Global Indemnity (GBLI) 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	5-May-15
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	GBLI
Entity Registrant Name	GLOBAL INDEMNITY PLC
Entity Central Index Key	1494904
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Ordinary Shares A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Ordinary Shares, Shares Outstanding		13,667,782
Ordinary Shares B
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Ordinary Shares, Shares Outstanding		12,061,370

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturities:
Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,560,440 and $1,272,948)	$1,577,337	$1,283,475
Equity securities:
Available for sale, at fair value (cost: $100,818 and $99,297)	121,456	122,048
Other invested assets:
Available for sale, at fair value (cost: $28,887 and $33,174)	29,992	33,663
Total investments	1,728,785	1,439,186
Cash and cash equivalents	67,142	58,823
Restricted Cash		113,696
Premiums receivable, net	96,814	56,586
Reinsurance receivables, net	145,581	125,718
Funds held by ceding insurers	23,794	25,176
Federal income taxes receivable	2,023	3,139
Deferred federal income taxes	25,910	20,250
Deferred acquisition costs	39,228	25,238
Intangible assets	38,694	17,636
Goodwill	7,011	4,820
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	39,800	4,725
Receivable for securities sold		60
Other assets	59,118	34,980
Total assets	2,273,900	1,930,033
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	770,119	675,472
Unearned premiums	283,385	120,815
Ceded balances payable	12,509	2,800
Payable for securities purchased	13,595
Contingent commissions	11,953	12,985
Margin borrowing facilities	207,245	174,673
Other liabilities	48,310	34,998
Total liabilities	1,347,116	1,021,743
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity:
Ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value, 900,000,000 ordinary shares authorized; A ordinary shares issued: 16,743,896 and 16,331,577, respectively; A ordinary shares outstanding: 13,667,782 and 13,266,762 , respectively; B ordinary shares issued and outstanding: 12,061,370 and 12,061,370, respectively	3	3
Additional paid-in capital	527,286	519,590
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes	27,705	23,384
Retained earnings	473,511	466,717
Total shareholders' equity	926,784	908,290
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	2,273,900	1,930,033
Ordinary Shares A
Shareholders' equity:
A ordinary shares in treasury, at cost: 3,076,114 and 3,064,815 shares, respectively	-101,721	-101,404
Total shareholders' equity	$2	$2

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Available for sale, amortized cost	$1,560,440	$1,272,948
Available for sale, at cost	100,818	99,297
Available for sale, at cost	$28,887	$33,174
Ordinary shares, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Ordinary shares, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Ordinary Shares A
Ordinary shares, shares issued	16,743,896	16,331,577
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	13,667,782	13,266,762
Treasury shares, cost	3,076,114	3,064,815
Ordinary Shares B
Ordinary shares, shares issued	12,061,370	12,061,370
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	12,061,370	12,061,370

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	$142,869	$77,197
Net premiums written	126,104	72,861
Net premiums earned	127,337	67,544
Net investment income	8,241	8,284
Net realized investment losses:
Other than temporary impairment losses on investments	-341	-25
Other net realized investment losses	-2,629	-788
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	-2,970	-813
Other income	552	168
Total revenues	133,160	75,183
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	69,619	38,572
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	48,258	26,485
Corporate and other operating expenses	11,540	2,961
Interest expense	505	191
Income before income taxes	3,238	6,974
Income tax expense (benefit)	-3,556	-1,849
Net income	$6,794	$8,823
Net income
Basic	$0.27	$0.35
Diluted	$0.26	$0.35
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Basic	25,449,282	25,122,812
Diluted	25,641,741	25,278,907

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income	$6,794	$8,823
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Unrealized holding gains (losses)	6,357	2,041
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	1	-1
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	-1,799	-4,032
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-238	16
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	4,321	-1,976
Comprehensive income, net of taxes	$11,115	$6,847

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of deferred income tax	Retained Earnings	Treasury Shares	Ordinary Shares A	Ordinary Shares A	Ordinary Shares B
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified							Treasury Shares
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		$516,653	$54,028	$403,861	($101,265)	$2		$1
Number at Dec. 31, 2013					3,059,371	16,200,406		12,061,370
Ordinary shares issued under share incentive plans						94,563
A ordinary shares purchased							5,444
Ordinary shares issued to directors						36,608
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses)			-30,299
Change in other than temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income			-4
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)			-341
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes			-30,644
A ordinary shares purchased, at cost							-139
Share compensation plans		2,900
Net income				62,856
Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense		37
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	908,290	519,590	23,384	466,717	-101,404	2		1
Number at Dec. 31, 2014					3,064,815	16,331,577		12,061,370
Ordinary shares issued under share incentive plans						135,370
A ordinary shares purchased							11,299
Ordinary shares issued to directors						9,247
Ordinary shares issued in connection with American Reliable Acquisition						267,702
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses)			4,558
Change in other than temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income			1
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-238		-238
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	4,321		4,321
A ordinary shares purchased, at cost							-317
Share compensation plans		7,639
Net income	6,794			6,794
Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense		57
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$926,784	$527,286	$27,705	$473,511	($101,721)	$2		$1
Number at Mar. 31, 2015					3,076,114	16,743,896		12,061,370

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$6,794	$8,823
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating activities:
Amortization of value of business acquired	11,309
Amortization and depreciation	1,109	895
Restricted stock and stock option expense	7,639	813
Deferred federal income taxes	-4,757	-1,643
Amortization of bond premium and discount, net	3,712	1,848
Net realized investment loss	2,970	813
Equity in the earnings of a partnership	-253
Changes in:
Premiums receivable, net	17,595	-7,965
Reinsurance receivables, net	-7,140	-1,080
Funds held by ceding insurers	1,390	-5,102
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,693	-419
Unearned premiums	-9,664	4,959
Ceded balances payable	-3,510	-2,458
Other assets and liabilities, net	-17,355	-5,606
Contingent commissions	-5,353	-858
Federal income tax receivable/payable	1,116	-2,017
Deferred acquisition costs, net	-13,990	-2,060
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	8,431	359
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	5,736	-10,698
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash release from escrow for business acquisition	113,696
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-92,336
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities	108,120	95,289
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	6,509	10,702
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock	1,540
Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturities	77,390	32,095
Proceeds from limited partnership distribution	4,287
Amounts paid in connection with derivatives	-5,674	-5,636
Purchases of fixed maturities	-237,444	-113,406
Purchases of equity securities	-5,817	-12,375
Purchases of other invested assets		-2,101
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	-29,729	4,568
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under margin borrowing facilities	32,572
Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense	57
Purchase of A ordinary shares	-317	-139
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	32,312	-139
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	8,319	-6,269
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	58,823	105,492
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$67,142	$99,223

Principles_of_Consolidation_an

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	1. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	Global Indemnity plc (“Global Indemnity” or “the Company”) was incorporated on March 9, 2010 and is domiciled in Ireland. Global Indemnity replaced the Company’s predecessor, United America Indemnity, Ltd., as the ultimate parent company as a result of a re-domestication transaction in July, 2010. The Company’s A ordinary shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “GBLI.”
	Starting in the 1st quarter of 2015, the Company manages its business through three business segments: Commercial Lines, managed in Bala Cynwyd, offers specialty property and casualty products designed for product lines such as Small Business Binding Authority, Property Brokerage, and Programs, Personal Lines, managed in Scottsdale, AZ, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage, and Reinsurance Operations, managed in Bermuda, provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies. The Commercial Lines and Personal Lines segments comprise the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations. See Note 14 for additional information regarding segments.
	The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but have been prepared in conformity with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which differs in certain respects from those principles followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods. Results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full year. The accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global Indemnity and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Acquisition

