Conifer (CNFR) 10-Q 9 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 05, 2016
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Conifer Holdings, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,502,292
Trading Symbol	cnfr
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,632,430
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment securities:
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $112,260 and $107,213, respectively)	$ 113,841	$ 107,093
Equity securities, at fair value (cost of $3,371 and $3,341, respectively)	4,500	4,240
Short-term investments, at fair value	14,053	6,391
Total investments	132,394	117,724
Cash	8,540	12,703
Premiums and agents' balances receivable, net	19,762	18,010
Receivable from affiliate	1,363	1,792
Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses	6,334	5,405
Reinsurance recoverables on paid losses	3,619	1,639
Ceded unearned premiums	4,851	3,483
Deferred policy acquisition costs	13,203	12,102
Other assets	5,853	5,069
Total assets	195,919	177,927
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	45,994	35,422
Unearned premiums	55,475	47,916
Reinsurance premiums payable	0	1,069
Senior debt	14,250	12,750
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,094	2,758
Other liabilities	602	750
Total liabilities	121,415	100,665
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value (100,000,000 shares authorized; 7,631,230 and 7,644,492 issued and outstanding, respectively)	80,107	80,111
Accumulated deficit	(7,047)	(3,031)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,444	182
Total shareholders' equity	74,504	77,262
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 195,919	$ 177,927

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$ 112,260	$ 107,213
Equity securities, amortized cost	$ 3,371	$ 3,341
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	7,631,230	7,644,492
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	7,631,230	7,644,492

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Premiums
Gross earned premiums	$ 27,253	$ 23,042	$ 76,057	$ 66,203
Ceded earned premiums	(3,873)	(5,159)	(10,893)	(18,712)
Net earned premiums	23,380	17,883	65,164	47,491
Net investment income	560	505	1,625	1,460
Net realized investment gains	71	6	604	238
Other gains	0	104	0	104
Other income	303	523	829	1,492
Total revenue	24,314	19,021	68,222	50,785
Expenses
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net	14,582	9,813	40,822	27,359
Policy acquisition costs	6,266	4,605	18,282	9,839
Operating expenses	4,710	3,325	13,384	10,636
Interest expense	168	181	468	664
Total expenses	25,726	17,924	72,956	48,498
Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes	(1,412)	1,097	(4,734)	2,287
Equity earnings (loss) of affiliates, net of tax	(47)	0	111	0
Income tax (benefit) expense	16	(48)	(607)	0
Net income (loss)	(1,475)	1,145	(4,016)	2,287
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(181)	0	(81)
Net income (loss) attributable to Conifer	(1,475)	1,326	(4,016)	2,368
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders	$ (1,475)	$ 1,212	$ (4,016)	$ 1,828
Earnings (loss) per per common share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.21	$ (0.53)	$ 0.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted	7,608,284	5,701,794	7,613,954	4,603,451

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (1,475)	$ 1,145	$ (4,016)	$ 2,287
Unrealized investment gains:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	(109)	379	1,629	104
Income tax expense (benefit)	(23)	0	564	0
Unrealized investment gains, net of tax	(86)	379	1,065	104
Less: reclassification adjustments to:
Net realized investment gains included in net income (loss)	(43)	146	(301)	570
Income tax expense (benefit)	(17)	0	(104)	0
Total reclassifications included in net income (loss), net of tax	(26)	146	(197)	570
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(60)	233	1,262	(466)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(1,535)	1,378	(2,754)	1,821
Less comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(181)	0	(81)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Conifer	$ (1,535)	$ 1,559	$ (2,754)	$ 1,902

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Redeemable Preferred Stock and Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total		Preferred Stock	No Par, Common Stock		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Conifer Holdings Shareholders' Equity		Noncontrolling Interest	Former Preferred Stockholders	Former Preferred StockholdersNo Par, Common Stock	Former Preferred StockholdersTotal Conifer Holdings Shareholders' Equity	IPO	[1]	IPONo Par, Common Stock	[1]	IPOTotal Conifer Holdings Shareholders' Equity	[1]	Redeemable Preferred Stock
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014				0	3,995,013
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 44,159		$ 0	$ 46,119		$ (3,095)	$ 1,158	$ 44,182		$ (23)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)		2,287					2,368		2,368		(81)
Issuance of stock (in shares)					55,029	[1]							294,450				3,300,000
Issuance of stock		750	[1]		$ 750	[1]			750	[1]		$ 3,092	$ 3,092	$ 3,092	$ 32,224		$ 32,224		$ 32,224
Paid-in-kind dividends		(61)		$ 95	(156)				(61)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock		(384)			(384)				(384)
Reclassification of redeemable preferred stock to permanent equity (in shares)				60,600																	(60,600)
Reclassification of redeemable preferred stock to permanent equity		6,180		$ 6,180					6,180												$ (6,180)
IPO expenses	[1]	(1,546)			(1,546)				(1,546)
Repurchase of preferred stock (in shares)				(60,600)
Repurchase of preferred stock		(6,275)		$ (6,275)					(6,275)
Vesting of RSU	[2]	100			$ 100				100
Deconsolidation of affiliate		104									104
Other comprehensive loss		(466)						(466)	(466)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015				0	7,644,492
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2015		80,164		$ 0	$ 80,199		(727)	692	80,164		0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014																					60,600
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014																					$ 6,119
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Paid-in-kind dividends																					$ 61
Reclassification of redeemable preferred stock to permanent equity (in shares)				60,600																	(60,600)
Reclassification of redeemable preferred stock to permanent equity		6,180		$ 6,180					6,180												$ (6,180)
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015																					0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2015																					$ 0
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2015								459
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)		1,145
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock		(81)
Deconsolidation of affiliate		104
Other comprehensive loss		233
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015				0	7,644,492
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2015		80,164		$ 0	$ 80,199		(727)	692	80,164		0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015																					0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2015																					$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)		(2,304)					(2,304)		(2,304)		0
IPO expenses	[1]	(291)			(291)				(291)
Vesting of RSU	[2]	203			$ 203				203
Other comprehensive loss		(510)						(510)	(510)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015				0	7,644,492
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2015		77,262		$ 0	$ 80,111		(3,031)	182	77,262		0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015																					0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015																					$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)		(4,016)					(4,016)		(4,016)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock		0
Repurchase of preferred stock (in shares)					(88,650)
Repurchase of preferred stock					$ (625)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(88,650)
Repurchase of common stock		(625)			$ (625)				(625)
Vesting of RSU (in shares)	[2]				75,388
Vesting of RSU	[2]	621			$ 621				621
Deconsolidation of affiliate		0
Other comprehensive loss		1,262						1,262	1,262
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016				0	7,631,230
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2016		74,504		$ 0	$ 80,107		(7,047)	1,444	74,504		0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016																					0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2016																					$ 0
Balance at beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2016								1,504
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)		(1,475)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock		0
Deconsolidation of affiliate		0
Other comprehensive loss		(60)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016				0	7,631,230
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2016		$ 74,504		$ 0	$ 80,107		$ (7,047)	$ 1,444	$ 74,504		$ 0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016																					0
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2016																					$ 0
[1]	"IPO" - initial public offering
[2]	"RSU" - restricted stock units

