essent Re relate to policy acquisition costs and accounting for insurance and certain reinsurance policies issued in connection with the ACIS program. Under statutory accounting practices, policy acquisition costs are charged to expense when the related premiums are written while such costs are capitalized and amortized to expense over the life of the policy under GAAP. Under statutory accounting practices, the insurance and reinsurance policies issued in connection with the ACIS program are accounted for as insurance with premium received recorded as premiums earned. Through June 30, 2016, the insurance and certain reinsurance policies for the ACIS program were accounted for as derivatives under GAAP with the fair value of these policies reported as an asset or liability and changes in the fair value of these policies reported in earnings as a component of other income. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, these contracts were amended and are now accounted for as insurance contracts rather than derivatives. See Note 16 .

Capital Maintenance Agreement

Capital Maintenance Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance Ratios [Abstract]
Capital Maintenance Agreement	Capital Maintenance Agreement Essent Guaranty has a capital maintenance agreement with Essent PA under which Essent Guaranty agreed to contribute funds, under specified conditions, to maintain Essent PA's risk-to-capital ratio at or below 25.0 to 1 in return for a surplus note. As of December 31, 2016 , Essent PA's risk-to-capital ratio was 6.8 :1 and there were no amounts outstanding related to this agreement.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following table summarizes the unaudited results of operations for each quarter of 2016 and 2015 . We have prepared the consolidated quarterly information on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial information reflects all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) required for a fair presentation of the financial information for the quarters presented. This information should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and the related notes. The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Net premiums earned $ 116,792 $ 110,801 $ 100,711 $ 94,403 Other revenues 9,581 10,453 7,454 8,063 Provision for losses and LAE 3,865 4,965 2,964 3,731 Other underwriting and operating expenses 35,206 32,848 31,409 31,388 Income before income taxes 87,302 83,441 73,792 67,347 Net income 62,686 59,711 52,258 47,951 Basic earnings per Common Share $ 0.69 $ 0.66 $ 0.57 $ 0.53 Diluted earnings per Common Share $ 0.68 $ 0.65 $ 0.57 $ 0.52 Basic weighted average Common Shares outstanding 90,991 90,961 90,912 90,785 Diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding 92,577 92,399 92,138 91,859 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Net premiums earned $ 89,378 $ 83,694 $ 78,361 $ 75,038 Other revenues 8,098 8,042 5,706 4,973 Provision for losses and LAE 4,199 3,393 2,314 1,999 Other underwriting and operating expenses 29,627 28,714 27,148 27,498 Income before income taxes 63,650 59,629 54,605 50,514 Net income 44,479 40,821 37,193 34,838 Basic earnings per Common Share $ 0.49 $ 0.45 $ 0.41 $ 0.39 Diluted earnings per Common Share $ 0.48 $ 0.44 $ 0.41 $ 0.38 Basic weighted average Common Shares outstanding 90,454 90,418 90,344 90,185 Diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding 91,918 91,841 91,674 91,514

Schedule I-Summary of Investmen

Schedule I-Summary of Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I-Summary of Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties	Schedule I—Summary of Investments—Other Than Investments in Related Parties December 31, 2016 Type of Investment (In thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet Fixed maturities: Bonds: United States Government and government agencies and authorities $ 509,507 $ 496,565 $ 496,565 States, municipalities and political subdivisions 334,048 334,324 334,324 Residential and commercial mortgage securities 68,430 68,336 68,336 Asset-backed securities 127,359 127,172 127,172 All other corporate bonds 457,842 456,357 456,357 Total fixed maturities 1,497,186 1,482,754 1,482,754 Short-term investments 132,352 132,348 132,348 Total investments $ 1,629,538 $ 1,615,102 $ 1,615,102

