National General (NTTNP) 10-Q 12 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Statement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 07, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'NGHC	'
Entity Registrant Name	'National General Holdings Corp.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001578735	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	93,408,212

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	Reciprocal Exchanges	Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	'	'	$1,324,641	$766,589	$229,585	$0
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	'	'	53,403	6,287	2,752	0
Short-term Investments	'	'	'	'	2,901	0
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	'	'	146,650	133,193	'	'
Other investments	'	'	4,095	2,893	'	'
Securities pledged (amortized cost $100,177 and $133,013)	100,932	133,922	100,932	133,922	'	'
Total investments	1,864,959	1,042,884	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $446 and $0)	118,141	73,823	'	'	446	0
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $1,975 and $0)	13,788	9,263	'	'	1,975	0
Premiums and other receivables, net (Exchanges - $72,263 and $0)	757,377	449,252	'	'	72,263	0
Deferred acquisition costs	111,791	60,112	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $101,744 and $176,241) (Exchanges - $19,137 and $0)	911,046	950,828	'	'	19,137	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $28,012 and $0)	100,300	50,878	'	'	28,012	0
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	125,364	0	'	'	'	'
Due from affiliate	7,008	4,785	'	'	'	'
Income tax receivable (Exchanges - $1,030 and $0)	1,030	0	'	'	1,030	0
Premises and equipment, net	29,346	29,535	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $13,508 and $0)	243,968	86,564	'	'	13,508	0
Goodwill	97,711	70,351	'	'	'	'
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $123 and $0)	14,662	9,240	'	'	123	0
Total assets	4,396,491	2,837,515	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $100,282 and $0)	1,514,008	1,259,241	'	'	100,282	0
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $116,145 and $0)	860,988	476,232	'	'	116,145	0
Unearned service contract and other revenue	8,949	7,319	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $34,722 and $76,360) (Exchanges - $7,940 and $0)	103,365	93,534	'	'	7,940	0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Exchanges - $19,822 and $0)	263,798	91,143	'	'	19,822	0
Due to affiliate (Exchanges - $17,808 and $0)	17,808	0	'	'	17,808	0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	95,362	109,629	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $24,046 and $0)	72,737	24,476	'	'	24,046	0
Income tax payable	19,604	1,987	'	'	'	'
Notes payable (Exchanges - $44,600 and $0)	300,222	81,142	'	'	44,600	0
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $4,506 and $0)	51,742	49,945	'	'	4,506	0
Total liabilities	3,308,583	2,194,648	'	'	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,408,212 shares - 2014; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 79,731,800 shares - 2013	934	797	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,200,000 shares - 2014; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 0 shares - 2013	55,000	0	'	'	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	690,908	437,006	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,873	7,425	'	'	'	'
Retained earnings	283,541	197,552	'	'	'	'
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity	1,051,256	642,780	'	'	'	'
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $36,583 and $0)	36,652	87	'	'	36,583	0
Total stockholders’ equity	1,087,908	642,867	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$4,396,491	$2,837,515	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified			Related party transactions	Related party transactions
Securities pledged, amortized cost	$100,177	$133,013	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000	'	'
Common stock, issued	93,408,212	79,731,800	'	'
Common stock, outstanding	93,408,212	79,731,800	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	2,200,000	0	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	2,200,000	0	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $446 and $0)	118,141	73,823	'	'
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $1,975 and $0)	13,788	9,263	'	'
Premiums and other receivables, net (Exchanges - $72,263 and $0)	757,377	449,252	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	111,791	60,112	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	911,046	950,828	101,744	176,241
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $28,012 and $0)	100,300	50,878	'	'
Income tax receivable (Exchanges - $1,030 and $0)	1,030	0	'	'
Due from affiliate	7,008	4,785	'	'
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $13,508 and $0)	243,968	86,564	'	'
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $123 and $0)	14,662	9,240	'	'
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $100,282 and $0)	1,514,008	1,259,241	'	'
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $116,145 and $0)	860,988	476,232	'	'
Reinsurance payable	103,365	93,534	34,722	76,360
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Exchanges - $19,822 and $0)	263,798	91,143	'	'
Due to affiliate (Exchanges - $17,808 and $0)	17,808	0	'	'
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $24,046 and $0)	72,737	24,476	'	'
Income tax payable	19,604	1,987	'	'
Notes payable (Exchanges - $44,600 and $0)	300,222	81,142	'	'
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $4,506 and $0)	51,742	49,945	'	'
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $36,583 and $0)	$36,652	$87	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Premium income:	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	$497,595	$332,714	$1,612,210	$1,021,016
Ceded premiums (related parties - three months $964; $131,758 and nine months $43,931; $423,259)	-66,025	-174,591	-194,599	-543,373
Net premium written	431,570	158,123	1,417,611	477,643
Change in unearned premium	6,836	8,002	-229,887	-4,811
Net earned premium	438,406	166,125	1,187,724	472,832
Ceding commission income (primarily related parties)	705	23,518	7,632	73,509
Service and fee income	45,894	34,385	121,086	93,053
Net investment income	13,697	8,439	34,232	22,093
Net realized gain (losses) on investments	-1,118	516	-1,118	1,463
Other revenue	373	0	480	16
Total revenues	497,957	232,983	1,350,036	662,966
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Loss and loss adjustment expense	275,019	108,260	755,970	310,133
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	83,915	32,231	232,706	94,664
General and administrative expenses	90,128	74,232	243,386	209,455
Interest expense	4,709	540	7,821	1,456
Total expenses	453,771	215,263	1,239,883	615,708
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	44,186	17,720	110,153	47,258
Provision for income taxes	10,026	4,839	17,786	12,393
Income before equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	34,160	12,881	92,367	34,865
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	-1,611	-128	-3,098	-452
Net income	32,549	12,753	89,269	34,413
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	770	0	776	-44
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	33,319	12,753	90,045	34,369
Dividends on preferred stock	-1,260	0	-1,260	-2,158
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$32,059	$12,753	$88,785	$32,211
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$0.34	$0.16	$0.98	$0.54
Diluted earnings per share	$0.34	$0.16	$0.96	$0.50
Dividends declared per common share	$0.01	$0.01	$0.03	$0.01
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	93,359,265	79,700,000	90,853,536	60,063,250
Diluted	95,663,429	80,624,303	92,615,198	68,690,957

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Parenthetical (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Ceded premiums, related parties	$66,025	$174,591	$194,599	$543,373
Related party transactions	'	'	'	'
Ceded premiums, related parties	$964	$131,758	$43,931	$423,259

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$32,549	$12,753	$89,269	$34,413
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense - three months $0; $0 and nine months $0; $0	-2,785	150	-3,227	150
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities, net of tax expense - three months $(4,995); $(2,905) and nine months $8,400; $(15,963)	-9,277	-5,395	15,601	-29,647
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the period, net of tax expense - three months $578; $2,734 and nine months $578; $2,619	1,074	5,079	1,074	4,865
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-10,988	-166	13,448	-24,632
Comprehensive income	21,561	12,587	102,717	9,781
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	770	0	776	-44
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$22,331	$12,587	$103,493	$9,737

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$0	$0	$0	$0
Unrealized holding (loss) gain on securities, tax	-4,995	-2,905	8,400	-15,963
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the period, tax	$578	$2,734	$578	$2,619

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)

Total

Common stock

Preferred Stock

Additional Paid-in Capital

Retained Earnings

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Noncontrolling Interest

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock

Common stock

Common stock

Common stock

In Thousands, except Share data

Additional Paid-in Capital

Additional Paid-in Capital

Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012

$413,042

$455

$53,054

$158,015

$169,039

$32,474

$5

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012

'

45,554,570

53,054

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

34,413

'

'

'

34,369

'

44

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in unrealized gains (loss) on investments, net of tax

-24,782

'

'

'

'

-24,782

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

150

'

'

'

'

150

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock dividends

-797

'

'

'

-797

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock dividends

-12,202

'

'

'

-12,202

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of preferred stock, shares

'

12,295,430

-53,054

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of preferred stock

'

123

-53,054

52,931

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of stock, shares

'

21,881,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of stock

213,277

219

'

213,058

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-cash capital contribution

10,275

'

'

10,275

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation

1,629

'

'

1,629

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013

635,005

797

0

435,908

190,409

7,842

49

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013

'

79,731,800

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013

642,867

797

0

437,006

197,552

7,425

87

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013

'

79,731,800

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

89,269

'

'

'

90,045

'

-776

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reciprocal Exchanges' equity on September 15, 2014

37,341

'

'

'

'

'

37,341

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in unrealized gains (loss) on investments, net of tax

16,675

'

'

'

'

16,675

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

-3,227

'

'

'

'

-3,227

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock dividends

-2,796

'

'

'

-2,796

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock dividends

-1,260

'

'

'

-1,260

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of stock, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,200,000

'

'

13,570,000

'

Issuance of stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

53,164

55,000

-1,836

177,829

136

177,693

Non-cash capital contribution

75,404

'

'

75,404

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106,412

'

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

839

1

838

Stock-based compensation

1,803

'

'

1,803

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014

$1,087,908

$934

$55,000

$690,908

$283,541

$20,873

$36,652

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014

'

93,408,212

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Net Income	$89,269	$34,413
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation, amortization and goodwill impairment	19,716	14,897
Net amortization of premium on fixed maturities	2,338	2,945
Stock compensation expense	1,803	1,629
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	3,098	452
Net realized loss (gain) on investments	1,118	-1,463
Realized loss (gain) on premise and equipment disposals	-23	96
Bad debt expense	22,624	16,776
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	-3,227	150
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accrued investment income	-1,928	662
Premiums and other receivables	-232,823	-17,053
Deferred acquisition costs, net	-51,679	-706
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	77,659	7,289
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	15,556	580
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,803	-1,824
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	97,825	-17,075
Unearned premiums	210,558	4,232
Unearned service contract and other revenue	1,630	2,397
Reinsurance payable	-27,235	-8,566
Accounts payable	116,331	687
Income tax payable	17,490	-1,402
Deferred tax liability	-43,812	-8,871
Other liabilities	720	-305
Net cash provided by operating activities	314,205	29,940
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	-16,690	-29,868
Purchases of other investments	-1,297	0
Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash obtained	-37,064	-22,766
Purchases of short term investments	-124,000	-44,566
Notes receivable from related party	-125,364	0
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	124,830	112,936
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	1,703	0
Purchases of premises and equipment	-7,048	-4,909
Disposals of premises and equipment	794	49
Purchases of equity securities	-36,755	-4,808
Purchases of fixed maturities	-742,702	-402,122
Proceeds from sale and maturity of fixed maturities	313,373	265,998
Net cash used in investing activities	-650,220	-130,056
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	-14,267	-58,462
Securities sold but not yet purchased, net	0	-56,700
Notes payable repayments	-84,436	-58,435
Proceeds from notes payable	250,000	69,308
Issuance of common stock	177,829	213,277
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees	53,164	0
Exercises of stock options	839	0
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	0	-12,202
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-2,796	-797
Net cash provided by financing activities	380,333	95,989
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	44,318	-4,127
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	73,823	39,937
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	118,141	35,810
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	39,031	20,500
Cash paid for interest	9,082	1,371
Non-cash capital contribution	$75,404	$10,275

Basis_of_Reporting

Basis of Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Reporting	'
	Basis of Reporting
	The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National General Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “NGHC”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP” or “U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, previously filed with the SEC on March 28, 2014. The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2014 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 also include the accounts and operations of Adirondack Insurance Exchange, a New York reciprocal insurer, and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association, a New Jersey reciprocal insurer (together with their subsidiaries, the “Reciprocal Exchanges”), following the Company's acquisition on September 15, 2014 of two management companies that are the attorneys-in-fact for the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company does not own the Reciprocal Exchanges but manages their business operations through its wholly-owned management companies.
	These interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	A detailed description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and management judgments is located in the audited consolidated financial statements, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC.
	All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	To facilitate period-to-period comparisons, certain reclassifications have been made to prior period consolidated financial statement amounts to conform to current period presentation.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	With the exception of those discussed below, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company.
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", to reduce diversity in practice for reporting discontinued operations. Under the previous guidance, any component of an entity that was a reportable segment, an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group was eligible for discontinued operations presentation. The revised guidance only allows disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift (e.g., disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity) and that have a major effect on a reporting entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as discontinued operations. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on recognizing revenue in contracts with customers. The objective of the new guidance as issued by the FASB in ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, is to remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices, and provide for improved disclosure requirements. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve that core principle, an entity applies the following five steps: (1) identifies the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identifies the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determines the transaction price; (4) allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizes revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the performance obligations. The new guidance also includes a comprehensive set of qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements including information about: (i) contracts with customers-including revenue and impairments recognized, disaggregation of revenue, and information about contract balances and performance obligations; (ii) significant judgments in determining the satisfaction of performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and amounts allocated to performance obligations; and (iii) assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. For a public entity, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. While the guidance specifically excludes revenues from insurance contracts, investments and financial instruments from the scope of the new guidance, the guidance will be applicable to the Company’s other forms of revenue not specifically exempted from the guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, "Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures." The new guidance aligns the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. Going forward, these transactions would all be accounted for as secured borrowings. The guidance eliminates sale accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and supersedes the guidance under which a transfer of a financial asset and a contemporaneous repurchase financing could be accounted for on a combined basis as a forward agreement, which has resulted in outcomes referred to as off-balance-sheet accounting. ASU No. 2014-11 requires new disclosures for certain transactions comprised of (1) a transfer of a financial asset accounted for as a sale and (2) an agreement with the same transferee entered into in contemplation of the initial transfer that results in the transferor retaining substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial asset throughout the term of the transaction. Such disclosures include: (1) the carrying amount of assets derecognized (sold) as of the date of derecognition; (2) the amount of gross proceeds received by the transferor at the time of derecognition for the assets derecognized; (3) the information about the transferor’s ongoing exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets; and (4) the amounts that are reported in the statement of financial position arising from the transaction, such as those represented by derivative contracts. ASU No. 2014-11 also requires expanded disclosures about the nature of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. Such disclosures include: (1) a disaggregation of the gross obligation by the class of collateral pledged; (2) the remaining contractual time to maturity of the agreements; and (3) a discussion of the potential risks associated with the agreements and the related collateral pledged including obligations arising from a decline in the fair value of the collateral pledged and how those risks are managed. For public entities, the disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for all annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. All other amendments in this Update are effective for public entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. The disclosure requirements are not required to be presented for comparative periods before the effective date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Reciprocal_Exchanges