Acquisition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisition	2. Acquisition
	On January 1, 2015, Global Indemnity Group, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, acquired 100% of the voting equity interest of American Reliable Insurance Company (“American Reliable”) from American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc. by paying $113.7 million in cash and assuming $284.3 million of customary insurance related liabilities, obligations, and mandates. Per the American Reliable Stock Purchase Agreement, the ultimate purchase price is subject to (i) accounting procedures that were performed in 2015 to determine GAAP book value and (ii) indemnification on future development on recorded loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014. In accordance with the Agreement, on the third calendar year following the calendar year of the Closing, if loss and loss adjustment expenses for accident years 2014 and prior are lower than recorded unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014, Global Indemnity Group, Inc. will pay the variance to American Bankers Insurance Company. Conversely, if loss and loss adjustment expenses for accident years 2014 and prior exceed recorded unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014, American Bankers Insurance Company will pay the variance to Global Indemnity Group, Inc. The Company’s current estimate of the purchase price, based on available financial information, is approximately $105.5 million.
	The results of American Reliable’s operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition on January 1, 2015.
	The purchase of American Reliable expands Global Indemnity’s product offerings. American Reliable is a specialty company that distributes personal lines products written on an admitted basis that are unusual and harder to place. It complements Global Indemnity’s existing US Insurance Operations that primarily distribute commercial lines products on an excess and surplus lines basis.
	American Reliable is domiciled in Arizona and as such is subject to its state insurance department regulations.
	American Reliable had total revenues of $65.3 million and pre-tax income of $6.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. These amounts are included in the Company’s results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
	The following table presents the Company’s unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014 instead of January 1, 2015.
		Pro Forma
		Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands except per share data)	2015				2014
	Total Revenue	$	133,160			$	139,490
	Net Income	$	12,189			$	7,880
	Net Income per share	$	0.48			$	0.31
	The pro forma results were calculated by applying the Company’s accounting policies and adjusting the result of American Reliable to reflect (i) impact of intercompany reinsurance with GI Re, (ii) the impact on interest expense resulting from changes to the Company’s capital structure in connection with the acquisition, (iii) impact on investment income from the acquisition date adjustments to fair value of investments, (iv) impact on underwriting expenses from the acquisition date adjustments to fair value of deferred acquisition costs and intangible assets (v) impact of transaction costs related to the acquisition and (vi) the tax effects of the above adjustments.
	The pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the integration of American Reliable. Such pro forma amounts are not indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed on January 1, 2014, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the combined company.
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
	(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS:
	Investments	$	226,458
	Cash and cash equivalents		21,360
	Premiums receivables, net		25,941
	Accounts receivable		17,323
	Reinsurance receivables		12,723
	Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums		43,506
	Intangible assets		32,500
	Deferred federal income taxes		1,179
	Other assets		6,550
	Total assets		387,540
	LIABILITIES:
	Unearned premiums		172,234
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		88,954
	Reinsurance balances payable		13,219
	Contingent commission		3,876
	Other liabilities		5,985
	Total liabilities		284,268
	Estimated fair value of net assets acquired		103,272
	Purchase price		105,463
	Goodwill	$	2,191
	The Company is still in the process of valuing the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as a result, the allocation of the acquisition consideration is subject to change.
	The transaction is being accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The assets and liabilities acquired by the Company were adjusted to estimated fair value. The $2.2 million excess of cash and acquisition cost over the estimated fair value of assets acquired was recognized as goodwill. Under the purchase method of accounting, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually.
	Goodwill of $2.2 million, arising from the acquisition, consists largely of the synergies and economies of scales expected from combining the operations of Global Indemnity and American Reliable. The Company has determined that the goodwill of $2.2 million will be assigned to the Personal Lines segment. There is no tax goodwill.
	An identification and valuation of intangible assets was performed that resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $32.5 million with values assigned as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Useful Life		Amount
	Description
	State insurance licenses	Indefinite		$	5,000
	Value of business acquired	< 1 year			26,000
	Agent relationships	10 years			900
	Trade name	7 - 8 years			600
				$	32,500
	Intangible assets arising from the acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes over 15 years.
	The fair value, gross contractual amounts due, and contractual cash flows not expected to be collected of acquired receivables are as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Fair				Gross			Contractual
		Value				Contractual			cash flows not
						Amounts Due			expected to be
									collected
	Premium receivables	$	25,941			$	26,896		$	955
	Accounts receivable		17,323				17,323			—
	Reinsurance receivables		12,723				12,723			—
	In connection with the acquisition, the Company agreed to pay to Fox Paine & Company, LLC (“Fox Paine”) an investment banking fee of 3% of the amount paid plus the additional capital required to operate American Reliable on a standalone basis and a $1.5 million investment advisory fee, which in the aggregate, totaled $6.5 million. This amount is included in corporate and other operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. As payment for these fees, 267,702 A ordinary shares of Global Indemnity will be issued. These shares will be registered but cannot be sold until the earlier of five years or a change of control. See Note 10 for additional information on Fox Paine’s voting power.
	Additional costs, mainly professional fees, of $5.1 million were incurred in connection with the acquisition of American Reliable. Of this amount, $3.3 million was recorded as corporate and other operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2014 and $1.8 million was recorded as corporate and other operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operation during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company paid approximately $1.6 million in employee compensation related cost, which were related to periods prior to the Acquisition. These costs were accrued by American Reliable and were included in the fair value of net assets acquired by Global Indemnity Group, Inc. on January 1, 2015.
	Geographic Concentration
	The following table sets forth the geographic distribution of American Reliable’s gross premiums written, excluding business that is ceded under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement to American Bankers Insurance Company, for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Year Ended December 31,
2014
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount				Percent
Texas	$	32,760				12.3	%
California		25,556				9.6
North Carolina		23,040				8.7
Arizona		17,722				6.7
Louisiana		17,522				6.6
New York		13,408				5
Florida		12,361				4.6
Oklahoma		9,977				3.7
Georgia		8,768				3.3
New Jersey		6,925				2.6
Subtotal		168,039				63.1
All other states		98,264				36.9
Total	$	266,303				100	%
Marketing and Distribution
American Reliable distributes its insurance products primarily through a group of approximately 290 general and specialty agents and 332 direct agents in Arizona and New Mexico. Of the Company’s non-affiliated general and specialty agents, the top five accounted for 23.9% of American Reliable’s gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2014. One agency represented 6.8% of American Reliable’s gross premiums written for the year ended December 31, 2014. There is no agency which accounted for more than 10.0% of American Reliable’s revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Dividend Limitations
The maximum amount of dividends, which can be paid by Arizona domiciled insurance companies without prior approval of the Director of Insurance, is subject to certain regulatory restrictions relating to statutory surplus. Specifically, an insurance company may pay dividends equal to the lesser of net income or 10% of its statutory surplus without specific approval from the Director. A dividend is considered extraordinary when the amount of the dividend, combined with all other dividends or distributions made within the preceding twelve months exceeds the lesser of either 10% of such insurer’s surplus as regards to policyholders as of the thirty-first day of December next preceding, or the net income for the twelve month period ending the thirty-first day of December next preceding. Until the closing balance sheet is finalized, the maximum amount of the dividend that could be paid by American Reliable cannot be determined.
Reinsurance
As a result of the acquisition, the following reinsurance treaties were entered into:
Earthquake Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss – Effective January 1, 2015, the Company purchased an earthquake property catastrophe excess of loss treaty which provides occurrence coverage for earthquake catastrophe losses of $30 million in excess of $5 million for American Reliable property business. This treaty provides for one full reinstatement of coverage at 100% additional premium as to time and pro rata as to amount of limit reinstated.
American Reliable Property Per Risk Excess of Loss – Effective January 1, 2015, American Reliable renewed its property per risk excess of loss treaty covering business underwritten by American Reliable. This treaty provides coverage in two layers: $1 million per risk in excess of $1 million per risk, and $3 million per risk in excess of $2 million per risk. The first layer is subject to a $2 million limit of liability for all risks involved in one loss occurrence, and the second layer is subject to a $6 million limit for all risks involved in one loss occurrence.
100% Ceded Quota Share to American Bankers – Effective December 1, 2014, American Reliable entered into four treaties to cede 100% of its liabilities to American Bankers Insurance Company related to certain business not included in the acquisition of American Reliable. American Reliable recorded ceded written premiums of $10.1 million and ceded earned premiums of $18.8 million to American Bankers Insurance Company for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
100% Assumed Quota Share from American Bankers – Effective December 1, 2014, American Reliable entered into two treaties to assume 100% of its liabilities from various reinsurers owned by Assurant, Inc. for business included in the acquisition but not written directly by American Reliable. American Reliable recorded assumed written premiums of $23.3 million and ceded earned premiums of $23.6 million from insurance companies owned by Assurant, Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned by American Reliable is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)	Written				Earned
For the quarter ended March 31, 2015:
Direct business	$	49,836			$	60,994
Reinsurance assumed		23,375				23,699
Reinsurance ceded		(12,555	)			(21,270	)
Net premiums	$	60,656			$	63,423
Commitments
As a result of the acquisition, the Company assumed operating leases related to the operations of American Reliable. Rental expense under these operating leases was $0.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. At March 31, 2015, future minimum cash payments under non-cancelable operating leases related to the operations of American Reliable were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
2015	$	930
2016		817
2017		780
2018		572
Total	$	3,099
At the time of the acquisition, one of the Company’s policy administration systems was under development. In April, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated third party to build out a rate, quote, bind and issue application for the Company’s agriculture products. This project has an estimated cost of approximately $2.6 million plus reimbursable travel and related expenses.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments	3. Investments
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments were as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized				Gross				Gross			Estimated			Other than
			Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized			Fair Value			temporary
							Gains				Losses						impairments
																	recognized
																	in AOCI (1)
	As of March 31, 2015
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	92,814			$	2,284			$	(24	)	$	95,074		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			224,850				4,172				(67	)		228,955			—
	Mortgage-backed securities			212,264				4,338				(279	)		216,323			(3	)
	Asset-backed securities			256,425				1,401				(186	)		257,640			(13	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			169,826				300				(578	)		169,548			—
	Corporate bonds			473,526				5,021				(84	)		478,463			—
	Foreign corporate bonds			130,735				1,086				(487	)		131,334			—
	Total fixed maturities			1,560,440				18,602				(1,705	)		1,577,337			(16	)
	Common stock			100,818				24,480				(3,842	)		121,456			—
	Other invested assets			28,887				1,105				—			29,992			—
	Total		$	1,690,145			$	44,187			$	(5,547	)	$	1,728,785		$	(16	)
	-1	Represents the total amount of other than temporary impairment losses relating to factors other than credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized				Gross				Gross			Estimated			Other than
			Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized			Fair Value			temporary
							Gains				Losses						impairments
																	recognized
																	in AOCI (2)
	As of December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	78,569			$	2,281			$	(83	)	$	80,767		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			188,452				3,718				(697	)		191,473			—
	Mortgage-backed securities			205,814				3,709				(764	)		208,759			(4	)
	Asset-backed securities			177,853				713				(303	)		178,263			(13	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			133,984				21				(847	)		133,158			—
	Corporate bonds			380,704				3,421				(709	)		383,416			—
	Foreign corporate bonds			107,572				625				(558	)		107,639			—
	Total fixed maturities			1,272,948				14,488				(3,961	)		1,283,475			(17	)
	Common stock			99,297				25,689				(2,938	)		122,048			—
	Other invested assets			33,174				489				—			33,663			—
	Total		$	1,405,419			$	40,666			$	(6,899	)	$	1,439,186		$	(17	)
	-2	Represents the total amount of other than temporary impairment losses relating to factors other than credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).
	Excluding U.S. treasuries and agency bonds, the Company did not hold any debt or equity investments in a single issuer that was in excess of 4% of shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio classified as available for sale at March 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
	Dollars in thousands)		Amortized				Estimated
			Cost				Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	147,920			$	149,345
	Due in one year through five years			670,004				677,567
	Due in five years through ten years			74,459				76,607
	Due in ten years through fifteen years			9,355				9,872
	Due after fifteen years			20,187				20,435
	Mortgage-backed securities			212,264				216,323
	Asset-backed securities			256,425				257,640
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			169,826				169,548
	Total		$	1,560,440			$	1,577,337
	The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of March 31, 2015:
			Less than 12 months								12 months or longer (1)						Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value				Gross				Fair			Gross			Fair Value			Gross
							Unrealized				Value			Unrealized						Unrealized
							Losses							Losses						Losses
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	10,000			$	—			$	3,394		$	(24	)	$	13,394		$	(24	)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			3,557				(3	)			11,680			(64	)		15,237			(67	)
	Mortgage-backed securities			25,240				(139	)			19,691			(140	)		44,931			(279	)
	Asset-backed securities			77,970				(186	)			—			—			77,970			(186	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			87,170				(467	)			11,722			(111	)		98,892			(578	)
Corporate bonds			47,209				(67	)			2,978			(17	)		50,187			(84	)
Foreign corporate bonds			29,225				(487	)			—			—			29,225			(487	)
Total fixed maturities			280,371				(1,349	)			49,465			(356	)		329,836			(1,705	)
Common stock			22,967				(3,815	)			144			(27	)		23,111			(3,842	)
Total		$	303,338			$	(5,164	)		$	49,609		$	(383	)	$	352,947		$	(5,547	)
-1	Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.
The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of December 31, 2014:
		Less than 12 months								12 months or longer (2)						Total
(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value				Gross				Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value			Gross
						Unrealized							Unrealized						Unrealized
						Losses							Losses						Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	11,728			$	(9	)		$	3,343		$	(74	)	$	15,071		$	(83	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			28,684				(314	)			28,061			(383	)		56,745			(697	)
Mortgage-backed securities			2,818				(7	)			51,203			(757	)		54,021			(764	)
Asset-backed securities			92,123				(283	)			1,683			(20	)		93,806			(303	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			92,664				(525	)			26,280			(322	)		118,944			(847	)
Corporate bonds			144,505				(656	)			3,216			(53	)		147,721			(709	)
Foreign corporate bonds			60,518				(558	)			—			—			60,518			(558	)
Total fixed maturities			433,040				(2,352	)			113,786			(1,609	)		546,826			(3,961	)
Common stock			20,002				(2,808	)			1,577			(130	)		21,579			(2,938	)
Total		$	453,042			$	(5,160	)		$	115,363		$	(1,739	)	$	568,405		$	(6,899	)
-2	Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.
The Company regularly performs various analytical valuation procedures with respect to its investments, including reviewing each fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position to assess whether the security is a candidate for credit loss. Specifically, the Company considers credit rating, market price, and issuer specific financial information, among other factors, to assess the likelihood of collection of all principal and interest as contractually due. Securities for which the Company determines that a credit loss is likely are subjected to further analysis through discounted cash flow testing to estimate the credit loss to be recognized in earnings, if any. The specific methodologies and significant assumptions used by asset class are discussed below. Upon identification of such securities and periodically thereafter, a detailed review is performed to determine whether the decline is considered other than temporary. This review includes an analysis of several factors, including but not limited to, the credit ratings and cash flows of the securities and the magnitude and length of time that the fair value of such securities is below cost.
For fixed maturities, the factors considered in reaching the conclusion that a decline below cost is other than temporary include, among others, whether:
	-1	the issuer is in financial distress;
	-2	the investment is secured;
	-3	a significant credit rating action occurred;
	-4	scheduled interest payments were delayed or missed;
	-5	changes in laws or regulations have affected an issuer or industry;
	-6	the investment has an unrealized loss and was identified by the Company’s investment manager as an investment to be sold before recovery or maturity; and
	-7	the investment failed cash flow projection testing to determine if anticipated principal and interest payments will be realized.
According to accounting guidance for debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company is required to assess whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before the anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met the Company must recognize an other than temporary impairment with the entire unrealized loss being recorded through earnings. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position not meeting these conditions, the Company assesses whether the impairment of a security is other than temporary. If the impairment is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company must separate the other than temporary impairment into two components: the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors, such as changes in interest rates. The credit loss represents the portion of the amortized book value in excess of the net present value of the projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The credit loss component of the other than temporary impairment is recorded through earnings, whereas the amount relating to factors other than credit losses is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.
For equity securities, management carefully reviews all securities with unrealized losses to determine if a security should be impaired and further focuses on securities that have either:
	-1	persisted with unrealized losses for more than twelve consecutive months or
	-2	the value of the investment has been 20% or more below cost for six continuous months or more.
The amount of any write-down, including those that are deemed to be other than temporary, is included in earnings as a realized loss in the period in which the impairment arose.
The following is a description, by asset type, of the methodology and significant inputs that the Company used to measure the amount of credit loss recognized in earnings, if any:
U.S. treasury and agency obligations – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to U.S. treasury and agency obligations were $0.024 million. With the exception of less than $0.001 million, all unrealized losses have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated AA+. Macroeconomic and market analysis is conducted in evaluating these securities. The analysis is driven by moderate interest rate anticipation, yield curve management, and security selection.
Obligations of states and political subdivisions – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to obligations of states and political subdivisions were $0.067 million. Of this amount, $0.064 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated A or better. All factors that influence performance of the municipal bond market are considered in evaluating these securities. The aforementioned factors include investor expectations, supply and demand patterns, and current versus historical yield and spread relationships. The analysis relies on the output of fixed income credit analysts, as well as dedicated municipal bond analysts who perform extensive in-house fundamental analysis on each issuer, regardless of their rating by the major agencies.
Mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to mortgage-backed securities were $0.279 million. Of this amount, $0.140 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated AA+. Mortgage-backed securities are modeled to project principal losses under downside, base, and upside scenarios for the economy and home prices. The primary assumption that drives the security and loan level modeling is the Home Price Index (“HPI”) projection. The model first projects HPI at the national level, then at the zip-code level based on the historical relationship between the individual zip code HPI and the national HPI. The model utilizes loan level data and borrower characteristics including FICO score, geographic location, original and current loan size, loan age, mortgage rate and type (fixed rate / interest-only / adjustable rate mortgage), issuer / originator, residential type (owner occupied / investor property), dwelling type (single family / multi-family), loan purpose, level of documentation, and delinquency status as inputs. The model also includes the explicit treatment of silent second liens, utilization of loan modification history, and the application of roll rate adjustments.
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”) – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to asset backed securities were $0.186 million. All unrealized losses have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and are rated A or better. The weighted average credit enhancement for the Company’s asset backed portfolio is 21.0. This represents the percentage of pool losses that can occur before an asset backed security will incur its first dollar of principal losses. Every ABS transaction is analyzed on a stand-alone basis. This analysis involves a thorough review of the collateral, prepayment, and structural risk in each transaction. Additionally, the analysis includes an in-depth credit analysis of the originator and servicer of the collateral. The analysis projects an expected loss for a deal given a set of assumptions specific to the asset type. These assumptions are used to calculate at what level of losses the deal will incur its first dollar of principal loss. The major assumptions used to calculate this ratio are loss severities, recovery lags, and no advances on principal and interest.
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to the CMBS portfolio were $0.578 million. Of this amount, $0.111 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated AA or better. The weighted average credit enhancement for the Company’s CMBS portfolio is 35.2. This represents the percentage of pool losses that can occur before a mortgage-backed security will incur its first dollar of principal loss. For the Company’s CMBS portfolio, a loan level analysis is utilized where every underlying CMBS loan is re-underwritten based on a set of assumptions reflecting expectations for the future path of the economy. In the analysis, the focus is centered on stressing the significant variables that influence commercial loan defaults and collateral losses in CMBS deals. These variables include: (1) a projected drop in occupancies; (2) capitalization rates that vary by property type and are forecasted to return to more normalized levels as the capital markets repair and capital begins to flow again; and (3) property value stress testing using projected property performance and projected capitalization rates. Term risk is triggered if the projected debt service coverage rate falls below 1x. Balloon risk is triggered if a property’s projected performance does not satisfy new tighter mortgage standards.
Corporate bonds – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to corporate bonds were $0.084 million. Of this amount, $0.017 million have been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater and are rated BBB or better. The analysis for this sector includes maintaining detailed financial models that include a projection of each issuer’s future financial performance, including prospective debt servicing capabilities, capital structure composition, and the value of the collateral. The analysis incorporates the macroeconomic environment, industry conditions in which the issuer operates, the issuer’s current competitive position, its vulnerability to changes in the competitive and regulatory environment, issuer liquidity, issuer commitment to bondholders, issuer creditworthiness, and asset protection. Part of the process also includes running downside scenarios to evaluate the expected likelihood of default as well as potential losses in the event of default.
Foreign bonds – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to foreign bonds were $0.487 million. All unrealized losses have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. 92.5% of the securities in an unrealized loss position are rated investment grade. For this sector, detailed financial models are maintained that include a projection of each issuer’s future financial performance, including prospective debt servicing capabilities, capital structure composition, and the value of the collateral. The analysis incorporates the macroeconomic environment, industry conditions in which the issuer operates, the issuer’s current competitive position, its vulnerability to changes in the competitive and regulatory environment, issuer liquidity, issuer commitment to bondholders, issuer creditworthiness, and asset protection. Part of the process also includes running downside scenarios to evaluate the expected likelihood of default as well as potential losses in the event of default.
Common stock – As of March 31, 2015, gross unrealized losses related to common stock were $3.842 million. Of this amount, $0.027 million has been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater. To determine if an other than temporary impairment of an equity security has occurred, the Company considers, among other things, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the equity security. The Company also examines other factors to determine if the equity security could recover its value in a reasonable period of time.
The Company recorded the following other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) on its investment portfolio for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
Fixed maturities:
OTTI losses, gross		$	(10	)		$	(25	)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (pre-tax)			—				—
Net impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings			(10	)			(25	)
Equity securities			(331	)			—
Total		$	(341	)		$	(25	)
The following table is an analysis of the credit losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturities held by the Company for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income.
		Quarters Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
Balance at beginning of period		$	50			$	54
Additions where no OTTI was previously recorded			—				—
Additions where an OTTI was previously recorded			—				—
Reductions for securities for which the company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery			—				—
Reductions reflecting increases in expected cash flows to be collected			—				—
Reductions for securities sold during the period			—				—
Balance at end of period		$	50			$	54
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)		March 31,				December 31,
		2015				2014
Net unrealized gains from:
Fixed maturities		$	16,897			$	10,527
Common stock			20,638				22,751
Other			709				369
Deferred taxes			(10,539	)			(10,263	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		$	27,705			$	23,384
The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, by component for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
Quarter Ended March 31, 2015		Unrealized Gains				Foreign Currency				Accumulated Other
(Dollars in thousands)		and Losses on				Items, Net of Tax				Comprehensive
		Available for								Income, Net of Tax
		Sale Securities,
		Net of Tax
Beginning balance		$	23,647			$	(263)			$	23,384
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			6,441				(321	)			6,120
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,882	)			83				(1,799	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			4,559				(238	)			4,321
Ending balance		$	28,206			$	(501	)		$	27,705
Quarter Ended March 31, 2014		Unrealized Gains				Foreign Currency				Accumulated Other
(Dollars in thousands)		and Losses on				Items, Net of Tax				Comprehensive
		Available for								Income, Net of Tax
		Sale Securities,
		Net of Tax
Beginning balance		$	53,950			$	78			$	54,028
Other comprehensive income before reclassification			2,027				29				2,056
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			(4,019	)			(13	)			(4,032	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,992	)			16				(1,976	)
Ending balance		$	51,958			$	94			$	52,052
The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
				Amounts Reclassified from
				Accumulated Other
				Comprehensive Income
				Quarters Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		Affected Line Item in the		2015				2014
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Consolidated Statements of
Income Components		Operations
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities		Other net realized investment gains		$	(3,381	)		$	(5,534	)
		Other than temporary impairment losses on investments			341				25
		Total before tax			(3,040	)			(5,509	)
		Income tax benefit			1,158				1,490
		Net of tax		$	(1,882	)		$	(4,019	)
Foreign Currency Items		Other net realized investment gains (losses)		$	128			$	(20	)
		Income tax expense (benefit)			(45	)			7
		Net of tax		$	83			$	(13	)
Total reclassifications		Net of tax		$	(1,799	)		$	(4,032	)
Net Realized Investment Gains
The components of net realized investment gains for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
Fixed maturities:
Gross realized gains		$	733			$	1,671
Gross realized losses			(131	)			(131	)
Net realized gains			602				1,540
Common stock:
Gross realized gains			2,552				4,007
Gross realized losses			(338	)			(18	)
Net realized gains			2,214				3,989
Preferred stock:
Gross realized gains			96				—
Gross realized losses			—				—
Net realized gains (losses)			96				—
Derivatives:
Gross realized gains			—				—
Gross realized losses			(5,882	)			(6,342	)
Net realized losses			(5,882	)			(6,342	)
Total net realized investment gains		$	(2,970	)		$	(813	)
The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities resulting in net realized investment gains for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Quarters Ended
		March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
Fixed maturities		$	108,120			$	95,289
Equity securities			6,509				10,702
Preferred stock			1,540				—
Net Investment Income
The sources of net investment income for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Quarters Ended
		March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
Fixed maturities		$	8,014			$	7,255
Equity securities			792				2,140
Cash and cash equivalents			18				18
Other invested assets			253				—
Total investment income			9,077				9,413
Investment expense			(836	)			(1,129	)
Net investment income		$	8,241			$	8,284
The Company’s total investment return on a pre-tax basis for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
Net investment income		$	8,241			$	8,284
Net realized investment (losses)			(2,970	)			(813	)
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses)			4,597				(2,571	)
Net realized and unrealized investment returns			1,627				(3,384	)
Total investment return		$	9,868			$	4,900
Total investment return % (1)			0.6	%			0.3	%
Average investment portfolio		$	1,764,110			$	1,560,464
-1	Not annualized.
Insurance Enhanced Asset Backed and Credit Securities
As of March 31, 2015, the Company held insurance enhanced asset backed and credit securities with a market value of approximately $47.6 million. Approximately $27.0 million of these securities were tax free municipal bonds, which represented approximately 1.5% of the Company’s total cash and invested assets, net of payable/receivable for securities purchased and sold. These securities had an average rating of “AA-.” Approximately $14.4 million of these bonds are pre-refunded with U.S. treasury securities, of which $3.6 million are backed by financial guarantors, meaning that funds have been set aside in escrow to satisfy the future interest and principal obligations of the bond. Of the remaining $12.6 million of insurance enhanced municipal bonds, $1.8 million would have carried a lower credit rating had they not been insured. The following table provides a breakdown of the ratings for these municipal bonds with and without insurance.
(Dollars in thousands)		Ratings				Ratings
		with				without
Rating		Insurance				Insurance
AAA		$	1,244			$	—
AA			519				1,244
BB			—				519
Total		$	1,763			$	1,763
A summary of the Company’s insurance enhanced municipal bonds that are backed by financial guarantors, including the pre-refunded bonds that are escrowed in U.S. government obligations, as of March 31, 2015, is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)		Total				Pre-refunded				Government			Exposure Net
Financial Guarantor						Securities				Guaranteed			of Pre-refunded
										Securities			& Government
													Guaranteed
													Securities
Ambac Financial Group		$	2,032			$	199			$	—		$	1,833
Assured Guaranty Corporation			4,270				538				—			3,732
Municipal Bond Insurance Association			8,067				2,817				—			5,250
Gov’t National Housing Association			555				—				555			—
Permanent School Fund Guaranty			1,244				—				1,244			—
Total backed by financial guarantors			16,168				3,554				1,799			10,815
Other credit enhanced municipal bonds			10,816				10,816				—			—
Total		$	26,984			$	14,370			$	1,799		$	10,815
In addition to the tax-free municipal bonds, the Company held $20.6 million of asset-backed and taxable municipal bonds, which represented approximately 1.2% of the Company’s total invested assets, net of receivable/payable for securities purchased and sold. The financial guarantors of the Company’s $20.6 million of insurance enhanced asset-backed and taxable municipal securities include Municipal Bond Insurance Association ($11.5 million), Ambac ($1.6 million), and Assured Guaranty Corporation ($7.2 million), Financial Guaranty Insurance Group ($0.3 million).
The Company had no direct investments in the entities that have provided financial guarantees or other credit support to any security held by the Company at March 31, 2015.
Bonds Held on Deposit
Certain cash balances, cash equivalents, equity securities and bonds available for sale were deposited with various governmental authorities in accordance with statutory requirements, were held as collateral pursuant to borrowing arrangements, or were held in trust pursuant to intercompany reinsurance agreements. The fair values were as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)		March 31,				December 31,
		2015				2014
On deposit with governmental authorities		$	39,845			$	32,790
Intercompany trusts held for the benefit of U.S. policyholders			540,193				495,301
Held in trust pursuant to third party requirements			95,215				95,828
Letter of credit held for third party requirements			6,237				9,340
Securities held as collateral for borrowing arrangements (1)			265,337				222,809
Total		$	946,827			$	856,068
-1	Amount required to collateralize margin borrowing facilities.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments

4. Derivative Instruments

Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce risks from changes in interest rates. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount.

The Company accounts for the interest rate swaps as non-hedge instruments and recognizes the fair value of the interest rate swaps in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recognized as net realized investment gains in the consolidated statement of operations. The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps, which is primarily derived from the forward interest rate curve, is based on the valuation received from a third party financial institution.

The following table summarizes information on the location and the gross amount of the derivatives’ fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

(Dollars in thousands)

March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging

Balance Sheet

Notional

Fair

Notional

Fair

Instruments under ASC 815

Location

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

Interest rate swap agreements

Other liabilities

$

200,000

$

(18,154

)

$

200,000

$

(13,675

)

The following table summarizes the net losses included in the consolidated statement of operations for changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the periodic net interest settlements under the derivatives for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

Quarter Ended March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

Statement of Operations Line

2015

2014

Interest rate swap agreements

Other net realized investment losses

$

(5,882

)

$

(6,342

)

As of March 31, 2015, the Company is due receivables of $6.1 million for collateral posted and $18.9 million for margin calls made in connection with the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements	5. Fair Value Measurements
	The accounting standards related to fair value measurements define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, outline a fair value hierarchy based on inputs used to measure fair value, and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. These standards do not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. The Company has determined that its fair value measurements are in accordance with the requirements of these accounting standards.
	The Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments are carried at their fair value and are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy:
		•		Level 1—inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
		•		Level 2—inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for similar assets, either directly or indirectly.
		•		Level 3—inputs are unobservable for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset.
	In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset.
	Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Company has classified within the Level 3 category. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for invested assets within the Level 3 category presented in the tables below may include changes in fair value that are attributed to both observable (e.g., changes in market interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in unobservable long-dated volatilities) inputs.
	The following table presents information about the Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.
	As of March 31, 2015		Fair Value Measurements
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	85,008		$	10,066		$	—	$	95,074
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			—			228,955			—		228,955
	Mortgage-backed securities			—			216,323			—		216,323
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—			169,548			—		169,548
	Asset-backed securities			—			257,640			—		257,640
	Corporate bonds			—			478,463			—		478,463
	Foreign corporate bonds			—			131,334			—		131,334
	Total fixed maturities			85,008			1,492,329			—		1,577,337
	Common stock			121,456			—			—		121,456
	Other invested assets			—			—			29,992		29,992
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	206,464		$	1,492,329		$	29,992	$	1,728,785
	Liabilities:
	Derivative instruments		$	—		$	18,154		$	—	$	18,154
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	—		$	18,154		$	—	$	18,154
	As of December 31, 2014		Fair Value Measurements
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	74,765		$	6,002		$	—	$	80,767
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			—			191,473			—		191,473
	Mortgage-backed securities			—			208,759			—		208,759
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—			133,158			—		133,158
	Asset-backed securities			—			178,263			—		178,263
	Corporate bonds			—			383,416			—		383,416
	Foreign corporate bonds			—			107,639			—		107,639
	Total fixed maturities			74,765			1,208,710			—		1,283,475
	Common stock			122,048			—			—		122,048
	Other invested assets			—			—			33,663		33,663
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	196,813		$	1,208,710		$	33,663	$	1,439,186
	Liabilities:
	Derivative instruments		$	—		$	13,675		$	—	$	13,675
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	—		$	13,675		$	—	$	13,675
	The securities classified as Level 1 in the above table consist of U.S. Treasuries and equity securities actively traded on an exchange.
	The securities classified as Level 2 in the above table consist primarily of fixed maturity securities and derivative instruments. Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, security prices are derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information. If there are no recent reported trades, matrix or model processes are used to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Included in the pricing of asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and mortgage-backed securities are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and prepayment speeds previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps is obtained from a third party financial institution who utilizes observable inputs such as the forward interest rate curve.
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
	The following table presents changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
			Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015			2014
	Beginning balance		$	33,663		$	3,489
	Total gains (losses) (realized / unrealized):
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			363			(226	)
	Investment Income:
	Equity in Limited Partnership			253			—
	Purchases			—			2,101
	Distributions			(4,287	)		—
	Ending balance		$	29,992		$	5,364
	The investments classified as Level 3 in the above table relate to investments in limited partnerships. The Company does not have access to daily valuations; therefore, the estimated fair values of the limited partnerships are measured utilizing net asset value, typically on a quarter lag, as a practical expedient for the limited partnerships.
	The Company uses the equity method to account for an investment in a limited partnership where its ownership interest exceeded 3%. The equity method of accounting for an investment in a limited partnership requires changes in fair market value to be reflected in the income statement. The Company will record the changes in fair market value for investments in limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method to investment income. The change in fair market value included in investment income for this limited partnership during the first quarter of 2015 was $0.3 million.
	Fair Value of Alternative Investments
	Included in “Other invested assets” in the fair value hierarchy at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are limited liability partnerships measured at fair value. The following table provides the fair value and future funding commitments related to these investments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
			March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value			Future			Fair Value		Future
					Funding					Funding
					Commitment					Commitment
Equity Fund, LP (1)		$	3,230		$	2,391		$	3,401	$	2,436
Real Estate Fund, LP (2)			—			—			—		—
European Non-Performing Loan Fund, LP (3)			26,762			23,564			30,262		20,064
Total		$	29,992		$	25,955		$	33,663	$	22,500
-1	This limited partnership invests in companies from various business sectors whereby the partnership has acquired control of the operating business as a lead or organizing investor. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner.
-2	This limited partnership invests in real estate assets through a combination of direct or indirect investments in partnerships, limited liability companies, mortgage loans, and lines of credit. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner. The Company continues to hold an investment in this limited partnership and has written the fair value down to zero.
-3	This limited partnership invests in distressed securities and assets through senior and subordinated, secured and unsecured debt and equity, in both public and private large-cap and middle-market companies. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner.
Pricing
The Company’s pricing vendors provide prices for all investment categories except for investments in limited partnerships which are measured utilizing net asset values as a practical expedient. One vendor provides prices for equity securities and all fixed maturity categories.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company’s pricing vendors for investment securities carried at fair value:
	•		Equity prices are received from all primary and secondary exchanges.
	•		Corporate and agency bonds are evaluated by utilizing a multi-dimensional relational model. For bonds with early redemption options, an option adjusted spread model is utilized. Both asset classes use standard inputs and incorporate security set up, defined sector breakdown, benchmark yields, apply base spreads, yield to maturity, and adjust for corporate actions.
	•		A volatility-driven multi-dimensional spread table or an option-adjusted spread model and prepayment model is used for agency commercial mortgage obligations (“CMO”). For non-agency CMOs, a prepayment/spread/yield/price adjustment model is utilized. CMOs are categorized with mortgage-backed securities in the tables listed above. For ABSs, a multi-dimensional, collateral specific spread / prepayment speed tables is utilized. For both asset classes, evaluations utilize standard inputs plus new issue data, monthly payment information, and collateral performance. The evaluated pricing models incorporate security set-up, prepayment speeds, cash flows, and treasury swap curves and spread adjustments.
	•		For municipals, a multi-dimensional relational model is used to evaluate securities within this asset class. The evaluated pricing models for this asset class incorporate security set-up, benchmark yields, apply base spreads, yield to worst or market convention, ratings updates, prepayment schedules and adjustments for material events notices.
	•		U.S. treasuries are evaluated by obtaining feeds from a number of live data sources including active market makers and inter-dealer brokers.
	•		For MBSs, a matrix model correlation to TBA (a forward MBS trade) or benchmarking is utilized to value a security.
The Company performs certain procedures to validate whether the pricing information received from the pricing vendors is reasonable, to ensure that the fair value determination is consistent with accounting guidance, and to ensure that its assets are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s procedures include, but are not limited to:
	•		Reviewing periodic reports provided by the Investment Manager that provide information regarding rating changes and securities placed on watch. This procedure allows the Company to understand why a particular security’s market value may have changed.
	•		Understanding and periodically evaluating the various pricing methods and procedures used by the Company’s pricing vendors to ensure that investments are properly classified within the fair value hierarchy.
	•		On a quarterly basis, the Company corroborates investment security prices received from its pricing vendors by obtaining pricing from a second pricing vendor for a sample of securities.
During the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has not adjusted quotes or prices obtained from the pricing vendors.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes	6. Income Taxes
	The statutory income tax rates of the countries where the Company does business are 35% in the United States, 0% in Bermuda, 0% in the Cayman Islands, 0% in Gibraltar, 29.22% in the Duchy of Luxembourg, and 25% on non-trading income, 33% on capital gains and 12.5% on trading income in the Republic of Ireland. The statutory income tax rate of each country is applied against the expected annual taxable income of the Company in each country to estimate the annual income tax expense. Generally, during interim periods, the Company will divide total estimated annual income tax expense by total estimated annual pre-tax income to determine the expected annual income tax rate used to compute the income tax provision. The expected annual income tax rate is then applied against interim pre-tax income, excluding net realized gains and losses and limited partnership distributions, and that amount is then added to the actual income taxes on net realized gains and losses, discrete items and limited partnership distributions. However, when there is significant volatility in the expected effective tax rate, the Company records its actual income tax provision in lieu of the estimated effective income tax rate.
	The Company’s income before income taxes from its non-U.S. subsidiaries and U.S. subsidiaries, including the results of the quota share and stop-loss agreements between Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Global Indemnity Reinsurance”) and the Insurance Operations, for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2015:	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Eliminations			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)	Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written	$	138,796		$	123,004		$	(118,931	)	$	142,869
	Net premiums written	$	138,757		$	(12,653	)	$	—		$	126,104
	Net premiums earned	$	71,664		$	55,673		$	—		$	127,337
	Net investment income		10,182			4,486			(6,427	)		8,241
	Net realized investment losses		(269	)		(2,701	)		—			(2,970	)
	Other income (loss)		(79	)		631			—			552
	Total revenues		81,498			58,089			(6,427	)		133,160
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		36,184			33,435			—			69,619
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		30,294			17,964			—			48,258
	Corporate and other operating expenses		2,081			9,459			—			11,540
	Interest expense		394			6,538			(6,427	)		505
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	12,545		$	(9,307	)	$	—		$	3,238
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014:	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Eliminations			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)	Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written	$	49,999		$	52,992		$	(25,794	)	$	77,197
	Net premiums written	$	49,999		$	22,862		$	—		$	72,861
	Net premiums earned	$	42,354		$	25,190		$	—		$	67,544
	Net investment income		7,651			5,420			(4,787	)		8,284
	Net realized investment gains (losses)		1,252			(2,065	)		—			(813	)
	Other income		2			166			—			168
	Total revenues		51,259			28,711			(4,787	)		75,183
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		19,958			18,614			—			38,572
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		17,794			8,691			—			26,485
	Corporate and other operating expenses		1,367			1,594			—			2,961
	Interest expense		240			4,738			(4,787	)		191
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	11,900		$	(4,926	)	$	—		$	6,974
	The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit):
		Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	Foreign	$	91		$	64
	U.S. Federal		1,110			(270	)
	Total current income tax expense (benefit)		1,201			(206	)
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. Federal		(4,757	)		(1,643	)
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(4,757	)		(1,643	)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	(3,556	)	$	(1,849	)
	The weighted average expected tax provision has been calculated using income before income taxes in each jurisdiction multiplied by that jurisdiction’s applicable statutory tax rate.
	The following table summarizes the differences between the tax provision for financial statement purposes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
		2015						2014
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amount			% of Pre-			Amount			% of Pre-
					Tax Income						Tax Income
	Expected tax provision at weighted average rate	$	(3,167	)		(97.8	%)	$	(1,662	)		(23.8	%)
	Adjustments:
	Tax exempt interest		(136	)		(4.2	)		(215	)		(3.1	)
	Dividend exclusion		(155	)		(4.8	)		(478	)		(6.9	)
	Effective tax rate adjustment		—			—			501			7.2
	Other		(98	)		(3.0	)		5			0.1
	Actual tax on continuing operations	$	(3,556	)		(109.8	%)	$	(1,849	)		(26.5	%)
	The effective income tax benefit rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was 109.8%, compared to an effective income tax benefit rate of 26.5%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The increase in the effective income tax benefit rate is primarily due to acquisition expenses for American Reliable during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Taxes were computed using a discrete period computation because a reliable estimate of an effective tax rate could not be made.
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented below:
	(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
Discounted unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	8,537		$	7,492
Unearned premiums		7,642			3,409
Alternative minimum tax credit carryover		9,860			10,473
Partnership K1 basis differences		145			145
Capital gain on derivative instruments		6,354			4,786
Investment impairments		476			379
Stock options		2,076			2,048
Deferred acquisition costs		4,628			187
Stat-to-GAAP reinsurance reserve		1,424			1,424
Intercompany transfers		1,849			1,919
Other		4,298			3,050
Total deferred tax assets		47,289			35,312
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets		8,989			3,220
Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale and investments in limited partnerships included in accumulated other comprehensive income		10,539			10,263
Investment basis differences		853			692
Depreciation and amortization		72			16
Other		926			871
Total deferred tax liabilities		21,379			15,062
Total net deferred tax assets	$	25,910		$	20,250
Management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be fully utilized in future years. As a result, the Company has not recorded a valuation allowance at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
The Company has an alternative minimum tax credit carry forward of $9.9 million and $10.5 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which can be carried forward indefinitely. The company has no net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