Schedule II-Condensed Financial

Schedule II-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Balance Sheets Parent Company Only December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 Assets Investments Fixed maturities $ 10,004 $ 36,549 Short-term investments 32,036 25,511 Total investments 42,040 62,060 Cash 4,521 8,541 Due from affiliates 1,750 1,021 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 1,393,720 1,047,114 Other assets 2,452 866 Total Assets $ 1,444,483 $ 1,119,602 Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities Revolving credit facility borrowings $ 100,000 $ — Other accrued liabilities 710 361 Total liabilities 100,710 361 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Common shares 1,397 1,390 Additional paid-in capital 918,296 904,221 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (12,255 ) (99 ) Retained earnings 436,335 213,729 Total stockholders' equity 1,343,773 1,119,241 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,444,483 $ 1,119,602 See accompanying supplementary notes to Parent Company condensed financial information and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Parent Company Only Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Revenues: Net investment income $ 284 $ 421 $ 1,019 Realized investment gains (losses), net 111 (181 ) 218 Administrative service fees from subsidiaries 473 437 1,020 Total revenues 868 677 2,257 Expenses: Administrative service fees to subsidiaries 1,760 1,762 826 Other operating expenses 5,258 3,554 4,085 Total expenses 7,018 5,316 4,911 Loss before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income in subsidiaries (6,150 ) (4,639 ) (2,654 ) Loss before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries (6,150 ) (4,639 ) (2,654 ) Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries 228,756 161,970 91,151 Net income $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Other comprehensive income (loss): Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($2,941) in 2016, ($1,285) in 2015 and $2,825 in 2014 (12,156 ) (4,766 ) 6,114 Total other comprehensive (loss) income (12,156 ) (4,766 ) 6,114 Comprehensive income $ 210,450 $ 152,565 $ 94,611 See accompanying supplementary notes to Parent Company condensed financial information and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Parent Company Only Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Operating Activities Net income $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Equity in net income of subsidiaries (228,756 ) (161,970 ) (91,151 ) (Gain) loss on the sale of investments, net (111 ) 181 (218 ) Stock-based compensation expense 880 880 1,076 Amortization of premium on investment securities 169 399 502 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (1,083 ) (2,420 ) (1,809 ) Changes in assets and liabilities: Other assets 121 (40 ) (358 ) Other accrued liabilities 17,433 15,153 13,252 Net cash provided by operating activities 11,259 9,514 9,791 Investing Activities Net change in short-term investments (6,525 ) 91,119 (114,628 ) Investments in subsidiaries (130,101 ) (61,328 ) (255,155 ) Purchase of investments available for sale — (130,461 ) (95,128 ) Proceeds from maturity of investments available for sale 10,000 — — Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale 16,582 94,429 93,650 Net cash used in investing activities (110,044 ) (6,241 ) (371,261 ) Financing Activities Revolving credit facility borrowings 100,000 — — Treasury stock acquired (4,024 ) (5,168 ) (2,498 ) Payment of issuance costs for revolving credit facility (2,436 ) — — Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 1,083 2,420 1,809 Issuance of common shares net of costs — (537 ) 126,441 Other financing activities 142 53 — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 94,765 (3,232 ) 125,752 Net (decrease) increase in cash (4,020 ) 41 (235,718 ) Cash at beginning of year 8,541 8,500 244,218 Cash at end of year $ 4,521 $ 8,541 $ 8,500 See accompanying supplementary notes to Parent Company condensed financial information and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Essent Group Ltd. and Subsidiaries Schedule II—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Parent Company Only Supplementary Notes Note A The accompanying Parent Company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared on the same basis and using the same accounting policies as described in the consolidated financial statements included herein, except that the Parent Company uses the equity-method of accounting for its majority-owned subsidiaries. Note B Under the insurance laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the insurance subsidiaries may pay dividends during any 12 -month period in an amount equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus or (ii) the preceding year's statutory net income. The Pennsylvania statute also requires that dividends and other distributions be paid out of positive unassigned surplus without prior approval. As of December 31, 2016 , Essent Guaranty had unassigned surplus of approximately $13.6 million . Essent PA had unassigned surplus of approximately $8.4 million as of December 31, 2016 . Essent PA paid a $5.0 million dividend to Essent Holdings in February 2017 . During the three years ending December 31, 2016 , the Parent Company did no t receive any dividends from its subsidiaries.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investments Available for Sale	Investments Available for Sale Investments available for sale include securities that we sell from time to time to provide liquidity and in response to changes in the market. Debt and equity securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses on these securities reported in other comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes. See Note 16 for a description of the valuation methods for investments available for sale. We monitor our fixed maturities for unrealized losses that appear to be other-than-temporary. A fixed maturity security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired when the security's fair value is less than its amortized cost basis and 1) we intend to sell the security, 2) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security's amortized cost basis, or 3) we believe we will be unable to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security (i.e., a credit loss has occurred). When we determine that a credit loss has been incurred, but we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security's amortized cost basis, the portion of the other-than-temporary impairment that is credit related is recorded as a realized loss in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, and the portion of the other-than-temporary impairment that is not credit related is included in other comprehensive income. For those fixed maturities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, we adjust the amortized cost basis of the security and record a realized loss in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We recognize purchase premiums and discounts in interest income using the interest method over the term of the securities. Gains and losses on the sales of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Short-term investments are defined as short-term, highly liquid investments, both readily convertible to cash and having maturities at acquisition of twelve months or less.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Estimated useful lives are 5 years for furniture and fixtures and 2 to 3 years for equipment, computer hardware and purchased software. Certain costs associated with the acquisition or development of internal-use software are capitalized. Once the software is ready for its intended use, these costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software's expected useful life, which is generally 3 years .
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs We defer certain personnel costs and premium tax expense directly related to the successful acquisition of new insurance policies and amortize these costs over the period the related estimated gross profits are recognized in order to match costs and revenues. We do not defer any underwriting costs associated with our contract underwriting services. Costs related to the acquisition of mortgage insurance business are initially deferred and reported as deferred policy acquisition costs. Consistent with industry accounting practice, amortization of these costs for each underwriting year book of business is recognized in proportion to estimated gross profits. Estimated gross profits are composed of earned premium, interest income, losses and loss adjustment expenses. The deferred costs are adjusted as appropriate for policy cancellations to be consistent with our revenue recognition policy. We estimate the rate of amortization to reflect actual experience and any changes to persistency or loss development. Deferred policy acquisition costs are reviewed periodically to determine that they do not exceed recoverable amounts, after considering investment income.
Insurance Premium Revenue Recognition	Insurance Premium Revenue Recognition Mortgage guaranty insurance policies are contracts that are generally non-cancelable by the insurer, are renewable at a fixed price, and provide for payment of premium on a monthly, annual or single basis. Upon renewal, we are not able to re-underwrite or re-price our policies. Consistent with industry accounting practices, premiums written on a monthly basis are earned as coverage is provided. Monthly policies accounted for 81% of earned premium in 2016 . Premiums written on an annual basis are amortized on a pro rata basis over the year of coverage. Primary mortgage insurance written on policies covering more than one year are referred to as single premium policies. A portion of the revenue from single premium policies is recognized in earned premium in the current period, and the remaining portion is deferred as unearned premium and earned over the expected life of the policy. If single premium policies related to insured loans are cancelled due to repayment by the borrower, and the premium is non-refundable, then the remaining unearned premium related to each cancelled policy is recognized as earned premium upon notification of the cancellation. The Company recorded $36.9 million and $21.8 million of earned premium related to policy cancellations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unearned premium represents the portion of premium written that is applicable to the estimated unexpired risk of insured loans. Rates used to determine the earning of single premium policies are estimates based on an analysis of the expiration of risk. A significant portion of our premium revenue relates to master policies with certain lending institutions. For the year ended December 31, 2016 one lender represented 12% of our total revenue. The loss of this customer could have a significant impact on our revenues and results of operations.
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses We establish reserves for losses based on our best estimate of ultimate claim costs for defaulted loans using the general principles contained in ASC No. 944, in accordance with industry practice. However, consistent with industry standards for mortgage insurers, we do not establish loss reserves for future claims on insured loans which are not currently in default. Loans are classified as in default when the borrower has missed two consecutive payments. Once we are notified that a borrower has defaulted, we will consider internal and third-party information and models, including the status of the loan as reported by its servicer and the type of loan product to determine the likelihood that a default will reach claim status. In addition, we will project the amount that we will pay if a default becomes a claim (referred to as "claim severity"). Based on this information, at each reporting date we determine our best estimate of loss reserves at a given point in time. Included in loss reserves are reserves for incurred but not reported ("IBNR") claims. IBNR reserves represent our estimated unpaid losses on loans that are in default, but have not yet been reported to us as delinquent by our customers. We will also establish reserves for associated loss adjustment expenses, consisting of the estimated cost of the claims administration process, including legal and other fees and expenses associated with administering the claims process. Establishing reserves is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Our estimates of claim rates and claim sizes will be strongly influenced by prevailing economic conditions, such as the overall state of the economy, current rates or trends in unemployment, changes in housing values and/or interest rates, and our best judgments as to the future values or trends of these macroeconomic factors. Losses incurred are also generally affected by the characteristics of our insured loans, such as the loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, the percentage of coverage on the insured loan and the credit quality of the borrower.
Premium Deficiency Reserve	Premium Deficiency Reserve We are required to establish a premium deficiency reserve if the net present value of the expected future losses and expenses for a particular group of policies exceeds the net present value of expected future premium, anticipated investment income and existing reserves for that specified group of policies. We reassess our expectations for premium, losses and expenses of our mortgage insurance business periodically and update our premium deficiency analysis accordingly. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we concluded that no premium deficiency reserve was required to be recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments Through June 30, 2016, insurance and certain reinsurance policies issued by Essent Re in connection with Freddie Mac's Agency Credit Insurance Structure ("ACIS") program were accounted for as derivatives under GAAP with the fair value of these policies reported as an asset or liability and changes in the fair value of these policies reported in earnings as a component of other income. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, these contracts were amended and are now accounted for as insurance contracts rather than as derivatives. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company had no derivative instruments.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments at the grant date of the award using a fair value based method. Prior to our initial public offering, we estimated the fair value of each nonvested share grant on the date of grant based on management's best estimate using methods further described in Note 10 of our consolidated financial statements. Subsequent to our initial public offering, fair value is determined on the date of grant based on quoted market prices. We recognize compensation expense on nonvested shares over the vesting period of the award.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the asset and liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, we determine the net deferred tax asset or liability based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various assets and liabilities and give current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Changes in tax laws, rates, regulations and policies, or the final determination of tax audits or examinations, could materially affect our tax estimates. We evaluate the realizability of the deferred tax asset and recognize a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of all available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of the deferred tax asset, we consider estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, carryback and carryforward periods, tax planning strategies available, and the general and industry specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires management to forecast changes in the mortgage market, as well as the related impact on mortgage insurance, and the competitive and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in the estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if applicable, are included in income tax expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. ASC No. 740 provides a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. In accordance with ASC No. 740, before a tax benefit can be recognized, a tax position is evaluated using a threshold that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. When evaluating the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, ASC No. 740 provides that a company should presume the tax position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As described in Note 12 , we purchase non-interest-bearing United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds ("T&L Bonds") issued by the Treasury Department. These assets are carried at cost and are reported as prepaid federal income tax on the consolidated balance sheets. It is our policy to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per common share amounts are calculated based on income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share amounts are calculated based on income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Potential common shares, composed of the incremental common shares issuable upon vesting of unvested common shares, are included in the earnings per share calculation to the extent that they are dilutive.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . This update is intended to provide a consistent approach in recognizing revenue. In accordance with the new standard, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In July 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date for this update to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In December 2016, the FASB clarified that all contracts that are within the scope of Topic 944, Financial Services-Insurance , are excluded from the scope of ASU 2014-09. Accordingly, this update will not impact the recognition of revenue related to insurance premiums or investments, which represent a significant portion of our total revenues. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated operating results or financial position. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (Topic 944) . The amendments in this update require insurance entities to disclose certain information about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The additional information required is focused on improvements in disclosures regarding insurance liabilities, including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows related to those liabilities and the effect of those cash flows on the statement of comprehensive income. The disclosures required by this update are included in Note 6 . In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . This update will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The new guidance will also require additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company expects a gross-up of its consolidated balance sheets as a result of recognizing lease liabilities and right of use assets. The Company is still evaluating the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718) . This update is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and treated as discrete items in the reporting period. In addition, excess tax benefits are required to be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. Further, the new guidance allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur rather than on an estimated basis. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017 and recorded a charge of $0.1 million to retained earnings as of that date representing a cumulative-effect adjustment associated with our election to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The classification of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense may result in net income volatility in reporting periods subsequent to 2016. Through December 31, 2016, excess tax benefits have been recognized in additional paid-in-capital. The amount of excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies in future periods will vary based on the market value of the Company’s common stock at the vesting dates of nonvested common share and nonvested common share units. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326) . This update is intended to provide financial statement users with more information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this ASU replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new guidance requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected through the use of an allowance for credit losses. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance rather than as a write-down of the amortized cost of the securities. The provisions of this update are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. While the Company is still evaluating this ASU, we do not expect it to impact our accounting for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") as these items are not within the scope of this ASU.

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of balances by type of long-lived assets	The balances by type were as follows at December 31: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Cost Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization Cost Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization Furniture and fixtures $ 2,042 $ (1,298 ) $ 1,904 $ (1,005 ) Office equipment 625 (513 ) 600 (345 ) Computer hardware 5,700 (4,260 ) 4,526 (3,254 ) Purchased software 35,148 (33,304 ) 34,155 (31,825 ) Costs of internal-use software 7,140 (6,075 ) 6,479 (5,298 ) Leasehold improvements 4,007 (1,093 ) 3,836 (752 ) Total $ 54,662 $ (46,543 ) $ 51,500 $ (42,479 )