Reciprocal Exchanges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'
	Reciprocal Exchanges
	As of September 15, 2014, through its wholly-owned management companies, the Company manages the business operations of the Reciprocal Exchanges and has the ability to direct their activities. The Reciprocal Exchanges are policyholder-owned insurance carriers organized as unincorporated associations. Each policyholder insured by the Reciprocal Exchanges shares risk with the other policyholders.
	In the event of dissolution, policyholders would share any residual unassigned surplus in the same proportion as the amount of insurance purchased but are not subject to assessment for any deficit in unassigned surplus of the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company receives management fee income for the services provided to the Reciprocal Exchanges. The assets of the Reciprocal Exchanges can be used only to settle the obligations of the Reciprocal Exchanges and general creditors to their liabilities have no recourse to the Company.
	In addition, subsidiaries of ACP Re Ltd. ("ACP Re"), a related party, hold the surplus notes issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on the surplus notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities including obligations to policyholders and claimants for benefits under insurance policies. Principal and interest on the surplus notes are payable only with regulatory approval. The Company has no ownership interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges.
	The Company determined that it holds a variable interest in each of the Reciprocal Exchanges because of the significance of the management fees paid by the Reciprocal Exchanges to the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company as the Reciprocal Exchanges' decision-maker and the relevance of these fees to the economic performance of the Reciprocal Exchanges. Each of the Reciprocal Exchanges qualifies as a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") because the equity holders (i.e., the policyholders) of the Reciprocal Exchanges lack the ability to direct the activities of the Reciprocal Exchanges that have a significant impact on the Reciprocal Exchanges' economic performance. The Company is the primary beneficiary because it, through its wholly-owned management companies, has both the power to direct the activities of the Reciprocal Exchanges that most significantly impact their economic performance and the right to economic benefits that could be potentially significant. Accordingly, the Company consolidates these Reciprocal Exchanges and eliminates all intercompany balances and transactions with the Company.
	For the period ended September 30, 2014, the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income (loss) of $6,751, $7,496 and $(745), respectively.
	The following table presents the balance sheet of the Reciprocal Exchanges as of September 15, 2014:
	Sep-14
	Assets:
	Cash and investments	$	235,684
	Accrued investment income	1,975
	Premiums receivables	55,914
	Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	18,734
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	27,166
	Intangible assets, net	13,901
	Income tax receivable	819
	Other assets	1,665
	Total assets	$	355,858
	Liabilities:
	Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	$	101,153
	Unearned premiums	114,786
	Reinsurance payable	5,167
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	9,853
	Deferred tax liability	24,046
	Notes payable	44,600
	Due to affiliate	17,808
	Other liabilities	1,077
	Total liabilities	318,490
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Non-controlling interest	37,368
	Total stockholders’ equity	37,368
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	355,858

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	(a) Available-for-Sale Securities
	The cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows:
	30-Sep-14	Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized				Value
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	48,744		$	22		$	(87	)		$	48,679
	Preferred stock	7,802			—			(326		)		7,476
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury	42,602			1,125			(12		)		43,715
	States and political subdivisions bonds	168,352			3,720			(571		)		171,501
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	476,705			6,829			(2,244		)		481,290
	Corporate bonds	836,511			32,133			(4,759		)		863,885
	Federal agency	1,210			—			—				1,210
	Asset-backed other securities	5,458			—			—				5,458
	Foreign government	6,214			—			(307		)		5,907
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	81,539			653			—				82,192
	Subtotal	$	1,675,137		$	44,482		$	(8,306	)		$	1,711,313
	Less: Securities pledged	100,177			1,614			(859		)		100,932
	Total	$	1,574,960		$	42,868		$	(7,447	)		$	1,610,381
	NGHC	$	1,342,623		$	42,868		$	(7,447	)		$	1,378,044
	Reciprocal Exchanges	232,337			—			—				232,337
	Total	$	1,574,960		$	42,868		$	(7,447	)		$	1,610,381
	31-Dec-13	Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized				Value
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	1,939		$	—		$	—			$	1,939
	Preferred stock	5,000			—			(652		)		4,348
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	30,655			920			—				31,575
	States and political subdivisions bonds	101,105			1,681			(3,202		)		99,584
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	272,820			4,136			(7,527		)		269,429
	Corporate bonds	477,442			21,397			(7,044		)		491,795
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	8,179			—			(51		)		8,128
	Subtotal	$	897,140		$	28,134		$	(18,476	)		$	906,798
	Less: Securities pledged	133,013			3,884			(2,975		)		133,922
	Total	$	764,127		$	24,250		$	(15,501	)		$	772,876
	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities held as of September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		NGHC						Reciprocal Exchanges								Total
	September 30, 2014	Cost or Amortized			Fair			Cost or Amortized				Fair				Cost or Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value			Cost				Value				Cost			Value
	Due in one year or less	$	12,373		$	12,455		$	12,843			$	12,843			$	25,216		$	25,298
	Due after one year through five years	153,861			161,986			31,275				31,275				185,136			193,261
	Due after five years through ten years	661,786			682,755			64,825				64,825				726,611			747,580
	Due after ten years	77,327			79,480			40,599				40,599				117,926			120,079
	Mortgage-backed securities	483,659			488,897			80,043				80,043				563,702			568,940
	Total	$	1,389,006		$	1,425,573		$	229,585			$	229,585			$	1,618,591		$	1,655,158
	(b) Investment Income
	The components of net investment income consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Interest
	Cash and short term investments	$	11		$	6		$	28			$	11
	Fixed maturities	13,858			9,036			35,537				24,751
	Reverse Repurchase Agreements	—			—			—				61
	Investment Income	13,869			9,042			35,565				24,823
	Investment expense	(106		)	(564		)	(1,135		)		(2,492		)
	Repurchase Agreements interest expense	(66		)	(39		)	(198		)		(238		)
	Net Investment Income	$	13,697		$	8,439		$	34,232			$	22,093
	NGHC	$	13,697		$	8,439		$	34,232			$	22,093
Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—				—
Net Investment Income	$	13,697		$	8,439		$	34,232			$	22,093
(c) Realized Gains and Losses
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $193,749 and $229,021, respectively.
The tables below indicate the gross realized gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
Equity securities	$	—		$	(505	)	$	(505	)
Fixed maturity securities	152			(204		)	(52		)
Other	—			(561		)	(561		)
Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
NGHC	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—
Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
Fixed maturity securities	$	585		$	(69	)	$	516
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
Equity securities	$	—		$	(505	)	$	(505	)
Fixed maturity securities	152			(204		)	(52		)
Other	—			(561		)	(561		)
Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
NGHC	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—
Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
Fixed maturity securities	$	6,971		$	(5,508	)	$	1,463
(d) Unrealized Gains and Losses
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and securities sold but not yet purchased consisted of the following:
30-Sep-14
Net unrealized loss on common stock	$	(65	)
Net unrealized loss on preferred stock	(326		)
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	36,902
Deferred income tax expense	(12,776		)
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	23,735
NGHC	$	23,735
Reciprocal Exchanges	—
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	23,735
Change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	16,675
31-Dec-13
Net unrealized loss on preferred stock	$	(652	)
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	10,310
Deferred income tax expense	(2,598		)
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	7,060
(e) Gross Unrealized Losses
The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Less Than 12 Months									12 Months or More										Total
30-Sep-14	Fair			Unrealized			No. of			Fair				Unrealized			No. of			Fair		Unrealized
	Market			Losses			Positions			Market				Losses			Positions			Market		Losses
	Value						Held			Value							Held			Value
Common stock	$	747		$	(87	)	22			$	—			$	—		—			$	747	$	(87	)
Preferred stock	46			(1		)	2			4,678				(325		)	1			4,724		(326		)
U.S. Government	3,319			(12		)	5			—				—			—			3,319		(12		)
States and political subdivisions	14,865			(108		)	32			9,734				(463		)	9			24,599		(571		)
Residential Mortgage-backed	144,489			(2,187		)	17			3,099				(57		)	4			147,588		(2,244		)
Foreign government	5,907			(307		)	1			—				—			—			5,907		(307		)
Corporate bonds	122,775			(2,697		)	51			27,189				(2,062		)	13			149,964		(4,759		)
Total	$	292,148		$	(5,399	)	130			$	44,700			$	(2,907	)	27			$	336,848	$	(8,306	)
NGHC	$	292,148		$	(5,399	)	130			$	44,700			$	(2,907	)	27			$	336,848	$	(8,306	)
Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—			—				—			—			—		—
Total	$	292,148		$	(5,399	)	130			$	44,700			$	(2,907	)	27			$	336,848	$	(8,306	)
	Less Than 12 Months									12 Months or More										Total
31-Dec-13	Fair			Unrealized			No. of			Fair				Unrealized			No. of			Fair		Unrealized
	Market			Losses			Positions			Market				Losses			Positions			Market		Losses
	Value						Held			Value							Held			Value
Preferred stock	$	4,348		$	(652	)	1			$	—			$	—		—			$	4,348	$	(652	)
States and political subdivisions	32,770			(2,622		)	18			2,600				(580		)	2			35,370		(3,202		)
Residential Mortgage-backed	176,491			(7,527		)	6			—				—			—			176,491		(7,527		)
Commercial Mortgage-backed	8,128			(51		)	2			—				—			—			8,128		(51		)
Corporate bonds	128,362			(4,051		)	39			41,673				(2,993		)	9			170,035		(7,044		)
Total	$	350,099		$	(14,903	)	66			$	44,273			$	(3,573	)	11			$	394,372	$	(18,476	)
There were 157 and 77 securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, that account for the gross unrealized loss, none of which are deemed by the Company to be an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). Significant factors influencing the Company’s determination that none of the securities are OTTI included the magnitude of unrealized losses in relation to cost, the nature of the investment and management’s intent not to sell these securities and it being more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these investments before anticipated recovery of fair value to the Company’s cost basis.
(f) Restricted Cash and Investments
The Company, in order to conduct business in certain states, is required to maintain letters of credit or assets on deposit to support state mandated regulatory requirements and certain third party agreements. The Company also utilizes trust accounts to collateralize business with its reinsurance counterparties. These assets held are primarily in the form of cash or certain high grade securities. The fair values of our restricted assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Restricted cash	$	3,238		$	1,155
Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value	57,530			42,092
Total restricted cash and investments	$	60,768		$	43,247
(g) Other
The Company enters into reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as either collateralized lending or borrowing transactions and are recorded at contract amounts which approximate fair value. For the collateralized borrowing transactions (i.e., repurchase agreements), the Company receives cash or securities that it invests or holds in short-term or fixed income securities. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $95,362 at interest rates between 3.00% and 3.50%. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $109,629 at interest rates between 0.37% and 0.44%. Interest expense associated with the repurchase borrowing agreements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $66 and $198, respectively. Interest expense associated with the repurchase borrowing agreements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $39 and $238, respectively. The Company has approximately $100,932 and $133,922 of collateral pledged in support for these agreements as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. The standard applies when GAAP requires or allows assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; therefore, it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstance.
	The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for approximately 100.0% of its fixed maturities. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from nationally recognized third-party pricing services (“pricing services”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value. This pricing method is used, primarily, for fixed maturities. The fair value estimates provided by the pricing service are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. If the Company determines that the fair value estimate provided by the pricing service does not represent fair value or if quoted market prices and an estimate from pricing services are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations of the bid price for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. Depending on the level of observable inputs, the Company will then determine if the estimate is in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of September 30, 2014.
	Equity Securities ‑ For public common and preferred stocks, the Company receives prices from a nationally recognized pricing service that are based on observable market transactions and includes these estimates in the amount disclosed in Level 1. When current market quotes in active markets are unavailable for certain non-redeemable preferred stocks held by the Company, the Company receives an estimate of fair value from the pricing service that provides fair value estimates for the Company’s fixed maturities. The service utilizes some of the same methodologies to price the non-redeemable preferred stocks as it does for the fixed maturities. The Company includes the estimate in the amount disclosed in Level 2. When common stock has no available pricing from the pricing services and is not actively traded on any exchange, a broker-dealer quote price is used and the amount is disclosed in Level 3.
	U.S. Treasury and Federal Agencies ‑ Comprised of primarily bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal National Mortgage Association. The fair values of U.S. government securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and are included in the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. The Company believes the market for U.S. Treasury securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
	State and Political Subdivision Bonds ‑ Comprised of bonds and auction rate securities issued by U.S. state and municipality entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipal bonds are observable market inputs, these are classified within Level 2. Municipal auction rate securities are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at cost which approximates their fair value.
	Corporate Bonds ‑ Comprised of bonds issued by corporations and are generally priced by pricing services. The fair values of corporate bonds that are short term are priced, by the pricing services, using the spread above the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") yield curve and the fair value of corporate bonds that are long term are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. The spreads are sourced from broker/dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, the Company obtains non-binding quotes from broker dealers. As the significant inputs used to price corporate bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of corporate bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
	Foreign Government ‑ Comprised of bonds issued by foreign governments, and are generally priced by pricing services. As the significant inputs used to price foreign government bonds are observable market inputs, the fair values of foreign government bonds are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
	Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities ‑ Comprised of commercial, residential mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. These securities are priced by independent pricing services and brokers. The pricing provider applies dealer quotes and other available trade information, prepayment speeds, yield curves and credit spreads to the valuation. As the significant inputs used to price are observable market inputs, the fair values of these securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.
	Premiums and other receivables - The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to the short term nature of these assets.
	Notes Payable - The amount reported in the accompanying balance sheets for this financial instrument represents the carrying value of the debt. As of September 30, 2014, the current fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes and Imperial Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, were $275,588 and $4,982, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s 6.75% Notes was determined using market-based metrics and the magnitude and timing of contractual interest and principal payments. The Imperial Surplus Notes were valued using the Black Derman-Toy interest rate lattice model. In addition, as of September 30, 2014, the current fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, was $44,600. The fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes was determined by discounting the estimated interest and principal payments by an appropriate yield.
	In accordance with ASC 820, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:
	30-Sep-14	Recurring Fair Value Measures
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	6,961	$	—	$	41,718	$	48,679
	Preferred stock	—		7,476		—		7,476
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	44,925		—		—		44,925
	State and political subdivision bonds	—		171,501		—		171,501
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		481,290		—		481,290
	Corporate bonds	—		863,885		—		863,885
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		82,192		—		82,192
	Asset-backed other securities	—		5,458		—		5,458
	Foreign government	—		5,907		—		5,907
	Short term investments	—		2,901		—		2,901
	Other investments	—		—		4,095		4,095
	Total assets	$	51,886	$	1,620,610	$	45,813	$	1,718,309
	NGHC	$	27,974	$	1,409,284	$	45,813	1,483,071
	Reciprocal Exchanges	23,912		211,326		—		235,238
	Total assets	$	51,886	$	1,620,610	$	45,813	$	1,718,309
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	—	$	95,362	$	—	$	95,362
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	95,362	$	—	$	95,362
	31-Dec-13	Recurring Fair Value Measures
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	1,939	$	—	$	—	$	1,939
	Preferred stock	—		4,348		—		4,348
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	31,575		—		—		31,575
	State and political subdivision bonds	—		99,584		—		99,584
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		269,429		—		269,429
	Corporate bonds	—		491,795		—		491,795
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		8,128		—		8,128
	Other investments	—		—		2,893		2,893
	Total assets	$	33,514	$	873,284	$	2,893	$	909,691
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	—	$	109,629	$	—	$	109,629
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	109,629	$	—	$	109,629
	There have not been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3, respectively, during the periods represented by these condensed consolidated financial statements.
	The Company does not measure any assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2014. The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, premiums and other receivables, accrued interest, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value given the short-term nature of such items.