Liability_for_Unpaid_Losses_an

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	7. Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
	Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:
			Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	675,472		$	779,466
	Less: Ceded reinsurance receivables			(123,201	)		(192,491	)
	Net balance at beginning of period			552,271			586,975
	Purchased reserves gross			90,645			—
	Less: Purchased reserves ceded			(11,681	)		—
	Purchased reserves,net			78,964			—
	Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:
	Current year			73,114			40,666
	Prior years			(3,495	)		(2,094	)
	Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses			69,619			38,572
	Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:
	Current year			14,682			8,212
	Prior years			56,561			33,821
	Total paid losses and loss adjustment expenses			71,243			42,033
	Net balance at end of period			629,611			583,514
	Plus: Ceded reinsurance receivables			140,508			195,533
	Balance at end of period		$	770,119		$	779,047
	When analyzing loss reserves and prior year development, the Company considers many factors, including the frequency and severity of claims, loss trends, case reserve settlements that may have resulted in significant development, and any other additional or pertinent factors that may impact reserve estimates.
	In the first quarter of 2015, the Company decreased its prior accident year loss reserves by $3.5 million, which consisted of a $2.0 million decrease related to Commercial Lines and a $1.5 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.
	The $2.0 million decrease related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:
		•		Property: A $1.0 million reduction primarily due to severity and frequency emerging less than expected for in accident years 2011 through 2014.
		•		Umbrella: $0.3 million decrease primarily due to emergence continuing to be better than anticipated in accident years 2003 through 2005.
		•		General Liability: A $0.8 million decrease primarily due to the reduction of a reinsurance reserve resulting from the collection of two disputed balances.
	The $1.5 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations was primarily due to less severity on property than expected in accident years 2011 through 2014.
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company reduced its prior accident year loss reserves by $2.1 million, which consisted of a $2.0 million decrease related to Commercial Lines and a $0.1 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations.
	The $2.0 million decrease related to Commercial Lines primarily consisted of the following:
		•		General Liability: A $0.9 million decrease primarily driven by better than expected experience in the active general liability lines in accident years 2005 to 2011 offset by strengthening of environmental losses.
		•		Professional Liability: A $1.8 million decrease primarily driven by better than expected experience in the runoff of the professional liability lines in accident years 2005 to 2011.
		•		Other lines: increased $0.7 million mainly in the 2011 accident year due to higher than expected emergence for discontinued lines. As a result, management increased loss reserves.
	The $0.1 million decrease related to Reinsurance Operations is primarily related to a reduction in accident years 2010 to 2013 for property treaties.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt	8. Debt
	The amount outstanding on the Company’s margin borrowing facilities was $207.2 million and $174.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The borrowing rate for each facility is tied to LIBOR and is currently approximately 1%. These facilities are due on demand. The borrowings are subject to maintenance margin, which is a minimum account balance that must be maintained. A decline in market conditions could require an additional deposit of collateral. As of March 31, 2015, approximately $265.3 million in securities were deposited as collateral to support the borrowing.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Shareholders' Equity	9. Shareholders’ Equity
	Repurchases of the Company’s A ordinary shares
	The following table provides information with respect to the A ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2015:
	Period (1)		Total Number			Average		Total Number of Shares
			of Shares			Price Paid		Purchased as Part of
			Purchased			Per Share		Publicly Announced
								Plan or Program
	January 1-31, 2015			9,009	(2)	$	28.37		—
	March 1-31, 2015			2,290	(2)	$	26.98		—
	Total			11,299		$	28.09		—
	-1	Based on settlement date.
	-2	Surrendered by employees as payment of taxes withheld on the vesting of restricted stock.
	The following table provides information with respect to the A ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2014:
	Period (1)		Total Number			Average		Total Number of Shares
			of Shares			Price Paid		Purchased as Part of
			Purchased			Per Share		Publicly Announced
								Plan or Program
	January 1-31, 2014			3,644	(2)	$	25.3		—
	February 1-28, 2014			362	(2)	$	24		—
	March 1-31, 2014			1,438	(2)	$	26.23		—
	Total			5,444		$	25.46		—
	-1	Based on settlement date.
	-2	Surrendered by employees as payment of taxes withheld on the vesting of restricted stock.
	Please see Note 11 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 Part II of the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on the Company’s repurchase program.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions	10. Related Party Transactions
	Fox Paine & Company
	As of March 31, 2015, Fox Paine beneficially owned shares having approximately 93% of the Company’s total outstanding voting power. Fox Paine has the right to appoint a number of the Company’s Directors equal in aggregate to the pro rata percentage of the voting shares of the Company beneficially held by Fox Paine for so long as Fox Paine holds an aggregate of 25% or more of the voting power in the Company. Fox Paine controls the election of all of the Company’s Directors due to its controlling share ownership. The Company’s Chairman is a member of Fox Paine. The Company relies on Fox Paine to provide management services and other services related to the operations of the Company.
	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Global Indemnity Reinsurance was a limited partner in Fox Paine Capital Fund, II, which is managed by Fox Paine. This investment was originally made by United National Insurance Company in June 2000 and pre-dates the September 5, 2003 acquisition by Fox Paine of Wind River Investment Corporation, which was the predecessor holding company for United National Insurance Company. The Company’s investment in this limited partnership was valued at $3.2 million and $3.4 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015, the Company had an unfunded capital commitment of $2.4 million to the partnership. During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company received a distribution of $0.8 million. There were no distributions received from the limited partnership during 2014.
	The Company relies on Fox Paine to provide management services and other services related to the operations of the Company. The Company incurred management fees of $0.5 million in each of the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 as part of the annual management fee paid to Fox Paine. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, unpaid management fees, which were included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, were $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
	In connection with the acquisition, the Company agreed to pay to Fox Paine & Company, LLC (“Fox Paine”) an investment banking fee of 3% of the amount paid plus the additional capital required to operate American Reliable on a standalone basis and a $1.5 million investment advisory fee, which in the aggregate, totaled $6.5 million. This amount is included in corporate and other operating expenses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. As payment for these fees, 267,702 A ordinary shares of Global Indemnity will be issued. These shares will be registered but cannot be sold until the earlier of five years or a change of control.
	Cozen O’Connor
	The Company incurred $0.1 million and $0.03 million for legal services rendered by Cozen O’Connor during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Stephen A. Cozen, the chairman of Cozen O’Connor, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
	Crystal & Company
	During each of the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred $0.1 million in brokerage fees to Crystal & Company, an insurance broker. James W. Crystal, the chairman and chief executive officer of Crystal & Company, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.
	Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd.
	Global Indemnity Reinsurance is a participant in a reinsurance agreement with Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd. (“Hiscox Bermuda”) effective January 1, 2013. Steve Green, the President of Global Indemnity Reinsurance, was a member of Hiscox Bermuda’s Board of Directors until May, 2014. The Company estimated that the following earned premium and incurred losses related to the agreement have been assumed by Global Indemnity Reinsurance from Hiscox Bermuda:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014
	Assumed earned premium	$	1,803	$	1,014
	Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses		535		304
	Net balances due to Global Indemnity Reinsurance under this agreement are as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Net receivable balance	$	2,890	$	2,897

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies	11. Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains insurance and reinsurance coverage for such risks in amounts that it considers adequate. However, there can be no assurance that the insurance and reinsurance coverage that the Company maintains is sufficient or will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost. The Company does not believe that the resolution of any currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
	There is a greater potential for disputes with reinsurers who are in runoff. Some of the Company’s reinsurers’ have operations that are in runoff, and therefore, the Company closely monitors those relationships. The Company anticipates that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, it will continue to be subject to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of business.
	Commitments
	The Company entered into a $50 million commitment to purchase an alternative investment vehicle which is comprised of European non-performing loans. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has funded $26.5 million of this commitment leaving $23.6 million as unfunded.
	At March 31, 2015, the Company had an unfunded capital commitment of $2.4 million related to its investment in Fox Paine Capital Fund, II. See Note 10 for additional information on the Company’s investment in Fox Paine Capital Fund, II.

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-Based Compensation Plans	12. Share-Based Compensation Plans
	On June 11, 2014, the Company’s Shareholders approved the Global Indemnity plc Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The previous share incentive plan, which became effective in 2003, expired per its terms on September 5, 2013. The purpose of the Plan is to give the Company a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors by offering stock options, restricted shares and other stock-based awards. Under the Plan, the Company may issue up to 2.0 million A ordinary shares pursuant to awards granted under the Plan.
	Options
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the company awarded 200,000 time based options under the plan. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company awarded 25,000 Time-Based Options under the Plan. No unvested stock options were forfeited during the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Restricted Shares
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company issued 138,507 A ordinary shares, with a weighted average grant date value of $28.37 per share, to key employees under the Plan.
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, key employees of the Company earned 90,023 A ordinary shares, with a weighted average grant date value of $25.30 per share. These shares were approved and granted in the 2nd quarter, 2014.
	Of the shares granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, 10,574 were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and vest 33 1/3 on each subsequent anniversary date of the grant for a period of three years subject to an accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results as of the third anniversary of the grant and an additional 44,058 were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other key employees which vest 100% on January 1, 2018. The remaining 83,875 shares were granted to key employees and will vest as follows:
		•	16.5%, 16.5%, and 17.0% of the granted stock vest on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant, respectively.
		•	50% of granted stock vests 100% on the anniversary of the third year subject to accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results and are subject to Board approval.
	Of the shares earned during the quarter ended March 31, 2014, 11,857 were earned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and vest 33 1/3% on each subsequent anniversary date of the grant for a period of three years subject to an accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results as of the third anniversary of the grant. The remaining 78,166 shares were earned by key employees and will vest as follows:
		•	16.5%, 16.5%, and 17.0% of the granted stock vest on the first, second, and third anniversary of the grant, respectively.
		•	50% of granted stock vests 100% on the anniversary of the third year subject to accident year true-up of bonus year underwriting results and are subject to Board approval.
	During the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company issued 9,247 and 8,928 A ordinary shares, respectively, at a weighted average grant date value of $27.75 and $26.34 per share, respectively, to non-employee directors of the Company under the Plan. All of the shares issued to non-employee directors of the Company in 2015 and 2014 were fully vested but subject to certain restrictions. The 8,928 shares issued to non-employee directors of the Company in 2014 were earned but not granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 but were considered issued and outstanding for purposes of this financial statement. These shares were approved in the 2nd quarter of 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share	13. Earnings Per Share
	Earnings per share have been computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
	(Dollars in thousands,	Quarters Ended March 31,
	except share and per share data)	2015		2014
	Net income	$	6,794	$	8,823
	Basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic		25,449,282		25,122,812
	Net income per share	$	0.27	$	0.35
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted		25,641,741		25,278,907
	Net income per share	$	0.26	$	0.35
	A reconciliation of weighted average shares for basic earnings per share to weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share is as follows:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share		25,449,282		25,122,812
	Non-vested restricted stock		90,475		64,847
	Options		101,984		91,248
	Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share		25,641,741		25,278,907
	The weighted average shares outstanding used to determine dilutive earnings per share for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 do not include 512,500 and 37,500 shares, respectively, which were deemed to be anti-dilutive.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information	14. Segment Information
	The acquisition of American Reliable has impacted the way the Company manages and analyzes its operating results. The business acquired from American Reliable is considered to be a separate segment, Personal Lines. The Company now manages its business through three business segments: Commercial Lines, managed in Bala Cynwyd, PA, offers specialty property and casualty products designed for product lines such as Small Business Binding Authority, Property Brokerage, and Programs, Personal Lines, managed in Scottsdale, AZ, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage, and Reinsurance Operations, managed in Bermuda, provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies.
	The following are tabulations of business segment information for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2015:		Commercial			Personal			Reinsurance			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Lines (1)			Lines (1)			Operations (2)
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written		$	49,793		$	73,211		$	19,865		$	142,869
	Net premiums written		$	45,622		$	60,656		$	19,826		$	126,104
	Net premiums earned		$	50,714		$	63,422		$	13,201		$	127,337
	Other income			165			466			(79	)		552
	Total revenues			50,879			63,888			13,122			127,889
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses			29,603			35,918			4,098			69,619
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses			20,623	(3)		22,746	(4)		4,889			48,258
	Income (loss) from segments		$	653		$	5,224		$	4,135		$	10,012
	Unallocated Items:
	Net investment income												8,241
	Net realized investment losses												(2,970	)
	Corporate and other operating expenses												(11,540	)
	Interest expense												(505	)
	Income before income taxes												3,238
	Income tax benefit												3,556
	Net income												6,794
	Total assets		$	775,898		$	509,841		$	988,161	(5)	$	2,273,900
	-1	Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
	-2	External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
	-3	Includes federal excise tax of $268 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
	-4	Includes federal excise tax of $317 relating to cessions from Personal Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
	-5	Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s total assets less its investment in subsidiaries.
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014:		Commercial			Reinsurance			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Lines (1)			Operations (2)
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written		$	52,992		$	24,205		$	77,197
	Net premiums written		$	48,656		$	24,205		$	72,861
	Net premiums earned		$	53,313		$	14,231		$	67,544
	Other income			166			2			168
	Total revenues			53,479			14,233			67,712
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses			33,597			4,975			38,572
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses			21,718	(3)		4,767			26,485
	Income (loss) from segments		$	(1,836	)	$	4,491			2,655
	Unallocated Items:
	Net investment income									8,284
	Net realized investment losses									(813	)
	Corporate and other operating expenses									(2,961	)
	Interest expense									(191	)
	Income before income taxes									6,974
	Income tax benefit									1,849
	Net income								$	8,823
	Total assets		$	1,256,009		$	668,080	(4)	$	1,924,089
	-1	Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
	-2	External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
	-3	Includes federal excise tax of $280 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
	-4	Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s total assets less its investment in subsidiaries.

Principles_of_Consolidation_an1

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Segments	Starting in the 1st quarter of 2015, the Company manages its business through three business segments: Commercial Lines, managed in Bala Cynwyd, offers specialty property and casualty products designed for product lines such as Small Business Binding Authority, Property Brokerage, and Programs, Personal Lines, managed in Scottsdale, AZ, offers specialty personal lines and agricultural coverage, and Reinsurance Operations, managed in Bermuda, provides reinsurance solutions through brokers and primary writers including insurance and reinsurance companies. The Commercial Lines and Personal Lines segments comprise the Company’s U.S. Insurance Operations. See Note 14 for additional information regarding segments.
Interim Consolidated Financial statements	The interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but have been prepared in conformity with United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which differs in certain respects from those principles followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	The unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature and are necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods. Results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full year. The accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Intercompany Balances and Transactions	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global Indemnity and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Investments	The Company regularly performs various analytical valuation procedures with respect to its investments, including reviewing each fixed maturity security in an unrealized loss position to assess whether the security is a candidate for credit loss. Specifically, the Company considers credit rating, market price, and issuer specific financial information, among other factors, to assess the likelihood of collection of all principal and interest as contractually due. Securities for which the Company determines that a credit loss is likely are subjected to further analysis through discounted cash flow testing to estimate the credit loss to be recognized in earnings, if any. The specific methodologies and significant assumptions used by asset class are discussed below. Upon identification of such securities and periodically thereafter, a detailed review is performed to determine whether the decline is considered other than temporary. This review includes an analysis of several factors, including but not limited to, the credit ratings and cash flows of the securities and the magnitude and length of time that the fair value of such securities is below cost.
	For fixed maturities, the factors considered in reaching the conclusion that a decline below cost is other than temporary include, among others, whether:
		-1	the issuer is in financial distress;
		-2	the investment is secured;
		-3	a significant credit rating action occurred;
		-4	scheduled interest payments were delayed or missed;
		-5	changes in laws or regulations have affected an issuer or industry;
		-6	the investment has an unrealized loss and was identified by the Company’s investment manager as an investment to be sold before recovery or maturity; and
		-7	the investment failed cash flow projection testing to determine if anticipated principal and interest payments will be realized.
	According to accounting guidance for debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company is required to assess whether it has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before the anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met the Company must recognize an other than temporary impairment with the entire unrealized loss being recorded through earnings. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position not meeting these conditions, the Company assesses whether the impairment of a security is other than temporary. If the impairment is deemed to be other than temporary, the Company must separate the other than temporary impairment into two components: the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors, such as changes in interest rates. The credit loss represents the portion of the amortized book value in excess of the net present value of the projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to impairment. The credit loss component of the other than temporary impairment is recorded through earnings, whereas the amount relating to factors other than credit losses is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.
	For equity securities, management carefully reviews all securities with unrealized losses to determine if a security should be impaired and further focuses on securities that have either:
		-1	persisted with unrealized losses for more than twelve consecutive months or
		-2	the value of the investment has been 20% or more below cost for six continuous months or more.
Derivatives Policy	The Company accounts for the interest rate swaps as non-hedge instruments and recognizes the fair value of the interest rate swaps in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with the changes in fair value recognized as net realized investment gains in the consolidated statement of operations. The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps, which is primarily derived from the forward interest rate curve, is based on the valuation received from a third party financial institution.
Fair Value Measurement Policy	The Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments are carried at their fair value and are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy:
		•		Level 1 - inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
		•		Level 2 - inputs utilize other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for similar assets, either directly or indirectly.
		•		Level 3 - inputs are unobservable for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset.
	In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset.
	Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Company has classified within the Level 3 category. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for invested assets within the Level 3 category presented in the tables below may include changes in fair value that are attributed to both observable (e.g., changes in market interest rates) and unobservable (e.g., changes in unobservable long-dated volatilities) inputs.
	Based on the typical trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices for fixed maturities, security prices are derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information. If there are no recent reported trades, matrix or model processes are used to develop a security price where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Included in the pricing of asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and mortgage-backed securities are estimates of the rate of future prepayments of principal over the remaining life of the securities. Such estimates are derived based on the characteristics of the underlying structure and prepayment speeds previously experienced at the interest rate levels projected for the underlying collateral. The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps is obtained from a third party financial institution who utilizes observable inputs such as the forward interest rate curve.
	The Company’s pricing vendors provide prices for all investment categories except for investments in limited partnerships which are measured utilizing net asset values as a practical expedient. One vendor provides prices for equity securities and all fixed maturity categories.
	The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company’s pricing vendors for investment securities carried at fair value:
		•		Equity prices are received from all primary and secondary exchanges.
		•		Corporate and agency bonds are evaluated by utilizing a multi-dimensional relational model. For bonds with early redemption options, an option adjusted spread model is utilized. Both asset classes use standard inputs and incorporate security set up, defined sector breakdown, benchmark yields, apply base spreads, yield to maturity, and adjust for corporate actions.
		•		A volatility-driven multi-dimensional spread table or an option-adjusted spread model and prepayment model is used for agency commercial mortgage obligations (“CMO”). For non-agency CMOs, a prepayment/spread/yield/price adjustment model is utilized. CMOs are categorized with mortgage-backed securities in the tables listed above. For ABSs, a multi-dimensional, collateral specific spread / prepayment speed tables is utilized. For both asset classes, evaluations utilize standard inputs plus new issue data, monthly payment information, and collateral performance. The evaluated pricing models incorporate security set-up, prepayment speeds, cash flows, and treasury swap curves and spread adjustments.
		•		For municipals, a multi-dimensional relational model is used to evaluate securities within this asset class. The evaluated pricing models for this asset class incorporate security set-up, benchmark yields, apply base spreads, yield to worst or market convention, ratings updates, prepayment schedules and adjustments for material events notices.
		•		U.S. treasuries are evaluated by obtaining feeds from a number of live data sources including active market makers and inter-dealer brokers.
		•		For MBSs, a matrix model correlation to TBA (a forward MBS trade) or benchmarking is utilized to value a security.
Statutory Income Tax Rates	The statutory income tax rate of each country is applied against the expected annual taxable income of the Company in each country to estimate the annual income tax expense.
Loss Reserves and Prior Year Development	When analyzing loss reserves and prior year development, the Company considers many factors, including the frequency and severity of claims, loss trends, case reserve settlements that may have resulted in significant development, and any other additional or pertinent factors that may impact reserve estimates.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per share have been computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period.