Investments Available for Sale

Investments Available for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of investments available for sale	Investments available for sale consist of the following : December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities $ 195,990 $ 55 $ (4,497 ) $ 191,548 U.S. agency securities 18,785 — (344 ) 18,441 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 324,654 335 (8,495 ) 316,494 Municipal debt securities(1) 334,048 3,649 (3,373 ) 334,324 Corporate debt securities(2) 457,842 2,343 (3,828 ) 456,357 Residential and commercial mortgage securities 68,430 488 (582 ) 68,336 Asset-backed securities 127,359 260 (447 ) 127,172 Money market funds 102,430 — — 102,430 Total investments available for sale $ 1,629,538 $ 7,130 $ (21,566 ) $ 1,615,102 December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities $ 178,460 $ 235 $ (1,088 ) $ 177,607 U.S. agency securities 13,955 5 (178 ) 13,782 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 160,181 474 (1,053 ) 159,602 Municipal debt securities(1) 272,733 7,357 (262 ) 279,828 Corporate debt securities(2) 399,246 1,338 (3,852 ) 396,732 Residential and commercial mortgage securities 56,380 97 (1,121 ) 55,356 Asset-backed securities 127,919 29 (1,319 ) 126,629 Money market funds 67,098 — — 67,098 Total investments available for sale $ 1,275,972 $ 9,535 $ (8,873 ) $ 1,276,634 _______________________________________________________________________________ December 31, December 31, (1) The following table summarizes municipal debt securities as of : 2016 2015 Special revenue bonds 63.6 % 70.4 % General obligation bonds 29.7 24.5 Certificate of participation bonds 4.9 4.0 Tax allocation bonds 1.1 1.1 Special tax bonds 0.7 — Total 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31, December 31, (2) The following table summarizes corporate debt securities as of : 2016 2015 Financial 40.6 % 44.9 % Consumer, non-cyclical 18.6 14.8 Energy 9.3 9.0 Consumer, cyclical 6.3 6.2 Utilities 6.0 5.0 Communications 6.0 7.1 Industrial 5.6 5.2 Technology 4.3 3.8 Basic materials 3.3 4.0 Total 100.0 % 100.0 %
Schedule of amortized cost and fair value of investments available for sale by contractual maturity	The amortized cost and fair value of investments available for sale at December 31, 2016 , by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Because most U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities, residential and commercial mortgage securities and asset-backed securities provide for periodic payments throughout their lives, they are listed below in separate categories . (In thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value U.S. Treasury securities: Due in 1 year $ 44,516 $ 44,519 Due after 1 but within 5 years 31,380 31,075 Due after 5 but within 10 years 106,366 102,835 Due after 10 years 13,728 13,119 Subtotal 195,990 191,548 U.S. agency securities: Due in 1 year — — Due after 1 but within 5 years 18,785 18,441 Subtotal 18,785 18,441 Municipal debt securities: Due in 1 year 4,475 4,478 Due after 1 but within 5 years 110,649 109,988 Due after 5 but within 10 years 130,963 132,079 Due after 10 years 87,961 87,779 Subtotal 334,048 334,324 Corporate debt securities: Due in 1 year 42,229 42,209 Due after 1 but within 5 years 252,946 252,684 Due after 5 but within 10 years 157,582 156,512 Due after 10 years 5,085 4,952 Subtotal 457,842 456,357 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 324,654 316,494 Residential and commercial mortgage securities 68,430 68,336 Asset-backed securities 127,359 127,172 Money market funds 102,430 102,430 Total investments available for sale $ 1,629,538 $ 1,615,102
Schedule of realized gross gains and losses on sale of investments available for sale	Gross gains and losses realized on the sale of investments available for sale were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Realized gross gains $ 2,822 $ 3,908 $ 1,368 Realized gross losses 788 1,073 443
Schedule of fair value of investments in an unrealized loss position and related unrealized losses	The fair value of investments in an unrealized loss position and the related unrealized losses were as follows : Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury securities $ 160,018 $ (4,497 ) $ — $ — $ 160,018 $ (4,497 ) U.S. agency securities 18,441 (344 ) — — 18,441 (344 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 289,282 (8,402 ) 1,812 (93 ) 291,094 (8,495 ) Municipal debt securities 149,368 (3,351 ) 6,015 (22 ) 155,383 (3,373 ) Corporate debt securities 213,965 (3,704 ) 8,344 (124 ) 222,309 (3,828 ) Residential and commercial mortgage securities 18,026 (434 ) 14,014 (148 ) 32,040 (582 ) Asset-backed securities 28,294 (57 ) 47,597 (390 ) 75,891 (447 ) Total $ 877,394 $ (20,789 ) $ 77,782 $ (777 ) $ 955,176 $ (21,566 ) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Fair Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross U.S. Treasury securities $ 110,699 $ (1,088 ) $ — $ — $ 110,699 $ (1,088 ) U.S. agency securities 11,362 (178 ) — — 11,362 (178 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 101,465 (915 ) 3,683 (138 ) 105,148 (1,053 ) Municipal debt securities 47,850 (255 ) 1,254 (7 ) 49,104 (262 ) Corporate debt securities 252,792 (3,447 ) 9,404 (405 ) 262,196 (3,852 ) Residential and commercial mortgage securities 23,360 (458 ) 26,075 (663 ) 49,435 (1,121 ) Asset-backed securities 86,431 (871 ) 26,364 (448 ) 112,795 (1,319 ) Total $ 633,959 $ (7,212 ) $ 66,780 $ (1,661 ) $ 700,739 $ (8,873 )
Schedule of net investment income	Net investment income consists of: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Fixed maturities $ 29,865 $ 21,693 $ 13,356 Short-term investments 142 63 56 Gross investment income 30,007 21,756 13,412 Investment expenses (2,117 ) (1,871 ) (1,127 ) Net investment income $ 27,890 $ 19,885 $ 12,285

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of accounts receivable	Accounts receivable consists of the following at December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Premiums receivable $ 21,265 $ 16,034 Other receivables 367 603 Total accounts receivable 21,632 16,637 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts — — Accounts receivable, net $ 21,632 $ 16,637

Reserve for Losses and Loss A34

Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE)	The following table summarizes incurred loss and allocated loss adjustment expense development, IBNR plus expected development on reported defaults and the cumulative number of reported defaults. The information about incurred loss development for the years ended December 31, 2010 to 2015 is presented as supplementary information. ($ in thousands) Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31, As of December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 Unaudited 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults (1) 2010 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — 2011 57 — — — — — — 1 2012 1,523 858 814 781 748 6 19 2013 2,986 2,461 2,008 1,997 16 52 2014 6,877 4,312 3,323 60 104 2015 14,956 9,625 416 300 2016 21,889 1,434 1,559 Total $ 37,582 (1) Cumulative number of reported defaults includes cumulative paid claims plus loans in default by accident year as of December 31, 2016. The following table summarizes cumulative paid losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance. The information about paid loss development for the years ended December 31, 2010 through 2015 is presented as supplementary information. ($ in thousands) Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 Unaudited 2011 Unaudited 2012 Unaudited 2013 Unaudited 2014 Unaudited 2015 Unaudited 2016 2010 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — 2011 — — — — — — 2012 24 535 659 665 665 2013 239 928 1,501 1,775 2014 138 1,587 2,463 2015 544 3,610 2016 927 Total $ 9,440 All outstanding liabilities before 2010, net of reinsurance — Reserve for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance $ 28,142 For our mortgage insurance portfolio, our average annual payout of losses as of December 31, 2016 is as follows: Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Losses and Allocated LAE by Year Year 1 2 3 4 5 Average Payout 6 % 45 % 24 % 7 % 0 % The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") for the years ended December 31: ($ in thousands) 2016 2015 Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of year $ 17,760 $ 8,427 Less: Reinsurance recoverables — — Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of year 17,760 8,427 Add provision for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in: Current year 21,889 14,956 Prior years (6,364 ) (3,051 ) Net incurred losses during the current year 15,525 11,905 Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in: Current year 927 544 Prior years 4,216 2,028 Net loss and LAE payments during the current year 5,143 2,572 Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of year 28,142 17,760 Plus: Reinsurance recoverables — — Reserve for losses and LAE at end of year $ 28,142 $ 17,760 Loans in default at end of year 1,757 1,028

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum lease payments of all non-cancelable operating leases	The future minimum lease payments of non-cancelable operating leases are as follows at December 31, 2016 : Year Ended December 31 (In thousands) 2017 $ 2,356 2018 2,414 2019 2,468 2020 2,427 2021 2,483 2022 and thereafter 6,881 Total minimum payments required $ 19,029

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of portion of nonvested Common Shares earned based upon achievement of compounded annual book value per share growth	The portion of the nonvested performance-based share awards that will be earned based upon the achievement of compounded annual book value per share growth is as follows: 2016 Performance-Based Grants 2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants Performance level Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Nonvested Common Shares Earned Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Nonvested Common Shares Earned <13 % 0 % <11 % 0 % Threshold 13 % 25 % 11 % 10 % 14 % 50 % 12 % 36 % 15 % 75 % 13 % 61 % 14 % 87 % Maximum ≥16 % 100 % ≥15 % 100 %
Summary of nonvested Common Share and nonvested Common Share unit activity	The following tables summarize nonvested Common Share and nonvested Common Share unit activity for the year ended December 31: 2016 Time and Performance- Based Share Awards Time-Based Share Awards Share Units (Shares in thousands) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Share Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 1,294 $ 15.15 890 $ 12.31 544 $ 19.84 Granted 209 17.01 181 17.01 215 18.21 Vested — N/A (461 ) 9.04 (254 ) 19.71 Forfeited — N/A (5 ) 0.23 (12 ) 18.12 Outstanding at end of year 1,503 $ 15.41 605 $ 16.32 493 $ 19.24 2015 Time and Performance- Based Share Awards Time-Based Share Awards Share Units (Shares in thousands) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Share Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 1,290 $ 14.83 1,472 $ 9.04 664 $ 18.32 Granted 50 24.58 109 24.51 129 24.47 Vested — N/A (644 ) 6.67 (239 ) 18.18 Forfeited (46 ) 16.40 (47 ) 15.50 (10 ) 17.89 Outstanding at end of year 1,294 $ 15.15 890 $ 12.31 544 $ 19.84 2014 Time and Performance- Based Share Awards Time-Based Share Awards Share Units (Shares in thousands) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Share Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 1,238 $ 14.50 2,839 $ 4.82 528 $ 17.03 Granted 52 22.68 82 23.47 188 21.95 Vested — N/A (1,434 ) 1.57 (26 ) 19.00 Forfeited — N/A (15 ) 2.70 (26 ) 17.83 Outstanding at end of year 1,290 $ 14.83 1,472 $ 9.04 664 $ 18.32
Schedule of compensation expense, net of forfeitures, and related tax effects recognized in connection with nonvested shares	Compensation expense, net of forfeitures, and related tax effects recognized in connection with nonvested shares were as follows for the years ended December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Compensation expense $ 16,881 $ 13,633 $ 12,520 Income tax benefit 5,455 4,378 4,382