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	'
	Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
	In July 2010, the Company and AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”) formed Tiger Capital LLC (“Tiger”) for the purposes of acquiring certain life settlement contracts whereby each company initially contributed approximately $11,000 for the respective fifty percent ownership interests in Tiger. In 2011, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Capital Acquisition Investments, S.A. (“ACAI”), formed AMT Capital Alpha, LLC (“AMT Alpha”) with AmTrust for the purposes of acquiring additional life settlement contracts.
	On March 28, 2013, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with ACP Re Ltd. ("ACP Re") to acquire 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of AMT Capital Holdings S.A. (“AMTCH”), a Luxembourg Societe Anonyme, for cash consideration in the amount of $12,136. ACP Re Ltd. and the Company are majority owned and controlled by a common parent and the transaction is accounted for as between entities under common control. AMTCH’s primary purpose is to acquire certain life settlement contracts. AmTrust owns the remaining 50% of AMTCH. The Company accounts for AMTCH using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s 50% equity interest in AMTCH at the acquisition date was approximately $22,411. The difference between the equity interest and consideration paid was recorded as additional paid-in capital of $10,275.
	In December 2013, ACAI and AmTrust formed AMT Capital Holdings II S.A (“AMTCH II”). The company is equally owned by both parties and was established for the purpose of acquiring additional life settlement contracts.
	A life settlement contract is a contract between the owner of a life insurance policy and a third party who obtains the ownership and beneficiary rights of the underlying life insurance policy. The Company, along with AmTrust, is obligated to pay premiums on these life insurance policies as they come due. A third party serves as the administrator for two of the life settlement contract portfolios, for which it receives an administrative fee. The third-party administrator is eligible to receive a percentage of profits after certain time and performance thresholds have been met.
	Tiger, AMT Alpha, AMTCH and AMTCH II are considered to be variable interest entities (“VIE”), for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. In determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company considered qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to, activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and which party controls such activities. The Company does not have the ability to direct the activities of Tiger, AMT Alpha, AMTCH and AMTCH II that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company’s maximum exposure to a loss as a result of its involvement with the unconsolidated VIE is limited to its recorded investment plus additional capital commitments. The Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for its investments in Tiger, AMT Alpha, AMTCH and AMTCH II (collectively, “LSC Entities”).
	The Company currently has a fifty percent ownership interest in the LSC Entities. AmTrust owns the remaining fifty percent interest in the LSC Entities.
	The following tables present the investment activity in the LSC Entities.
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	73,186		$	6,537		$	32,966		$	13,497		$	126,186
	Contributions	10,708			756			4,527			685			16,676
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(7,036		)	81			(2,672		)	7,037			(2,590		)
	Change in equity method investments	3,672			837			1,855			7,722			14,086
	Balance at end of period	$	76,858		$	7,374		$	34,821		$	21,219		$	140,272
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	58,273		$	8,211		$	—		$	66,484
	Contributions	8,890			450			6,375			15,715
	Acquisition of interest	—			—			22,411			22,411
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(133		)	(2,439		)	1,820			(752		)
	Change in equity method investments	8,757			(1,989		)	30,606			37,374
	Balance at end of period	$	67,030		$	6,222		$	30,606		$	103,858
	The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities.
	30-Sep-14
	Condensed balance sheet data	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$	157,788		$	15,449		$	67,214		$	42,749		$	283,200
	Total assets	168,065			15,955			69,803			44,346			298,169
	Total liabilities	14,350			1,206			161			1,909			17,626
	Members' equity	153,715			14,749			69,642			42,437			280,543
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	76,858		$	7,374		$	34,821		$	21,219		$	140,272
	31-Dec-13
	Condensed balance sheet data	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$	153,684		$	14,366		$	64,974		$	—		$	233,024
	Total assets	163,169			14,416			66,168			27,005			270,758
	Total liabilities	16,797			1,342			236			12			18,387
	Members' equity	146,372			13,074			65,932			26,993			252,371
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	73,186		$	6,537		$	32,966		$	13,497		$	126,186
	The following tables summarize the results of operations for the Company's unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	(4,524	)	$	326		$	1,255		$	490		$	(2,453	)
	Total expenses	240			9			111			96			456
	Net income (loss)	$	(4,764	)	$	317		$	1,144		$	394		$	(2,909	)
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(2,382	)	$	158		$	572		$	197		$	(1,455	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	(3,408	)	$	(1,013	)	$	5,727		$	1,306
	Total expenses	856			(20		)	397			1,233
	Net income (loss)	$	(4,264	)	$	(993	)	$	5,330		$	73
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(2,132	)	$	(496	)	$	2,665		$	37
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	(13,036	)	$	183		$	(4,809	)	$	14,935		$	(2,727	)
	Total expenses	1,036			20			535			861			2,452
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,072	)	$	163		$	(5,344	)	$	14,074		$	(5,179	)
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(7,036	)	$	81		$	(2,672	)	$	7,037		$	(2,590	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	1,790		$	(4,874	)	$	6,085		$	3,001
	Total expenses	2,056			4			861			2,921
	Net income (loss)	$	(266	)	$	(4,878	)	$	5,224		$	80
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(133	)	$	(2,439	)	$	1,820		$	(752	)
The LSC Entities account for investments in life settlements in accordance with ASC 325-30, "Investments in Insurance Contracts", which states that an investor shall elect to account for its investments in life settlement contracts by using either the investment method or the fair value method. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. The LSC Entities have elected to account for these policies using the fair value method. As no comparable market pricing is available, the LSC Entities determine fair value based upon their estimate of the discounted cash flow related to policies (net of the reserves for improvements in mortality, the possibility that the high net worth individuals represented in their portfolios may have access to better health care, the volatility inherent in determining the life expectancy of insureds with significant reported health impairments, the possibility that the issuer of the policy or a third party will contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the LSC Entities, and the future expenses related to the administration of the portfolio), which incorporates current life expectancy assumptions, premium payments, the credit exposure to the insurance company that issued the life settlement contracts and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts.
The fair value of life settlement contracts as well as life settlement profit commission liability is based on information available to the LSC Entities at the end of the reporting period. The LSC Entities consider the following factors in their fair value estimates: cost at date of purchase, recent purchases and sales of similar investments (if available and applicable), financial standing of the issuer, changes in economic conditions affecting the issuer, maintenance cost, premiums, benefits, standard actuarially developed mortality tables and life expectancy reports prepared by nationally recognized and independent third party medical underwriters. The LSC Entities estimate the fair value of a life insurance policy by applying an investment discount rate based on the cost of funding their life settlement contracts as compared to returns on investments in asset classes with comparable credit quality, which the LSC Entities have determined to be 7.5%, to the expected cash flow generated by the policies in the life settlement portfolio (death benefits less premium payments), net of policy specific adjustments and reserves. In order to confirm the integrity of their calculation of fair value, the LSC Entities, quarterly, retain an independent third-party actuary to verify that the actuarial modeling used by the LSC Entities to determine fair value was performed correctly and that the valuation, as determined through the LSC Entities’ actuarial modeling, is consistent with other methodologies. The LSC Entities consider this information in their assessment of the reasonableness of the life expectancy and discount rate inputs used in the valuation of these investments.
The LSC Entities adjust the standard mortality for each insured for the insured’s life expectancy based on reviews of the insured’s medical records. The LSC Entities establish policy specific reserves for the following uncertainties: improvements in mortality, the possibility that the high net worth individuals represented in their portfolio may have access to better health care, the volatility inherent in determining the life expectancy of insureds with significant reported health impairments, the possibility that the issuer of the policy or a third party will contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the LSC Entities, and the future expenses related to the administration of the portfolio. The application of the investment discount rate to the expected cash flow generated by the portfolio, net of the policy specific reserves, yields the fair value of the portfolio. The effective discount rate reflects the relationship between the fair value and the expected cash flow gross of these reserves.
The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates:
	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Average age of insured	81.1 years			80.1 years
Average life expectancy, months(1)	121			131
Average face amount per policy	$	6,616		$	6,611
Effective discount rate(2)	13.9		%	14.2		%
(1)  Standard life expectancy as adjusted for specific circumstances.
(2)  Effective Discount Rate ("EDR") is the LSC Entities' estimated internal rate of return on its life settlement contract portfolio and is determined from the gross expected cash flows and valuation of the portfolio. The valuation of the portfolio is calculated net of all reserves using a 7.5% discount rate. The EDR is implicit of the reserves and the gross expected cash flows of the portfolio. The LSC Entities anticipate that the EDR's range is between 12.5% and 17.5% and reflects the uncertainty that exists surrounding the information available as of the reporting date. As the accuracy and reliability of information improves (declines), the EDR will decrease (increase). The change in the EDR from December 31, 2013 to September 30, 2014 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk.
The LSC Entities' assumptions are, by their nature, inherently uncertain and the effect of changes in estimates may be significant. The fair value measurements used in estimating the present value calculation are derived from valuation techniques generally used in the industry that include inputs for the asset that are not based on observable market data. The extent to which the fair value could reasonably vary in the near term has been quantified by evaluating the effect of changes in significant underlying assumptions used to estimate the fair value amount. If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables were held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Change in life expectancy
	Plus 4 Months			Minus 4 Months
Investment in life policies:
September 30, 2014	$	(35,729	)	$	37,059
December 31, 2013	$	(29,537	)	$	31,313
	Change in discount rate(1)
	Plus 1%			Minus 1%
Investment in life policies:
September 30, 2014	$	(23,470	)	$	26,361
December 31, 2013	$	(20,055	)	$	22,605
(1)  Discount rate is a present value calculation that considers legal risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and is a component of EDR.
The Company and AmTrust are committed to providing additional capital support to the LSC Entities to keep the life settlement policies in-force. The Company and AmTrust, each, are committed to provide 50% of the additional required capital. Below is a summary of premiums to be paid by the LSC Entities for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the existing life insurance policies in force as of September 30, 2014. The actual capital commitment may differ from the amounts shown based on policy lapses and terminations, death benefits received and other operating cash flows of the LSC Entities:
	Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts
2014	$	42,790
2015	47,738
2016	61,273
2017	41,266
2018	41,074
Thereafter	567,317
Total	$	801,458
In August 2011, the Company formed 800 Superior, LLC with AmTrust, for the purposes of acquiring an office building in Cleveland, Ohio. The cost of the building was approximately $7,500. AmTrust has been appointed managing member of 800 Superior, LLC. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in 800 Superior, LLC for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Additionally, in 2012, the Company entered into an office lease with 800 Superior, LLC for approximately 134,000 square feet (see Note 15, "Related Party Transactions"). The lease period is for 15 years and the Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $561 and $1,683, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $536 and $1,607, respectively.
In September 2012, the Company formed East Ninth & Superior, LLC and 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC with AmTrust (collectively “East Ninth & Superior”) (see Note 15, "Related Party Transactions"). The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in East Ninth & Superior, LLC and a 24.5% in 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary.
The following tables present the investment activity in 800 Superior, LLC and East Ninth & Superior.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,863		$	4,009		$	6,872
Contributions	14			—			14
Distributions	—			—			—
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(576		)	68			(508		)
Change in equity method investments	(562		)	68			(494		)
Balance at end of period	$	2,301		$	4,077		$	6,378
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,671		$	4,066		$	6,737
Contributions	1,225			—			1,225
Distributions	—			—			—
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(292		)	64			(228		)
Change in equity method investments	933			64			997
Balance at end of period	$	3,604		$	4,130		$	7,734
The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in 800 Superior, LLC and East Ninth & Superior.
30-Sep-14
Condensed balance sheet data	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Total Assets	$	25,227		$	21,009		$	46,236
Total Liabilities	20,624			12,855			33,479
Members Equity	4,603			8,154			12,757
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	2,301		$	4,077		$	6,378
31-Dec-13
Condensed balance sheet data	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Total Assets	$	26,528		$	20,860		$	47,388
Total Liabilities	20,801			12,841			33,642
Members Equity	5,727			8,019			13,746
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	2,863		$	4,009		$	6,872
The following tables summarize the results of operations for the Company's unconsolidated equity method investment in 800 Superior, LLC and East Ninth & Superior for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Revenue	$	1,297		$	—		$	1,297
Expenses	1,663			(54		)	1,609
Net Income (Loss)	$	(366	)	$	54		$	(312	)
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(183	)	$	27		$	(156	)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Revenue	$	1,270		$	—		$	1,270
Expenses	1,435			166			1,601
Net Income (Loss)	$	(165	)	$	(166	)	$	(331	)
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(82	)	$	(83	)	$	(165	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Revenue	$	3,715		$	—		$	3,715
Expenses	4,867			(136		)	4,731
Net Income (Loss)	$	(1,152	)	$	136		$	(1,016	)
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(576	)	$	68		$	(508	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
Revenue	$	3,645		$	—		$	3,645
Expenses	4,230			(129		)	4,101
Net Income (Loss)	$	(585	)	$	129		$	(456	)
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(292	)	$	64		$	(228	)
The Company also has a 34.74% ownership interest in American Tax Credit Georgia Fund III, LLC (“ATC”), which in turn is an investor in apartment complexes that qualify for credits under the Georgia Affordable Housing Act. Unrelated third parties own the remaining 65.26% interest in ATC. The Company’s interest in ATC as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $0 and $135, respectively.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from ATC in the amount of $0 and $(131), respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from ATC in the amount of $(65) and $(196), respectively.