Acquisition_Tables

Acquisition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations	The following table presents the Company’s unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014 instead of January 1, 2015.
		Pro Forma
		Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands except per share data)	2015				2014
	Total Revenue	$	133,160			$	139,490
	Net Income	$	12,189			$	7,880
	Net Income per share	$	0.48			$	0.31
Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
	(Dollars in thousands)
	ASSETS:
	Investments	$	226,458
	Cash and cash equivalents		21,360
	Premiums receivables, net		25,941
	Accounts receivable		17,323
	Reinsurance receivables		12,723
	Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums		43,506
	Intangible assets		32,500
	Deferred federal income taxes		1,179
	Other assets		6,550
	Total assets		387,540
	LIABILITIES:
	Unearned premiums		172,234
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		88,954
	Reinsurance balances payable		13,219
	Contingent commission		3,876
	Other liabilities		5,985
	Total liabilities		284,268
	Estimated fair value of net assets acquired		103,272
	Purchase price		105,463
	Goodwill	$	2,191
Valuation of Intangible Assets	An identification and valuation of intangible assets was performed that resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of $32.5 million with values assigned as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Useful Life		Amount
	Description
	State insurance licenses	Indefinite		$	5,000
	Value of business acquired	< 1 year			26,000
	Agent relationships	10 years			900
	Trade name	7 - 8 years			600
				$	32,500
Fair Value, Gross Contractual Amounts Due, and Contractual Cash Flows Not Expected to be Collected of Acquired Receivables	The fair value, gross contractual amounts due, and contractual cash flows not expected to be collected of acquired receivables are as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Fair				Gross			Contractual
		Value				Contractual			cash flows not
						Amounts Due			expected to be
									collected
	Premium receivables	$	25,941			$	26,896		$	955
	Accounts receivable		17,323				17,323			—
	Reinsurance receivables		12,723				12,723			—
Geographical Distribution of American Reliable's Gross Premium Written	The following table sets forth the geographic distribution of American Reliable’s gross premiums written, excluding business that is ceded under a 100% quota share reinsurance agreement to American Bankers Insurance Company, for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amount				Percent
	Texas	$	32,760				12.3	%
	California		25,556				9.6
	North Carolina		23,040				8.7
	Arizona		17,722				6.7
	Louisiana		17,522				6.6
	New York		13,408				5
	Florida		12,361				4.6
	Oklahoma		9,977				3.7
	Georgia		8,768				3.3
	New Jersey		6,925				2.6
	Subtotal		168,039				63.1
	All other states		98,264				36.9
	Total	$	266,303				100	%
Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Written and Earned	The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned by American Reliable is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	Written				Earned
	For the quarter ended March 31, 2015:
	Direct business	$	49,836			$	60,994
	Reinsurance assumed		23,375				23,699
	Reinsurance ceded		(12,555	)			(21,270	)
	Net premiums	$	60,656			$	63,423
Future Minimum Cash Payments under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	At March 31, 2015, future minimum cash payments under non-cancelable operating leases related to the operations of American Reliable were as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	930
	2016		817
	2017		780
	2018		572
	Total	$	3,099

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments were as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized				Gross				Gross			Estimated			Other than
			Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized			Fair Value			temporary
							Gains				Losses						impairments
																	recognized
																	in AOCI (1)
	As of March 31, 2015
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	92,814			$	2,284			$	(24	)	$	95,074		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			224,850				4,172				(67	)		228,955			—
	Mortgage-backed securities			212,264				4,338				(279	)		216,323			(3	)
	Asset-backed securities			256,425				1,401				(186	)		257,640			(13	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			169,826				300				(578	)		169,548			—
	Corporate bonds			473,526				5,021				(84	)		478,463			—
	Foreign corporate bonds			130,735				1,086				(487	)		131,334			—
	Total fixed maturities			1,560,440				18,602				(1,705	)		1,577,337			(16	)
	Common stock			100,818				24,480				(3,842	)		121,456			—
	Other invested assets			28,887				1,105				—			29,992			—
	Total		$	1,690,145			$	44,187			$	(5,547	)	$	1,728,785		$	(16	)
	-1	Represents the total amount of other than temporary impairment losses relating to factors other than credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).
	(Dollars in thousands)		Amortized				Gross				Gross			Estimated			Other than
			Cost				Unrealized				Unrealized			Fair Value			temporary
							Gains				Losses						impairments
																	recognized
																	in AOCI (2)
	As of December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	78,569			$	2,281			$	(83	)	$	80,767		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			188,452				3,718				(697	)		191,473			—
	Mortgage-backed securities			205,814				3,709				(764	)		208,759			(4	)
	Asset-backed securities			177,853				713				(303	)		178,263			(13	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			133,984				21				(847	)		133,158			—
	Corporate bonds			380,704				3,421				(709	)		383,416			—
	Foreign corporate bonds			107,572				625				(558	)		107,639			—
	Total fixed maturities			1,272,948				14,488				(3,961	)		1,283,475			(17	)
	Common stock			99,297				25,689				(2,938	)		122,048			—
	Other invested assets			33,174				489				—			33,663			—
	Total		$	1,405,419			$	40,666			$	(6,899	)	$	1,439,186		$	(17	)
	-2	Represents the total amount of other than temporary impairment losses relating to factors other than credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).
Summary of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value Through Fixed Maturities	Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
	Dollars in thousands)		Amortized				Estimated
			Cost				Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	147,920			$	149,345
	Due in one year through five years			670,004				677,567
	Due in five years through ten years			74,459				76,607
	Due in ten years through fifteen years			9,355				9,872
	Due after fifteen years			20,187				20,435
	Mortgage-backed securities			212,264				216,323
	Asset-backed securities			256,425				257,640
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			169,826				169,548
	Total		$	1,560,440			$	1,577,337
Summary of Securities With Gross Unrealized Losses	The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of March 31, 2015:
			Less than 12 months								12 months or longer (1)						Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value				Gross				Fair			Gross			Fair Value			Gross
							Unrealized				Value			Unrealized						Unrealized
							Losses							Losses						Losses
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	10,000			$	—			$	3,394		$	(24	)	$	13,394		$	(24	)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			3,557				(3	)			11,680			(64	)		15,237			(67	)
	Mortgage-backed securities			25,240				(139	)			19,691			(140	)		44,931			(279	)
	Asset-backed securities			77,970				(186	)			—			—			77,970			(186	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			87,170				(467	)			11,722			(111	)		98,892			(578	)
	Corporate bonds			47,209				(67	)			2,978			(17	)		50,187			(84	)
	Foreign corporate bonds			29,225				(487	)			—			—			29,225			(487	)
	Total fixed maturities			280,371				(1,349	)			49,465			(356	)		329,836			(1,705	)
	Common stock			22,967				(3,815	)			144			(27	)		23,111			(3,842	)
	Total		$	303,338			$	(5,164	)		$	49,609		$	(383	)	$	352,947		$	(5,547	)
	-1	Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.
	The following table contains an analysis of the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses, categorized by the period that the securities were in a continuous loss position as of December 31, 2014:
			Less than 12 months								12 months or longer (2)						Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value				Gross				Fair Value			Gross			Fair Value			Gross
							Unrealized							Unrealized						Unrealized
							Losses							Losses						Losses
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	11,728			$	(9	)		$	3,343		$	(74	)	$	15,071		$	(83	)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			28,684				(314	)			28,061			(383	)		56,745			(697	)
	Mortgage-backed securities			2,818				(7	)			51,203			(757	)		54,021			(764	)
	Asset-backed securities			92,123				(283	)			1,683			(20	)		93,806			(303	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			92,664				(525	)			26,280			(322	)		118,944			(847	)
	Corporate bonds			144,505				(656	)			3,216			(53	)		147,721			(709	)
	Foreign corporate bonds			60,518				(558	)			—			—			60,518			(558	)
	Total fixed maturities			433,040				(2,352	)			113,786			(1,609	)		546,826			(3,961	)
	Common stock			20,002				(2,808	)			1,577			(130	)		21,579			(2,938	)
	Total		$	453,042			$	(5,160	)		$	115,363		$	(1,739	)	$	568,405		$	(6,899	)
	-2	Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.
Schedule of Other Than Temporary Impairments on Investments	The Company recorded the following other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) on its investment portfolio for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
			Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
	Fixed maturities:
	OTTI losses, gross		$	(10	)		$	(25	)
	Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (pre-tax)			—				—
	Net impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings			(10	)			(25	)
	Equity securities			(331	)			—
	Total		$	(341	)		$	(25	)
Schedule of Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings	The following table is an analysis of the credit losses recognized in earnings on fixed maturities held by the Company for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income.
			Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	50			$	54
	Additions where no OTTI was previously recorded			—				—
	Additions where an OTTI was previously recorded			—				—
	Reductions for securities for which the company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery			—				—
	Reductions reflecting increases in expected cash flows to be collected			—				—
	Reductions for securities sold during the period			—				—
	Balance at end of period		$	50			$	54
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		March 31,				December 31,
			2015				2014
	Net unrealized gains from:
	Fixed maturities		$	16,897			$	10,527
	Common stock			20,638				22,751
	Other			709				369
	Deferred taxes			(10,539	)			(10,263	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax		$	27,705			$	23,384
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, by component for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2015		Unrealized Gains				Foreign Currency				Accumulated Other
	(Dollars in thousands)		and Losses on				Items, Net of Tax				Comprehensive
			Available for								Income, Net of Tax
			Sale Securities,
			Net of Tax
	Beginning balance		$	23,647			$	(263)			$	23,384
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification			6,441				(321	)			6,120
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,882	)			83				(1,799	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)			4,559				(238	)			4,321
	Ending balance		$	28,206			$	(501	)		$	27,705
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014		Unrealized Gains				Foreign Currency				Accumulated Other
	(Dollars in thousands)		and Losses on				Items, Net of Tax				Comprehensive
			Available for								Income, Net of Tax
			Sale Securities,
			Net of Tax
	Beginning balance		$	53,950			$	78			$	54,028
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification			2,027				29				2,056
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			(4,019	)			(13	)			(4,032	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,992	)			16				(1,976	)
	Ending balance		$	51,958			$	94			$	52,052
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
					Amounts Reclassified from
					Accumulated Other
					Comprehensive Income
					Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		Affected Line Item in the		2015				2014
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Consolidated Statements of
	Income Components		Operations
	Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities		Other net realized investment gains		$	(3,381	)		$	(5,534	)
			Other than temporary impairment losses on investments			341				25
			Total before tax			(3,040	)			(5,509	)
			Income tax benefit			1,158				1,490
			Net of tax		$	(1,882	)		$	(4,019	)
	Foreign Currency Items		Other net realized investment gains (losses)		$	128			$	(20	)
			Income tax expense (benefit)			(45	)			7
			Net of tax		$	83			$	(13	)
	Total reclassifications		Net of tax		$	(1,799	)		$	(4,032	)
Components of Net Realized Investment Gains	The components of net realized investment gains for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
			Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
	Fixed maturities:
	Gross realized gains		$	733			$	1,671
	Gross realized losses			(131	)			(131	)
	Net realized gains			602				1,540
	Common stock:
	Gross realized gains			2,552				4,007
	Gross realized losses			(338	)			(18	)
	Net realized gains			2,214				3,989
	Preferred stock:
	Gross realized gains			96				—
	Gross realized losses			—				—
	Net realized gains (losses)			96				—
	Derivatives:
	Gross realized gains			—				—
	Gross realized losses			(5,882	)			(6,342	)
	Net realized losses			(5,882	)			(6,342	)
	Total net realized investment gains		$	(2,970	)		$	(813	)
Proceeds from Sales of Available-for-Sale Securities	The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities resulting in net realized investment gains for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
			Quarters Ended
			March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
	Fixed maturities		$	108,120			$	95,289
	Equity securities			6,509				10,702
	Preferred stock			1,540				—
Schedule of Investment Income	The sources of net investment income for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
			Quarters Ended
			March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
	Fixed maturities		$	8,014			$	7,255
	Equity securities			792				2,140
	Cash and cash equivalents			18				18
	Other invested assets			253				—
	Total investment income			9,077				9,413
	Investment expense			(836	)			(1,129	)
	Net investment income		$	8,241			$	8,284
Schedule of Total Investment Return	The Company’s total investment return on a pre-tax basis for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
			Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015				2014
	Net investment income		$	8,241			$	8,284
	Net realized investment (losses)			(2,970	)			(813	)
	Change in unrealized investment gains (losses)			4,597				(2,571	)
	Net realized and unrealized investment returns			1,627				(3,384	)
	Total investment return		$	9,868			$	4,900
	Total investment return % (1)			0.6	%			0.3	%
	Average investment portfolio		$	1,764,110			$	1,560,464
	-1	Not annualized.
Municipal Bonds with and without Insurance	The following table provides a breakdown of the ratings for these municipal bonds with and without insurance.
	(Dollars in thousands)		Ratings				Ratings
			with				without
	Rating		Insurance				Insurance
	AAA		$	1,244			$	—
	AA			519				1,244
	BB			—				519
	Total		$	1,763			$	1,763
Summary of Insurance Enhanced Municipal Bonds Backed by Financial Guarantors	A summary of the Company’s insurance enhanced municipal bonds that are backed by financial guarantors, including the pre-refunded bonds that are escrowed in U.S. government obligations, as of March 31, 2015, is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)		Total				Pre-refunded				Government			Exposure Net
	Financial Guarantor						Securities				Guaranteed			of Pre-refunded
											Securities			& Government
														Guaranteed
														Securities
	Ambac Financial Group		$	2,032			$	199			$	—		$	1,833
	Assured Guaranty Corporation			4,270				538				—			3,732
	Municipal Bond Insurance Association			8,067				2,817				—			5,250
	Gov’t National Housing Association			555				—				555			—
	Permanent School Fund Guaranty			1,244				—				1,244			—
	Total backed by financial guarantors			16,168				3,554				1,799			10,815
	Other credit enhanced municipal bonds			10,816				10,816				—			—
	Total		$	26,984			$	14,370			$	1,799		$	10,815
Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Bonds Held on Deposit	The fair values were as follows as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
			Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)		March 31,				December 31,
			2015				2014
	On deposit with governmental authorities		$	39,845			$	32,790
	Intercompany trusts held for the benefit of U.S. policyholders			540,193				495,301
	Held in trust pursuant to third party requirements			95,215				95,828
	Letter of credit held for third party requirements			6,237				9,340
	Securities held as collateral for borrowing arrangements (1)			265,337				222,809
	Total		$	946,827			$	856,068
	-1	Amount required to collateralize margin borrowing facilities.