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ (4,016)	$ 2,287
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, and intangibles	298	307
Amortization of bond premium and discount, net	432	446
Net gains on investments	(604)	(238)
Other gains	0	(104)
Incentive awards expenses - vesting of RSU	621	100
Equity earnings (losses) of affiliate	(111)	0
(Increase) decrease in:
Premiums and agents' balances receivable	(1,323)	(2,885)
Reinsurance recoverables	(2,909)	(2,132)
Ceded unearned premiums	(1,368)	1,217
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(1,101)	(5,903)
Other assets	(1,490)	(679)
Increase (decrease) in:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	10,572	1,064
Unearned premiums	7,559	2,302
Reinsurance premiums payable	(1,069)	(6,071)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	872	1,019
Other liabilities	(149)	(556)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	6,214	(9,826)
Purchase of investments:
Fixed maturity securities	(43,284)	(20,762)
Equity securities	(1,099)	(1,193)
Short-term investments	(85,806)	(55,569)
Proceeds from maturities of investments:
Fixed maturity securities	12,315	1,400
Proceeds from sales of investments:
Fixed maturity securities	27,426	5,771
Equity securities	1,200	1,004
Short-term investments	78,144	65,781
Purchases of property and equipment	(148)	(126)
Deconsolidation of affilate	0	(1,323)
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,252)	(5,017)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds received from issuance of shares of common stock	0	36,066
Repurchase of common stock	(625)	0
Repurchase of preferred stock	0	(6,275)
Borrowings under debt arrangements	3,000	1,650
Repayment of borrowings under debt arrangements	(1,500)	(19,462)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	0	(384)
Payout of contingent consideration	0	(113)
Payment of offering costs	0	(1,546)
Net cash provided by financing activities	875	9,936
Net decrease in cash	(4,163)	(4,907)
Cash at beginning of period	12,703	18,488
Cash at end of period	8,540	13,581
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	343	651
Net income taxes paid	47	0
Paid-in-kind dividends	0	61
Payable for securities - non cash item	$ 1,464	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include accounts, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, of Conifer Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Conifer”), its wholly owned subsidiaries, Conifer Insurance Company ("CIC"), White Pine Insurance Company ("WPIC"), Red Cedar Insurance Company ("RCIC"), American Colonial Insurance Company ("ACIC"), American Colonial Insurance Services ("ACIS") and Sycamore Insurance Agency, Inc ("SIA"). CIC, WPIC, RCIC and ACIC are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Company Subsidiaries." On a stand-alone basis, Conifer Holdings, Inc. is referred to as the "Parent Company." The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), which differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by regulatory authorities. The Company has applied the applicable rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting and therefore the consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of items of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated interim financial statements, have been included. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ended December 31, 2016 . These consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , as filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016 ("2015 Audited Financial Statements"). Business The Company is engaged in the sale of property and casualty insurance products and has organized its principal operations into two types of insurance businesses: commercial lines and personal lines. The Company underwrites a variety of specialty insurance products, including property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, liquor liability, automobile, and homeowners and dwelling policies. The Company markets and sells its insurance products through a network of independent agents, including managing general agents, whereby policies are written in all 50 states in the United States. The Company’s corporate headquarters is located in Birmingham, Michigan with additional office facilities in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The Company discontinued offering nonstandard personal automobile policies in the first half of 2015. The Company will continue to pay claims and perform other administrative services until existing policies expire and all claims are paid (a process referred to as “run-off”). The run-off is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2016. Initial Public Offering In August 2015, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) whereby it issued and sold 3,300,000 shares of common stock, which included 100,000 shares issued and sold to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, at a public offering price of $10.50 per share. Refer to Note 8 ~ Shareholders’ Equity for further details. Stock Split On July 22, 2015, the board of directors approved a stock split in the form of a stock dividend of 10.2 shares for each share of common stock which was effectuated immediately prior to the effectiveness of the IPO. Accordingly, all common share and per share amounts for all periods presented in these unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, were adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split. Principles of Consolidation Prior to September 30, 2015, the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of Conifer Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as a 50% -owned affiliate (the “Affiliate”) which the Company controlled due to its majority representation on the entity’s board of directors. Noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary in the consolidated balance sheets represents the noncontrolling shareholder’s proportionate share of the entity’s equity. Consolidated net income or loss is allocated to the Company and noncontrolling interest in proportion to their percentage ownership interests. As of September 30, 2015, the Company no longer controlled the Affiliate but retained significant influence. As a result the entity was deconsolidated from the consolidated financial statements and recognized as an investment in an affiliate utilizing the equity method of accounting. All intercompany transactions and accounts were eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements reflect management's best estimates and assumptions, actual results may differ from these estimates. Recently Issued Accounting Guidance In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (Topic 944) , which enhances disclosure requirements for insurance entities with short-duration insurance contracts. The enhanced disclosures under the new guidance will be provided by the Company in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, as required. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this update modify the requirements related to the measurement of certain financial instruments in the statement of financial condition and results of operation. For equity investments (other than investments accounted for using the equity method), entities must measure such instruments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Reporting entities may continue to elect to measure equity investments which do not have a readily determinable fair value at cost with adjustments for impairment and observable changes in price. In addition, for a liability (other than a derivative liability) that an entity measures at fair value, any change in fair value related to the instrument-specific credit risk, that is the entity’s own-credit, should be presented separately in other comprehensive income and not as a component of net income. The amendments are effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted solely for the instrument-specific credit risk for liabilities measured at fair value. The amendments must be applied on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of initial adoption. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which addresses the financial reporting of leasing transactions. This update will require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, discounted to the present value, for all leases that extend beyond 12 months. For operating leases, the asset and liability will be expensed over the lease term on a straight-line basis, with all cash flows included in the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability will be recognized separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the consolidated statement of operations and the repayment of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified as a financing activity while the interest component will be included in the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet completed the analysis of how adopting this guidance will affect our financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which amends the current methodology and timing for recognizing credit losses. This amendment will replace the current GAAP "incurred loss" methodology for credit losses with a methodology based on expected credit losses. The new guidance will also require expanded consideration of a broader range of reasonable and increased supportable information for the credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for years beginning after December 15, 2018. We have not yet completed the analysis of how adopting this guidance will affect our financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) , which clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flow under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows . This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet completed the analysis of how adopting this guidance will affect our financial statements.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gain or loss, and estimated fair value of the investments in securities classified as available-for-sale at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,862 $ 55 $ (1 ) $ 5,916 State and local government 11,472 469 (10 ) 11,931 Corporate debt 34,261 441 (33 ) 34,669 Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 60,665 671 (11 ) 61,325 Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 112,260 1,636 (55 ) 113,841 Equity Securities: Common stocks - Public Utilities 172 37 — 209 Common stocks - Banks, Trusts and Insurance Companies 455 164 (1 ) 618 Common stocks - Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 2,744 963 (34 ) 3,673 Total equity securities available for sale 3,371 1,164 (35 ) 4,500 Total securities available for sale $ 115,631 $ 2,800 $ (90 ) $ 118,341 December 31, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,474 $ 47 $ (13 ) $ 5,508 State and local government 14,391 398 (6 ) 14,783 Corporate debt 39,183 84 (483 ) 38,784 Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 48,165 164 (311 ) 48,018 Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 107,213 693 (813 ) 107,093 Equity Securities: Common stocks - Public Utilities 122 20 (1 ) 141 Common stocks - Banks, Trusts and Insurance Companies 503 150 (7 ) 646 Common stocks - Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 2,716 836 (99 ) 3,453 Total equity securities available for sale 3,341 1,006 (107 ) 4,240 Total securities available for sale $ 110,554 $ 1,699 $ (920 ) $ 111,333 The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized losses, by security type, of the available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions. The table segregates the holdings based on the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as follows (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations 5 $ 1,569 $ (1 ) — $ — $ — 5 $ 1,569 $ (1 ) State and local government 3 540 (10 ) — — — 3 540 (10 ) Corporate debt 7 2,275 (10 ) 9 3,989 (23 ) 16 6,264 (33 ) Commercial mortgage and asset-backed 7 2,206 (8 ) 5 998 (3 ) 12 3,204 (11 ) Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 22 6,590 (29 ) 14 4,987 (26 ) 36 11,577 (55 ) Equity Securities: Common stocks 22 338 (24 ) 5 189 (11 ) 27 527 (35 ) Total equity securities available for sale 22 338 (24 ) 5 189 (11 ) 27 527 (35 ) Total securities 44 $ 6,928 $ (53 ) 19 $ 5,176 $ (37 ) 63 $ 12,104 $ (90 ) December 31, 2015 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations 7 $ 2,580 $ (7 ) 2 $ 679 $ (6 ) 9 $ 3,259 $ (13 ) State and local government 8 2,688 (6 ) — — — 8 2,688 (6 ) Corporate debt 80 21,760 (438 ) 12 3,618 (45 ) 92 25,378 (483 ) Commercial mortgage and asset-backed 67 32,539 (258 ) 5 2,175 (53 ) 72 34,714 (311 ) Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 162 59,567 (709 ) 19 6,472 (104 ) 181 66,039 (813 ) Equity Securities: Common stock 86 782 (72 ) 3 79 (35 ) 89 861 (107 ) Total equity securities available for sale 86 782 (72 ) 3 79 (35 ) 89 861 (107 ) Total securities 248 $ 60,349 $ (781 ) 22 $ 6,551 $ (139 ) 270 $ 66,900 $ (920 ) The Company analyzed its investment portfolio in accordance with its other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") review procedures and determined the Company did not need to record a credit related OTTI loss, nor recognize a non-credit related OTTI loss in other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . The Company’s sources of net investment income are as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Fixed maturity securities $ 616 $ 551 $ 1,772 $ 1,614 Equity securities 23 24 75 69 Cash and short-term investments 7 — 13 4 Total investment income 646 575 1,860 1,687 Investment expenses (86 ) (70 ) (235 ) (227 ) Net investment income $ 560 $ 505 $ 1,625 $ 1,460 The following table summarizes the gross realized gains and losses from sales or maturities of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Fixed maturity securities: Gross realized gains $ 7 $ 6 $ 524 $ 74 Gross realized losses — (1 ) (22 ) (5 ) Total fixed maturity securities 7 5 502 69 Equity securities: Gross realized gains 79 30 230 233 Gross realized losses (15 ) (29 ) (128 ) (64 ) Total equity securities 64 1 102 169 Total realized gains $ 71 $ 6 $ 604 $ 238 Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $28.6 million and $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The table below summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2016 . Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (dollars in thousands): Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 8,237 $ 8,241 Due after one year through five years 30,306 30,644 Due after five years through ten years 6,672 7,067 Due after ten years 6,380 6,564 Securities with contractual maturities 51,595 52,516 Commercial mortgage and asset backed 60,665 61,325 Total Fixed maturity securities $ 112,260 $ 113,841 At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the insurance companies had an aggregate of $9.3 million and $8.9 million , respectively, on deposit in trust accounts to meet the deposit requirements of various state insurance departments. There are withdrawal and other restrictions on these deposits, including the type of investments that may be held, however, the Company may generally invest in high-grade bonds and short-term investments and earn interest on the funds.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The Company’s financial instruments include assets and liabilities carried at fair value, as well as assets and liabilities carried at cost or amortized cost but disclosed at fair value in these consolidated financial statements . Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principally most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. In determining fair value, the Company applies the market approach, which uses prices and other relevant data based on market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. The inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are prioritized into a three-level hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices from sources independent of the reporting entity (“observable inputs”) and the lowest priority to prices determined by the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy is as follows: Level 1 —Valuations that are based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 —Valuations that are based on observable inputs (other than Level 1 prices) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 —Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent the Company’s best assumption of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. The following tables present the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, classified by the valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,916 $ — $ 5,916 $ — State and local government 11,931 — 11,931 — Corporate debt 34,669 — 34,669 — Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 61,325 — 61,325 — Total fixed maturity securities 113,841 — 113,841 — Equity Securities, common stock 4,500 4,500 — — Short-term investments 14,053 14,053 — — Total assets measured at fair value $ 132,394 $ 18,553 $ 113,841 $ — Liabilities: Senior debt* $ 14,250 $ — $ 14,250 $ — Total Liabilities measured at fair value $ 14,250 $ — $ 14,250 $ — * Carried at cost or amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet December 31, 2015 Fair Value Measurements Using Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,508 $ — $ 5,508 $ — State and local government 14,783 — 14,783 — Corporate debt 38,784 — 38,784 — Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 48,018 — 48,018 — Total fixed maturity securities 107,093 — 107,093 — Equity Securities, common stock 4,240 4,240 — — Short-term investments 6,391 6,391 — — Total assets measured at fair value $ 117,724 $ 10,631 $ 107,093 $ — Liabilities: Senior debt* $ 12,750 $ — $ 12,750 $ — Total Liabilities measured at fair value $ 12,750 $ — $ 12,750 $ — * Carried at cost or amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet Level 1 investments consist of equity securities traded in an active exchange market. The Company uses unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments to measure fair value. Level 1 also includes money market funds and other interest-bearing deposits at banks, which are reported as short-term investments. The fair value measurements that were based on Level 1 inputs comprise 14.0% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio as of September 30, 2016 . Level 2 investments include fixed maturity securities, which consist of U.S. government agency securities, state and local municipal bonds (including those held as restricted securities), corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The fair value of securities included in the Level 2 category were based on the market values obtained from a third party pricing service that were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other observable market information. The third party pricing service monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events. The fair value measurements that were based on Level 2 inputs comprise 86.0% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio as of September 30, 2016 . The Company obtains pricing for each security from independent pricing services, investment managers or consultants to assist in determining fair value for its Level 2 investments. To validate that these quoted prices are reasonable estimates of fair value, the Company performs various quantitative and qualitative procedures, such as (i) evaluation of the underlying methodologies, (ii) analysis of recent sales activity, (iii) analytical review of our fair values against current market prices and (iv) comparison of the pricing services’ fair value to other pricing services’ fair value for the same investment. No markets for the investments were determined to be inactive at period-ends. Based on these procedures, the Company did not adjust the prices or quotes provided from independent pricing services, investment managers or consultants. The Level 2 financial instruments also include our senior debt. The fair value of borrowings under the senior debt, consisting of the revolving credit facility and term loans, approximates its carrying amount because interest is based on a short-term, variable, market-based rate. The Company’s policy on recognizing transfers between hierarchy levels is applied at the end of each reporting period. There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Cos