Acquisitions_and_Disposals

Acquisitions and Disposals	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Disposals	'
	Acquisitions and Disposals
	On September 15, 2014, ACP Re, a Bermuda reinsurer that is a subsidiary of The Michael Karfunkel 2005 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (the “Karfunkel Trust”), completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Tower Group International, Ltd. ("Tower") and caused its subsidiary to merge into Tower (the "Merger") pursuant to a merger agreement, dated January 3, 2014, by and between ACP Re and Tower.
	In connection with the Merger, the Company acquired two management companies from ACP Re for $7,500. The management companies (together, the “Management Companies”) are the attorneys-in-fact for Adirondack Insurance Exchange, a New York reciprocal insurer, and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association, a New Jersey reciprocal insurer. The Company also agreed to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three year earn-out (the "Contingent Payments") of 3% of the gross written premium of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger. The fair value of the Contingent Payments was estimated to be $30,000 at the acquisition date. As the Company purchased the Management Companies and renewal rights from a commonly controlled company, the excess of carryover basis of net assets acquired over the purchase price was recorded as a capital contribution.
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Sep-14
	Assets
	Cash	$	70
	Fee receivable	3,010
	Intangible assets	148,600
	Total Assets	151,680
	Liabilities
	Due to related party	30,000
	Deferred tax liability	38,911
	Total Liabilities	68,911
	Net assets purchased	82,769
	Purchase price	7,500
	Additional paid in capital	$	75,269
	In July 2014, the Company reacquired Agent Alliance Insurance Company (“AAIC”), an Alabama-domiciled insurer focused on private passenger auto business in North Carolina which is also licensed as a surplus lines carrier in over 30 states, from ACP Re for a purchase price equal to AAIC’s capital and surplus of approximately $17,343. Following the Company's 2012 sale of AAIC to ACP Re, the Company had continued to reinsure 100% of its existing and renewal private passenger auto insurance. As the Company purchased AAIC from a commonly controlled company, any excess of carry-over basis of net assets over the purchase price was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid in capital.
	The following table summarizes the carrying value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Jul-14
	Assets
	Cash and invested assets	$	15,535
	Accrued interest	138
	Premium receivable	992
	Reinsurance recoverable	6,966
	Prepaid reinsurance	1,608
	Intangible assets	900
	Goodwill	1,005
	Income tax receivable	84
	Total Assets	27,228
	Liabilities
	Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	6,867
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	323
	Unearned premiums	1,608
	Reinsurance payable	397
	Notes payable	350
	Deferred tax	340
	Total Liabilities	9,885
	Net assets purchased	17,343
	On June 27, 2014, the Company purchased certain assets of Imperial Management Corporation ("Imperial"), including its underwriting subsidiaries Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and National Automotive Insurance Company, its retail agency subsidiary ABC Insurance Agencies, and its managing general agency subsidiary RAC Insurance Partners. The purchase price was approximately $20,000. In connection with the Imperial transaction, the Company assumed certain debt of Imperial and Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (see Note 10, "Debt").
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Jun-14
	Assets
	Cash and invested assets	$	62,159
	Accrued interest	484
	Premium receivable	37,687
	Reinsurance recoverable	9,398
	Prepaid reinsurance	45,408
	Premises and equipment	4,687
	Intangible assets	3,300
	Deferred tax	847
	Other	225
	Total Assets	164,195
	Liabilities
	Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	41,671
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	13,899
	Unearned premiums	58,657
	Reinsurance payable	30,686
	Notes payable	8,916
	Total Liabilities	153,829
	Net assets purchased	10,366
	Purchase price	20,000
	Goodwill recorded	$	9,634
The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Imperial acquisition were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment.
On April 1, 2014, the Company purchased Personal Express Insurance Company (“Personal Express”), a California domiciled personal auto and home insurer from Sequoia Insurance Company, an affiliate of AmTrust. The purchase price was $21,496.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
Apr-14
Assets
Cash and invested assets	$	28,727
Premium receivable	2,896
Deferred tax	237
Other assets	729
Total Assets	32,589
Liabilities
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	4,472
Unearned premium	8,352
Reinsurance payable	816
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,181
Deferred tax	119
Total Liabilities	16,940
Net assets purchased	15,649
Purchase price	21,496
Goodwill recorded	$	5,847
The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Personal Express acquisition were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment.
On January 16, 2014, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, National General Holdings Luxembourg, acquired a 100% equity interest of a Luxembourg reinsurer, Anticemex Reinsurance S.A., for approximately $62,973. The entity was renamed National General Beta Re (“Beta”). Beta is a reinsurer incorporated in Luxembourg that allows the Company to obtain the benefits of its capital and utilization of its existing and future loss reserves through a series of reinsurance agreements with one of the Company’s subsidiaries.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
Jan-14
Assets
Cash and invested assets	$	6,393
Prepaid assets	1
Loan receivable	62,973
Intangible assets	132
Total Assets	69,499
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	20
Deferred tax liability	19,123
Total Liabilities	19,143
Net assets purchased	50,356
Purchase price	62,973
Goodwill recorded	$	12,617
The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Beta acquisition were assigned to the Accident and Health segment.
In December 2013, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Ikano Re S.A. for $35,741. The entity was renamed National General Alpha Re (“Alpha”). Alpha is a reinsurer incorporated in Luxembourg that allows the Company to obtain the benefits of its capital and utilization of its existing and future loss reserves through a series of reinsurance agreements with one of the Company’s subsidiaries.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
Dec-13
Assets
Cash and invested assets	$	39,542
Prepaid assets	196
Intangible assets	132
Total Assets	39,870
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	57
Deferred tax liability	10,241
Total Liabilities	10,298
Net assets purchased	29,572
Purchase price	35,741
Goodwill recorded	$	6,169
The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Alpha acquisition were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
	Goodwill
	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired. The Company performs an annual impairment analysis to identify potential goodwill impairment and measures the amount of a goodwill impairment loss to be recognized. This annual test is performed during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently, if events or circumstances change in a way that requires the Company to perform the impairment analysis on an interim basis. Goodwill impairment testing requires an evaluation of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. An impairment charge is recorded if the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit.
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist of finite and indefinite life assets. Finite life intangible assets include customer and producer relationships and trademarks. Insurance company licenses and managements contracts are considered indefinite life intangible assets subject to annual impairment testing.
	The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
	30-Sep-14		Gross			Accumulated			Net Value		Useful Life
			Balance			Amortization
	Trademarks		8,200			5,585			2,615		5 years
	Loss reserve discount		12,451			11,988			463		7 years
	Agent relationships		30,422			8,220			22,202		11 - 17 years
	Affinity partners		800			344			456		11 years
	Operating lease		3,508			3,508			—		4.6 years
	Non-compete		2,500			2,292			208		5 years
	Value in policies-in-force		8,461			260			8,201		1 year
	Renewal rights		30,000			792			29,208		3 years
	Management contracts		118,600			—			118,600		indefinite life
	State licenses		62,015			—			62,015		indefinite life
	Goodwill		97,711			—			97,711		indefinite life
	Total		$	374,668		$	32,989		$	341,679
	NGHC		$	360,807		$	32,636		$	328,171
	Reciprocal Exchanges		13,861			353			13,508
	Total		$	374,668		$	32,989		$	341,679
	31-Dec-13		Gross			Accumulated			Net Value		Useful Life
			Balance			Amortization
	Trademarks		$	5,900		$	4,757		$	1,143	5 years
	Loss reserve discount		12,451			11,672			779		7 years
	Agent relationships		31,850			3,591			28,259		11 - 17 years
	Affinity partners		800			289			511		11 years
	Operating lease		3,508			2,934			574		4.6 years
	Non-compete		2,500			1,917			583		5 years
	State licenses		54,715			—			54,715		indefinite life
	Goodwill		70,351			—			70,351		indefinite life
	Total		$	182,075		$	25,160		$	156,915
	Goodwill and intangible assets are subject to annual impairment testing or on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable. No goodwill impairment was recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. As of September 30, 2014, approximately $41,700 of the Company's goodwill balance was related to the Company's Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries.
	Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized under the straight-line method, except for loss reserve discounts, which the Company amortizes using an accelerated method, which approximates underlying claim payments. The Company also uses the accelerated method of amortization for affinity partners and agents’ relationships based on the estimated attrition of those relationships. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company amortized approximately $2,834 and $8,786, respectively, related to its intangible assets with a finite life, which includes amortization relating to intangibles owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $353 and $353 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Also, included in the Company’s amortization expense is an impairment charge of $736 related to certain agent relationship intangible assets recorded in the second quarter of 2014. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company amortized approximately $2,193 and $4,638, respectively, related to its intangible assets with a finite life. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is:
		NGHC			Reciprocal			Total
					Exchanges
	Year ending
	2014	$	3,296		$	2,230		$	5,526
	2015	13,259			6,453			19,712
	2016	12,915			460			13,375
	2017	9,363			460			9,823
	2018 and thereafter	14,112			805			14,917
		$	52,945		$	10,408		$	63,353