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Summarized Information of Location and Gross Amount of Derivatives' Fair Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets

The following table summarizes information on the location and the gross amount of the derivatives’ fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

(Dollars in thousands)

March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging

Balance Sheet

Notional

Fair

Notional

Fair

Instruments under ASC 815

Location

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

Interest rate swap agreements

Other liabilities

$

200,000

$

(18,154

)

$

200,000

$

(13,675

)

Summary of Net Losses Included in Consolidated Statement of Operations for Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives and Periodic net Interest Settlements Under Derivatives

The following table summarizes the net losses included in the consolidated statement of operations for changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the periodic net interest settlements under the derivatives for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

Quarter Ended March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

Statement of Operations Line

2015

2014

Interest rate swap agreements

Other net realized investment losses

$

(5,882

)

$

(6,342

)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Company's Invested Assets and Derivative Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents information about the Company’s invested assets and derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.
	As of March 31, 2015		Fair Value Measurements
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	85,008		$	10,066		$	—	$	95,074
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			—			228,955			—		228,955
	Mortgage-backed securities			—			216,323			—		216,323
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—			169,548			—		169,548
	Asset-backed securities			—			257,640			—		257,640
	Corporate bonds			—			478,463			—		478,463
	Foreign corporate bonds			—			131,334			—		131,334
	Total fixed maturities			85,008			1,492,329			—		1,577,337
	Common stock			121,456			—			—		121,456
	Other invested assets			—			—			29,992		29,992
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	206,464		$	1,492,329		$	29,992	$	1,728,785
	Liabilities:
	Derivative instruments		$	—		$	18,154		$	—	$	18,154
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	—		$	18,154		$	—	$	18,154
	As of December 31, 2014		Fair Value Measurements
	(Dollars in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. treasury and agency obligations		$	74,765		$	6,002		$	—	$	80,767
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			—			191,473			—		191,473
	Mortgage-backed securities			—			208,759			—		208,759
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			—			133,158			—		133,158
	Asset-backed securities			—			178,263			—		178,263
	Corporate bonds			—			383,416			—		383,416
	Foreign corporate bonds			—			107,639			—		107,639
	Total fixed maturities			74,765			1,208,710			—		1,283,475
	Common stock			122,048			—			—		122,048
	Other invested assets			—			—			33,663		33,663
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	196,813		$	1,208,710		$	33,663	$	1,439,186
	Liabilities:
	Derivative instruments		$	—		$	13,675		$	—	$	13,675
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	—		$	13,675		$	—	$	13,675
Changes in Level 3 Investments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
			Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)		2015			2014
	Beginning balance		$	33,663		$	3,489
	Total gains (losses) (realized / unrealized):
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			363			(226	)
	Investment Income:
	Equity in Limited Partnership			253			—
	Purchases			—			2,101
	Distributions			(4,287	)		—
	Ending balance		$	29,992		$	5,364
Fair Value and Future Funding Commitments Related to These Investments	The following table provides the fair value and future funding commitments related to these investments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
			March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in thousands)		Fair Value			Future			Fair Value		Future
						Funding					Funding
						Commitment					Commitment
	Equity Fund, LP (1)		$	3,230		$	2,391		$	3,401	$	2,436
	Real Estate Fund, LP (2)			—			—			—		—
	European Non-Performing Loan Fund, LP (3)			26,762			23,564			30,262		20,064
	Total		$	29,992		$	25,955		$	33,663	$	22,500
	-1	This limited partnership invests in companies from various business sectors whereby the partnership has acquired control of the operating business as a lead or organizing investor. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner.
	-2	This limited partnership invests in real estate assets through a combination of direct or indirect investments in partnerships, limited liability companies, mortgage loans, and lines of credit. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner. The Company continues to hold an investment in this limited partnership and has written the fair value down to zero.
	-3	This limited partnership invests in distressed securities and assets through senior and subordinated, secured and unsecured debt and equity, in both public and private large-cap and middle-market companies. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income before Income Taxes from its Non-U.S. Subsidiaries and U.S. Subsidiaries	The Company’s income before income taxes from its non-U.S. subsidiaries and U.S. subsidiaries, including the results of the quota share and stop-loss agreements between Global Indemnity Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“Global Indemnity Reinsurance”) and the Insurance Operations, for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2015:	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Eliminations			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)	Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written	$	138,796		$	123,004		$	(118,931	)	$	142,869
	Net premiums written	$	138,757		$	(12,653	)	$	—		$	126,104
	Net premiums earned	$	71,664		$	55,673		$	—		$	127,337
	Net investment income		10,182			4,486			(6,427	)		8,241
	Net realized investment losses		(269	)		(2,701	)		—			(2,970	)
	Other income (loss)		(79	)		631			—			552
	Total revenues		81,498			58,089			(6,427	)		133,160
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		36,184			33,435			—			69,619
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		30,294			17,964			—			48,258
	Corporate and other operating expenses		2,081			9,459			—			11,540
	Interest expense		394			6,538			(6,427	)		505
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	12,545		$	(9,307	)	$	—		$	3,238
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014:	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Eliminations			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)	Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written	$	49,999		$	52,992		$	(25,794	)	$	77,197
	Net premiums written	$	49,999		$	22,862		$	—		$	72,861
	Net premiums earned	$	42,354		$	25,190		$	—		$	67,544
	Net investment income		7,651			5,420			(4,787	)		8,284
	Net realized investment gains (losses)		1,252			(2,065	)		—			(813	)
	Other income		2			166			—			168
	Total revenues		51,259			28,711			(4,787	)		75,183
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		19,958			18,614			—			38,572
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		17,794			8,691			—			26,485
	Corporate and other operating expenses		1,367			1,594			—			2,961
	Interest expense		240			4,738			(4,787	)		191
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	11,900		$	(4,926	)	$	—		$	6,974
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense (benefit):
		Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	Foreign	$	91		$	64
	U.S. Federal		1,110			(270	)
	Total current income tax expense (benefit)		1,201			(206	)
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. Federal		(4,757	)		(1,643	)
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(4,757	)		(1,643	)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	(3,556	)	$	(1,849	)
Differences in Tax and Estimated Tax Provisions at Weighted Average Tax Rate	The following table summarizes the differences between the tax provision for financial statement purposes and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
		2015						2014
	(Dollars in thousands)	Amount			% of Pre-			Amount			% of Pre-
					Tax Income						Tax Income
	Expected tax provision at weighted average rate	$	(3,167	)		(97.8	%)	$	(1,662	)		(23.8	%)
	Adjustments:
	Tax exempt interest		(136	)		(4.2	)		(215	)		(3.1	)
	Dividend exclusion		(155	)		(4.8	)		(478	)		(6.9	)
	Effective tax rate adjustment		—			—			501			7.2
	Other		(98	)		(3.0	)		5			0.1
	Actual tax on continuing operations	$	(3,556	)		(109.8	%)	$	(1,849	)		(26.5	%)
Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Give Rise to Significant Portions of Net Deferred Tax Assets	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented below:
	(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Deferred tax assets:
	Discounted unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	8,537		$	7,492
	Unearned premiums		7,642			3,409
	Alternative minimum tax credit carryover		9,860			10,473
	Partnership K1 basis differences		145			145
	Capital gain on derivative instruments		6,354			4,786
	Investment impairments		476			379
	Stock options		2,076			2,048
	Deferred acquisition costs		4,628			187
	Stat-to-GAAP reinsurance reserve		1,424			1,424
	Intercompany transfers		1,849			1,919
	Other		4,298			3,050
	Total deferred tax assets		47,289			35,312
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets		8,989			3,220
	Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale and investments in limited partnerships included in accumulated other comprehensive income		10,539			10,263
	Investment basis differences		853			692
	Depreciation and amortization		72			16
	Other		926			871
	Total deferred tax liabilities		21,379			15,062
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	25,910		$	20,250

Liability_for_Unpaid_Losses_an1

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Summarized Activity in Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Activity in the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	675,472		$	779,466
	Less: Ceded reinsurance receivables		(123,201	)		(192,491	)
	Net balance at beginning of period		552,271			586,975
	Purchased reserves gross		90,645			—
	Less: Purchased reserves ceded		(11,681	)		—
	Purchased reserves,net		78,964			—
	Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:
	Current year		73,114			40,666
	Prior years		(3,495	)		(2,094	)
	Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		69,619			38,572
	Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:
	Current year		14,682			8,212
	Prior years		56,561			33,821
	Total paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		71,243			42,033
	Net balance at end of period		629,611			583,514
	Plus: Ceded reinsurance receivables		140,508			195,533
	Balance at end of period	$	770,119		$	779,047

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Information with Respect to A Ordinary Shares that were Surrendered or Repurchased	The following table provides information with respect to the A ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2015:
	Period (1)		Total Number			Average		Total Number of Shares
			of Shares			Price Paid		Purchased as Part of
			Purchased			Per Share		Publicly Announced
								Plan or Program
	January 1-31, 2015			9,009	(2)	$	28.37		—
	March 1-31, 2015			2,290	(2)	$	26.98		—
	Total			11,299		$	28.09		—
	-1	Based on settlement date.
	-2	Surrendered by employees as payment of taxes withheld on the vesting of restricted stock.
	The following table provides information with respect to the A ordinary shares that were surrendered or repurchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2014:
	Period (1)		Total Number			Average		Total Number of Shares
			of Shares			Price Paid		Purchased as Part of
			Purchased			Per Share		Publicly Announced
								Plan or Program
	January 1-31, 2014			3,644	(2)	$	25.3		—
	February 1-28, 2014			362	(2)	$	24		—
	March 1-31, 2014			1,438	(2)	$	26.23		—
	Total			5,444		$	25.46		—
	-1	Based on settlement date.
	-2	Surrendered by employees as payment of taxes withheld on the vesting of restricted stock.

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables
Estimated Earned Premium and Incurred Losses, and Net Balances Due	The Company estimated that the following earned premium and incurred losses related to the agreement have been assumed by Global Indemnity Reinsurance from Hiscox Bermuda:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014
	Assumed earned premium	$	1,803	$	1,014
	Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses		535		304
Premium and Losses
Estimated Earned Premium and Incurred Losses, and Net Balances Due	Net balances due to Global Indemnity Reinsurance under this agreement are as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Net receivable balance	$	2,890	$	2,897

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
	(Dollars in thousands,	Quarters Ended March 31,
	except share and per share data)	2015		2014
	Net income	$	6,794	$	8,823
	Basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic		25,449,282		25,122,812
	Net income per share	$	0.27	$	0.35
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted		25,641,741		25,278,907
	Net income per share	$	0.26	$	0.35
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	A reconciliation of weighted average shares for basic earnings per share to weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share is as follows:
		Quarters Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share		25,449,282		25,122,812
	Non-vested restricted stock		90,475		64,847
	Options		101,984		91,248
	Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share		25,641,741		25,278,907

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Business Segment Information	The following are tabulations of business segment information for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2015:		Commercial			Personal			Reinsurance			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Lines (1)			Lines (1)			Operations (2)
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written		$	49,793		$	73,211		$	19,865		$	142,869
	Net premiums written		$	45,622		$	60,656		$	19,826		$	126,104
	Net premiums earned		$	50,714		$	63,422		$	13,201		$	127,337
	Other income			165			466			(79	)		552
	Total revenues			50,879			63,888			13,122			127,889
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses			29,603			35,918			4,098			69,619
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses			20,623	(3)		22,746	(4)		4,889			48,258
	Income (loss) from segments		$	653		$	5,224		$	4,135		$	10,012
	Unallocated Items:
	Net investment income												8,241
	Net realized investment losses												(2,970	)
	Corporate and other operating expenses												(11,540	)
	Interest expense												(505	)
	Income before income taxes												3,238
	Income tax benefit												3,556
	Net income												6,794
	Total assets		$	775,898		$	509,841		$	988,161	(5)	$	2,273,900
	-1	Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
	-2	External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
	-3	Includes federal excise tax of $268 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
	-4	Includes federal excise tax of $317 relating to cessions from Personal Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
	-5	Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s total assets less its investment in subsidiaries.
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014:		Commercial			Reinsurance			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)		Lines (1)			Operations (2)
	Revenues:
	Gross premiums written		$	52,992		$	24,205		$	77,197
	Net premiums written		$	48,656		$	24,205		$	72,861
	Net premiums earned		$	53,313		$	14,231		$	67,544
	Other income			166			2			168
	Total revenues			53,479			14,233			67,712
	Losses and Expenses:
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses			33,597			4,975			38,572
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses			21,718	(3)		4,767			26,485
	Income (loss) from segments		$	(1,836	)	$	4,491			2,655
	Unallocated Items:
	Net investment income									8,284
	Net realized investment losses									(813	)
	Corporate and other operating expenses									(2,961	)
	Interest expense									(191	)
	Income before income taxes									6,974
	Income tax benefit									1,849
	Net income								$	8,823
	Total assets		$	1,256,009		$	668,080	(4)	$	1,924,089
	-1	Includes business ceded to the Company’s Reinsurance Operations.
	-2	External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
	-3	Includes federal excise tax of $280 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
	-4	Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance’s total assets less its investment in subsidiaries.

Principles_of_Consolidation_an2

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Segment
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Date of incorporation	9-Mar-10
State of incorporation	Ireland
Kind of listing	A ordinary shares
Number of business segments	3

Acquisition_Additional_Informa

Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$133,160,000	$75,183,000
Pre-tax income	3,238,000	6,974,000
Recognized as goodwill	7,011,000		4,820,000	2,191,000	7,011,000
Intangible assets	32,500,000				32,500,000
Intangible assets arising from acquisition deductible for income tax, period	15 years
Business combination, employee related compensation cost paid, which were included in the fair value of net assets acquired	1,600,000
Dividend limitations	The maximum amount of dividends, which can be paid by Arizona domiciled insurance companies without prior approval of the Director of Insurance, is subject to certain regulatory restrictions relating to statutory surplus. Specifically, an insurance company may pay dividends equal to the lesser of net income or 10% of its statutory surplus without specific approval from the Director. A dividend is considered extraordinary when the amount of the dividend, combined with all other dividends or distributions made within the preceding twelve months exceeds the lesser of either 10% of such insurer's surplus as regards to policyholders as of the thirty-first day of December next preceding, or the net income for the twelve month period ending the thirty-first day of December next preceding. Until the closing balance sheet is finalized, the maximum amount of the dividend that could be paid by American Reliable cannot be determined.
Subsequent Events | Agreement with unrelated third party to build out a rate, quote, bind and issue application for the agriculture products
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated project cost						2,600,000
American Reliable Insurance Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	65,300,000
Pre-tax income	6,600,000
Ceded written premiums	12,555,000
Ceded earned premiums	21,270,000
Rental expense under operating leases, net of sub-lease income	300,000
American Reliable Insurance Company | American Bankers Insurance Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ceded written premiums	10,100,000
Ceded earned premiums	18,800,000
American Reliable Insurance Company | Various Reinsurers Owned by Assurant, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ceded written premiums	23,300,000
Ceded earned premiums	23,600,000
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, percent			100.00%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | General and Specialty Agents | Arizona and New Mexico
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of agents			290
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | Direct Agents | Arizona and New Mexico
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of agents			332
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Top Five Agents
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, percent			23.90%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | One agency
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, percent			6.80%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Reinsurance Program Layer 2
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Limit of liability for risks involved in one loss occurrence	6,000,000
American Reliable Insurance Company | Earthquake Property Catastrophe Excess Of Loss
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage for excess of risk retention per incident, effective treaty	30,000,000
Reinsurance coverage for risk retention per incident, effective treaty	5,000,000
Reinsurance percentage of one full reinstatement, effective treaty	100.00%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Property Per Risk Excess Of Loss | Reinsurance Program Layer 1
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage for excess of risk retention per incident, effective treaty	1,000,000
Reinsurance coverage for risk retention per incident, effective treaty	1,000,000
Limit of liability for risks involved in one loss occurrence	2,000,000
American Reliable Insurance Company | Property Per Risk Excess Of Loss | Reinsurance Program Layer 2
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage for excess of risk retention per incident, effective treaty	3,000,000
Reinsurance coverage for risk retention per incident, effective treaty	2,000,000
Investment Advisory Fee
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment advisory fee				1,500,000
Global Indemnity Group Inc | American Reliable Insurance Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price				113,700,000
Business acquisition date				1-Jan-15
Acquired voting equity interest				100.00%
Customary insurance liabilities, obligations, and mandates				284,300,000
Estimated purchase price				105,500,000
Recognized as goodwill				2,191,000
Global Indemnity Group Inc | American Reliable Insurance Company | Fox Paine & Company, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment bank fee as a percentage of the required capital				3.00%
Investment advisory fee				6,500,000
Ordinary shares of Global Indemnity issued to pay fees				267,702
Global Indemnity Group Inc | Investment Advisory Fee
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, additional costs	$1,800,000		3,300,000		$5,100,000

Schedule_of_Unaudited_Pro_Form

Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$133,160	$139,490
Net Income	$12,189	$7,880
Net Income per share	$0.48	$0.31

Estimated_Fair_value_of_Assets

Estimated Fair value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS:
Investments			$226,458
Cash and cash equivalents			21,360
Premiums receivables, net			25,941
Accounts receivable			17,323
Reinsurance receivables			12,723
Prepaid Reinsurance Premiums			43,506
Intangible assets			32,500
Deferred federal income taxes			1,179
Other assets			6,550
Total assets			387,540
LIABILITIES:
Unearned premiums			172,234
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses			88,954
Reinsurance balances payable			13,219
Contingent commission			3,876
Other liabilities			5,985
Total liabilities			284,268
Estimated fair value of net assets acquired			103,272
Purchase price	105,463
Goodwill		$7,011	$2,191	$4,820