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs The Company defers costs incurred which are incremental and directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance business, net of corresponding amounts of ceded reinsurance commissions. Net deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized and charged to expense in proportion to premium earned over the estimated policy term. The Company anticipates that its deferred policy acquisition costs will be fully recoverable and there were no premium deficiencies for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . The activity in deferred policy acquisition costs, net of reinsurance transactions, is as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 13,182 $ 7,659 $ 12,102 $ 5,679 Deferred policy acquisition costs 6,287 8,528 19,383 15,742 Amortization of policy acquisition costs (6,266 ) (4,605 ) (18,282 ) (9,839 ) Net change 21 3,923 1,101 5,903 Balance at end of period $ 13,203 $ 11,582 $ 13,203 $ 11,582

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustme

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses The Company establishes reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") which represent the estimated ultimate cost of all losses incurred that were both reported and unreported (i.e., incurred but not yet reported losses; or “IBNR”) and LAE incurred that remain unpaid at the balance sheet date. The Company’s reserving process takes into account known facts and interpretations of circumstances and factors including the Company’s experience with similar cases, actual claims paid, historical trends involving claim payment patterns and pending levels of unpaid claims, loss management programs, product mix and contractual terms, changes in law and regulation, judicial decisions, and economic conditions. In the normal course of business, the Company may also supplement its claims processes by utilizing third party adjusters, appraisers, engineers, inspectors, and other professionals and information sources to assess and settle catastrophe and non-catastrophe related claims. The effects of inflation are implicitly considered in the reserving process. Reserves are estimates of unpaid portions of losses that have occurred, including IBNR losses; therefore the establishment of appropriate reserves is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on management’s best estimates. The highest degree of uncertainty is associated with reserves for losses incurred in the current reporting period as it contains the greatest proportion of losses that have not been reported or settled. The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and as events unfold that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in reserve estimates, which may be material, are reported in the results of operations in the period such changes are determined to be needed and recorded. Management believes that the reserve for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables, is appropriately established in the aggregate and adequate to cover the ultimate net cost of reported and unreported claims arising from losses which had occurred by the date of the consolidated financial statements based on available facts and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The table below provides the changes in the reserves for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables, for the periods indicated as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Gross reserves - beginning of period $ 41,832 $ 32,357 $ 35,422 $ 31,531 Less: reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses 5,890 5,022 5,405 3,224 Net reserves - beginning of period 35,942 27,335 30,017 28,307 Add: incurred losses and LAE, net of reinsurance: Current period 11,989 9,894 35,135 27,234 Prior period 2,593 (81 ) 5,687 125 Total net incurred losses and LAE 14,582 9,813 40,822 27,359 Deduct: loss and LAE payments, net of reinsurance: Current period 6,938 6,972 14,730 13,766 Prior period 3,926 2,650 16,449 14,374 Total net loss and LAE payments 10,864 9,622 31,179 28,140 Net reserves - end of period 39,660 27,526 39,660 27,526 Plus: reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses 6,334 5,069 6,334 5,069 Gross reserves - end of period $ 45,994 $ 32,595 $ 45,994 $ 32,595 The Company’s incurred losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 include prior-year adverse reserve development of $2.6 million and $5.7 million , respectively. In the third quarter of 2016, there was $759,000 and $584,000 of adverse development in the Florida homeowners and commercial automobile lines, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , there was adverse development of $2.2 million from the Florida homeowners line and $2.1 million from the commercial automobile line. The balance of the adverse development stemmed from the general liability products, mostly related to the hospitality lines. On a year to date basis, however, the general liability products remain slightly redundant. The Company’s incurred losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , reflect prior-year favorable reserve development of $81,000 and adverse development of $125,000 , respectively. In the third quarter of 2015, there was $256,000 and $95,000 of favorable reserve development in the commercial multi-peril and homeowners lines, respectively. This favorable development was partially offset by $163,000 and $161,000 of adverse development in the run-off personal automobile and commercial automobile lines, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the adverse development was generated by the personal and commercial automobile lines, which totaled $494,000 and $696,000 , respectively. This adverse development was partially offset by favorable development in other lines, including $530,000 , $125,000 and $313,000 in the commercial multi-peril, other liability and workers' compensation lines, respectively.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to minimize the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with reinsurers. The Company participates in reinsurance agreements in order to limit its loss exposure including protecting against catastrophe losses. The Company primarily ceded all specific commercial risks in excess of $500,000 in both 2016 and 2015 . Reinsurance does not discharge the direct insurer from liability to its policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors the concentration of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities, or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. To date, the Company has not experienced any significant difficulties in collecting reinsurance recoverables. The Company assumes written premiums under a few fronting arrangements, most of which are net of other reinsurance arrangements. The fronting arrangements are with unaffiliated insurers who write on behalf of the Company in markets that require a higher A.M. Best rating than the Company’s current rating, where the policies are written in a state where the Company is not licensed or for other strategic reasons. Assumed premiums is comprised entirely of these arrangements other than where there are premiums assumed from Citizens Property and Casualty Corporation (“Citizens”). The following table presents the effects of such reinsurance and assumption transactions on premiums and losses and LAE (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Written premiums: Direct $ 22,340 $ 22,438 $ 66,473 $ 65,067 Assumed 6,157 1,804 17,143 3,438 Ceded (3,863 ) 4,357 (10,755 ) (10,298 ) Net written premiums $ 24,634 $ 28,599 $ 72,861 $ 58,207 Earned premiums: Direct $ 23,057 $ 21,136 $ 67,871 $ 60,487 Assumed 4,196 1,906 8,186 5,716 Ceded (3,873 ) (5,159 ) (10,893 ) (18,712 ) Net earned premiums $ 23,380 $ 17,883 $ 65,164 $ 47,491 Losses and LAE: Direct $ 13,616 $ 10,605 $ 41,460 $ 31,149 Assumed 1,750 1,082 4,106 1,887 Ceded (784 ) (1,874 ) (4,744 ) (5,677 ) Net Losses and LAE $ 14,582 $ 9,813 $ 40,822 $ 27,359