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	On February 19, 2014, the Company sold an additional 13,570,000 shares of common stock in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 at a price of $14.00 per share, subject to a placement fee of $0.840 per share. The Company recorded the cost of obtaining new capital as a reduction of the related proceeds. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $12,151 is charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after expenses were approximately $177,829.
	On June 25, 2014, the Company issued 2,200,000 shares of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock when, as and if declared by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") or a duly authorized committee of the Board, will be payable on the liquidation preference amount of $25.00 per share, on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (each, a "dividend payment date"), commencing on October 15, 2014, at an annual rate of 7.50%. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, in the event dividends are not declared on the Series A Preferred Stock for payment on any dividend payment date, then those dividends will not accumulate and will not be payable. If the Company has not declared a dividend before the dividend payment date for any dividend period, the Company will have no obligation to pay dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are declared for any future dividend payment. The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $53,164, after deducting the underwriting discount and issuance expenses.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	6.75% Notes due 2024
	On May 23, 2014, the Company sold $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 6.75% notes due 2024 (the “6.75% Notes”) to certain purchasers in a private placement.
	The 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15th and November 15th of each year, beginning on November 15, 2014. The 6.75% Notes are the Company’s general unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with its other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any of its indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the 6.75% Notes. The 6.75% Notes are also effectively subordinated to any of the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and are structurally subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries (including trade payables). The 6.75% Notes mature on May 15, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by the Company.
	The Indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The Indenture also includes covenants relating to the incurrence of debt if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio would exceed 0.35 to 1.00, a limitation on liens, a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and a limitation on transactions with certain of the Company’s affiliates. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the Indenture as of September 30, 2014.
	The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $245,000, after deducting the issuance expenses. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance to repay all amounts outstanding under (A) the credit agreement, dated as of February 20, 2013, by and among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Key Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent, and First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and (B) the Company’s promissory note to ACP Re, Ltd ("ACP Re").
	Interest expense on the 6.75% Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $4,253 and $5,964, respectively.
	Promissory Notes
	As part of the Company’s acquisition of Reliant Financial Group, LLC, the Company has an outstanding promissory note as of September 30, 2014 of $600 payable to Access Plans, Inc. (“VelaPoint Note #1”). The original note was issued on February 22, 2012 in the amount of $1,500 and any outstanding balance bears interest at a rate of 5.0% per annum. Three payments of $400, $500 and $600 are due and payable thirty days after the anniversary of the issuance date beginning in 2013. Interest expense on this note for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $8 and $28, respectively. Interest expense on this note for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $14 and $44, respectively.
	Revolving Credit Agreements
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into a credit agreement to establish a secured $90,000 line of credit with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Interest payments were required to be paid monthly on any unpaid principal at a rate of LIBOR plus 250 basis points. The credit agreement had a maturity date of February 20, 2016. The outstanding balance on the line of credit of $59,200 was repaid and the credit facility was terminated in the second quarter of 2014 in connection with the issuance of the 6.75% Notes.
	On May 30, 2014, the Company entered into a $135,000 credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association as Syndication Agent, and Associated Bank, National Association and First Niagara Bank, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents. The credit facility is a revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $10,000 and an expansion feature not to exceed $50,000.
	The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type (subject to negotiated exceptions and baskets), including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments and dispositions. There are also financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum risk-based capital and a minimum statutory surplus. The Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, with grace periods where customary, including failure to pay principal when due, failure to pay interest or fees within three business days after becoming due, failure to comply with covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, default under certain other indebtedness, certain insolvency or receivership events affecting the Company and its subsidiaries, the occurrence of certain material judgments, or a change in control of the Company. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, the administrative agent, upon the request of the requisite percentage of the lenders, may terminate the obligations of the lenders to make loans and to issue letters of credit under the Credit Agreement, declare the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable and/or exercise any and all remedies and other rights under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of May 30, 2018.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") or LIBOR. ABR borrowings (which are borrowings bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the ABR) under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at (x) the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate on such day plus 0.5 percent or (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period on such day plus 1 percent, plus (y) a margin that is adjusted on the basis of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Fees payable by the Company under the Credit Agreement include a letter of credit participation fee (the margin applicable to Eurodollar borrowings), a letter of credit fronting fee with respect to each letter of credit (0.125%) and a commitment fee on the available commitments of the lenders (a range of 0.20% to 0.30% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, and which rate was 0.25% as of September 30, 2014).
	As of September 30, 2014, there was no outstanding balance on the line of credit. Interest expense for the Company's existing and repaid lines of credit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $29 and $1,162, respectively. Interest expense for the Company's existing and repaid lines of credit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $405 and $824, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2014.
	Imperial-related Debt
	In connection with the Imperial transaction, the Company assumed $3,500 in principal amount of Senior Notes due 2034 ("Imperial-related Notes") previously issued by Imperial Management Corporation. The notes bore interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.95%, payable quarterly. The notes were redeemed by the Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest on September 15, 2014. Interest expense on the Imperial-related Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $37 and $37, respectively. In addition, Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company is the issuer of $5,000 principal amount of Surplus Notes due 2034 ("Imperial Surplus Notes"). The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.05%, payable quarterly. The notes are redeemable by the Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount. Interest expense on the Imperial Surplus Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $55 and $55, respectively. (See Note 7, "Acquisitions and Disposals").
	Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
	ACP Re (or subsidiaries thereunder), a related party, holds the surplus notes issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges ("Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes") when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on these surplus notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities, including obligations to policyholders and claimants for benefits under insurance policies. Principal and interest on these surplus notes are payable only with regulatory approval. Interest expense on the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes for the period ended September 30, 2014 was $272. (See Note 15, "Related Party Transactions").
	Maturities of the Company's debt for the five years subsequent to September 30, 2014 are as follows:
	December 31,	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Thereafter		Total
	6.75% Notes	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	250,000	$	250,000
	VelaPoint Note #1	—		622		—		—		—		—		622
	Imperial Surplus Notes	—		—		—		—		—		5,000		5,000
	Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes	—		—		—		—		—		44,600		44,600
		$	—	$	622	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	299,600	$	300,222
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $12,700 and $0, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended
						September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - basic	$	32,059	$	12,753	$	88,785	$	32,211
	Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
	Convertible preferred stock dividends	—		—		—		2,158
	Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - diluted	$	32,059	$	12,753	$	88,785	$	34,369
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	93,359,265		79,700,000		90,853,536		60,063,250
	Potentially dilutive securities:
	Share options	2,075,584		924,303		1,673,422		1,556,709
	Restricted stock units	228,580		—		88,240		—
	Convertible preferred stock	—		—		—		7,070,998
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	95,663,429		80,624,303		92,615,198		68,690,957
	Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$	0.34	$	0.16	$	0.98	$	0.54
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$	0.34	$	0.16	$	0.96	$	0.5
	As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, 2,791,099 and 3,705,151 share options, respectively, were excluded from diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company currently has two equity incentive plans (the “Plans”). The Plans authorize up to an aggregate of 7,435,000 shares of Company stock for awards of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSU"), unrestricted stock and other performance awards. The aggregate number of shares of common stock for which awards may be issued may not exceed 7,435,000 shares, subject to the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors to adjust this amount in the event of a consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or similar transaction affecting the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2014, approximately 1,819,297 shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Plan.
	The Company recognizes compensation expense under ASC 718-10-25 for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards. The Company grants stock options at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the dates the options are granted. The options have a maximum term of ten years from the date of grant and vest primarily in equal annual installments over a range of one to five year periods following the date of grant for employee options. If a participant’s employment relationship ends, the participant’s vested awards will remain exercisable for the shorter of a period of 30 days or the period ending on the latest date on which such award could have been exercisable. The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each grant date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The Company grants RSUs with a grant date value equal to the closing stock price of the Company’s stock on the dates the units are granted and the RSUs generally vest over a period of four years.
	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is shown below:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
				Average				Average
				Exercise				Exercise
				Price				Price
	Outstanding at beginning of period	5,058,363		$	8.48	2,339,601		$	5.89
	Granted	195,000		17.63		2,990,353		10.33
	Forfeited	—		—		(271,591	)	6.69
	Exercised	(106,412	)	6.9		—		—
	Outstanding at end of period	5,146,951		$	8.86	5,058,363		$	8.48
	A summary of the Company's RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is shown below:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		RSUs		Weighted		RSUs		Weighted
				Average				Average
				Grant Date Fair Value				Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested at beginning of period	—		$	—	—		$	—
	Granted	330,555		17.45		—		—
	Vested	—		—		—		—
	Forfeited	—		—		—		—
	Non-vested at end of period	330,555		$	17.45	—		$	—
	There were 195,000 options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company had approximately $7,135 and $7,670 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Compensation expense for all share-based compensation under ASC 718-10-30 was $884 and $1,803 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $0 and $1,629 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Service_and_Fee_Income

Service and Fee Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]	'
Service and Fee Income	'
	Service and Fee Income
	The following table summarizes service and fee income by category:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(amounts in thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Installment fees	$	7,816	$	6,958	$	22,021	$	24,021
	Commission revenue	16,593		13,989		46,331		30,805
	General agent fees	10,837		5,613		26,004		15,032
	Late payment fees	3,148		2,855		8,633		8,299
	Finance and processing fees	5,163		3,011		11,672		8,462
	Other	2,337		1,959		6,425		6,434
	Total	$	45,894	$	34,385	$	121,086	$	93,053