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of income tax expense	Income tax expense consists of the following components for the years ended December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Current $ 31,712 $ 18,910 $ 2,816 Deferred 57,564 52,157 44,614 Total income tax expense $ 89,276 $ 71,067 $ 47,430
Schedule of reconciliation of difference between income tax expense and expected tax provision at weighted average tax rate	The reconciliation of the difference between income tax expense and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate was as follows for the years ended December 31: ($ in thousands) 2016 % of pretax income 2015 % of pretax income 2014 % of pretax income Tax provision at weighted average statutory rates $ 91,092 29.2 % $ 72,461 31.7 % $ 47,930 35.3 % Non-deductible expenses 378 0.1 381 0.2 398 0.3 Tax exempt interest, net of proration (2,181 ) (0.7 ) (1,741 ) (0.8 ) (961 ) (0.7 ) Other (13 ) 0.0 (34 ) 0.0 63 0.0 Total income tax provision $ 89,276 28.6 % $ 71,067 31.1 % $ 47,430 34.9 %
Schedule of net deferred tax (liability) asset and components	The net deferred tax liability was comprised of the following at December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets $ 43,291 $ 36,908 Deferred tax liabilities (185,878 ) (124,872 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (142,587 ) $ (87,964 ) The components of the net deferred tax liability were as follows at December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 Contingency reserves $ (181,031 ) $ (119,896 ) Unearned premium reserve 19,722 17,801 Nonvested shares 8,445 5,842 Fixed assets 4,702 5,879 Deferred policy acquisition costs (4,690 ) (4,035 ) Start-up expenditures, net 3,705 4,158 Unearned ceding commissions 3,568 2,557 Unrealized (gain) loss on investments 2,181 (760 ) Accrued expenses 775 519 Prepaid expenses (157 ) (181 ) Loss reserves 170 126 Organizational expenditures 23 26 Net deferred tax liability $ (142,587 ) $ (87,964 )

Earnings per Share (EPS) (Table

Earnings per Share (EPS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of reconciliation of net income and weighted average common shares outstanding used in computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share	The following table reconciles the net income and the weighted average common shares outstanding used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31: (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 2014 Net income $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Less: Common Shares dividends declared — — — Undistributed net income $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Net income allocable to Common $ 222,606 $ 157,331 $ 88,497 Basic earnings per share $ 2.45 $ 1.74 $ 1.05 Diluted earnings per share $ 2.41 $ 1.72 $ 1.03 Basic weighted average Common Shares outstanding 90,913 90,351 83,986 Dilutive effect of nonvested shares 1,332 1,387 1,616 Diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding 92,245 91,738 85,602

Accumulated Other Comprehensi39

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table shows the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31 : 2016 (In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Balance at beginning of year $ 661 $ (760 ) $ (99 ) Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized holding losses arising during the period (13,156 ) 2,376 (10,780 ) Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) (1,941 ) 565 (1,376 ) Net unrealized losses on investments (15,097 ) 2,941 (12,156 ) Other comprehensive loss (15,097 ) 2,941 (12,156 ) Balance at end of year $ (14,436 ) $ 2,181 $ (12,255 ) 2015 (In thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Balance at beginning of year $ 6,712 $ (2,045 ) $ 4,667 Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized holding losses arising during the period (3,216 ) 664 (2,552 ) Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) (2,835 ) 621 (2,214 ) Net unrealized losses on investments (6,051 ) 1,285 (4,766 ) Other comprehensive loss (6,051 ) 1,285 (4,766 ) Balance at end of year $ 661 $ (760 ) $ (99 ) _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) Included in net realized investments gains on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Fair Value of Financial Instr40

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair vale on a recurring basis	All fair value measurements at the reporting date were on a recurring basis. December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Recurring fair value measurements Financial Assets: U.S. Treasury securities $ 191,548 $ — $ — $ 191,548 U.S. agency securities — 18,441 — 18,441 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 316,494 — 316,494 Municipal debt securities — 334,324 — 334,324 Corporate debt securities — 456,357 — 456,357 Residential and commercial mortgage securities — 68,336 — 68,336 Asset-backed securities — 127,172 — 127,172 Money market funds 102,430 — — 102,430 Total assets at fair value $ 293,978 $ 1,321,124 $ — $ 1,615,102 Financial Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ — $ — $ — Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ — $ — $ — December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Recurring fair value measurements Financial Assets: U.S. Treasury securities $ 177,607 $ — $ — $ 177,607 U.S. agency securities — 13,782 — 13,782 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 159,602 — 159,602 Municipal debt securities — 279,828 — 279,828 Corporate debt securities — 396,732 — 396,732 Residential and commercial mortgage securities — 55,356 — 55,356 Asset-backed securities — 126,629 — 126,629 Money market funds 67,098 — — 67,098 Total assets at fair value $ 244,705 $ 1,031,929 $ — $ 1,276,634 Financial Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,232 $ 1,232 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ — $ 1,232 $ 1,232
Schedule of changes during period in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and realized and unrealized losses (gains) related to Level 3 liabilities	The following table presents changes during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and the net realized and unrealized losses (gains) related to the Level 3 liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we had no Level 3 assets. Year Ended (In thousands) 2016 2015 Level 3 Liabilities Fair value of derivative liabilities at beginning of period $ 1,232 $ 661 Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) included in income (1,934 ) (1,092 ) Other comprehensive (income) loss — — Purchases, sales, issues and settlements, net 702 1,663 Gross transfers in — — Gross transfers out — — Fair value of derivative liabilities at end of period $ — $ 1,232 Changes in net unrealized losses (gains) included in income on instruments held at end of period $ (1,934 ) $ (1,092 )
Summary of significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements	The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used in our recurring Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2015 : December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands) Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Weighted Average Derivative Liabilities $ 1,232 Discounted cash flows Constant prepayment rate 10.60 % Default rate 0.50 % Reference STACR credit spread 3.93 %

Statutory Accounting (Tables)

Statutory Accounting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of statutory net income, statutory surplus and contingency reserve liability	The following table presents Essent Guaranty’s and Essent PA’s statutory net income, statutory surplus and contingency reserve liability as of and for the years ended December 31: (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Essent Guaranty Statutory net income $ 215,951 $ 172,688 $ 118,204 Statutory surplus 578,887 522,172 465,226 Contingency reserve liability 480,829 315,058 179,221 Essent PA Statutory net income $ 12,978 $ 15,200 $ 13,299 Statutory surplus 47,387 47,139 42,672 Contingency reserve liability 36,401 27,502 16,909

Quarterly Financial Data (Una42

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations	The following table summarizes the unaudited results of operations for each quarter of 2016 and 2015 . We have prepared the consolidated quarterly information on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial information reflects all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) required for a fair presentation of the financial information for the quarters presented. This information should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and the related notes. The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Net premiums earned $ 116,792 $ 110,801 $ 100,711 $ 94,403 Other revenues 9,581 10,453 7,454 8,063 Provision for losses and LAE 3,865 4,965 2,964 3,731 Other underwriting and operating expenses 35,206 32,848 31,409 31,388 Income before income taxes 87,302 83,441 73,792 67,347 Net income 62,686 59,711 52,258 47,951 Basic earnings per Common Share $ 0.69 $ 0.66 $ 0.57 $ 0.53 Diluted earnings per Common Share $ 0.68 $ 0.65 $ 0.57 $ 0.52 Basic weighted average Common Shares outstanding 90,991 90,961 90,912 90,785 Diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding 92,577 92,399 92,138 91,859 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Net premiums earned $ 89,378 $ 83,694 $ 78,361 $ 75,038 Other revenues 8,098 8,042 5,706 4,973 Provision for losses and LAE 4,199 3,393 2,314 1,999 Other underwriting and operating expenses 29,627 28,714 27,148 27,498 Income before income taxes 63,650 59,629 54,605 50,514 Net income 44,479 40,821 37,193 34,838 Basic earnings per Common Share $ 0.49 $ 0.45 $ 0.41 $ 0.39 Diluted earnings per Common Share $ 0.48 $ 0.44 $ 0.41 $ 0.38 Basic weighted average Common Shares outstanding 90,454 90,418 90,344 90,185 Diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding 91,918 91,841 91,674 91,514

Nature of Operations and Basi43

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016state
Essent Guaranty
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Number of states in which the entity is licensed to write mortgage insurance	50
Essent Guaranty | Essent Re | Quota share reinsurance
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Reinsurance percentage	25.00%
Essent Guaranty | Essent PA | Reinsurance for mortgage insurance coverage in excess of 25%
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Reinsurance for mortgage insurance coverage threshold (as a percent)	25.00%
Maximum
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Residential mortgage down payment percentage for which mortgage insurance is generally required (percent) (less than)	20.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun44

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-Lived Assets
Cost	$ 54,662	$ 51,500
Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization	$ (46,543)	(42,479)
Furniture and fixtures
Long-Lived Assets
Estimated useful lives (in years)	5 years
Cost	$ 2,042	1,904
Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization	$ (1,298)	(1,005)
Equipment, computer hardware and purchased software | Minimum
Long-Lived Assets
Estimated useful lives (in years)	2 years
Equipment, computer hardware and purchased software | Maximum
Long-Lived Assets
Estimated useful lives (in years)	3 years
Office equipment
Long-Lived Assets
Cost	$ 625	600
Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization	(513)	(345)
Computer hardware
Long-Lived Assets
Cost	5,700	4,526
Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization	(4,260)	(3,254)
Purchased software
Long-Lived Assets
Cost	35,148	34,155
Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization	$ (33,304)	(31,825)
Costs of internal-use software
Long-Lived Assets
Estimated useful lives (in years)	3 years
Cost	$ 7,140	6,479
Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization	(6,075)	(5,298)
Leasehold improvements
Long-Lived Assets
Cost	4,007	3,836
Accumulated Depreciation/ Amortization	$ (1,093)	$ (752)

Summary of Significant Accoun45

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs deferred	$ 7.7	$ 6.6	$ 6.6
Other underwriting and operating expenses
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 5.8	$ 4.7	$ 3.2