Senior Debt

Senior Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Debt	Senior Debt The Company's senior debt facility ("Credit Facility") is comprised of three parts: a $17.5 million revolving line of credit ("Revolver"); a $5.0 million five -year term note ("Term Note") which commenced in October 2013; and a $7.5 million five -year term note which commenced in September 2014 ("2014 Term Note"). Management is in the process of renewing the Revolver and on October 28, 2016, the expiration date was extended to December 1, 2016. A summary of the outstanding senior debt is as follows (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Revolver $ 6,500 $ 3,500 Term Note 2,000 2,750 2014 Term Note 5,750 6,500 Total $ 14,250 $ 12,750 The undrawn portion of the Revolver was $11.0 million as of September 30, 2016 , and was available to finance working capital, fund other general corporate purposes and provide surplus contributions to the Company's Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions. The Credit Facility contains various restrictive covenants that relate to the Company’s shareholders’ equity, premiums-to-capital and surplus ratios, fixed-charge coverage ratio, risk-based capital ratios, and A.M. Best ratings of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries. At September 30, 2016 , the Company was in compliance with all of its Credit Facility financial covenants.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity On February 25, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program, under which the Company may repurchase up to $2.1 million of its outstanding common stock over a one -year period. Under this program, management is authorized to repurchase shares at prevailing market prices through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block purchases or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 10b5-1 and 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by management in its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s stock, general market conditions, and other factors. Repurchases may be made from time to time, without prior notice. The Company may suspend or discontinue the program at any time. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company had repurchased and retired 88,650 shares of stock valued at approximately $625,000 .

Other Comprehensive Income (Los

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,504 $ 459 $ 182 $ 1,158 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (86 ) 379 1,065 104 Less: amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (26 ) 146 (197 ) 570 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (60 ) 233 1,262 (466 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,444 $ 692 $ 1,444 $ 692

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income allocable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The dividends on preferred stock and other gains are deducted from the net income to arrive at net income allocable to common shareholders. In the period of a net loss, the dividends on preferred stock are added to the net loss to arrive at net loss allocable to common shareholders. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share, as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Conifer $ (1,475 ) $ 1,326 $ (4,016 ) $ 2,368 Preferred stock dividends — 81 — 384 Paid-in-kind dividends — 33 — 156 Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders $ (1,475 ) $ 1,212 $ (4,016 ) $ 1,828 Weighted average common shares, basic and diluted* 7,608,284 5,701,794 7,613,954 4,603,451 Earnings (loss) per share allocable to common, basic and diluted $ (0.19 ) $ 0.21 $ (0.53 ) $ 0.40 * The nonvested shares of the restricted stock units were anti-dilutive as of September 30, 2016 . Therefore, the basic and diluted weighted average common shares are equal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 .

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation In 2015, the Company issued 390,352 restricted stock units (“RSU”) to executive officers and other employees to be settled in shares of common stock. The 2015 RSUs were valued at $4.1 million on the date of grant. On September 15, 2016 the Company issued 111,281 RSUs to executive officers and other employees valued at $909,000 on the date of grant. The Company recorded $212,000 and $621,000 of compensation expense related to the RSUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, and $100,000 of compensation expense related to the RSUs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 . The total compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of the restricted stock units which has not been recognized as of September 30, 2016 , was $4.1 million .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal proceedings The Company and its subsidiaries are subject at times to various claims, lawsuits and proceedings relating principally to alleged errors or omissions in the placement of insurance, claims administration, and other business transactions arising in the ordinary course of business. Where appropriate, the Company vigorously defends such claims, lawsuits and proceedings. Some of these claims, lawsuits and proceedings seek damages, including consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant. Most of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered by the insurance policy at issue. On the basis of current information, the Company does not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that any material loss exceeding amounts already accrued, if any, will result from any of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings to which the Company is subject, either individually, or in the aggregate.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company is engaged in the sale of property and casualty insurance products and has organized its principal operations into two types of insurance businesses: commercial lines and personal lines. Within these two insurance businesses, the Company offers various insurance products. Such insurance businesses are engaged in underwriting and marketing insurance coverages, and administering claims processing for such policies. The Company defines its operating segments as components of the business where separate financial information is available and used by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources to its segments and in assessing its performance. In assessing performance of its operating segments, the Company’s chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer, reviews a number of financial measures including gross written premiums, net earned premiums, losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoveries. However, the primary measure used for making decisions about resources to be allocated to an operating segment and assessing performance is segment underwriting gain or loss which is defined as segment revenues, consisting of net earned premiums and other income, less segment expenses, consisting of losses and LAE, policy acquisition costs and other underwriting and operating expenses of the operating segments. Other underwriting and operating expenses primarily include compensation and related benefits for underwriting personnel, licensing of policy issuance and claims systems, rent and utilities. The Company markets, distributes and sells its insurance products primarily through a network of independent agents. All of the Company’s insurance activities are conducted in the United States with a concentration of activity in Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , gross written premiums attributable to these four states were 58% of the Company’s total gross written premiums. In addition to the reportable operating segments, the Company maintains a Corporate and Other category to reconcile segment results to the consolidated totals. The Corporate and Other category includes: (i) corporate operating expenses such as salaries and related benefits of the Company’s executive management team and finance and information technology personnel, and other corporate headquarters expenses, (ii) interest expense on the Company’s senior debt obligations; (iii) depreciation and amortization on property and equipment, and (iv) all investment income activity. All investment income activity is reported within net investment income and net realized investment gains on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s assets on the consolidated balance sheet are not allocated to the reportable segments. The Company redefined its operating segments during the quarter ended June 30, 2016 and presented the segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 in a manner consistent with the new operational management structure. The segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , has been recast to be consistent with the new format. The following tables present information by reportable operating segment (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 20,759 $ 7,738 $ — $ 28,497 Net written premiums $ 18,230 $ 6,404 $ — $ 24,634 Net earned premiums $ 17,878 $ 5,502 $ — $ 23,380 Other income 81 101 121 303 Segment revenue 17,959 5,603 121 23,683 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 9,564 5,018 — 14,582 Policy acquisition costs 4,868 1,398 — 6,266 Operating expenses 1,803 779 2,128 4,710 Segment expenses 16,235 7,195 2,128 25,558 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 1,724 $ (1,592 ) $ (2,007 ) $ (1,875 ) Investment income 560 560 Net realized investment gains 71 71 Interest expense (168 ) (168 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (1,544 ) $ (1,412 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 16,655 $ 7,587 $ — $ 24,242 Net written premiums $ 20,786 $ 7,813 $ — $ 28,599 Net earned premiums $ 13,621 $ 4,262 $ — $ 17,883 Other income 390 115 18 523 Segment revenue 14,011 4,377 18 18,406 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 7,043 2,770 — 9,813 Policy acquisition costs 3,448 1,157 — 4,605 Operating expenses 1,304 1,182 839 3,325 Segment expenses 11,795 5,109 839 17,743 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 2,216 $ (732 ) $ (821 ) $ 663 Investment income 505 505 Net realized investment gains 6 6 Other gains 104 104 Interest expense (181 ) (181 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (387 ) $ 1,097 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 62,725 $ 20,891 $ — $ 83,616 Net written premiums $ 55,767 $ 17,094 $ — $ 72,861 Net earned premiums $ 49,641 $ 15,523 $ — $ 65,164 Other income 263 419 147 829 Segment revenue 49,904 15,942 147 65,993 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 27,543 13,279 — 40,822 Policy acquisition costs 13,619 4,663 — 18,282 Operating expenses 5,147 2,214 6,023 13,384 Segment expenses 46,309 20,156 6,023 72,488 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 3,595 $ (4,214 ) $ (5,876 ) $ (6,495 ) Investment income 1,625 1,625 Net realized investment gains 604 604 Interest expense (468 ) (468 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (4,115 ) $ (4,734 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 50,723 $ 17,782 $ — $ 68,505 Net written premiums $ 43,164 $ 15,043 $ — $ 58,207 Net earned premiums $ 33,779 $ 13,712 $ — $ 47,491 Other income 1,064 351 77 1,492 Segment revenue 34,843 14,063 77 48,983 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 17,837 9,522 — 27,359 Policy acquisition costs 7,103 2,736 — 9,839 Operating expenses 3,987 1,805 4,844 10,636 Segment expenses 28,927 14,063 4,844 47,834 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 5,916 $ — $ (4,767 ) $ 1,149 Investment income 1,460 1,460 Net realized investment gains 238 238 Other gains 104 104 Interest expense (664 ) (664 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (3,629 ) $ 2,287 The Company discontinued offering non-standard personal automobile policies in the first half of 2015, but will continue to pay claims and perform other administrative services as needed until the run-off of the claims on such policies is complete. No premiums were written or earned in the non-standard personal automobile line in 2016. The decision to stop writing non-standard personal automobile policies was the result of the Company’s change in strategic positioning and its desire to increase its personal homeowners product line and pursue existing commercial line opportunities.