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The following table is a reconciliation of the difference in the Company’s income tax expense compared to the statutory rate of 35%:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(amounts in thousands)	2014									2013
		NGHC			Reciprocal Exchanges			Total			Total
	Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$	111,109		$	(956	)	$	110,153		$	47,258
	Tax at Federal statutory rate of 35%	$	38,888		$	(335	)	$	38,553		$	16,540
	Tax effects resulting from:
	Loss of non-includable foreign subsidiaries	(1,736		)	—			(1,736		)	(2,580		)
	Tax exempt interest	(674		)	—			(674		)	(649		)
	Non-deductible expenses	97			—			97			121
	Luxembourg technical reserves	(16,659		)	—			(16,659		)	(2,349		)
	State tax	1,154			—			1,154			1,382
	Equity method income	(1,084		)	—			(1,084		)	78
	Other	(1,989		)	124			(1,865		)	(150		)
	Total income tax reported	$	17,997		$	(211	)	$	17,786		$	12,393
	Effective tax rate	16.2		%	22.1		%	16.1		%	26.2		%
	The Company establishes deferred tax liabilities equal to approximately 30% of the unutilized statutory equalization reserves carried at its Luxembourg reinsurance companies. The deferred tax liability is adjusted each reporting period based primarily on amounts ceded to the Luxembourg reinsurer under intercompany reinsurance agreements. As the income or loss of the Luxembourg reinsurer is primarily from intercompany activity, the impact on the consolidated pre-tax income for the consolidated group is generally zero. Accordingly, the reduction of the deferred tax liability for the utilization of equalization reserves creates a deferred tax benefit reflected in the income tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. As there is no net effect on the consolidated pre-tax income from the intercompany reinsurance activity, the impact of these transactions reduces the worldwide effective tax rate of the Company. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company reduced its deferred tax liability relating to equalization reserves by $16,659 and $2,349 respectively. This reduction lowered the company’s effective tax rate by 15.0% and 5.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, the deferred tax liability related to the Luxembourg reinsurers was $45,070.
	There were no unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 that, if recognized, would affect the Company’s effective tax rate.
	The Company recognizes interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense, net of Federal income tax. There were no accrued interest and penalties recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, there was no interest related to unrecognized tax expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company has no penalties included in calculating its provision for income taxes. All tax liabilities are payable to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state and local taxing agencies.
	The Company’s management believes that it will realize the benefits of its deferred tax assets, which are included as a component of the Company’s net deferred tax liability, and accordingly, no valuation allowance has been recorded for the periods presented. The earnings of certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Therefore, no provision has been made for any U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes that may be applicable upon any repatriation or disposition.
	The only event reasonably possible to occur within 12 months of the reporting date is the addition of the most recent year to the Company’s tax contingency reserves and the release of the oldest year for which taxes are reserved. The projected net movement in the Company’s tax contingency reserves resulting from this projected movement is not considered to be material by the Company.
	The Company’s subsidiaries are currently open to audit by the IRS for the year ended December 31, 2011 and, thereafter, for Federal tax purposes.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	The founding and significant shareholder of the Company has an ownership interest in AmTrust, Maiden Holdings Ltd. (“Maiden”) and ACP Re. The Company provides and receives services from these related entities as follows:
	Agreements with AmTrust and Affiliated Entities
	Asset Management Agreement
	Pursuant to an Asset Management Agreement among NGHC and AII Insurance Management Limited (“AIIM”), a subsidiary of AmTrust, the Company pays AIIM a fee for managing the Company’s investment portfolio. Pursuant to the asset management agreement, AIIM provides investment management services for a quarterly fee of 0.05% of the average value of assets under management if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is less than or equal to $1 billion, and 0.0375% of the average value of assets under management if the average value of the account for the previous calendar quarter is greater than $1 billion. Following the initial one-year term, the agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The amounts charged for such expenses were $496 and $1,352 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, while the amounts charged for such expenses were $376 and $1,102 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was a payable to AIIM related to these services in the amount of $462 and $439, respectively.
	Master Services Agreement
	AmTrust provides postage and billing services to the Company for premiums written on the Company’s new policy system pursuant to a Master Services Agreement with National General Management Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The agreement is effective for ten years from the acceptance of all phases of the initial work statement and can be automatically renewed thereafter for subsequent five year terms. The agreement is cancellable for material breach of contract that is not cured within thirty days, if either party fails to perform obligations under contract, if either party is declared bankrupt or insolvent, and in the event of a proposed change of control by either party to a competitor. The services are charged on a work-per-piece basis and are billed to the Company at cost. The Company has the right to audit the books and records as appropriate. The amounts charged for such expenses were $1,513 and $5,516 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, while the amounts charged for such expenses were $1,671 and $4,448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was a payable for these services in the amount of $1,546 and $1,389, respectively.
	AmTrust also provides the Company information technology development services in connection with the development of a policy management system at cost pursuant to a Master Services Agreement with National General Management Corp. The amounts charged for such expenses were $703 and $2,878 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, of which amounts capitalized in property and equipment were $823 and $1,790 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The amounts charged for such expenses were $1,006 and $3,018 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, of which amounts capitalized in property and equipment were $853 and $2,559 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was a payable for these services in the amount of $2,279 and $777, respectively.
	In addition, as consideration for a license for the Company to use that system, AmTrust receives a license fee in the amount of 1.25% of gross premiums of NGHC and its affiliates written on the system plus the costs for support services. The amounts charged for such fees were $3,925 and $11,837 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, while the amounts charged for such fees were $5,263 and $10,682 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were payables for these services in the amount of $8,105 and $7,610, respectively.
	Reinsurance Agreements
	On July 1, 2012, a wholly-owned subsidiary, Integon National, entered into an agreement with an AmTrust subsidiary, Risk Services, LLC (“RSL”). RSL provides certain consulting and marketing services to promote the Company’s captive insurance program to potential agents. RSL receives 1.50% of all net written premiums generated to the program. The amounts charged for such fees were $0 and $66 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, while the amounts charged for such fees were $29 and $108 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was a payable for these services in the amount of $33 and $26, respectively.
	On March 22, 2012, Integon National entered into a reinsurance agreement with an AmTrust subsidiary, Agent Alliance Reinsurance Company (“AARC”), whereby the Company cedes 25% of the business written by certain agents who are members of the Company’s captive agent program along with 25% of any related losses. The Company receives a ceding commission of 25% of the associated ceded premiums. Each party may terminate the agreement by providing 90 days written notice.
	On January 1, 2013, the Company entered into a quota share agreement with Wesco Insurance Company (“Wesco”), a subsidiary of AmTrust, to assume 100% of the accident and health business written before January 1, 2013. The Company reinsures 100% of the existing obligations with respect to the accident and health program, including a loss portfolio transfer of 100% of loss and LAE reserves and unearned premium as of the effective date in exchange for an amount equal to 100% of the loss and LAE reserves and unearned premium reserves related to the existing contracts and 100% of the business fronted by Wesco on behalf of the Company after the effective date less the fronted ceded commission of 5% of premiums written, plus the related fronting acquisition costs and fronting inuring reinsurance costs, both meaning the actual costs paid by Wesco to the third parties with respect to those transactions.
	On November 9, 2012, Integon National entered into a reinsurance agreement with an affiliated company, AAIC, whereby AAIC cedes 100% of the total written premiums, acquisition costs and incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates before and after November 9, 2012. The agreement had an indefinite term. In July 2014, the Company reacquired AAIC from ACP Re (see Note 7, "Acquisitions and Disposals").
	The amounts related to these reinsurance treaties are as follows:
	30-Sep-14	Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Commission Receivable				Premium Receivable (Payable)
	Wesco	$	(3,738	)		$	—			$	(623	)
	AARC	560				97				(344		)
	31-Dec-13	Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Commission Receivable				Premium Receivable (Payable)
	AAIC	$	(200	)		$	836			$	1,359
	Wesco	(1,067		)		—				13
	AARC	457				78				(281		)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums				Commission Income (Expense)				Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	Wesco	$	5,310			$	(1,320	)		$	3,825
	AARC	(344		)		111				(148		)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums				Commission Income (Expense)				Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	AAIC	$	986			$	(92	)		$	653
	Wesco	4,041				(1,151		)		2,108
	AARC	(254		)		122				(141		)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums			Commission Income (Expense)			Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	Wesco	15,978			(4,062	)		12,511
	AARC	(967	)		284			(514	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums				Commission Income (Expense)				Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	AAIC	$	3,225			$	(549	)		$	1,835
	Wesco	10,490				(2,976		)		5,996
	AARC	(879		)		311				(552		)
	NGHC Quota Share Agreement
	The Company participates in a quota share reinsurance treaty with the related entities listed below whereby it ceded 50% of the total net earned premiums and net incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates after March 1, 2010 (“NGHC Quota Share”).
	On August 1, 2013, the Company provided notice to parties of the NGHC Quota Share agreement that it was terminating the agreement. The Company no longer cedes any net earned premiums and net incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates after July 31, 2013. The termination is on a run-off basis, meaning the Company continued to cede 50% of the net premiums and the related net losses with respect to policies in force as of July 31, 2013 through the expiration of such policies, the last of which expired on July 31, 2014.
	The NGHC Quota Share provided that the reinsurers pay a provisional ceding commission equal to 32.5% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the Company for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a maximum of 34.5% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 60.0% or less and a minimum of 30.5% if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater. Effective October 1, 2012, the parties amended the NGHC Quota Share to decrease the provisional ceding commission from 32.5% to 32.0% of ceded earned premium, net of premiums ceded by the Company for inuring reinsurance, subject to adjustment. The ceding commission is subject to adjustment to a minimum of 30.0% (changed from 30.5%), if the loss ratio is 64.5% or greater. The Company believes that the terms, conditions and pricing of the NGHC Quota Share have been determined by arm's length negotiations and reflect market terms and conditions.
	The percentage breakdown by reinsurer of such 50% is as follows:
	Name of Insurer	Percentage Participation
	ACP Re Ltd.	30%
	Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden	50%
	Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust	20%
	The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	186			$	201			$	2,063
	Maiden Insurance Company	310				335				3,437
	Technology Insurance Company	124				134				1,375
	Total	$	620			$	670			$	6,875
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	39,451			$	13,730			$	25,021
	Maiden Insurance Company	65,752				19,609				41,702
	Technology Insurance Company	26,301				8,339				16,681
	Total	$	131,504			$	41,678			$	83,404
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	12,859			$	4,100			$	11,370
	Maiden Insurance Company	21,432				6,776				18,936
	Technology Insurance Company	8,573				2,719				7,593
	Total	$	42,864			$	13,595			$	37,899
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	126,714			$	40,660			$	80,054
Maiden Insurance Company	211,190				64,492				133,423
Technology Insurance Company	84,476				26,293				53,369
Total	$	422,380			$	131,445			$	266,846
Included in ceding commission income was $104 and $6,353 which represented recovery of successful acquisition cost of the reinsured contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, while $22,793 and $71,280 represented recovery of successful acquisition cost of the reinsured contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. These amounts have been netted against acquisition and other underwriting costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
30-Sep-14	Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Ceded Commission Receivable				Ceded Premium Payable
ACP Re Ltd.	$	34,090			$	61			$	7,594
Maiden Insurance Company	62,407				(6		)		12,329
Technology Insurance Company	22,727				40				5,062
Total	$	119,224			$	95			$	24,985
31-Dec-13	Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Ceded Commission Receivable				Ceded Premium Payable
ACP Re Ltd.	$	74,997			$	7,669			$	30,604
Maiden Insurance Company	124,995				12,782				51,021
Technology Insurance Company	49,998				4,958				20,408
Total	$	249,990			$	25,409			$	102,033
The Company nets the ceded commission receivable against ceded premium payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as the NGHC Quota Share Agreement allows for net settlement. The agreement also stipulates that if the Company would be denied full statutory credit for reinsurance ceded pursuant to the credit for reinsurance laws or regulations in any applicable jurisdiction, the reinsurers will secure an amount equal to that obligation through a letter of credit, assets held in trust for the benefit of the Company or cash. ACP Re and Maiden Insurance Company held assets in trust in the amount of $54,010 and $69,546, respectively, as of September 30, 2014 and $57,959 and $104,824, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.
The Company and AmTrust have formed the LSC Entities for the purposes of acquiring certain life settlement contracts. For further discussion on the LSC Entities' arrangements, see Note 6, “Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries”.
As described in Note 6, "Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries", the Company formed 800 Superior, LLC along with AmTrust, whereby each entity owns a 50% interest. In 2012, the Company also entered into a lease agreement with 800 Superior, LLC for a period of 15 years whereby the Company leased approximately 134,000 square feet. The Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $561 and $1,683 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $536 and $1,607 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. For more information on the 800 Superior, LLC and Affiliated Entities related party transactions, see Note 15, "Related Party Transactions - 800 Superior LLC and Affiliated Entities" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
On September 1, 2012 the Company purchased The Association Benefits Solution companies. As part of the purchase, the Company is now affiliated with AIBD Health Plan which is a welfare benefit plan for several member groups. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had a receivable of $6,015 and $4,955, respectively. Also, as part of this plan, the Company utilizes an employer trust to administer additional claims. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had a payable to the employer trust in the amount of $1,785.
Agreements with ACP Re and Affiliated Entities
In connection with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re, the Company entered into the agreements described below.
Personal Lines Master Agreement
On July 23, 2014, the Company and ACP Re entered into the Amended and Restated Personal Lines Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement"). The Master Agreement provides for the implementation of the various transactions associated with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re. In addition, the Master Agreement requires the Company to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three-year earn-out (the "Contingent Payments") of 3% of gross written premium of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger. The Contingent Payments are subject to a maximum of $30,000, in the aggregate, over the three-year period.
PL Reinsurance Agreement and the Personal Lines Cut-Through Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement
Integon National Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Integon"), entered into the Personal Lines Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement (the "PL Reinsurance Agreement"), with Tower’s ten statutory insurance companies (collectively, the “Tower Companies”), pursuant to which Integon will reinsure 100% of all losses under the Tower Companies’ new and renewal personal lines business written after September 15, 2014. The ceding commission payable by Integon under the PL Reinsurance Agreement is equal to the sum of (i) reimbursement of the Tower Companies’ acquisition costs in respect of the business covered, including commission payable to National General Insurance Marketing, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“NGIM”), pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement (as defined below), and premium taxes and (ii) 2% of gross written premium (net of cancellations and return premiums) collected pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement. In connection with the execution of the PL Reinsurance Agreement, the Personal Lines Cut-Through Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, dated January 3, 2014, by and among the Tower Companies and Integon (the “Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement”), was terminated on a run-off basis, with the reinsurance of all policies reinsured under such agreement remaining in effect.
As a result of the PL Reinsurance Agreement and the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement, the Company assumed $79,298 and $359,083 of premium from the Tower Companies and recorded $18,297 and $75,182 of ceding commission expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, there was a ceding commission payable of $75,506 related to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company earned premium of approximately $84,593 and $228,010, respectively, under these reinsurance agreements. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses of $41,806 and $127,283, respectively, under these reinsurance agreements.
PL MGA Agreement
National General Insurance Marketing, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“NGIM”), produces and manages all new and renewal personal lines business of the Tower Companies pursuant to a Personal Lines Managing General Agency Agreement (the "PL MGA Agreement"). As described above, all post-September 15, 2014 personal lines business written by the Tower Companies is reinsured by Integon pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. The Tower Companies pay NGIM a 10% commission on all business written pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement. All payments by the Tower Companies to NGIM pursuant to the PL MGA Agreement are netted out of the ceding commission payable by Integon to the Tower Companies pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. The Company recorded $0 of commission income during the period ended September 30, 2014 as a result of the PL MGA Agreement.
PL Administrative Services Agreement
National General Management Corp., a subsidiary of the Company ("NGMC"), the Tower Companies and an affiliated company, CastlePoint Reinsurance Company, Ltd (“CP Re”), entered into the Personal Lines LPTA Administrative Services Agreement (the "PL Administrative Agreement"), pursuant to which NGMC will administer the run-off of CP Re’s and the Tower Companies’ personal lines business written prior to September 15, 2014 at cost. CP Re and the Tower Companies will reimburse NGMC for its actual costs, including costs incurred in connection with claims operations, out-of-pocket expenses, costs incurred in connection with any required modifications to NGMC's claims systems and an allocated portion of the claims service expenses paid by Integon to the Tower Companies pursuant to the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement. As a result of the PL Administrative Agreement, the Company was reimbursed $0 during the three months ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, there was a receivable related to the PL Administrative Agreement of $281.
Stop-Loss and Retrocession Agreements
National General Re, Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company (“NG Re Ltd.”), along with AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd., an affiliate of the Company (“AII”), as reinsurers, entered into a $250,000 Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Agreement (the "Stop-Loss Agreement") with CP Re. NG Re Ltd. and AII also entered into an Aggregate Stop Loss Retrocession Contract (the "Retrocession Agreement") with ACP Re pursuant to which ACP Re will reinsure the full amount of any payments that NG Re Ltd. and AII are obligated to make to CP Re under the Stop Loss Agreement. Pursuant to the Stop-Loss Agreement, each of the Company and AII will provide, severally, $125,000 of stop loss coverage with respect to the run-off of the Tower business written on or before September 15, 2014. The reinsurers’ obligation to indemnify CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement will be triggered only at such time as CP Re’s ultimate paid net loss related to the run-off of the pre-September 15, 2014 Tower business exceeds a retention equal to the Tower Companies’ loss and loss adjustment reserves and unearned premium reserves as of September 15, 2014. CP Re will pay AII and NG Re Ltd. total premium of $56,000 on the five-year anniversary of the Stop-Loss Agreement. The premium payable by NG Re Ltd. and AII to ACP Re pursuant to the Retrocession Agreement will be $56,000 in the aggregate, less a ceding commission of 5.5% to be retained by NG Re Ltd. and AII. The Company will record this reinsurance transaction under deposit method of accounting.
Credit Agreement
On September 15, 2014, NG Re Ltd. entered into a credit agreement (the “ACP Re Credit Agreement”) by and among AmTrust, as Administrative Agent, ACP Re and London Acquisition Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACP Re, as the borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”), ACP Re Holdings, LLC, as Guarantor, and AII and NG Re Ltd., as Lenders, pursuant to which the Lenders made a $250,000 loan ($125,000 made by each Lender) to the Borrowers on the terms and conditions contained within the ACP Re Credit Agreement.
The ACP Re Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 15, 2021. Outstanding principal under the ACP Re Credit Agreement bears interest at a fixed annual rate of seven percent (7%), payable semi-annually on the last day of January and July. The obligations of the Borrowers are secured by (i) a first-priority pledge of 100% of the stock of ACP Re and ACP Re’s U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of certain of ACP Re’s foreign subsidiaries and (ii) a first-priority lien on all of the assets of the Borrowers and Guarantor and certain of the assets of ACP Re’s subsidiaries (other than the Tower Companies).
The Company recorded interest income of approximately $365 for the three months ended September 30, 2014, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement.
Surplus Notes of the Reciprocal Exchanges
ACP Re, an affiliate of the Company, holds the surplus notes carried at $44,600 issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities. Principal and interest on the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes are payable only with regulatory approval (see Note 10, “Debt”).
Agreements Relating to Leases
NGMC entered into assignment and assumption of lease agreements with a subsidiary of ACP Re, Tower Insurance Company of New York (“TICNY”), with respect to leased property in (i) New Haven, Connecticut, (ii) Chicago, Illinois, (iii) Quincy, Massachusetts, (iv) Portland, Maine, (v) Westborough, Massachusetts and (vi) Williamsville, New York. NGMC also entered into subleases with TICNY with respect to leased property in (i) Atlanta, Georgia and (ii) New York, New York.
Agreements of the Reciprocal Exchanges
The Reciprocal Exchanges and their subsidiaries entered into a Casualty Excess of Loss Reinsurance Contract, effective January 1, 2014, among the Reciprocal Exchanges and TICNY, pursuant to which TICNY will reinsure the excess liability which may accrue to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ and their subsidiaries’ policies, contracts and binders of insurance and reinsurance in force at the effective date or issued or renewed on or after that date, and classified by the Reciprocal Exchanges as Casualty.
The Reciprocal Exchanges and their subsidiaries entered into a Property Per Risk Reinsurance Contract, effective January 1, 2014, with TICNY, pursuant to which TICNY will reinsure the excess liability which may accrue under the Reciprocal Exchanges’ and their subsidiaries’ policies, contracts and binders of insurance and reinsurance in force at the effective date or issued or renewed on or after that date, and classified by the Reciprocal Exchanges as Personal Property.
The Reciprocal Exchanges and their subsidiaries entered into a Property Catastrophe Excess of Loss program, effective July 1, 2011, with CP Re, pursuant to which CP Re will indemnify the Reciprocal Exchanges and their subsidiaries for any loss or losses occurring during the term of the contract under all policies classified by the Company as Property business.
New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association (“NJSIA”) entered into a 25% quota share reinsurance agreement with an affiliated company, Preserver Insurance Company (“PIC”), effective July 1, 2012, pursuant to which NJSIA ceded and PIC assumed a 25% quota share of NJSIA’s personal auto business.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company currently operates two business segments, Property and Casualty and Accident and Health. The “Corporate & Other” segment represents the activities of the holding company, as well as income from the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company evaluates segment performance based on segment profit separately from the results of our investment portfolio. Other operating expenses allocated to the segments are called General and Administrative expenses which are allocated on an actual basis except salaries and benefits where management’s judgment is applied. In determining total assets by segment, the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as deferred acquisition cost, reinsurance recoverable, goodwill, intangible assets and prepaid reinsurance while the remaining assets are allocated to Corporate & Other segment.
	The Property and Casualty Segment, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges and the management companies, reports the management fees earned by NGHC from the Reciprocal Exchanges for underwriting, investment management and other services as service and fee income for the Company. The effects of these management fees between NGHC and the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation to derive consolidated net income. However, the management fee income is reported in net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. and included in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.
	The following tables summarize the underwriting results of the Company’s operating segments:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
	Gross premium written		$	479,866			$	17,729			$	—			$	497,595
	Net premium written		413,904				17,666				—				431,570
	Change in unearned premiums		(4,966		)		11,802				—				6,836
	Net earned premium		408,938				29,468				—				438,406
	Ceding commission income - primarily related party		705				—				—				705
	Service and fee income		31,378				14,516				—				45,894
	Underwriting expenses:
	Loss and loss adjustment expense		256,769				18,250				—				275,019
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		68,419				15,496				—				83,915
	General and administrative		79,078				11,050				—				90,128
	Total underwriting expenses		404,266				44,796				—				449,062
	Underwriting income (loss)		36,755				(812		)		—				35,943
	Net investment income		—				—				13,697				13,697
	Net realized losses		—				—				(1,118		)		(1,118		)
	Other revenue		—				—				373				373
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(1,611		)		(1,611		)
	Interest expense		—				—				(4,709		)		(4,709		)
	Provision for income taxes		—				—				(10,026		)		(10,026		)
	Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		684				—				86				770
	Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	37,439			$	(812	)		$	(3,308	)		$	33,319
	NGHC		$	38,123			$	(812	)		$	(3,247	)		$	34,064
	Reciprocal Exchanges		(684		)		—				(61		)		(745		)
	Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	37,439			$	(812	)		$	(3,308	)		$	33,319
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
	Gross premium written		$	324,298			$	8,416			$	—			$	332,714
	Net premium written		149,787				8,336				—				158,123
	Change in unearned premiums		7,997				5				—				8,002
	Net earned premium		157,784				8,341				—				166,125
	Ceding commission income - primarily related party		23,518				—				—				23,518
	Service and fee income		21,583				12,802				—				34,385
	Underwriting expenses:
	Loss and loss adjustment expense		104,222				4,038				—				108,260
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		26,063				6,168				—				32,231
	General and administrative		66,236				7,996				—				74,232
	Total underwriting expenses		196,521				18,202				—				214,723
	Underwriting income		6,364				2,941				—				9,305
	Net investment income		—				—				8,439				8,439
	Net realized gains		—				—				516				516
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(128		)		(128		)
	Interest expense		—				—				(540		)		(540		)
	Provision for income taxes		—				—				(4,839		)		(4,839		)
	Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		—				—				—				—
	Net income attributable NGHC		$	6,364			$	2,941			$	3,448			$	12,753
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
	Gross premium written		$	1,494,337			$	117,873			$	—			$	1,612,210
	Net premium written		1,299,998				117,613				—				1,417,611
	Change in unearned premiums		(202,218		)		(27,669		)		—				(229,887		)
	Net earned premium		1,097,780				89,944				—				1,187,724
	Ceding commission income - primarily related party		7,632				—				—				7,632
	Service and fee income		76,440				44,646				—				121,086
	Underwriting expenses:
	Loss and loss adjustment expense		697,207				58,763				—				755,970
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		185,632				47,074				—				232,706
	General and administrative		207,314				36,072				—				243,386
	Total underwriting expenses		1,090,153				141,909				—				1,232,062
	Underwriting income (loss)		91,699				(7,319		)		—				84,380
	Net investment income		—				—				34,232				34,232
	Net realized losses										(1,118		)		(1,118		)
Other revenue		—				—				480				480
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(3,098		)		(3,098		)
Interest expense		—				—				(7,821		)		(7,821		)
Provision for income taxes		—				—				(17,786		)		(17,786		)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		684				—				92				776
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	92,383			$	(7,319	)		$	4,981			$	90,045
NGHC		$	93,067			$	(7,319	)		$	5,042			$	90,790
Reciprocal Exchanges		(684		)		—				(61		)		(745		)
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	92,383			$	(7,319	)		$	4,981			$	90,045
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
Gross premium written		$	996,034			$	24,982			$	—			$	1,021,016
Net premium written		452,816				24,827				—				477,643
Change in unearned premiums		(4,816		)		5				—				(4,811		)
Net earned premium		448,000				24,832				—				472,832
Ceding commission income - primarily related party		73,509				—				—				73,509
Service and fee income		62,996				30,057				—				93,053
Underwriting expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense		293,401				16,732				—				310,133
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		77,249				17,415				—				94,664
General and administrative		191,681				17,774				—				209,455
Total underwriting expenses		562,331				51,921				—				614,252
Underwriting income		22,174				2,968				—				25,142
Net investment income		—				—				22,093				22,093
Net realized gains		—				—				1,463				1,463
Other revenue		—				—				16				16
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(452		)		(452		)
Interest expense		—				—				(1,456		)		(1,456		)
Provision for income taxes		—				—				(12,393		)		(12,393		)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		—				—				(44		)		(44		)
Net income attributable NGHC		$	22,174			$	2,968			$	9,227			$	34,369
The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's operating segments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
30-Sep-14		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
Premiums and other receivables		$	732,442			$	24,935			$	—			$	757,377
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		100,300				—				—				100,300
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		911,046				—				—				911,046
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs		104,090				7,701				—				111,791
Goodwill and intangible assets, net		249,322				92,357				—				341,679
Corporate and other assets		—				—				2,174,298				2,174,298
Total		$	2,097,200			$	124,993			$	2,174,298			$	4,396,491
31-Dec-13		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
Premiums and other receivables		$	434,433			$	14,819			$	—			$	449,252
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		50,878				—				—				50,878
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		950,828				—				—				950,828
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs		59,048				1,064				—				60,112
Goodwill and intangible assets, net		93,769				63,146				—				156,915
Corporate and other assets		—				—				1,169,530				1,169,530
Total		$	1,588,956			$	79,029			$	1,169,530			$	2,837,515
The following table shows an analysis of the Company's gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned by geographical location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2014												2013
	NGHC				Reciprocal				Total				Total
					Exchanges
Gross premiums written - North America	$	481,047			$	9,993			$	491,040			$	332,714
Gross premiums written - Europe	6,555				—				6,555				—
Net premiums written - North America	200,913				7,205				208,118				78,117
Net premiums written - Bermuda	210,372				—				210,372				72,005
Net premiums written - Europe	13,080				—				13,080				8,001
Net premiums earned - North America	196,453				6,692				203,145				86,120
Net premiums earned - Bermuda	210,371				—				210,371				71,130
Net premiums earned - Europe	24,890				—				24,890				8,875
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014												2013
	NGHC				Reciprocal				Total				Total
					Exchanges
Gross premiums written - North America	$	1,515,687			$	9,993			$	1,525,680			$	1,021,016
Gross premiums written - Europe	86,530				—				86,530				—
Net premiums written - North America	772,232				7,205				779,437				259,367
Net premiums written - Bermuda	511,643				—				511,643				192,948
Net premiums written - Europe	126,531				—				126,531				25,328
Net premiums earned - North America	570,506				6,692				577,198				254,557
Net premiums earned - Bermuda	511,642				—				511,642				193,823
Net premiums earned - Europe	98,884				—				98,884				24,452