Valuation_of_Intangible_Assets

Valuation of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2015
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	$32,500
State insurance licenses
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	5,000
Value of business acquired
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	26,000
Value of business acquired | Maximum
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	1 year
Agent Relationships
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years
Amount	900
Trade names
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	$600
Trade names | Maximum
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	8 years
Trade names | Minimum
Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years

Fair_Value_Gross_Contractual_A

Fair Value, Gross Contractual Amounts Due, and Contractual Cash Flows Not Expected to be Collected of Acquired Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Premium Receivables
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired receivables, Fair Value	$25,941
Acquired receivables, Gross Contractual Amounts Due	26,896
Acquired receivables, Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected	955
Accounts Receivable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired receivables, Fair Value	17,323
Acquired receivables, Gross Contractual Amounts Due	17,323
Reinsurance Receivables
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired receivables, Fair Value	12,723
Acquired receivables, Gross Contractual Amounts Due	$12,723

Geographic_Distribution_of_Gro

Geographic Distribution of Gross Premiums Written (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount	$142,869	$77,197
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			266,303
Gross premiums written, percent			100.00%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | TEXAS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			32,760
Gross premiums written, percent			12.30%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | CALIFORNIA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			25,556
Gross premiums written, percent			9.60%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | NORTH CAROLINA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			23,040
Gross premiums written, percent			8.70%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | ARIZONA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			17,722
Gross premiums written, percent			6.70%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | LOUISIANA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			17,522
Gross premiums written, percent			6.60%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | NEW YORK
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			13,408
Gross premiums written, percent			5.00%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | FLORIDA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			12,361
Gross premiums written, percent			4.60%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | OKLAHOMA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			9,977
Gross premiums written, percent			3.70%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | GEORGIA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			8,768
Gross premiums written, percent			3.30%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | NEW JERSEY
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			6,925
Gross premiums written, percent			2.60%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | Subtotal
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			168,039
Gross premiums written, percent			63.10%
American Reliable Insurance Company | Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Geographic Concentration Risk | All other states
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gross premiums written, Amount			$98,264
Gross premiums written, percent			36.90%

Effect_of_Reinsurance_on_Premi

Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums Written and Earned (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Net premiums written	$126,104	$72,861
Net premiums earned	127,337	67,544
American Reliable Insurance Company
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct business	49,836
Reinsurance assumed	23,375
Reinsurance ceded	-12,555
Net premiums written	60,656
Direct business	60,994
Reinsurance assumed	23,699
Reinsurance ceded	-21,270
Net premiums earned	$63,423

Future_Minimum_Cash_Payments_U

Future Minimum Cash Payments Under Non-cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (American Reliable Insurance Company, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
American Reliable Insurance Company
Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases With Initial Terms Of One-Year Or More [Line Items]
2015	$930
2016	817
2017	780
2018	572
Total	$3,099

Schedule_of_Amortized_Cost_and

Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$1,690,145		$1,405,419
Gross Unrealized Gains	44,187		40,666
Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,547		-6,899
Estimated Fair Value	1,728,785		1,439,186
Other than temporary impairments recognized in AOCI	-16	[1]	-17	[1]
Common Shares
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	100,818		99,297
Gross Unrealized Gains	24,480		25,689
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,842		-2,938
Estimated Fair Value	121,456		122,048
Other Invested Assets
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	28,887		33,174
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,105		489
Estimated Fair Value	29,992		33,663
Fixed Maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,560,440		1,272,948
Gross Unrealized Gains	18,602		14,488
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,705		-3,961
Estimated Fair Value	1,577,337		1,283,475
Other than temporary impairments recognized in AOCI	-16	[1]	-17	[1]
Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury and Agency Obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	92,814		78,569
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,284		2,281
Gross Unrealized Losses	-24		-83
Estimated Fair Value	95,074		80,767
Fixed Maturities | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	224,850		188,452
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,172		3,718
Gross Unrealized Losses	-67		-697
Estimated Fair Value	228,955		191,473
Fixed Maturities | Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	212,264		205,814
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,338		3,709
Gross Unrealized Losses	-279		-764
Estimated Fair Value	216,323		208,759
Other than temporary impairments recognized in AOCI	-3	[1]	-4	[1]
Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	256,425		177,853
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,401		713
Gross Unrealized Losses	-186		-303
Estimated Fair Value	257,640		178,263
Other than temporary impairments recognized in AOCI	-13	[1]	-13	[1]
Fixed Maturities | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	169,826		133,984
Gross Unrealized Gains	300		21
Gross Unrealized Losses	-578		-847
Estimated Fair Value	169,548		133,158
Fixed Maturities | Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	473,526		380,704
Gross Unrealized Gains	5,021		3,421
Gross Unrealized Losses	-84		-709
Estimated Fair Value	478,463		383,416
Fixed Maturities | Foreign Corporate Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	130,735		107,572
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,086		625
Gross Unrealized Losses	-487		-558
Estimated Fair Value	$131,334		$107,639
[1]	Represents the total amount of other than temporary impairment losses relating to factors other than credit losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	$5,547,000		$6,899,000
Gross unrealized losses less than 12 months	5,164,000		5,160,000
Gross unrealized losses for 12 months or greater	383,000	[1]	1,739,000	[1]
Investments in insurance enhanced asset backed and credit securities	47,600,000
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	26,984,000
Ratings without insurance	1,763,000
Investments in asset backed and taxable municipal bonds	20,600,000
Asset backed and taxable municipal bonds as a percentage of total cash and invested assets	1.20%
Municipal Bond Insurance Association
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in asset backed and taxable municipal bonds	11,500,000
Ambac Financial Group
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in asset backed and taxable municipal bonds	1,600,000
Assured Guaranty Corporation
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in asset backed and taxable municipal bonds	7,200,000
Financial Guaranty Insurance Group
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in asset backed and taxable municipal bonds	300,000
Financial Guarantors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	16,168,000
AA- Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	27,000,000
Insurance enhanced municipal bonds as a percentage of total cash and invested assets	1.50%
Insurance enhanced municipal bonds	12,600,000
Maximum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in a single issuer as a percentage of shareholders' equity	4.00%		4.00%
Pre-Refunded Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	14,370,000
Pre-Refunded Securities | Financial Guarantors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	3,554,000
AA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Ratings without insurance	1,244,000
U.S. Treasury and Agency Obligations | AA+ Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	24,000
Gross unrealized losses less than 12 months	1,000
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	67,000
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions | A Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses for 12 months or greater	64,000
Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	279,000
Mortgage Backed Securities | AA+ Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses for 12 months or greater	140,000
Asset-backed Securities | A Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	186,000
Weighted average credit enhancement	21.00%
Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	84,000
Corporate bonds | BBB Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses for 12 months or greater	17,000
Foreign Corporate Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	487,000
Percentage of securities in unrealized loss position less than twelve months and rated investment grade	92.50%
Common Shares
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	3,842,000		2,938,000
Gross unrealized losses less than 12 months	3,815,000		2,808,000
Gross unrealized losses for 12 months or greater	27,000	[1]	130,000	[1]
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses	578,000
Weighted average credit enhancement	35.20%
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | AA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized losses for 12 months or greater	$111,000
[1]	Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.

Summary_of_Amortized_Cost_and_

Summary of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value Through Fixed Maturities (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$147,920
Due in one year through five years, Amortized Cost	670,004
Due in five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	74,459
Due in ten years through fifteen years, Amortized Cost	9,355
Due after fifteen years, Amortized Cost	20,187
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	1,560,440	1,272,948
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair value	149,345
Due in one year through five years, Estimated Fair value	677,567
Due in five years through ten years, Estimated Fair value	76,607
Due in ten years through fifteen years, Estimated Fair value	9,872
Due after fifteen years, Estimated Fair value	20,435
Fixed Maturities, estimated fair value	1,577,337	1,283,475
Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	212,264
Estimated Fair value	216,323
Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	256,425
Estimated Fair value	257,640
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	169,826
Estimated Fair value	$169,548

Summary_of_Securities_with_Gro

Summary of Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	$303,338		$453,042
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,164		-5,160
12 months or longer, Fair Value	49,609	[1]	115,363	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-383	[1]	-1,739	[1]
Total, Fair Value	352,947		568,405
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-5,547		-6,899
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-67
Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-279
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-578
Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-84
Foreign Corporate Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-487
Common Shares
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	22,967		20,002
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,815		-2,808
12 months or longer, Fair Value	144	[1]	1,577	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-27	[1]	-130	[1]
Total, Fair Value	23,111		21,579
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,842		-2,938
Fixed Maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	280,371		433,040
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,349		-2,352
12 months or longer, Fair Value	49,465	[1]	113,786	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-356	[1]	-1,609	[1]
Total, Fair Value	329,836		546,826
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,705		-3,961
Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury and Agency Obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	10,000		11,728
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses			-9
12 months or longer, Fair Value	3,394	[1]	3,343	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-24	[1]	-74	[1]
Total, Fair Value	13,394		15,071
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-24		-83
Fixed Maturities | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	3,557		28,684
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3		-314
12 months or longer, Fair Value	11,680	[1]	28,061	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-64	[1]	-383	[1]
Total, Fair Value	15,237		56,745
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-67		-697
Fixed Maturities | Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	25,240		2,818
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-139		-7
12 months or longer, Fair Value	19,691	[1]	51,203	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-140	[1]	-757	[1]
Total, Fair Value	44,931		54,021
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-279		-764
Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	77,970		92,123
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-186		-283
12 months or longer, Fair Value			1,683	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses			-20	[1]
Total, Fair Value	77,970		93,806
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-186		-303
Fixed Maturities | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	87,170		92,664
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-467		-525
12 months or longer, Fair Value	11,722	[1]	26,280	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-111	[1]	-322	[1]
Total, Fair Value	98,892		118,944
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-578		-847
Fixed Maturities | Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	47,209		144,505
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-67		-656
12 months or longer, Fair Value	2,978	[1]	3,216	[1]
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Losses	-17	[1]	-53	[1]
Total, Fair Value	50,187		147,721
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	-84		-709
Fixed Maturities | Foreign Corporate Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	29,225		60,518
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Losses	-487		-558
Total, Fair Value	29,225		60,518
Total, Gross Unrealized Losses	($487)		($558)
[1]	Fixed maturities in a gross unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer are primarily comprised of non-credit losses on investment grade securities where management does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be forced to sell the security before recovery. The Company has analyzed these securities and has determined that they are not other than temporarily impaired.

Schedule_of_Other_Than_Tempora

Schedule of Other Than Temporary Impairments on Investments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
OTTI losses, gross	($10)	($25)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (pre-tax)	0	0
Net impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings	-10	-25
Equity securities	-331
Total	($341)	($25)

Schedule_of_Credit_Losses_Reco

Schedule of Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$50	$54
Additions where no OTTI was previously recorded	0	0
Additions where an OTTI was previously recorded	0	0
Reductions for securities for which the company intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell before recovery	0	0
Reductions reflecting increases in expected cash flows to be collected	0	0
Reductions for securities sold during the period	0	0
Balance at end of period	$50	$54

Schedule_of_Accumulated_Other_

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Deferred taxes	($10,539)	($10,263)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	27,705	23,384	52,052	54,028
Fixed Maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains	16,897	10,527
Common Shares
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains	20,638	22,751
Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains	$709	$369

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$23,384	$54,028
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	6,120	2,056
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,799	-4,032
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	4,321	-1,976
Ending balance	27,705	52,052
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available for Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	23,647	53,950
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	6,441	2,027
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,882	-4,019
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	4,559	-1,992
Ending balance	28,206	51,958
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-263	78
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-321	29
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	83	-13
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	-238	16
Ending balance	($501)	$94

Reclassifications_Out_of_Accum

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other net realized investment gains (losses)	($2,629)	($788)
Other than temporary impairment losses on investments	-341	-25
Income before income taxes	3,238	6,974
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,556	1,849
Net income	6,794	8,823
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	-1,799	-4,032
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available for Sale Securities
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other net realized investment gains (losses)	-3,381	-5,534
Other than temporary impairment losses on investments	341	25
Income before income taxes	-3,040	-5,509
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,158	1,490
Net income	-1,882	-4,019
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Foreign Currency Items
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other net realized investment gains (losses)	128	-20
Income tax expense (benefit)	-45	7
Net income	$83	($13)

Components_of_Net_Realized_Inv

Components of Net Realized Investment Gains (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	($2,970)	($813)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized losses	-5,882	-6,342
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	-5,882	-6,342
Fixed Maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	733	1,671
Gross realized losses	-131	-131
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	602	1,540
Common Shares
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	2,552	4,007
Gross realized losses	-338	-18
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	2,214	3,989
Preferred Stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	96
Total net realized investment gains (losses)	$96

Schedule_of_Proceeds_From_Sale

Schedule of Proceeds From Sales of Available for Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	$108,120	$95,289
Equity securities	6,509	10,702
Preferred Stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities	$1,540

Schedule_of_Investment_Income_

Schedule of Investment Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$9,077	$9,413
Investment expense	-836	-1,129
Net investment income	8,241	8,284
Fixed Maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	8,014	7,255
Equity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	792	2,140
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	18	18
Other Invested Assets
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$253

Schedule_of_Total_Investment_R

Schedule of Total Investment Return (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net investment income	$8,241		$8,284
Net realized investment (losses)	-2,970		-813
Change in unrealized investment gains (losses)	4,597		-2,571
Net realized and unrealized investment returns	1,627		-3,384
Total investment return	9,868		4,900
Total investment return %	0.60%	[1]	0.30%	[1]
Average investment portfolio	$1,764,110		$1,560,464
[1]	Not annualized.

Municipal_Bonds_with_and_witho

Municipal Bonds with and without Insurance (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Ratings with insurance	$1,763
Ratings without insurance	1,763
AAA Rating
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Ratings with insurance	1,244
AA Rating
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Ratings with insurance	519
Ratings without insurance	1,244
BB Rating
Financial Statement Details [Line Items]
Ratings without insurance	$519

Summary_of_Insurance_Enhanced_

Summary of Insurance Enhanced Municipal Bonds Backed by Financial Guarantors (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	$26,984
Ambac Financial Group
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	2,032
Assured Guaranty Corporation
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	4,270
Municipal Bond Insurance Association
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	8,067
Gov't National Housing Association
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	555
Permanent School Fund Guaranty
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	1,244
Financial Guarantors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	16,168
Other Credit Enhanced Municipal Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	10,816
Pre-Refunded Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	14,370
Pre-Refunded Securities | Ambac Financial Group
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	199
Pre-Refunded Securities | Assured Guaranty Corporation
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	538
Pre-Refunded Securities | Municipal Bond Insurance Association
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	2,817
Pre-Refunded Securities | Financial Guarantors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	3,554
Pre-Refunded Securities | Other Credit Enhanced Municipal Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	10,816
Government Guaranteed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	1,799
Government Guaranteed Securities | Gov't National Housing Association
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	555
Government Guaranteed Securities | Permanent School Fund Guaranty
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	1,244
Government Guaranteed Securities | Financial Guarantors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	1,799
Exposure Net Of Pre-refunded & Government Guaranteed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	10,815
Exposure Net Of Pre-refunded & Government Guaranteed Securities | Ambac Financial Group
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	1,833
Exposure Net Of Pre-refunded & Government Guaranteed Securities | Assured Guaranty Corporation
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	3,732
Exposure Net Of Pre-refunded & Government Guaranteed Securities | Municipal Bond Insurance Association
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	5,250
Exposure Net Of Pre-refunded & Government Guaranteed Securities | Financial Guarantors
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments in insurance enhanced municipal bonds	$10,815

Summary_of_Estimated_Fair_Valu

Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Bonds Held on Deposit (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$946,827		$856,068
On Deposit With Governmental Authorities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	39,845		32,790
Intercompany Trusts Held For Benefit Of U.S. Policyholders
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	540,193		495,301
Held In Trust Pursuant To Third Party Requirements
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	95,215		95,828
Letter Of Credit Held For Third Party Requirements
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	6,237		9,340
Securities held as collateral for borrowing arrangements
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$265,337	[1]	$222,809	[1]
[1]	Amount required to collateralize margin borrowing facilities.