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include accounts, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, of Conifer Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Conifer”), its wholly owned subsidiaries, Conifer Insurance Company ("CIC"), White Pine Insurance Company ("WPIC"), Red Cedar Insurance Company ("RCIC"), American Colonial Insurance Company ("ACIC"), American Colonial Insurance Services ("ACIS") and Sycamore Insurance Agency, Inc ("SIA"). CIC, WPIC, RCIC and ACIC are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Company Subsidiaries." On a stand-alone basis, Conifer Holdings, Inc. is referred to as the "Parent Company." The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), which differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by regulatory authorities. The Company has applied the applicable rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting and therefore the consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of items of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated interim financial statements, have been included. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ended December 31, 2016 . These consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , as filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016 ("2015 Audited Financial Statements").
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation Prior to September 30, 2015, the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of Conifer Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as a 50% -owned affiliate (the “Affiliate”) which the Company controlled due to its majority representation on the entity’s board of directors. Noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary in the consolidated balance sheets represents the noncontrolling shareholder’s proportionate share of the entity’s equity. Consolidated net income or loss is allocated to the Company and noncontrolling interest in proportion to their percentage ownership interests. As of September 30, 2015, the Company no longer controlled the Affiliate but retained significant influence. As a result the entity was deconsolidated from the consolidated financial statements and recognized as an investment in an affiliate utilizing the equity method of accounting. All intercompany transactions and accounts were eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements reflect management's best estimates and assumptions, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance	Recently Issued Accounting Guidance In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-09, Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts (Topic 944) , which enhances disclosure requirements for insurance entities with short-duration insurance contracts. The enhanced disclosures under the new guidance will be provided by the Company in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, as required. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this update modify the requirements related to the measurement of certain financial instruments in the statement of financial condition and results of operation. For equity investments (other than investments accounted for using the equity method), entities must measure such instruments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Reporting entities may continue to elect to measure equity investments which do not have a readily determinable fair value at cost with adjustments for impairment and observable changes in price. In addition, for a liability (other than a derivative liability) that an entity measures at fair value, any change in fair value related to the instrument-specific credit risk, that is the entity’s own-credit, should be presented separately in other comprehensive income and not as a component of net income. The amendments are effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted solely for the instrument-specific credit risk for liabilities measured at fair value. The amendments must be applied on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year of initial adoption. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which addresses the financial reporting of leasing transactions. This update will require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, discounted to the present value, for all leases that extend beyond 12 months. For operating leases, the asset and liability will be expensed over the lease term on a straight-line basis, with all cash flows included in the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability will be recognized separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the consolidated statement of operations and the repayment of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified as a financing activity while the interest component will be included in the operating section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet completed the analysis of how adopting this guidance will affect our financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which amends the current methodology and timing for recognizing credit losses. This amendment will replace the current GAAP "incurred loss" methodology for credit losses with a methodology based on expected credit losses. The new guidance will also require expanded consideration of a broader range of reasonable and increased supportable information for the credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for years beginning after December 15, 2018. We have not yet completed the analysis of how adopting this guidance will affect our financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) , which clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flow under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows . This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet completed the analysis of how adopting this guidance will affect our financial statements.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gain or loss, and estimated fair value of the investments in securities classified as available-for-sale at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,862 $ 55 $ (1 ) $ 5,916 State and local government 11,472 469 (10 ) 11,931 Corporate debt 34,261 441 (33 ) 34,669 Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 60,665 671 (11 ) 61,325 Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 112,260 1,636 (55 ) 113,841 Equity Securities: Common stocks - Public Utilities 172 37 — 209 Common stocks - Banks, Trusts and Insurance Companies 455 164 (1 ) 618 Common stocks - Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 2,744 963 (34 ) 3,673 Total equity securities available for sale 3,371 1,164 (35 ) 4,500 Total securities available for sale $ 115,631 $ 2,800 $ (90 ) $ 118,341 December 31, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Estimated Fair Value Gains Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,474 $ 47 $ (13 ) $ 5,508 State and local government 14,391 398 (6 ) 14,783 Corporate debt 39,183 84 (483 ) 38,784 Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 48,165 164 (311 ) 48,018 Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 107,213 693 (813 ) 107,093 Equity Securities: Common stocks - Public Utilities 122 20 (1 ) 141 Common stocks - Banks, Trusts and Insurance Companies 503 150 (7 ) 646 Common stocks - Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 2,716 836 (99 ) 3,453 Total equity securities available for sale 3,341 1,006 (107 ) 4,240 Total securities available for sale $ 110,554 $ 1,699 $ (920 ) $ 111,333
Schedule of Unrealized Loss Positions	The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized losses, by security type, of the available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions. The table segregates the holdings based on the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as follows (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations 5 $ 1,569 $ (1 ) — $ — $ — 5 $ 1,569 $ (1 ) State and local government 3 540 (10 ) — — — 3 540 (10 ) Corporate debt 7 2,275 (10 ) 9 3,989 (23 ) 16 6,264 (33 ) Commercial mortgage and asset-backed 7 2,206 (8 ) 5 998 (3 ) 12 3,204 (11 ) Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 22 6,590 (29 ) 14 4,987 (26 ) 36 11,577 (55 ) Equity Securities: Common stocks 22 338 (24 ) 5 189 (11 ) 27 527 (35 ) Total equity securities available for sale 22 338 (24 ) 5 189 (11 ) 27 527 (35 ) Total securities 44 $ 6,928 $ (53 ) 19 $ 5,176 $ (37 ) 63 $ 12,104 $ (90 ) December 31, 2015 Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses # of Issues Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Gross Un realized Losses Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations 7 $ 2,580 $ (7 ) 2 $ 679 $ (6 ) 9 $ 3,259 $ (13 ) State and local government 8 2,688 (6 ) — — — 8 2,688 (6 ) Corporate debt 80 21,760 (438 ) 12 3,618 (45 ) 92 25,378 (483 ) Commercial mortgage and asset-backed 67 32,539 (258 ) 5 2,175 (53 ) 72 34,714 (311 ) Total fixed maturity securities available for sale 162 59,567 (709 ) 19 6,472 (104 ) 181 66,039 (813 ) Equity Securities: Common stock 86 782 (72 ) 3 79 (35 ) 89 861 (107 ) Total equity securities available for sale 86 782 (72 ) 3 79 (35 ) 89 861 (107 ) Total securities 248 $ 60,349 $ (781 ) 22 $ 6,551 $ (139 ) 270 $ 66,900 $ (920 )
Schedule of Investment Income	The Company’s sources of net investment income are as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Fixed maturity securities $ 616 $ 551 $ 1,772 $ 1,614 Equity securities 23 24 75 69 Cash and short-term investments 7 — 13 4 Total investment income 646 575 1,860 1,687 Investment expenses (86 ) (70 ) (235 ) (227 ) Net investment income $ 560 $ 505 $ 1,625 $ 1,460
Schedule of Gross Realized Gains and Losses on Securities	The following table summarizes the gross realized gains and losses from sales or maturities of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Fixed maturity securities: Gross realized gains $ 7 $ 6 $ 524 $ 74 Gross realized losses — (1 ) (22 ) (5 ) Total fixed maturity securities 7 5 502 69 Equity securities: Gross realized gains 79 30 230 233 Gross realized losses (15 ) (29 ) (128 ) (64 ) Total equity securities 64 1 102 169 Total realized gains $ 71 $ 6 $ 604 $ 238
Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities	The table below summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2016 . Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (dollars in thousands): Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 8,237 $ 8,241 Due after one year through five years 30,306 30,644 Due after five years through ten years 6,672 7,067 Due after ten years 6,380 6,564 Securities with contractual maturities 51,595 52,516 Commercial mortgage and asset backed 60,665 61,325 Total Fixed maturity securities $ 112,260 $ 113,841