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance Premium Revenue Recognition
Earned premiums from mortgage guaranty insurance monthly policies as a percentage of total earned premiums (percent)	81.00%
Threshold coverage period for single premium primary mortgage insurance policies (in years)	1 year
Unearned single premium recognized as earned upon notice of policy cancellation due to repayment of insured loan by borrower	$ 36.9	$ 21.8
Total revenue | Customer concentration | One lender
Customer concentration
Concentration risk, percentage	12.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)payment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Number of consecutive missed loan payments by borrower for classification of insured loan as in default | payment	2
Premium Deficiency Reserve
Premium deficiency reserve | $	$ 0	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accoun48

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)
Subsequent event | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption	$ 0.1

Investments Available for Sal49

Investments Available for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	$ 1,629,538	$ 1,275,972
Unrealized Gains	7,130	9,535
Unrealized Losses	(21,566)	(8,873)
Total investments	1,615,102	1,276,634
U.S. Treasury securities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	195,990	178,460
Unrealized Gains	55	235
Unrealized Losses	(4,497)	(1,088)
Total investments	191,548	177,607
U.S. agency securities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	18,785	13,955
Unrealized Gains	0	5
Unrealized Losses	(344)	(178)
Total investments	18,441	13,782
Municipal debt securities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	334,048	272,733
Unrealized Gains	3,649	7,357
Unrealized Losses	(3,373)	(262)
Total investments	334,324	279,828
Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	457,842	399,246
Unrealized Gains	2,343	1,338
Unrealized Losses	(3,828)	(3,852)
Total investments	456,357	396,732
Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	68,430	56,380
Unrealized Gains	488	97
Unrealized Losses	(582)	(1,121)
Total investments	68,336	55,356
Asset-backed securities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	127,359	127,919
Unrealized Gains	260	29
Unrealized Losses	(447)	(1,319)
Total investments	127,172	126,629
Money market funds
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	102,430	67,098
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total investments	102,430	67,098
U.S. Agency | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Investments available for sale
Amortized Cost	324,654	160,181
Unrealized Gains	335	474
Unrealized Losses	(8,495)	(1,053)
Total investments	$ 316,494	$ 159,602

Investments Available for Sal50

Investments Available for Sale (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Municipal debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	100.00%	100.00%
Financial | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	40.60%	44.90%
Consumer, non-cyclical | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	18.60%	14.80%
Energy | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	9.30%	9.00%
Consumer, cyclical | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	6.30%	6.20%
Utilities | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	6.00%	5.00%
Communications | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	6.00%	7.10%
Industrial | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	5.60%	5.20%
Technology | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	4.30%	3.80%
Basic materials | Corporate debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	3.30%	4.00%
Special revenue bonds | Municipal debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	63.60%	70.40%
General obligation bonds | Municipal debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	29.70%	24.50%
Certificate of participation bonds | Municipal debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	4.90%	4.00%
Tax allocation bonds | Municipal debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	1.10%	1.10%
Special tax bonds | Municipal debt securities
Investments available for sale
Percentage of debt securities	0.70%	0.00%

Investments Available for Sal51

Investments Available for Sale (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortized Cost
Total amortized investment	$ 1,629,538	$ 1,275,972
Fair Value
Total investments	1,615,102	1,276,634
U.S. Treasury securities
Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year	44,516
Due after 1 but within 5 years	31,380
Due after 5 but within 10 years	106,366
Due after 10 years	13,728
Subtotal	195,990
Total amortized investment	195,990	178,460
Fair Value
Due in 1 year	44,519
Due after 1 but within 5 years	31,075
Due after 5 but within 10 years	102,835
Due after 10 years	13,119
Subtotal	191,548
Total investments	191,548	177,607
U.S. agency securities
Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year	0
Due after 1 but within 5 years	18,785
Subtotal	18,785
Total amortized investment	18,785	13,955
Fair Value
Due in 1 year	0
Due after 1 but within 5 years	18,441
Subtotal	18,441
Total investments	18,441	13,782
Municipal debt securities
Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year	4,475
Due after 1 but within 5 years	110,649
Due after 5 but within 10 years	130,963
Due after 10 years	87,961
Subtotal	334,048
Total amortized investment	334,048	272,733
Fair Value
Due in 1 year	4,478
Due after 1 but within 5 years	109,988
Due after 5 but within 10 years	132,079
Due after 10 years	87,779
Subtotal	334,324
Total investments	334,324	279,828
Corporate debt securities
Amortized Cost
Due in 1 year	42,229
Due after 1 but within 5 years	252,946
Due after 5 but within 10 years	157,582
Due after 10 years	5,085
Subtotal	457,842
Total amortized investment	457,842	399,246
Fair Value
Due in 1 year	42,209
Due after 1 but within 5 years	252,684
Due after 5 but within 10 years	156,512
Due after 10 years	4,952
Subtotal	456,357
Total investments	456,357	396,732
Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Amortized Cost
Total amortized investment	68,430	56,380
Fair Value
Total investments	68,336	55,356
Asset-backed securities
Amortized Cost
Total amortized investment	127,359	127,919
Fair Value
Total investments	127,172	126,629
Money market funds
Amortized Cost
Total amortized investment	102,430	67,098
Fair Value
Total investments	102,430	67,098
U.S. Agency | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Amortized Cost
Total amortized investment	324,654	160,181
Fair Value
Total investments	$ 316,494	$ 159,602

Investments Available for Sal52

Investments Available for Sale (Details 4) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Realized gross gains and losses on the sale of investments available for sale
Realized gross gains	$ 2,822,000	$ 3,908,000	$ 1,368,000
Realized gross losses	788,000	1,073,000	443,000
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	877,394,000	633,959,000
12 months or more	77,782,000	66,780,000
Total	955,176,000	700,739,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(20,789,000)	(7,212,000)
12 months or more	(777,000)	(1,661,000)
Total	(21,566,000)	(8,873,000)
Other information
Other-than-temporary impairments	100,000	300,000	$ 0
Fair value of investments deposited with insurance regulatory authorities	8,500,000	8,500,000
U.S. Treasury securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	160,018,000	110,699,000
12 months or more	0	0
Total	160,018,000	110,699,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(4,497,000)	(1,088,000)
12 months or more	0	0
Total	(4,497,000)	(1,088,000)
Municipal debt securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	149,368,000	47,850,000
12 months or more	6,015,000	1,254,000
Total	155,383,000	49,104,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(3,351,000)	(255,000)
12 months or more	(22,000)	(7,000)
Total	(3,373,000)	(262,000)
Corporate debt securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	213,965,000	252,792,000
12 months or more	8,344,000	9,404,000
Total	222,309,000	262,196,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(3,704,000)	(3,447,000)
12 months or more	(124,000)	(405,000)
Total	(3,828,000)	(3,852,000)
Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	18,026,000	23,360,000
12 months or more	14,014,000	26,075,000
Total	32,040,000	49,435,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(434,000)	(458,000)
12 months or more	(148,000)	(663,000)
Total	(582,000)	(1,121,000)
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	28,294,000	86,431,000
12 months or more	47,597,000	26,364,000
Total	75,891,000	112,795,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(57,000)	(871,000)
12 months or more	(390,000)	(448,000)
Total	(447,000)	(1,319,000)
Essent Re
Other information
Fair value of the required investments on deposit in trusts	349,600,000	194,500,000
U.S. Agency | U.S. agency securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	18,441,000	11,362,000
12 months or more	0	0
Total	18,441,000	11,362,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(344,000)	(178,000)
12 months or more	0	0
Total	(344,000)	(178,000)
U.S. Agency | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value
Less than 12 months	289,282,000	101,465,000
12 months or more	1,812,000	3,683,000
Total	291,094,000	105,148,000
Gross Unrealized Losses
Less than 12 months	(8,402,000)	(915,000)
12 months or more	(93,000)	(138,000)
Total	$ (8,495,000)	$ (1,053,000)

Investments Available for Sal53

Investments Available for Sale (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Components of net investment income
Gross investment income	$ 30,007	$ 21,756	$ 13,412
Investment expenses	(2,117)	(1,871)	(1,127)
Net investment income	27,890	19,885	12,285
Fixed maturities
Components of net investment income
Gross investment income	29,865	21,693	13,356
Short-term investments
Components of net investment income
Gross investment income	$ 142	$ 63	$ 56

Accounts Receivable (Details)

Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable
Premiums receivable	$ 21,265,000	$ 16,034,000
Other receivables	367,000	603,000
Total accounts receivable	21,632,000	16,637,000
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	21,632,000	16,637,000
Provision for doubtful accounts	$ 0	$ 0
Premiums receivable
Accounts Receivable
Threshold period unpaid for write-off of mortgage insurance premiums	90 days

Triad Transaction (Details)

Triad Transaction (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 01, 2009
Triad Transaction
Payments made	$ 0	$ 0	$ 5,000,000
Services Agreement | Triad | Other income
Services agreement
Fees earned under Services Agreement	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,800,000	2,300,000
Essent Guaranty | Triad Assets
Triad Transaction
Contingent payments				$ 15,000,000
Essent Guaranty | Triad Assets | Fixed payment purchase price obligation
Triad Transaction
Payment obligation				$ 15,000,000
Essent Guaranty | Triad Assets | Contingent payment purchase price obligation
Triad Transaction
Payments made			$ 5,000,000

Reserve for Losses and Loss A56

Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)loan
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE)
Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of year	$ 17,760	$ 8,427
Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of year	17,760	8,427
Add provision for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in:
Current year	21,889	14,956
Prior years	(6,364)	(3,051)
Net incurred losses during the current year	15,525	11,905
Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in:
Current year	927	544
Prior years	4,216	2,028
Net loss and LAE payments during the current year	5,143	2,572
Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of year	28,142	17,760
Reserve for losses and LAE at end of year	$ 28,142	$ 17,760
Loans in default at end of year | loan	1,757	1,028
Reserve for losses and LAE, for prior years	$ 7,200	$ 3,300