Reciprocal_Exchanges_Tables

Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Variable Interest Entity Balance Sheet	'
	The following table presents the balance sheet of the Reciprocal Exchanges as of September 15, 2014:
	Sep-14
	Assets:
	Cash and investments	$	235,684
	Accrued investment income	1,975
	Premiums receivables	55,914
	Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	18,734
	Prepaid reinsurance premiums	27,166
	Intangible assets, net	13,901
	Income tax receivable	819
	Other assets	1,665
	Total assets	$	355,858
	Liabilities:
	Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	$	101,153
	Unearned premiums	114,786
	Reinsurance payable	5,167
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	9,853
	Deferred tax liability	24,046
	Notes payable	44,600
	Due to affiliate	17,808
	Other liabilities	1,077
	Total liabilities	318,490
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Non-controlling interest	37,368
	Total stockholders’ equity	37,368
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	355,858

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	The cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows:
	30-Sep-14	Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized				Value
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	48,744		$	22		$	(87	)		$	48,679
	Preferred stock	7,802			—			(326		)		7,476
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury	42,602			1,125			(12		)		43,715
	States and political subdivisions bonds	168,352			3,720			(571		)		171,501
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	476,705			6,829			(2,244		)		481,290
	Corporate bonds	836,511			32,133			(4,759		)		863,885
	Federal agency	1,210			—			—				1,210
	Asset-backed other securities	5,458			—			—				5,458
	Foreign government	6,214			—			(307		)		5,907
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	81,539			653			—				82,192
	Subtotal	$	1,675,137		$	44,482		$	(8,306	)		$	1,711,313
	Less: Securities pledged	100,177			1,614			(859		)		100,932
	Total	$	1,574,960		$	42,868		$	(7,447	)		$	1,610,381
	NGHC	$	1,342,623		$	42,868		$	(7,447	)		$	1,378,044
	Reciprocal Exchanges	232,337			—			—				232,337
	Total	$	1,574,960		$	42,868		$	(7,447	)		$	1,610,381
	31-Dec-13	Cost or			Gross			Gross				Fair
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized				Value
		Cost			Gains			Losses
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	1,939		$	—		$	—			$	1,939
	Preferred stock	5,000			—			(652		)		4,348
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	30,655			920			—				31,575
	States and political subdivisions bonds	101,105			1,681			(3,202		)		99,584
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	272,820			4,136			(7,527		)		269,429
	Corporate bonds	477,442			21,397			(7,044		)		491,795
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	8,179			—			(51		)		8,128
	Subtotal	$	897,140		$	28,134		$	(18,476	)		$	906,798
	Less: Securities pledged	133,013			3,884			(2,975		)		133,922
	Total	$	764,127		$	24,250		$	(15,501	)		$	772,876
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities held as of September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		NGHC						Reciprocal Exchanges								Total
	September 30, 2014	Cost or Amortized			Fair			Cost or Amortized				Fair				Cost or Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value			Cost				Value				Cost			Value
	Due in one year or less	$	12,373		$	12,455		$	12,843			$	12,843			$	25,216		$	25,298
	Due after one year through five years	153,861			161,986			31,275				31,275				185,136			193,261
	Due after five years through ten years	661,786			682,755			64,825				64,825				726,611			747,580
	Due after ten years	77,327			79,480			40,599				40,599				117,926			120,079
	Mortgage-backed securities	483,659			488,897			80,043				80,043				563,702			568,940
	Total	$	1,389,006		$	1,425,573		$	229,585			$	229,585			$	1,618,591		$	1,655,158
Investment Income	'
	The components of net investment income consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Interest
	Cash and short term investments	$	11		$	6		$	28			$	11
	Fixed maturities	13,858			9,036			35,537				24,751
	Reverse Repurchase Agreements	—			—			—				61
	Investment Income	13,869			9,042			35,565				24,823
	Investment expense	(106		)	(564		)	(1,135		)		(2,492		)
	Repurchase Agreements interest expense	(66		)	(39		)	(198		)		(238		)
	Net Investment Income	$	13,697		$	8,439		$	34,232			$	22,093
	NGHC	$	13,697		$	8,439		$	34,232			$	22,093
	Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—				—
	Net Investment Income	$	13,697		$	8,439		$	34,232			$	22,093
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss)	'
	The tables below indicate the gross realized gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
	Equity securities	$	—		$	(505	)	$	(505	)
	Fixed maturity securities	152			(204		)	(52		)
	Other	—			(561		)	(561		)
	Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
	NGHC	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
	Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—
	Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	585		$	(69	)	$	516
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
	Equity securities	$	—		$	(505	)	$	(505	)
	Fixed maturity securities	152			(204		)	(52		)
	Other	—			(561		)	(561		)
	Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
	NGHC	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
	Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—
	Equity & other securities	$	152		$	(1,270	)	$	(1,118	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Gross Gains			Gross Losses			Net Gains (Losses)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	6,971		$	(5,508	)	$	1,463
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	'
	Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities, equity securities and securities sold but not yet purchased consisted of the following:
	30-Sep-14
	Net unrealized loss on common stock	$	(65	)
	Net unrealized loss on preferred stock	(326		)
	Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	36,902
	Deferred income tax expense	(12,776		)
	Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	23,735
	NGHC	$	23,735
	Reciprocal Exchanges	—
	Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	23,735
	Change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	16,675
	31-Dec-13
	Net unrealized loss on preferred stock	$	(652	)
	Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities	10,310
	Deferred income tax expense	(2,598		)
	Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	$	7,060
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	'
	The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Less Than 12 Months									12 Months or More										Total
	30-Sep-14	Fair			Unrealized			No. of			Fair				Unrealized			No. of			Fair		Unrealized
		Market			Losses			Positions			Market				Losses			Positions			Market		Losses
		Value						Held			Value							Held			Value
	Common stock	$	747		$	(87	)	22			$	—			$	—		—			$	747	$	(87	)
	Preferred stock	46			(1		)	2			4,678				(325		)	1			4,724		(326		)
	U.S. Government	3,319			(12		)	5			—				—			—			3,319		(12		)
	States and political subdivisions	14,865			(108		)	32			9,734				(463		)	9			24,599		(571		)
	Residential Mortgage-backed	144,489			(2,187		)	17			3,099				(57		)	4			147,588		(2,244		)
	Foreign government	5,907			(307		)	1			—				—			—			5,907		(307		)
	Corporate bonds	122,775			(2,697		)	51			27,189				(2,062		)	13			149,964		(4,759		)
	Total	$	292,148		$	(5,399	)	130			$	44,700			$	(2,907	)	27			$	336,848	$	(8,306	)
	NGHC	$	292,148		$	(5,399	)	130			$	44,700			$	(2,907	)	27			$	336,848	$	(8,306	)
	Reciprocal Exchanges	—			—			—			—				—			—			—		—
	Total	$	292,148		$	(5,399	)	130			$	44,700			$	(2,907	)	27			$	336,848	$	(8,306	)
		Less Than 12 Months									12 Months or More										Total
	31-Dec-13	Fair			Unrealized			No. of			Fair				Unrealized			No. of			Fair		Unrealized
		Market			Losses			Positions			Market				Losses			Positions			Market		Losses
		Value						Held			Value							Held			Value
	Preferred stock	$	4,348		$	(652	)	1			$	—			$	—		—			$	4,348	$	(652	)
	States and political subdivisions	32,770			(2,622		)	18			2,600				(580		)	2			35,370		(3,202		)
	Residential Mortgage-backed	176,491			(7,527		)	6			—				—			—			176,491		(7,527		)
	Commercial Mortgage-backed	8,128			(51		)	2			—				—			—			8,128		(51		)
	Corporate bonds	128,362			(4,051		)	39			41,673				(2,993		)	9			170,035		(7,044		)
	Total	$	350,099		$	(14,903	)	66			$	44,273			$	(3,573	)	11			$	394,372	$	(18,476	)
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	The fair values of our restricted assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Restricted cash	$	3,238		$	1,155
	Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value	57,530			42,092
	Total restricted cash and investments	$	60,768		$	43,247