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	The following tables present the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, classified by the valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 Fair Value Measurements Using Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,916 $ — $ 5,916 $ — State and local government 11,931 — 11,931 — Corporate debt 34,669 — 34,669 — Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 61,325 — 61,325 — Total fixed maturity securities 113,841 — 113,841 — Equity Securities, common stock 4,500 4,500 — — Short-term investments 14,053 14,053 — — Total assets measured at fair value $ 132,394 $ 18,553 $ 113,841 $ — Liabilities: Senior debt* $ 14,250 $ — $ 14,250 $ — Total Liabilities measured at fair value $ 14,250 $ — $ 14,250 $ — * Carried at cost or amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet December 31, 2015 Fair Value Measurements Using Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Fixed Maturity Securities: U.S. Government obligations $ 5,508 $ — $ 5,508 $ — State and local government 14,783 — 14,783 — Corporate debt 38,784 — 38,784 — Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed 48,018 — 48,018 — Total fixed maturity securities 107,093 — 107,093 — Equity Securities, common stock 4,240 4,240 — — Short-term investments 6,391 6,391 — — Total assets measured at fair value $ 117,724 $ 10,631 $ 107,093 $ — Liabilities: Senior debt* $ 12,750 $ — $ 12,750 $ — Total Liabilities measured at fair value $ 12,750 $ — $ 12,750 $ — * Carried at cost or amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet

Deferred Policy Acquisition C24

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	The activity in deferred policy acquisition costs, net of reinsurance transactions, is as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 13,182 $ 7,659 $ 12,102 $ 5,679 Deferred policy acquisition costs 6,287 8,528 19,383 15,742 Amortization of policy acquisition costs (6,266 ) (4,605 ) (18,282 ) (9,839 ) Net change 21 3,923 1,101 5,903 Balance at end of period $ 13,203 $ 11,582 $ 13,203 $ 11,582

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust25

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Schedule of the Changes in the Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense	The table below provides the changes in the reserves for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables, for the periods indicated as follows (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Gross reserves - beginning of period $ 41,832 $ 32,357 $ 35,422 $ 31,531 Less: reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses 5,890 5,022 5,405 3,224 Net reserves - beginning of period 35,942 27,335 30,017 28,307 Add: incurred losses and LAE, net of reinsurance: Current period 11,989 9,894 35,135 27,234 Prior period 2,593 (81 ) 5,687 125 Total net incurred losses and LAE 14,582 9,813 40,822 27,359 Deduct: loss and LAE payments, net of reinsurance: Current period 6,938 6,972 14,730 13,766 Prior period 3,926 2,650 16,449 14,374 Total net loss and LAE payments 10,864 9,622 31,179 28,140 Net reserves - end of period 39,660 27,526 39,660 27,526 Plus: reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses 6,334 5,069 6,334 5,069 Gross reserves - end of period $ 45,994 $ 32,595 $ 45,994 $ 32,595

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of the Effects of Reinsurance	The following table presents the effects of such reinsurance and assumption transactions on premiums and losses and LAE (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Written premiums: Direct $ 22,340 $ 22,438 $ 66,473 $ 65,067 Assumed 6,157 1,804 17,143 3,438 Ceded (3,863 ) 4,357 (10,755 ) (10,298 ) Net written premiums $ 24,634 $ 28,599 $ 72,861 $ 58,207 Earned premiums: Direct $ 23,057 $ 21,136 $ 67,871 $ 60,487 Assumed 4,196 1,906 8,186 5,716 Ceded (3,873 ) (5,159 ) (10,893 ) (18,712 ) Net earned premiums $ 23,380 $ 17,883 $ 65,164 $ 47,491 Losses and LAE: Direct $ 13,616 $ 10,605 $ 41,460 $ 31,149 Assumed 1,750 1,082 4,106 1,887 Ceded (784 ) (1,874 ) (4,744 ) (5,677 ) Net Losses and LAE $ 14,582 $ 9,813 $ 40,822 $ 27,359

Senior Debt (Tables)

Senior Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Senior Debt	A summary of the outstanding senior debt is as follows (dollars in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Revolver $ 6,500 $ 3,500 Term Note 2,000 2,750 2014 Term Note 5,750 6,500 Total $ 14,250 $ 12,750

Other Comprehensive Income (L28

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,504 $ 459 $ 182 $ 1,158 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (86 ) 379 1,065 104 Less: amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (26 ) 146 (197 ) 570 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (60 ) 233 1,262 (466 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,444 $ 692 $ 1,444 $ 692

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share, as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Conifer $ (1,475 ) $ 1,326 $ (4,016 ) $ 2,368 Preferred stock dividends — 81 — 384 Paid-in-kind dividends — 33 — 156 Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders $ (1,475 ) $ 1,212 $ (4,016 ) $ 1,828 Weighted average common shares, basic and diluted* 7,608,284 5,701,794 7,613,954 4,603,451 Earnings (loss) per share allocable to common, basic and diluted $ (0.19 ) $ 0.21 $ (0.53 ) $ 0.40 * The nonvested shares of the restricted stock units were anti-dilutive as of September 30, 2016 . Therefore, the basic and diluted weighted average common shares are equal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 .