Reserve for Losses and Loss A57

Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Schedule of incurred loss and allocated loss adjustment expense development (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)default_loan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Reserve for losses and LAE	$ 28,142	$ 17,760	$ 8,427
Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	37,582
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	9,440
All outstanding liabilities before 2010, net of reinsurance	0
Reserve for losses and LAE	28,142
2010 | Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	0	0	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults | default_loan	0
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	$ 0
2011 | Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	0	0	0	0	0	57
Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults | default_loan	1
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	$ 0	0	0	0	0	$ 0
2012 | Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	748	781	814	858	1,523
Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults	$ 6
Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults | default_loan	19
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	$ 665	665	659	535	$ 24
2013 | Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	1,997	2,008	2,461	2,986
Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults	$ 16
Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults | default_loan	52
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	$ 1,775	1,501	928	$ 239
2014 | Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	3,323	4,312	6,877
Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults	$ 60
Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults | default_loan	104
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	$ 2,463	1,587	$ 138
2015 | Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	9,625	14,956
Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults	$ 416
Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults | default_loan	300
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	$ 3,610	$ 544
2016 | Property Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Incurred Loss and Allocated LAE, For the Years Ended December 31,	21,889
Total of IBNR plus Expected Development on Reported Defaults	$ 1,434
Cumulative Number of Reported Defaults | default_loan	1,559
Cumulative Paid Losses and Allocated LAE For the Years Ended December 31,	$ 927

Reserve for Losses and Loss A58

Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Schedule of average payout (Details) - Property Insurance Product Line	Dec. 31, 2016
Average Payout per Year
1	6.00%
2	45.00%
3	24.00%
4	7.00%
5	0.00%

Debt Obligations (Details)

Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 19, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility borrowings		$ 100,000,000	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, term	3 years
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$ 200,000,000
Line of credit, commitment fee rate	0.35%
Revolving credit facility borrowings		$ 100,000,000
Weighted average interest rate during period		2.73%

Commitments and Contingencies60

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Indemnifications related to contract underwriting services
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount paid for remedies	$ 129,669	$ 25,829

Commitments and Contingencies61

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 1,900	$ 1,900	$ 1,600
Future minimum lease payments of all non-cancelable operating leases
2,017	2,356
2,018	2,414
2,019	2,468
2,020	2,427
2,021	2,483
2022 and thereafter	6,881
Total minimum payments required	19,029
Minimum sublease rental income, due in 2016	$ 100

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016voteshares	Dec. 31, 2015shares
Capital Stock
Authorized share capital (in shares) | shares		233,333,000	233,333,000
Number of votes per share | vote		1
Shareholder ownership threshold for voting rights (as a percent)		9.50%
Minimum number of votes per share for other shareholders under 9.5% shareholder provision | vote		1
Maximum number of votes per share for certain shareholders under 9.5% shareholder provision | vote		1
Public offering
Capital Stock
Shares issued (in shares) | shares	6,000,000
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.25
Shares sold by selling shareholders (in shares) | shares	7,800,000
Net proceeds from sale of stock | $	$ 126.7

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Feb. 15, 2017

Jan. 31, 2017

May 31, 2016

Feb. 29, 2016

May 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Stock-based compensation

Shares tendered by employees to pay employee withholding taxes

184,583

201,553

105,317

Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Total fair value of shares vested

$ 15.6

$ 22.4

$ 32.7

Total unrecognized compensation expense

$ 16

Expected weighted average period for recognition of expense

1 year 7 months 6 days

Nonvested share units

Stock-based compensation

Granted (in shares)

215,000

129,000

188,000

Granted (in dollars per share)

$ 18.21

$ 24.47

$ 21.95

Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Granted (in shares)

181,000

109,000

82,000

Granted (in dollars per share)

$ 17.01

$ 24.51

$ 23.47

2013 Plan

Stock-based compensation

Shares authorized (in shares)

14,700,000

Increase in number of authorized shares on the first date of each fiscal year (in shares)

1,500,000

Increase in number of authorized shares on the first day of each fiscal year, as a percentage of outstanding Common Shares (as a percent)

2.00%

Number of share available for future grant (in shares)

14,100,000

2013 Plan | Incentive Share Options

Stock-based compensation

Shares authorized (in shares)

14,700,000

2013 Plan | Vesting Based On Performance | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Performance period

3 years

First Anniversary Of Completion Of Performance Period Vesting | 2013 Plan | Vesting Based On Performance | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting period

1 year

Employee | Vesting Based On Performance | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Performance period

3 years

Employee | Vesting period one | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

25.00%

Employee | Vesting period two | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

25.00%

Employee | Vesting period three | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

25.00%

Employee | Vesting period four | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

25.00%

Director | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested share units | Maximum

Stock-based compensation

Vesting period

1 year

1 year

1 year

Certain Senior Management | 2013 Plan | Vesting Based On Performance | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Performance period

3 years

3 years

Certain Senior Management | Vesting period one | 2013 Plan | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

25.00%

Certain Senior Management | Vesting period two | 2013 Plan | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

25.00%

Certain Senior Management | Vesting period three | 2013 Plan | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

25.00%

Certain Senior Management | Vesting period four | 2013 Plan | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

25.00%

Incentive Program Bonus Award Fiscal Year Performance | Employee | Vesting period one | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

Incentive Program Bonus Award Fiscal Year Performance | Employee | Vesting period one | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested share units

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

Incentive Program Bonus Award Fiscal Year Performance | Employee | Vesting period two | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

Incentive Program Bonus Award Fiscal Year Performance | Employee | Vesting period two | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested share units

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

Incentive Program Bonus Award Fiscal Year Performance | Employee | Vesting period three | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

Incentive Program Bonus Award Fiscal Year Performance | Employee | Vesting period three | Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested share units

Stock-based compensation

Vesting (as a percent)

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

Subsequent event | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Granted (in shares)

90,508

290,965

Subsequent event | Certain Employees | Nonvested share units

Stock-based compensation

Granted (in shares)

70,862

Subsequent event | Certain Senior Management | Nonvested shares

Stock-based compensation

Granted (in shares)

140,108

Stock-Based Compensation (Det64

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - Nonvested shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
2016 Performance-Based Grants | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 13%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	13.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	25.00%
2016 Performance-Based Grants | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 14 %
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	14.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	50.00%
2016 Performance-Based Grants | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 15%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	15.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	75.00%
2016 Performance-Based Grants | Maximum | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 13%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	13.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	0.00%
2016 Performance-Based Grants | Minimum | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 16 %
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	16.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	100.00%
2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 11%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	11.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	10.00%
2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 12%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	12.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	36.00%
2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 13%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	13.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	61.00%
2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 14 %
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	14.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	87.00%
2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants | Maximum | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 11%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	11.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	0.00%
2013, 2014 and 2015 Performance-Based Grants | Minimum | Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 15%
Stock-based compensation
Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth	15.00%
Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as percent)	100.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Det65

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Nonvested share units
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	544	664	528
Granted (in shares)	215	129	188
Vested (in shares)	(254)	(239)	(26)
Forfeited (in shares)	(12)	(10)	(26)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	493	544	664
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 19.84	$ 18.32	$ 17.03
Granted (in dollars per share)	18.21	24.47	21.95
Vested (in dollars per share)	19.71	18.18	19
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	18.12	17.89	17.83
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.24	$ 19.84	$ 18.32
Time and Performance- Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	1,294	1,290	1,238
Granted (in shares)	209	50	52
Vested (in shares)	0	0	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0	(46)	0
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	1,503	1,294	1,290
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 15.15	$ 14.83	$ 14.50
Granted (in dollars per share)	17.01	24.58	22.68
Forfeited (in dollars per share)		16.40
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.41	$ 15.15	$ 14.83
Time-Based Share Awards | Nonvested shares
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	890	1,472	2,839
Granted (in shares)	181	109	82
Vested (in shares)	(461)	(644)	(1,434)
Forfeited (in shares)	(5)	(47)	(15)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	605	890	1,472
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 12.31	$ 9.04	$ 4.82
Granted (in dollars per share)	17.01	24.51	23.47
Vested (in dollars per share)	9.04	6.67	1.57
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0.23	15.50	2.70
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 16.32	$ 12.31	$ 9.04

Stock-Based Compensation (Det66

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Compensation expense	$ 16,881	$ 13,633	$ 12,520
Income tax benefit	$ 5,455	$ 4,378	$ 4,382

Dividends Restrictions (Details

Dividends Restrictions (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 15, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Essent Guaranty And Essent PA
Dividends Restrictions
Dividend payment ability, period of payment of dividends (in months)		12 months
Dividend payment ability, as a percentage of preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus		10.00%
Essent Guaranty
Dividends Restrictions
Unassigned surplus		$ 13,600,000
Dividends paid to parent company		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Essent PA
Dividends Restrictions
Dividend payment ability, period of payment of dividends (in months)		12 months
Dividend payment ability, as a percentage of preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus		10.00%
Unassigned surplus		$ 8,400,000
Dividends paid to parent company		$ 3,750,000	$ 0	$ 200,000
Subsequent event | Essent PA
Dividends Restrictions
Dividends paid to parent company	$ 5,000,000