Summarized_Information_of_Loca

Summarized Information of Location and Gross Amount of Derivatives' Fair Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Interest Rate Swap, Other Liabilities, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | Other Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$200,000	$200,000
Fair Value	($18,154)	($13,675)

Summary_of_Net_Losses_Included

Summary of Net Losses Included in Consolidated Statement of Operations for Changes in Fair Value of Derivatives and Periodic net Interest Settlements Under Derivatives (Detail) (Interest Rate Swap, Other Net Realized Investment Gains, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap | Other Net Realized Investment Gains
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Net gain (loss) for changes in fair value and net settlements of derivatives	($5,882)	($6,342)

Derivative_Instruments_Additio

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (Other Assets, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Collateral posted for derivatives	$6.10
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Margin calls made in connection with interest rate swaps	$18.90

Companys_Invested_Assets_and_D

Company's Invested Assets and Derivative Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	$1,728,785	$1,439,186
Common Shares
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	121,456	122,048
Other Invested Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	29,992	33,663
Fixed Maturities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	1,577,337	1,283,475
Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury and Agency Obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	95,074	80,767
Fixed Maturities | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	228,955	191,473
Fixed Maturities | Mortgage Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	216,323	208,759
Fixed Maturities | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	169,548	133,158
Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	257,640	178,263
Fixed Maturities | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	478,463	383,416
Fixed Maturities | Foreign Corporate Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	131,334	107,639
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	1,728,785	1,439,186
Total invested liabilities	18,154	13,675
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Derivative instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested liabilities	18,154	13,675
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Common Shares
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	121,456	122,048
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Other Invested Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	29,992	33,663
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	1,577,337	1,283,475
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury and Agency Obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	95,074	80,767
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	228,955	191,473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities | Mortgage Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	216,323	208,759
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	169,548	133,158
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	257,640	178,263
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	478,463	383,416
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fixed Maturities | Foreign Corporate Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	131,334	107,639
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	206,464	196,813
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Common Shares
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	121,456	122,048
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Maturities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	85,008	74,765
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury and Agency Obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	85,008	74,765
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	1,492,329	1,208,710
Total invested liabilities	18,154	13,675
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Derivative instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested liabilities	18,154	13,675
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	1,492,329	1,208,710
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | U.S. Treasury and Agency Obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	10,066	6,002
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	228,955	191,473
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Mortgage Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	216,323	208,759
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	169,548	133,158
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Asset-backed Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	257,640	178,263
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	478,463	383,416
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Maturities | Foreign Corporate Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	131,334	107,639
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	29,992	33,663
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Invested Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total invested assets	$29,992	$33,663

Changes_in_Level_3_Investments

Changes in Level 3 Investments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Other Invested Assets, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Invested Assets
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$33,663	$3,489
Included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	363	-226
Equity in Limited Partnership	253
Purchases		2,101
Distributions	-4,287
Ending balance	$29,992	$5,364

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity in the earnings of a partnership	$253

Fair_Value_and_Future_Funding_

Fair Value and Future Funding Commitments Related to These Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	$29,992		$33,663
Future Funding Commitments	25,955		22,500
Equity Fund, LP
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	3,230	[1]	3,401	[1]
Future Funding Commitments	2,391	[1]	2,436	[1]
Real Estate Fund, LP
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value		[2]		[2]
Future Funding Commitments		[2]		[2]
European Non-Performing Loan Fund, LP
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value	26,762	[3]	30,262	[3]
Future Funding Commitments	$23,564	[3]	$20,064	[3]
[1]	This limited partnership invests in companies from various business sectors whereby the partnership has acquired control of the operating business as a lead or organizing investor. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner.
[2]	This limited partnership invests in real estate assets through a combination of direct or indirect investments in partnerships, limited liability companies, mortgage loans, and lines of credit. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner. The Company continues to hold an investment in this limited partnership and has written the fair value down to zero.
[3]	This limited partnership invests in distressed securities and assets through senior and subordinated, secured and unsecured debt and equity, in both public and private large-cap and middle-market companies. The Company does not have the contractual option to redeem its limited partnership interest but receives distributions based on the liquidation of the underlying assets. The Company does not have the ability to sell or transfer its limited partnership interest without consent from the general partner.

Fair_Value_and_Future_Funding_1

Fair Value and Future Funding Commitments Related to These Investments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value written down	$0

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	-109.80%	-26.50%
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$0		$0
Alternative minimum tax credit carry forward	9,860,000		10,473,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	$0		$0
UNITED STATES
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	35.00%
BERMUDA
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	0.00%
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	0.00%
GIBRALTAR
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	0.00%
LUXEMBOURG
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	29.22%
IRELAND | Non Trading Income
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	25.00%
IRELAND | Capital Gain
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	33.00%
IRELAND | Trading Income
Income Tax [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rates	12.50%

Income_Before_Income_Taxes_fro

Income Before Income Taxes from its Non-U.S. Subsidiaries and U.S. Subsidiaries (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	$142,869	$77,197
Net premiums written	126,104	72,861
Net premiums earned	127,337	67,544
Net investment income	8,241	8,284
Net realized investment gains (losses)	-2,970	-813
Other income (loss)	552	168
Total revenues	133,160	75,183
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	69,619	38,572
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	48,258	26,485
Corporate and other operating expenses	11,540	2,961
Interest expense	505	191
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,238	6,974
Non-U.S. Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	138,796	49,999
Net premiums written	138,757	49,999
Net premiums earned	71,664	42,354
Net investment income	10,182	7,651
Net realized investment gains (losses)	-269	1,252
Other income (loss)	-79	2
Total revenues	81,498	51,259
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	36,184	19,958
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	30,294	17,794
Corporate and other operating expenses	2,081	1,367
Interest expense	394	240
Income (loss) before income taxes	12,545	11,900
U.S. Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	123,004	52,992
Net premiums written	-12,653	22,862
Net premiums earned	55,673	25,190
Net investment income	4,486	5,420
Net realized investment gains (losses)	-2,701	-2,065
Other income (loss)	631	166
Total revenues	58,089	28,711
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	33,435	18,614
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	17,964	8,691
Corporate and other operating expenses	9,459	1,594
Interest expense	6,538	4,738
Income (loss) before income taxes	-9,307	-4,926
Eliminations
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	-118,931	-25,794
Net investment income	-6,427	-4,787
Total revenues	-6,427	-4,787
Losses and Expenses:
Interest expense	($6,427)	($4,787)

Components_of_Income_Tax_Expen

Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Current income tax expense (benefit):
Foreign	$91	$64
U.S. Federal	1,110	-270
Total current income tax expense (benefit)	1,201	-206
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. Federal	-4,757	-1,643
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-4,757	-1,643
Total income tax expense (benefit)	($3,556)	($1,849)

Differences_in_Tax_Provision_f

Differences in Tax Provision for Financial Statement Purposes and Expected Tax Provision at Weighted Average Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax [Line Items]
Expected tax provision at weighted average, Amount	($3,167)	($1,662)
Adjustments:
Tax exempt interest, Amount	-136	-215
Dividend exclusion, Amount	-155	-478
Effective tax rate adjustment, Amount		501
Other, Amount	-98	5
Total income tax expense (benefit)	($3,556)	($1,849)
Expected tax provision at weighted average rate, % of Pre-Tax Income	-97.80%	-23.80%
Adjustments:
Tax exempt interest, % of Pre-Tax Income	-4.20%	-3.10%
Dividend exclusion, % of Pre-Tax Income	-4.80%	-6.90%
Effective tax rate adjustment, % of Pre-Tax Income		7.20%
Other, % of Pre-Tax Income	-3.00%	0.10%
Actual tax on continuing operations, % of Pre-Tax Income	-109.80%	-26.50%

Tax_Effects_of_Temporary_Diffe

Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Give Rise to Significant Portions of Net Deferred Tax Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Discounted unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$8,537	$7,492
Unearned premiums	7,642	3,409
Alternative minimum tax credit carryover	9,860	10,473
Partnership K1 basis differences	145	145
Capital gain on derivative instruments	6,354	4,786
Investment impairments	476	379
Stock options	2,076	2,048
Deferred acquisition costs	4,628	187
Stat-to-GAAP reinsurance reserve	1,424	1,424
Intercompany transfers	1,849	1,919
Other	4,298	3,050
Total deferred tax assets	47,289	35,312
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	8,989	3,220
Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale and investments in limited partnerships included in accumulated other comprehensive income	10,539	10,263
Investment basis differences	853	692
Depreciation and amortization	72	16
Other	926	871
Total deferred tax liabilities	21,379	15,062
Total net deferred tax assets	$25,910	$20,250

Summarized_Activity_in_Liabili

Summarized Activity in Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$675,472	$779,466
Ceded reinsurance receivables	-123,201	-192,491
Net balance at beginning of period	552,271	586,975
Purchased reserves gross	90,645
Less: Purchased reserves ceded	-11,681
Purchased reserves,net	78,964
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:
Current year	73,114	40,666
Prior years	-3,495	-2,094
Total incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	69,619	38,572
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses related to:
Current year	14,682	8,212
Prior years	56,561	33,821
Total paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	71,243	42,033
Net balance at end of period	629,611	583,514
Ceded reinsurance receivables	140,508	195,533
Balance at end of period	$770,119	$779,047

Liability_for_Unpaid_Losses_an2

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve	($3,495)	($2,094)
Reinsurance Operations
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve	-1,500	-100
Reinsurance Operations | Accident Years 2011 through 2014
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve	-1,500
Reinsurance Operations | Accident Years 2010 through 2013
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve		-100
Commercial Lines
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve	-2,000	-2,000
Commercial Lines | Property Lines | Accident Years 2011 through 2014
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve	-1,000
Commercial Lines | Umbrella Lines | Accident Years 2003 through 2005
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve	-300
Commercial Lines | General Liability
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve	-800
Commercial Lines | General Liability | Accident Years 2005 to 2011
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve		-900
Commercial Lines | Professional | Accident Years 2005 to 2011
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve		-1,800
Commercial Lines | Other Lines | Accident Year 2011
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Changes in prior year reserve		$700

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding amount of margin borrowing facility	$207,245,000	$174,673,000
Margin borrowing facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.00%
Collateral deposited to support borrowing	$265,300,000

Information_with_Respect_to_Or

Information with Respect to Ordinary Shares that were Surrendered or Repurchased (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased	11,299		5,444
Average Price Paid Per Share	$28.09		$25.46
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program	0		0
January 1-31, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased	9,009	[1],[2]
Average Price Paid Per Share	$28.37	[1]
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program	0	[1]
March 1-31, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased	2,290	[1],[2]
Average Price Paid Per Share	$26.98	[1]
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program	0	[1]
January 1-31, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased			3,644	[1],[2]
Average Price Paid Per Share			$25.30	[1]
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program			0	[1]
February 1-28, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased			362	[1],[2]
Average Price Paid Per Share			$24	[1]
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program			0	[1]
March 1-31, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Total Number of Shares Purchased			1,438	[1],[2]
Average Price Paid Per Share			$26.23	[1]
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program			0	[1]
[1]	Based on settlement date.
[2]	Surrendered by employees as payment of taxes withheld on the vesting of restricted stock.

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Distribution received from the limited partnership	$4,287,000
Investment Advisory Fee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment advisory fee			1,500,000
Fox Paine & Company, LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Company's total outstanding voting power	93.00%
Minimum voting power required to nominate Directors	25.00%
Management fees	500,000	500,000
Unpaid management fees	1,100,000			600,000
Fox Paine & Company, LLC | Global Indemnity Group Inc | American Reliable Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment bank fee as a percentage of the required capital			3.00%
Investment advisory fee			6,500,000
Ordinary shares of Global Indemnity issued to pay fees			267,702
Cozen O'Connor
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost incurred for legal services rendered	100,000	30,000
Crystal & Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Brokerage fee incurred	100,000	100,000
Fox Paine Capital Fund II Limited Partner | Global Indemnity Reinsurance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Company's investment in limited partnership	3,200,000			3,400,000
Unfunded capital commitment	2,400,000
Distribution received from the limited partnership	$800,000			$0

Estimated_Earned_Premium_and_I

Estimated Earned Premium and Incurred Losses (Detail) (Hiscox Bermuda, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Hiscox Bermuda
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assumed earned premium	$1,803	$1,014
Assumed losses and loss adjustment expenses	$535	$304

Net_Balances_due_to_Global_Ind

Net Balances due to Global Indemnity Reinsurance (Detail) (Hiscox Bermuda, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Hiscox Bermuda
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net receivable balance	$2,890	$2,897

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase alternative investment	$50,000,000
Funded commitment amount	26,500,000
Future Funding Commitments	25,955,000	22,500,000
Unfunded Commitments | Equity Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Future Funding Commitments	2,400,000
Unfunded Commitments | European Non-Performing Loan Fund, LP
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Future Funding Commitments	$23,600,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 11, 2014
Time Based Option Award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options awarded	200,000	25,000
Unvested stock options forfeited	0	0
Restricted Stock | Key Employee | Time Based Vesting
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	83,875	78,166
Restricted Stock | Key Employee | Vesting Schedule Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested on each anniversary of the grant date	100.00%	100.00%
Vesting period	3 years	3 years
Percentage of stock award subject to vesting	50.00%	50.00%
Restricted Stock | Key Employee | Stock vest first anniversary of the grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested on each anniversary of the grant date	16.50%	16.50%
Vesting period	1 year	1 year
Restricted Stock | Key Employee | Stock vest second anniversary of the grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested on each anniversary of the grant date	16.50%	16.50%
Vesting period	2 years	2 years
Restricted Stock | Key Employee | Stock vest third anniversary of the grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested on each anniversary of the grant date	17.00%	17.00%
Vesting period	3 years	3 years
Restricted Stock | Chief Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	10,574
Number of shares earned not granted until 2nd quarter, 2014		11,857
Percentage of shares vested on each anniversary of the grant date	33.33%	33.33%
Vesting period	3 years	3 years
Restricted Stock | Chief Executive Officer And Other Key Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	44,058
Percentage of shares vested on each anniversary of the grant date	100.00%
Vesting date	18-Jan-18
Ordinary Shares A | Share Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be issued			2,000,000
Ordinary Shares A | Key Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	138,507
Weighted average grant date value of shares granted	28.37
Number of shares earned not granted until 2nd quarter, 2014		90,023
Weighted average grant date value of shares earned not granted		25.3
Ordinary Shares A | Non Employee Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date value of shares granted	27.75	26.34
Number of shares earned not granted until 2nd quarter, 2014	9,247	8,928

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$6,794	$8,823
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	25,449,282	25,122,812
Net income per share	$0.27	$0.35
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	25,641,741	25,278,907
Net income per share	$0.26	$0.35

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reconciliation Of Basic Weighted Average Shares To Diluted Weighted Average Shares [Line Items]
Weighted average shares for basic earnings per share	25,449,282	25,122,812
Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share	25,641,741	25,278,907
Restricted Stock
Reconciliation Of Basic Weighted Average Shares To Diluted Weighted Average Shares [Line Items]
Non-vested restricted stock and options	90,475	64,847
Stock Options
Reconciliation Of Basic Weighted Average Shares To Diluted Weighted Average Shares [Line Items]
Non-vested restricted stock and options	101,984	91,248

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	512,500	37,500

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of business segments managed	3

Summary_of_Business_Segment_In

Summary of Business Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	$142,869		$77,197
Net premiums written	126,104		72,861
Net premiums earned	127,337		67,544
Other income (loss)	552		168
Total revenues	127,889		67,712
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	69,619		38,572
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	48,258		26,485
Income (loss) from segments	10,012		2,655
Unallocated Items:
Net investment income	8,241		8,284
Net realized investment losses	-2,970		-813
Corporate and other operating expenses	-11,540		-2,961
Interest expense	-505		-191
Income before income taxes	3,238		6,974
Income tax benefit	3,556		1,849
Net income (loss)	6,794		8,823
Total assets	2,273,900		1,924,089		1,930,033
Commercial Lines
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	49,793	[1]	52,992	[1]
Net premiums written	45,622	[1]	48,656	[1]
Net premiums earned	50,714	[1]	53,313	[1]
Other income (loss)	165	[1]	166	[1]
Total revenues	50,879	[1]	53,479	[1]
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	29,603	[1]	33,597	[1]
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	20,623	[1],[2]	21,718	[1],[3]
Income (loss) from segments	653	[1]	-1,836	[1]
Unallocated Items:
Total assets	775,898	[1]	1,256,009	[1]
Personal Lines
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	73,211	[1]
Net premiums written	60,656	[1]
Net premiums earned	63,422	[1]
Other income (loss)	466	[1]
Total revenues	63,888	[1]
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	35,918	[1]
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	22,746	[1],[4]
Income (loss) from segments	5,224	[1]
Unallocated Items:
Total assets	509,841	[1]
Reinsurance Operations
Revenues:
Gross premiums written	19,865	[5]	24,205	[5]
Net premiums written	19,826	[5]	24,205	[5]
Net premiums earned	13,201	[5]	14,231	[5]
Other income (loss)	-79	[5]	2	[5]
Total revenues	13,122	[5]	14,233	[5]
Losses and Expenses:
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	4,098	[5]	4,975	[5]
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	4,889	[5]	4,767	[5]
Income (loss) from segments	4,135	[5]	4,491	[5]
Unallocated Items:
Total assets	$988,161	[5],[6]	$668,080	[5],[6]
[1]	Includes business ceded to the Company's Reinsurance Operations.
[2]	Includes federal excise tax of $268 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
[3]	Includes federal excise tax of $280 relating to cessions from Commercial Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
[4]	Includes federal excise tax of $317 relating to cessions from Personal Lines to Reinsurance Operations.
[5]	External business only, excluding business assumed from affiliates.
[6]	Comprised of Global Indemnity Reinsurance's total assets less its investment in subsidiaries.

Summary_of_Business_Segment_In1

Summary of Business Segment Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Commercial Lines
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Federal excise tax relating to cessions from Insurance Operations to Reinsurance Operations	$268	$280
Personal Lines
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Federal excise tax relating to cessions from Insurance Operations to Reinsurance Operations	$317