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	The following tables present information by reportable operating segment (dollars in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 20,759 $ 7,738 $ — $ 28,497 Net written premiums $ 18,230 $ 6,404 $ — $ 24,634 Net earned premiums $ 17,878 $ 5,502 $ — $ 23,380 Other income 81 101 121 303 Segment revenue 17,959 5,603 121 23,683 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 9,564 5,018 — 14,582 Policy acquisition costs 4,868 1,398 — 6,266 Operating expenses 1,803 779 2,128 4,710 Segment expenses 16,235 7,195 2,128 25,558 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 1,724 $ (1,592 ) $ (2,007 ) $ (1,875 ) Investment income 560 560 Net realized investment gains 71 71 Interest expense (168 ) (168 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (1,544 ) $ (1,412 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 16,655 $ 7,587 $ — $ 24,242 Net written premiums $ 20,786 $ 7,813 $ — $ 28,599 Net earned premiums $ 13,621 $ 4,262 $ — $ 17,883 Other income 390 115 18 523 Segment revenue 14,011 4,377 18 18,406 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 7,043 2,770 — 9,813 Policy acquisition costs 3,448 1,157 — 4,605 Operating expenses 1,304 1,182 839 3,325 Segment expenses 11,795 5,109 839 17,743 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 2,216 $ (732 ) $ (821 ) $ 663 Investment income 505 505 Net realized investment gains 6 6 Other gains 104 104 Interest expense (181 ) (181 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (387 ) $ 1,097 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 62,725 $ 20,891 $ — $ 83,616 Net written premiums $ 55,767 $ 17,094 $ — $ 72,861 Net earned premiums $ 49,641 $ 15,523 $ — $ 65,164 Other income 263 419 147 829 Segment revenue 49,904 15,942 147 65,993 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 27,543 13,279 — 40,822 Policy acquisition costs 13,619 4,663 — 18,282 Operating expenses 5,147 2,214 6,023 13,384 Segment expenses 46,309 20,156 6,023 72,488 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 3,595 $ (4,214 ) $ (5,876 ) $ (6,495 ) Investment income 1,625 1,625 Net realized investment gains 604 604 Interest expense (468 ) (468 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (4,115 ) $ (4,734 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Commercial Lines Personal Lines Corporate & Other Total Gross written premiums $ 50,723 $ 17,782 $ — $ 68,505 Net written premiums $ 43,164 $ 15,043 $ — $ 58,207 Net earned premiums $ 33,779 $ 13,712 $ — $ 47,491 Other income 1,064 351 77 1,492 Segment revenue 34,843 14,063 77 48,983 Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net 17,837 9,522 — 27,359 Policy acquisition costs 7,103 2,736 — 9,839 Operating expenses 3,987 1,805 4,844 10,636 Segment expenses 28,927 14,063 4,844 47,834 Segment underwriting gain (loss) $ 5,916 $ — $ (4,767 ) $ 1,149 Investment income 1,460 1,460 Net realized investment gains 238 238 Other gains 104 104 Interest expense (664 ) (664 ) Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes $ (3,629 ) $ 2,287

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)	Jul. 22, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016statebusiness	Sep. 29, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | business			2
Number of states in which entity operates | state			50
Stock split conversion ratio	10.2
Ownership percentage				50.00%
IPO
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock issued during period (shares)		3,300,000
Price per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 10.50
IPO | Chief Executive Officer
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock issued during period (shares)		100,000

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities	$ 28.6	$ 6.8
Deposits held in trust accounts	$ 9.3		$ 8.9

Investments - Available-for-sal

Investments - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$ 112,260	$ 107,213
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gain	1,636	693
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized loss	(55)	(813)
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	113,841	107,093
Equity securities, amortized cost	3,371	3,341
Equity securities, gross unrealized gain	1,164	1,006
Equity securities, gross unrealized loss	(35)	(107)
Equity securities, Estimated Fair Value	4,500	4,240
Securities, cost or amortized cost	115,631	110,554
Securities, gross unrealized gain	2,800	1,699
Securities, gross unrealized loss	(90)	(920)
Securities, Estimated Fair Value	118,341	111,333
U.S. Government obligations
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	5,862	5,474
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gain	55	47
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized loss	(1)	(13)
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	5,916	5,508
State and local government
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	11,472	14,391
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gain	469	398
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized loss	(10)	(6)
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	11,931	14,783
Corporate debt
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	34,261	39,183
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gain	441	84
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized loss	(33)	(483)
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	34,669	38,784
Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	60,665	48,165
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized gain	671	164
Fixed maturity securities, gross unrealized loss	(11)	(311)
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	61,325	48,018
Common stocks - Public Utilities
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Equity securities, amortized cost	172	122
Equity securities, gross unrealized gain	37	20
Equity securities, gross unrealized loss	0	(1)
Equity securities, Estimated Fair Value	209	141
Common stocks - Banks, Trusts and Insurance Companies
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Equity securities, amortized cost	455	503
Equity securities, gross unrealized gain	164	150
Equity securities, gross unrealized loss	(1)	(7)
Equity securities, Estimated Fair Value	618	646
Common stocks - Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Equity securities, amortized cost	2,744	2,716
Equity securities, gross unrealized gain	963	836
Equity securities, gross unrealized loss	(34)	(99)
Equity securities, Estimated Fair Value	$ 3,673	$ 3,453

Investments - Available-for-s34

Investments - Available-for-sale Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, number of issues | security	44	248
Greater than 12 months, number of issues | security	19	22
Number of Issues | security	63	270
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 6,928	$ 60,349
Greater than 12 months, fair value	5,176	6,551
Fair Value	12,104	66,900
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(53)	(781)
Greater than 12 months, unrealized losses	(37)	(139)
Unrealized losses	$ (90)	$ (920)
Total fixed maturity securities available for sale
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, number of issues | security	22	162
Greater than 12 months, number of issues | security	14	19
Number of Issues | security	36	181
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 6,590	$ 59,567
Greater than 12 months, fair value	4,987	6,472
Fair Value	11,577	66,039
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(29)	(709)
Greater than 12 months, unrealized losses	(26)	(104)
Unrealized losses	$ (55)	$ (813)
U.S. Government obligations
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, number of issues | security	5	7
Greater than 12 months, number of issues | security	0	2
Number of Issues | security	5	9
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 1,569	$ 2,580
Greater than 12 months, fair value	0	679
Fair Value	1,569	3,259
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(1)	(7)
Greater than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	(6)
Unrealized losses	$ (1)	$ (13)
State and local government
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, number of issues | security	3	8
Greater than 12 months, number of issues | security	0	0
Number of Issues | security	3	8
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 540	$ 2,688
Greater than 12 months, fair value	0	0
Fair Value	540	2,688
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(10)	(6)
Greater than 12 months, unrealized losses	0	0
Unrealized losses	$ (10)	$ (6)
Corporate debt
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, number of issues | security	7	80
Greater than 12 months, number of issues | security	9	12
Number of Issues | security	16	92
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 2,275	$ 21,760
Greater than 12 months, fair value	3,989	3,618
Fair Value	6,264	25,378
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(10)	(438)
Greater than 12 months, unrealized losses	(23)	(45)
Unrealized losses	$ (33)	$ (483)
Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, number of issues | security	7	67
Greater than 12 months, number of issues | security	5	5
Number of Issues | security	12	72
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 2,206	$ 32,539
Greater than 12 months, fair value	998	2,175
Fair Value	3,204	34,714
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(8)	(258)
Greater than 12 months, unrealized losses	(3)	(53)
Unrealized losses	$ (11)	$ (311)
Common stocks
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, number of issues | security	22	86
Greater than 12 months, number of issues | security	5	3
Number of Issues | security	27	89
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, fair value	$ 338	$ 782
Greater than 12 months, fair value	189	79
Fair Value	527	861
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, unrealized losses	(24)	(72)
Greater than 12 months, unrealized losses	(11)	(35)
Unrealized losses	$ (35)	$ (107)

Investments - Net Investment In

Investments - Net Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 646	$ 575	$ 1,860	$ 1,687
Investment expenses	(86)	(70)	(235)	(227)
Net investment income	560	505	1,625	1,460
Fixed maturity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	616	551	1,772	1,614
Equity securities
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	23	24	75	69
Cash and short-term investments
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 7	$ 0	$ 13	$ 4

Investments - Gross Realized Ga

Investments - Gross Realized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains	$ 71	$ 6	$ 604	$ 238
Fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	7	6	524	74
Gross realized losses	0	(1)	(22)	(5)
Net realized investment gains	7	5	502	69
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	79	30	230	233
Gross realized losses	(15)	(29)	(128)	(64)
Net realized investment gains	$ 64	$ 1	$ 102	$ 169

Investments - Available-for-s37

Investments - Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$ 8,237
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	30,306
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	6,672
Due after ten years, amortized cost	6,380
Securities with contractual maturities, amortized cost	51,595
Commercial mortgage and asset-backed, amortized cost	60,665
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	112,260	$ 107,213
Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less, fair value	8,241
Due after one year through five years, fair value	30,644
Due after five years through ten years, fair value	7,067
Due after ten years, fair value	6,564
Securities with contractual maturities, fair value	52,516
Commercial mortgage and asset-backed, fair value	61,325
Fixed maturity securities	$ 113,841	$ 107,093

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016
Level 1
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investment portfolio percentage	14.00%
Level 2
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Investment portfolio percentage	86.00%