Dividends Restrictions (Detai68

Dividends Restrictions (Details 2) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity
Total equity	$ 1,343,773,000	$ 1,119,241,000	$ 955,738,000	$ 722,141,000
Essent Re
Equity
Total equity	401,300,000
Essent Re | Minimum | Essent Guaranty | Quota share reinsurance
Equity
Total equity	$ 100,000,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Statutory rate (as a percent)									35.00%
Income before income taxes	$ 87,302	$ 83,441	$ 73,792	$ 67,347	$ 63,650	$ 59,629	$ 54,605	$ 50,514	$ 311,882	$ 228,398	$ 135,927
Components of income tax expense
Current									31,712	18,910	2,816
Deferred									57,564	52,157	44,614
Income tax expense									89,276	71,067	47,430
Reconciliation of the difference between income tax expense and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate
Tax provision at weighted average statutory rates									91,092	72,461	47,930
Non-deductible expenses									378	381	398
Tax exempt interest, net of proration									(2,181)	(1,741)	(961)
Other									(13)	(34)	63
Income tax expense									$ 89,276	$ 71,067	$ 47,430
% of pretax income
Tax provision (benefit) at weighted average statutory rates (as a percent)									29.20%	31.70%	35.30%
Non-deductible expenses (as a percent)									0.10%	0.20%	0.30%
Tax exempt interest, net of proration (as a percent)									(0.70%)	(0.80%)	(0.70%)
Other (as a percent)									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Total income tax expense (as a percent)									28.60%	31.10%	34.90%
Bermuda | Bermuda
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Statutory rate (as a percent)									0.00%
Office of the Tax Commissioner, Bermuda | Bermuda
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									$ 51,600	$ 21,400
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | U.S.
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income before income taxes									$ 260,300	$ 207,000

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net deferred tax asset
Deferred tax assets	$ 43,291	$ 36,908
Deferred tax liabilities	(185,878)	(124,872)
Net deferred tax liability	(142,587)	(87,964)
Components of the net deferred tax asset
Contingency reserves	(181,031)	(119,896)
Unearned premium reserve	19,722	17,801
Nonvested shares	8,445	5,842
Fixed assets	4,702	5,879
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(4,690)	(4,035)
Start-up expenditures, net	3,705	4,158
Unearned ceding commissions	3,568	2,557
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments	2,181	(760)
Accrued expenses	775	519
Prepaid expenses	(157)	(181)
Loss reserves	170	126
Organizational expenditures	23	26
Net deferred tax liability	$ (142,587)	$ (87,964)

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net purchases of T&L Bonds	$ 61,860	$ 59,739	$ 51,673
T&L Bonds held as of end of year	$ 181,272	$ 119,412

Income Taxes (Details 4)

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0
Liability for uncertain tax positions	0	$ 0
Essent Irish Intermediate | Essent Holdings
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Withholding taxes accrued with respect to un-remitted earnings	0
Subsidiaries | U.S.
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Taxes provided on un-remitted earnings	0
Cumulative amount of earnings that would be subject to withholding tax, if distributed outside of the U.S.	$ 550,000,000
United States Ireland Tax Treaty Benefits Availed | Essent Irish Intermediate | Essent Holdings
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Withholding tax rate on dividends paid (as a percent)	5.00%
United States Ireland Tax Treaty Benefits Availed | Subsidiaries | U.S.
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Associated withholding tax liability on cumulative amount of earnings that would be subject to withholding tax, if distributed outside of the U.S.	$ 28,000,000
Absent Benefits Of United States Ireland Tax Treaty | Essent Irish Intermediate | Essent Holdings
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Withholding tax rate on dividends paid (as a percent)	30.00%

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Investor - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Goldman Sachs | Underwriting agreements
Related Party Transactions
Amounts paid			$ 3.5
Goldman Sachs | Essent Group
Related Party Transactions
Percentage of outstanding shares held by investor				11.35%
Goldman Sachs | Essent Group | Maximum
Related Party Transactions
Percentage of outstanding shares held by investor				10.00%
Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P. | Investment advisory agreement
Related Party Transactions
Expense incurred	$ 0.8	$ 0.7	$ 0.5
Revolving Credit Facility | Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P.
Related Party Transactions
Commitment fees and interest incurred	0.1
Debt issuance costs, gross	$ 0.1

Earnings per Share (EPS) (Detai

Earnings per Share (EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 62,686	$ 59,711	$ 52,258	$ 47,951	$ 44,479	$ 40,821	$ 37,193	$ 34,838	$ 222,606	$ 157,331	$ 88,497
Net income allocable to Common									$ 222,606	$ 157,331	$ 88,497
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.69	$ 0.66	$ 0.57	$ 0.53	$ 0.49	$ 0.45	$ 0.41	$ 0.39	$ 2.45	$ 1.74	$ 1.05
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.68	$ 0.65	$ 0.57	$ 0.52	$ 0.48	$ 0.44	$ 0.41	$ 0.38	$ 2.41	$ 1.72	$ 1.03
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	90,991	90,961	90,912	90,785	90,454	90,418	90,344	90,185	90,913	90,351	83,986
Dilutive effect of nonvested shares (in shares)									1,332	1,387	1,616
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	92,577	92,399	92,138	91,859	91,918	91,841	91,674	91,514	92,245	91,738	85,602

Earnings per Share (EPS) (Det75

Earnings per Share (EPS) (Details 2) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingently issuable awards
Antidilutive nonvested shares	96,251	78,198	141,503
Performance-based share awards
Contingently issuable awards
Percentage of award issuable if current period end were end of contingency period	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Accumulated Other Comprehensi76

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive loss, before tax	$ (15,097)	$ (6,051)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive loss, tax (expense) benefit	2,941	1,285
Net of Tax
Stockholders equity, beginning of period	1,119,241	955,738
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(12,156)	(4,766)
Stockholders equity, end of period	1,343,773	1,119,241
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Before Tax
AOCI before tax, beginning of period	661	6,712
Other comprehensive income (loss):
AOCI before tax, end of period	(14,436)	661
Tax Effect
AOCI tax effect, beginning of period	(760)	(2,045)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
AOCI tax effect, end of period	2,181	(760)
Net of Tax
Stockholders equity, beginning of period	(99)	4,667
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Stockholders equity, end of period	(12,255)	(99)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period, before tax	(13,156)	(3,216)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	(1,941)	(2,835)
Other comprehensive loss, before tax	(15,097)	(6,051)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period, tax (expense) benefit	2,376	664
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	565	621
Other comprehensive loss, tax (expense) benefit	2,941	1,285
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period, net of tax	(10,780)	(2,552)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	(1,376)	(2,214)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$ (12,156)	$ (4,766)

Fair Value of Financial Instr77

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	$ 1,615,102,000	$ 1,276,634,000
U.S. Treasury securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	191,548,000	177,607,000
U.S. agency securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	18,441,000	13,782,000
Municipal debt securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	334,324,000	279,828,000
Corporate debt securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	456,357,000	396,732,000
Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	68,336,000	55,356,000
Asset-backed securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	127,172,000	126,629,000
Money market funds
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	102,430,000	67,098,000
U.S. Agency | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	316,494,000	159,602,000
Recurring basis
Fair value of financial instruments
Total assets at fair value	1,615,102,000	1,276,634,000
Derivative liabilities	0	1,232,000
Total liabilities at fair value	0	1,232,000
Recurring basis | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	191,548,000	177,607,000
Recurring basis | U.S. agency securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	18,441,000	13,782,000
Recurring basis | Municipal debt securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	334,324,000	279,828,000
Recurring basis | Corporate debt securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	456,357,000	396,732,000
Recurring basis | Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	68,336,000	55,356,000
Recurring basis | Asset-backed securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	127,172,000	126,629,000
Recurring basis | Money market funds
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	102,430,000	67,098,000
Recurring basis | U.S. Agency | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	316,494,000	159,602,000
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)
Fair value of financial instruments
Total assets at fair value	293,978,000	244,705,000
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | U.S. Treasury securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	191,548,000	177,607,000
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | Money market funds
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	102,430,000	67,098,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair value of financial instruments
Total assets at fair value	1,321,124,000	1,031,929,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. agency securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	18,441,000	13,782,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Municipal debt securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	334,324,000	279,828,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate debt securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	456,357,000	396,732,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	68,336,000	55,356,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Asset-backed securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	127,172,000	126,629,000
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Agency | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Fair value of financial instruments
Total investments	316,494,000	159,602,000
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair value of financial instruments
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0	1,232,000
Total liabilities at fair value	$ 0	$ 1,232,000

Fair Value of Financial Instr78

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of derivative liabilities at beginning of period	$ 1,232	$ 661
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) included in income	(1,934)	(1,092)
Purchases, sales, issues and settlements, net	702	1,663
Fair value of derivative liabilities at end of period	0	1,232
Changes in net unrealized losses (gains) included in income on instruments held at end of period	$ (1,934)	$ (1,092)

Fair Value of Financial Instr79

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 3) - Recurring basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant unobservable inputs used in our recurring Level 3 fair value measurements
Derivative liabilities	$ 1,232	$ 0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Significant unobservable inputs used in our recurring Level 3 fair value measurements
Derivative liabilities	1,232	$ 0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivative liabilities
Significant unobservable inputs used in our recurring Level 3 fair value measurements
Derivative liabilities	$ 1,232
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Derivative liabilities | Discounted cash flows | Weighted average
Significant unobservable inputs used in our recurring Level 3 fair value measurements
Constant prepayment rate	10.60%
Default rate	0.50%
Reference STACR credit spread	3.93%

Statutory Accounting (Details)

Statutory Accounting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Essent Guaranty
Dividends Restrictions
Statutory net income	$ 215,951	$ 172,688	$ 118,204
Statutory surplus	578,887	522,172	465,226
Contingency reserve liability	480,829	315,058	179,221
Increase in contingency reserve	165,800
Essent PA
Dividends Restrictions
Statutory net income	12,978	15,200	13,299
Statutory surplus	47,387	47,139	42,672
Contingency reserve liability	36,401	27,502	$ 16,909
Increase in contingency reserve	8,900
Essent Re
Dividends Restrictions
Statutory net income	53,800	26,700
Statutory capital and surplus	$ 390,900	$ 213,000