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	$ 113,841	$ 107,093
Equity securities	4,500	4,240
Short-term investments	14,053	6,391
Total assets measured at fair value	132,394	117,724
Total liabilities measured at fair value	14,250	12,750
Senior debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior debt	14,250	12,750
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term investments	14,053	6,391
Total assets measured at fair value	18,553	10,631
Total liabilities measured at fair value		0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Senior debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior debt		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total assets measured at fair value	113,841	107,093
Total liabilities measured at fair value	14,250	12,750
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Senior debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior debt	14,250	12,750
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total liabilities measured at fair value		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Senior debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior debt		0
U.S. Government obligations
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	5,916	5,508
U.S. Government obligations | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Government obligations | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	5,916	5,508
State and local government
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	11,931	14,783
State and local government | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	11,931	14,783
Corporate debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	34,669	38,784
Corporate debt | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	34,669	38,784
Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	61,325	48,018
Commercial mortgage-backed and other asset-backed | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	61,325	48,018
Fixed maturity securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	113,841	107,093
Fixed maturity securities | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities	113,841	107,093
Common stocks
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Equity securities	4,500	4,240
Common stocks | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Equity securities	$ 4,500	$ 4,240

Deferred Policy Acquisition C40

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs - Activity in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 13,182	$ 7,659	$ 12,102	$ 5,679
Deferred policy acquisition costs	6,287	8,528	19,383	15,742
Amortization of policy acquisition costs	(6,266)	(4,605)	(18,282)	(9,839)
Net change	21	3,923	1,101	5,903
Balance at end of period	$ 13,203	$ 11,582	$ 13,203	$ 11,582

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust41

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Prior-year adverse (favorable) reserve development	$ 2,593	$ (81)	$ 5,687	$ 125
Florida homeowners line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Prior-year adverse (favorable) reserve development	759	(95)	2,200
Commercial automobile line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Prior-year adverse (favorable) reserve development	$ 584	161	$ 2,100	696
Personal automobile line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Prior-year adverse (favorable) reserve development		163		494
Commercial multi-peril line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Prior-year adverse (favorable) reserve development		$ (256)		(530)
Other liability line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Prior-year adverse (favorable) reserve development				(125)
Workers’ compensation line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Prior-year adverse (favorable) reserve development				$ (313)

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust42

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses - Changes in the Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]
Gross reserves - beginning of period	$ 41,832	$ 32,357	$ 35,422	$ 31,531
Less: reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses	5,890	5,022	5,405	3,224
Net reserves - beginning of period	35,942	27,335	30,017	28,307
Add: incurred losses and LAE, net of reinsurance:
Current period	11,989	9,894	35,135	27,234
Prior period	2,593	(81)	5,687	125
Total net incurred losses and LAE	14,582	9,813	40,822	27,359
Deduct: loss and LAE payments, net of reinsurance:
Current period	6,938	6,972	14,730	13,766
Prior period	3,926	2,650	16,449	14,374
Total net loss and LAE payments	10,864	9,622	31,179	28,140
Net reserves - end of period	39,660	27,526	39,660	27,526
Plus: reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses	6,334	5,069	6,334	5,069
Gross reserves - end of period	$ 45,994	$ 32,595	$ 45,994	$ 32,595

Reinsurance - Narrative (Detail

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Maximum
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Amount retained (excess of)	$ 500,000	$ 500,000

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsu

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsurance and Assumption Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Written premiums:
Direct	$ 22,340	$ 22,438	$ 66,473	$ 65,067
Assumed	6,157	1,804	17,143	3,438
Ceded	(3,863)	4,357	(10,755)	(10,298)
Net written premiums	24,634	28,599	72,861	58,207
Earned premiums:
Direct	23,057	21,136	67,871	60,487
Assumed	4,196	1,906	8,186	5,716
Ceded	(3,873)	(5,159)	(10,893)	(18,712)
Net earned premiums	23,380	17,883	65,164	47,491
Losses and LAE:
Direct	13,616	10,605	41,460	31,149
Assumed	1,750	1,082	4,106	1,887
Ceded	(784)	(1,874)	(4,744)	(5,677)
Total net incurred losses and LAE	$ 14,582	$ 9,813	$ 40,822	$ 27,359

Senior Debt - Narrative (Detail

Senior Debt - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)debt_instrument
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 11,000,000
Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of debt instruments | debt_instrument	3
Secured Debt | Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 17,500,000
Term Note | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 5,000,000
Term of debt instrument	5 years
2014 Term Note | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 7,500,000
Term of debt instrument	5 years

Senior Debt - Outstanding Senio

Senior Debt - Outstanding Senior Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 14,250	$ 12,750
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	6,500	3,500
Term Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	2,000	2,750
2014 Term Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 5,750	$ 6,500

Shareholders' Equity - Narrativ

Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 25, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value			$ 6,275,000
Stock Repurchase Program, February 2016
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program	$ 2,100,000
Stock repurchase program, period	1 year
Common stocks
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares		88,650
Stock repurchased and retired during period, value		$ 625,000

Other Comprehensive Income (L48

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period		$ 80,164		$ 77,262	$ 44,159
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$ (86)		$ 379	1,065	104
Less: amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(26)		146	(197)	570
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(60)	(510)	233	1,262	(466)
Balance at end of period	74,504	77,262	80,164	74,504	80,164
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,504	692	459	182	1,158
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(510)		1,262	(466)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,444	$ 182	$ 692	$ 1,444	$ 692

Earnings Per Share - Basic and

Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Conifer	$ (1,475)	$ 1,326	$ (4,016)	$ 2,368
Preferred stock dividends	0	81	0	384
Paid-in-kind dividends	0	33	0	156
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders	$ (1,475)	$ 1,212	$ (4,016)	$ 1,828
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted	7,608,284	5,701,794	7,613,954	4,603,451
Earnings (loss) per share allocable to common, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.21	$ (0.53)	$ 0.40

Stock-based Compensation - Narr

Stock-based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted in period	111,281
Stock granted, value	$ 909
Share-based compensation expense		$ 212	$ 100	$ 621	$ 100
Share-based compensation expense not yet recognized		$ 4,100		$ 4,100
2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted in period						390,352
Stock granted, value						$ 4,100

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	2
Gross Written Premiums | Geographic Concentration Risk | Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	58.00%	58.00%

Segment Information - Informati

Segment Information - Information by Reportable Operating Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premiums	$ 28,497	$ 24,242	$ 83,616	$ 68,505
Net written premiums	24,634	28,599	72,861	58,207
Net earned premiums	23,380	17,883	65,164	47,491
Other income	303	523	829	1,492
Segment revenue	23,683	18,406	65,993	48,983
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net	14,582	9,813	40,822	27,359
Policy acquisition costs	6,266	4,605	18,282	9,839
Operating expenses	4,710	3,325	13,384	10,636
Total expenses	25,558	17,743	72,488	47,834
Segment underwriting gain (loss)	(1,875)	663	(6,495)	1,149
Net investment income	560	505	1,625	1,460
Net realized investment gains	71	6	604	238
Other gains	0	104	0	104
Interest expense	(168)	(181)	(468)	(664)
Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes	(1,412)	1,097	(4,734)	2,287
Operating Segments | Commercial Lines
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premiums	20,759	16,655	62,725	50,723
Net written premiums	18,230	20,786	55,767	43,164
Net earned premiums	17,878	13,621	49,641	33,779
Other income	81	390	263	1,064
Segment revenue	17,959	14,011	49,904	34,843
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net	9,564	7,043	27,543	17,837
Policy acquisition costs	4,868	3,448	13,619	7,103
Operating expenses	1,803	1,304	5,147	3,987
Total expenses	16,235	11,795	46,309	28,927
Segment underwriting gain (loss)	1,724	2,216	3,595	5,916
Operating Segments | Personal Lines
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premiums	7,738	7,587	20,891	17,782
Net written premiums	6,404	7,813	17,094	15,043
Net earned premiums	5,502	4,262	15,523	13,712
Other income	101	115	419	351
Segment revenue	5,603	4,377	15,942	14,063
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net	5,018	2,770	13,279	9,522
Policy acquisition costs	1,398	1,157	4,663	2,736
Operating expenses	779	1,182	2,214	1,805
Total expenses	7,195	5,109	20,156	14,063
Segment underwriting gain (loss)	(1,592)	(732)	(4,214)	0
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premiums	0	0	0	0
Net written premiums	0	0	0	0
Net earned premiums	0	0	0	0
Other income	121	18	147	77
Segment revenue	121	18	147	77
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, net	0	0	0	0
Policy acquisition costs	0	0	0	0
Operating expenses	2,128	839	6,023	4,844
Total expenses	2,128	839	6,023	4,844
Segment underwriting gain (loss)	(2,007)	(821)	(5,876)	(4,767)
Net investment income	560	505	1,625	1,460
Net realized investment gains	71	6	604	238
Other gains		104		104
Interest expense	(168)	(181)	(468)	(664)
Income (loss) before equity earnings of affiliates and income taxes	$ (1,544)	$ (387)	$ (4,115)	$ (3,629)