Capital Maintenance Agreement (

Capital Maintenance Agreement (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Essent Guaranty | Capital maintenance agreement | Essent PA
Capital Maintenance Agreement
Amounts outstanding	$ 0
Essent Guaranty | Capital maintenance agreement | Essent PA | Maximum
Capital Maintenance Agreement
Risk to capital ratio	25
Essent PA
Capital Maintenance Agreement
Risk to capital ratio	6.8

Quarterly Financial Data (Una82

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net premiums earned	$ 116,792	$ 110,801	$ 100,711	$ 94,403	$ 89,378	$ 83,694	$ 78,361	$ 75,038	$ 422,707	$ 326,471	$ 223,229
Other revenues	9,581	10,453	7,454	8,063	8,098	8,042	5,706	4,973
Provision for losses and LAE	3,865	4,965	2,964	3,731	4,199	3,393	2,314	1,999	15,525	11,905	6,308
Other underwriting and operating expenses	35,206	32,848	31,409	31,388	29,627	28,714	27,148	27,498	130,851	112,987	97,232
Income before income taxes	87,302	83,441	73,792	67,347	63,650	59,629	54,605	50,514	311,882	228,398	135,927
Net income	$ 62,686	$ 59,711	$ 52,258	$ 47,951	$ 44,479	$ 40,821	$ 37,193	$ 34,838	$ 222,606	$ 157,331	$ 88,497
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.69	$ 0.66	$ 0.57	$ 0.53	$ 0.49	$ 0.45	$ 0.41	$ 0.39	$ 2.45	$ 1.74	$ 1.05
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.68	$ 0.65	$ 0.57	$ 0.52	$ 0.48	$ 0.44	$ 0.41	$ 0.38	$ 2.41	$ 1.72	$ 1.03
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	90,991	90,961	90,912	90,785	90,454	90,418	90,344	90,185	90,913	90,351	83,986
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	92,577	92,399	92,138	91,859	91,918	91,841	91,674	91,514	92,245	91,738	85,602

Schedule I-Summary of Investm83

Schedule I-Summary of Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	$ 1,629,538	$ 1,275,972
Fair Value	1,615,102	1,276,634
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,615,102
Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	68,430	56,380
Fair Value	68,336	55,356
Asset-backed securities
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	127,359	127,919
Fair Value	127,172	126,629
Fixed maturities
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	1,497,186	1,189,978
Fair Value	1,482,754
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,482,754
Fixed maturities | United States Government and government agencies and authorities
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	509,507
Fair Value	496,565
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	496,565
Fixed maturities | States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	334,048
Fair Value	334,324
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	334,324
Fixed maturities | Residential and commercial mortgage securities
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	68,430
Fair Value	68,336
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	68,336
Fixed maturities | Asset-backed securities
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	127,359
Fair Value	127,172
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	127,172
Fixed maturities | All other corporate bonds
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	457,842
Fair Value	456,357
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	456,357
Short-term investments
Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties
Amortized Cost	132,352	$ 85,994
Fair Value	132,348
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$ 132,348

Schedule II-Condensed Financia

Schedule II-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments available for sale, at fair value
Fixed maturities	$ 1,482,754	$ 1,190,638
Short-term investments	132,348	85,996
Total investments	1,615,102	1,276,634
Cash	27,531	24,606
Other assets	6,454	3,492
Total assets	1,882,998	1,469,099
Liabilities
Revolving credit facility borrowings	100,000	0
Other accrued liabilities	33,881	28,093
Total liabilities	539,225	349,858
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)
Stockholders' Equity
Common shares	1,397	1,390
Additional paid-in capital	918,296	904,221
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,255)	(99)
Retained earnings	436,335	213,729
Total stockholders' equity	1,343,773	1,119,241	$ 955,738	$ 722,141
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,882,998	1,469,099
Parent Company
Investments available for sale, at fair value
Fixed maturities	10,004	36,549
Short-term investments	32,036	25,511
Total investments	42,040	62,060
Cash	4,521	8,541
Due from affiliates	1,750	1,021
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	1,393,720	1,047,114
Other assets	2,452	866
Total assets	1,444,483	1,119,602
Liabilities
Revolving credit facility borrowings	100,000	0
Other accrued liabilities	710	361
Total liabilities	100,710	361
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)
Stockholders' Equity
Common shares	1,397	1,390
Additional paid-in capital	918,296	904,221
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(12,255)	(99)
Retained earnings	436,335	213,729
Total stockholders' equity	1,343,773	1,119,241
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,444,483	$ 1,119,602

Schedule II-Condensed Financ85

Schedule II-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Issuance of common shares net of costs									$ 0	$ (537)	$ 126,441
Revenues:
Net investment income									27,890	19,885	12,285
Total revenues									458,258	353,290	239,467
Expenses:
Income before income taxes	$ 87,302	$ 83,441	$ 73,792	$ 67,347	$ 63,650	$ 59,629	$ 54,605	$ 50,514	311,882	228,398	135,927
Net income	$ 62,686	$ 59,711	$ 52,258	$ 47,951	$ 44,479	$ 40,821	$ 37,193	$ 34,838	222,606	157,331	88,497
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($2,941) in 2016, ($1,285) in 2015 and $2,825 in 2014									(12,156)	(4,766)	6,114
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, tax expense (benefit)									(2,941)	(1,285)	2,825
Total other comprehensive (loss) income									(12,156)	(4,766)	6,114
Comprehensive income									210,450	152,565	94,611
Parent Company
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Issuance of common shares net of costs									0	(537)	126,441
Revenues:
Net investment income									284	421	1,019
Realized investment gains (losses), net									111	(181)	218
Administrative service fees from subsidiaries									473	437	1,020
Total revenues									868	677	2,257
Expenses:
Administrative service fees to subsidiaries									1,760	1,762	826
Other operating expenses									5,258	3,554	4,085
Total expenses									7,018	5,316	4,911
Income before income taxes									(6,150)	(4,639)	(2,654)
Loss before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries									(6,150)	(4,639)	(2,654)
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries									228,756	161,970	91,151
Net income									222,606	157,331	88,497
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of investments, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($2,941) in 2016, ($1,285) in 2015 and $2,825 in 2014									(12,156)	(4,766)	6,114
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, tax expense (benefit)									(2,941)	(1,285)	2,825
Total other comprehensive (loss) income									(12,156)	(4,766)	6,114
Comprehensive income									$ 210,450	$ 152,565	$ 94,611

Schedule II-Condensed Financi86

Schedule II-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 62,686	$ 59,711	$ 52,258	$ 47,951	$ 44,479	$ 40,821	$ 37,193	$ 34,838	$ 222,606	$ 157,331	$ 88,497
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense									16,881	13,633	12,520
Amortization of premium on investment securities									10,486	10,004	6,840
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									(1,083)	(2,420)	(1,809)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Other assets									(526)	(724)	78
Investing Activities
Net change in short-term investments									(46,352)	124,692	(196,609)
Purchase of investments available for sale									(656,768)	(798,891)	(699,324)
Proceeds from maturity of investments available for sale									27,186	8,613	27,382
Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale									313,780	449,834	144,744
Financing Activities
Revolving credit facility borrowings									100,000	0	0
Treasury stock acquired									(4,024)	(5,168)	(2,498)
Payment of issuance costs for revolving credit facility									(2,436)	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									1,083	2,420	1,809
Issuance of common shares net of costs									0	537	(126,441)
Other financing activities									142	53	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash									2,925	195	(453,244)
Cash at beginning of year				24,606				24,411	24,606	24,411	477,655
Cash at end of year	27,531				24,606				27,531	24,606	24,411
Parent Company
Operating Activities
Net income									222,606	157,331	88,497
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net income of subsidiaries									(228,756)	(161,970)	(91,151)
(Gain) loss on the sale of investments, net									(111)	181	(218)
Stock-based compensation expense									880	880	1,076
Amortization of premium on investment securities									169	399	502
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									(1,083)	(2,420)	(1,809)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Other assets									121	(40)	(358)
Other accrued liabilities									17,433	15,153	13,252
Net cash provided by operating activities									11,259	9,514	9,791
Investing Activities
Net change in short-term investments									(6,525)	91,119	(114,628)
Investments in subsidiaries									(130,101)	(61,328)	(255,155)
Purchase of investments available for sale									0	(130,461)	(95,128)
Proceeds from maturity of investments available for sale									10,000	0	0
Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale									16,582	94,429	93,650
Net cash used in investing activities									(110,044)	(6,241)	(371,261)
Financing Activities
Revolving credit facility borrowings									100,000	0	0
Treasury stock acquired									(4,024)	(5,168)	(2,498)
Payment of issuance costs for revolving credit facility									(2,436)	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation									1,083	2,420	1,809
Issuance of common shares net of costs									0	537	(126,441)
Other financing activities									142	53	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									94,765	(3,232)	125,752
Net increase (decrease) in cash									(4,020)	41	(235,718)
Cash at beginning of year				$ 8,541				$ 8,500	8,541	8,500	244,218
Cash at end of year	$ 4,521				$ 8,541				$ 4,521	$ 8,541	$ 8,500

Schedule II-Condensed Financ87

Schedule II-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details 4) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 15, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Dividends paid to parent		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Essent PA
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Dividend payment ability, period of payment of dividends (in months)		12 months
Dividend payment ability, as a percentage of preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus		10.00%
Unassigned surplus		$ 8,400,000
Dividends paid to parent company		3,750,000	0	200,000
Essent PA | Subsequent event
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Dividends paid to parent company	$ 5,000,000
Essent Guaranty
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Unassigned surplus		13,600,000
Dividends paid to parent company		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0