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
	In accordance with ASC 820, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:
	30-Sep-14	Recurring Fair Value Measures
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	6,961	$	—	$	41,718	$	48,679
	Preferred stock	—		7,476		—		7,476
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	44,925		—		—		44,925
	State and political subdivision bonds	—		171,501		—		171,501
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		481,290		—		481,290
	Corporate bonds	—		863,885		—		863,885
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		82,192		—		82,192
	Asset-backed other securities	—		5,458		—		5,458
	Foreign government	—		5,907		—		5,907
	Short term investments	—		2,901		—		2,901
	Other investments	—		—		4,095		4,095
	Total assets	$	51,886	$	1,620,610	$	45,813	$	1,718,309
	NGHC	$	27,974	$	1,409,284	$	45,813	1,483,071
	Reciprocal Exchanges	23,912		211,326		—		235,238
	Total assets	$	51,886	$	1,620,610	$	45,813	$	1,718,309
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	—	$	95,362	$	—	$	95,362
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	95,362	$	—	$	95,362
	31-Dec-13	Recurring Fair Value Measures
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Equity securities:
	Common stock	$	1,939	$	—	$	—	$	1,939
	Preferred stock	—		4,348		—		4,348
	Fixed maturities:
	U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	31,575		—		—		31,575
	State and political subdivision bonds	—		99,584		—		99,584
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		269,429		—		269,429
	Corporate bonds	—		491,795		—		491,795
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		8,128		—		8,128
	Other investments	—		—		2,893		2,893
	Total assets	$	33,514	$	873,284	$	2,893	$	909,691
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	—	$	109,629	$	—	$	109,629
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	109,629	$	—	$	109,629

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol1

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
LSC Entities	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Equity Method Investment Information	'
	The following tables present the investment activity in the LSC Entities.
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	73,186		$	6,537		$	32,966		$	13,497		$	126,186
	Contributions	10,708			756			4,527			685			16,676
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(7,036		)	81			(2,672		)	7,037			(2,590		)
	Change in equity method investments	3,672			837			1,855			7,722			14,086
	Balance at end of period	$	76,858		$	7,374		$	34,821		$	21,219		$	140,272
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	58,273		$	8,211		$	—		$	66,484
	Contributions	8,890			450			6,375			15,715
	Acquisition of interest	—			—			22,411			22,411
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(133		)	(2,439		)	1,820			(752		)
	Change in equity method investments	8,757			(1,989		)	30,606			37,374
	Balance at end of period	$	67,030		$	6,222		$	30,606		$	103,858
	The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities.
	30-Sep-14
	Condensed balance sheet data	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$	157,788		$	15,449		$	67,214		$	42,749		$	283,200
	Total assets	168,065			15,955			69,803			44,346			298,169
	Total liabilities	14,350			1,206			161			1,909			17,626
	Members' equity	153,715			14,749			69,642			42,437			280,543
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	76,858		$	7,374		$	34,821		$	21,219		$	140,272
	31-Dec-13
	Condensed balance sheet data	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$	153,684		$	14,366		$	64,974		$	—		$	233,024
	Total assets	163,169			14,416			66,168			27,005			270,758
	Total liabilities	16,797			1,342			236			12			18,387
	Members' equity	146,372			13,074			65,932			26,993			252,371
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	73,186		$	6,537		$	32,966		$	13,497		$	126,186
	The following tables summarize the results of operations for the Company's unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	(4,524	)	$	326		$	1,255		$	490		$	(2,453	)
	Total expenses	240			9			111			96			456
	Net income (loss)	$	(4,764	)	$	317		$	1,144		$	394		$	(2,909	)
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(2,382	)	$	158		$	572		$	197		$	(1,455	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	(3,408	)	$	(1,013	)	$	5,727		$	1,306
	Total expenses	856			(20		)	397			1,233
	Net income (loss)	$	(4,264	)	$	(993	)	$	5,330		$	73
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(2,132	)	$	(496	)	$	2,665		$	37
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			AMTCH II			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	(13,036	)	$	183		$	(4,809	)	$	14,935		$	(2,727	)
	Total expenses	1,036			20			535			861			2,452
	Net income (loss)	$	(14,072	)	$	163		$	(5,344	)	$	14,074		$	(5,179	)
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(7,036	)	$	81		$	(2,672	)	$	7,037		$	(2,590	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Condensed results of operations	Tiger			AMT Alpha			AMTCH			Total
	Revenue, net of commission	$	1,790		$	(4,874	)	$	6,085		$	3,001
	Total expenses	2,056			4			861			2,921
	Net income (loss)	$	(266	)	$	(4,878	)	$	5,224		$	80
	NGHC's ownership interest	$	(133	)	$	(2,439	)	$	1,820		$	(752	)
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	'
	The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Average age of insured	81.1 years			80.1 years
	Average life expectancy, months(1)	121			131
	Average face amount per policy	$	6,616		$	6,611
	Effective discount rate(2)	13.9		%	14.2		%
	(1)  Standard life expectancy as adjusted for specific circumstances.
	(2)  Effective Discount Rate ("EDR") is the LSC Entities' estimated internal rate of return on its life settlement contract portfolio and is determined from the gross expected cash flows and valuation of the portfolio. The valuation of the portfolio is calculated net of all reserves using a 7.5% discount rate. The EDR is implicit of the reserves and the gross expected cash flows of the portfolio. The LSC Entities anticipate that the EDR's range is between 12.5% and 17.5% and reflects the uncertainty that exists surrounding the information available as of the reporting date. As the accuracy and reliability of information improves (declines), the EDR will decrease (increase). The change in the EDR from December 31, 2013 to September 30, 2014 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk.
	If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables were held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Change in life expectancy
		Plus 4 Months			Minus 4 Months
	Investment in life policies:
	September 30, 2014	$	(35,729	)	$	37,059
	December 31, 2013	$	(29,537	)	$	31,313
		Change in discount rate(1)
		Plus 1%			Minus 1%
	Investment in life policies:
	September 30, 2014	$	(23,470	)	$	26,361
	December 31, 2013	$	(20,055	)	$	22,605
	(1)  Discount rate is a present value calculation that considers legal risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and is a component of EDR.
Schedule Of Premiums To Be Paid To Keep Existing Life Insurance Policies In Force	'
	The actual capital commitment may differ from the amounts shown based on policy lapses and terminations, death benefits received and other operating cash flows of the LSC Entities:
		Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts
	2014	$	42,790
	2015	47,738
	2016	61,273
	2017	41,266
	2018	41,074
	Thereafter	567,317
	Total	$	801,458
East Ninth & Superior	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Equity Method Investment Information	'
	The following tables present the investment activity in 800 Superior, LLC and East Ninth & Superior.
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	2,863		$	4,009		$	6,872
	Contributions	14			—			14
	Distributions	—			—			—
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(576		)	68			(508		)
	Change in equity method investments	(562		)	68			(494		)
	Balance at end of period	$	2,301		$	4,077		$	6,378
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Balance at beginning of period	$	2,671		$	4,066		$	6,737
	Contributions	1,225			—			1,225
	Distributions	—			—			—
	Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(292		)	64			(228		)
	Change in equity method investments	933			64			997
	Balance at end of period	$	3,604		$	4,130		$	7,734
	The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in 800 Superior, LLC and East Ninth & Superior.
	30-Sep-14
	Condensed balance sheet data	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Total Assets	$	25,227		$	21,009		$	46,236
	Total Liabilities	20,624			12,855			33,479
	Members Equity	4,603			8,154			12,757
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	2,301		$	4,077		$	6,378
	31-Dec-13
	Condensed balance sheet data	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Total Assets	$	26,528		$	20,860		$	47,388
	Total Liabilities	20,801			12,841			33,642
	Members Equity	5,727			8,019			13,746
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	2,863		$	4,009		$	6,872
	The following tables summarize the results of operations for the Company's unconsolidated equity method investment in 800 Superior, LLC and East Ninth & Superior for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Revenue	$	1,297		$	—		$	1,297
	Expenses	1,663			(54		)	1,609
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(366	)	$	54		$	(312	)
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(183	)	$	27		$	(156	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Revenue	$	1,270		$	—		$	1,270
	Expenses	1,435			166			1,601
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(165	)	$	(166	)	$	(331	)
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(82	)	$	(83	)	$	(165	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Revenue	$	3,715		$	—		$	3,715
	Expenses	4,867			(136		)	4,731
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(1,152	)	$	136		$	(1,016	)
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(576	)	$	68		$	(508	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Condensed results of operations	800 Superior, LLC			East Ninth & Superior			Total
	Revenue	$	3,645		$	—		$	3,645
	Expenses	4,230			(129		)	4,101
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(585	)	$	129		$	(456	)
	NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$	(292	)	$	64		$	(228	)

Acquisitions_and_Disposals_Tab

Acquisitions and Disposals (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Attorneys-in-Fact	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Sep-14
	Assets
	Cash	$	70
	Fee receivable	3,010
	Intangible assets	148,600
	Total Assets	151,680
	Liabilities
	Due to related party	30,000
	Deferred tax liability	38,911
	Total Liabilities	68,911
	Net assets purchased	82,769
	Purchase price	7,500
	Additional paid in capital	$	75,269
Agent Alliance Insurance Company	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	The following table summarizes the carrying value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Jul-14
	Assets
	Cash and invested assets	$	15,535
	Accrued interest	138
	Premium receivable	992
	Reinsurance recoverable	6,966
	Prepaid reinsurance	1,608
	Intangible assets	900
	Goodwill	1,005
	Income tax receivable	84
	Total Assets	27,228
	Liabilities
	Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	6,867
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	323
	Unearned premiums	1,608
	Reinsurance payable	397
	Notes payable	350
	Deferred tax	340
	Total Liabilities	9,885
	Net assets purchased	17,343
Imperial	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	In connection with the Imperial transaction, the Company assumed certain debt of Imperial and Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (see Note 10, "Debt").
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Jun-14
	Assets
	Cash and invested assets	$	62,159
	Accrued interest	484
	Premium receivable	37,687
	Reinsurance recoverable	9,398
	Prepaid reinsurance	45,408
	Premises and equipment	4,687
	Intangible assets	3,300
	Deferred tax	847
	Other	225
	Total Assets	164,195
	Liabilities
	Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	41,671
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	13,899
	Unearned premiums	58,657
	Reinsurance payable	30,686
	Notes payable	8,916
	Total Liabilities	153,829
	Net assets purchased	10,366
	Purchase price	20,000
	Goodwill recorded	$	9,634
Personal Express	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Apr-14
	Assets
	Cash and invested assets	$	28,727
	Premium receivable	2,896
	Deferred tax	237
	Other assets	729
	Total Assets	32,589
	Liabilities
	Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	4,472
	Unearned premium	8,352
	Reinsurance payable	816
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,181
	Deferred tax	119
	Total Liabilities	16,940
	Net assets purchased	15,649
	Purchase price	21,496
	Goodwill recorded	$	5,847
Anticemex Reinsurance S.A.	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Jan-14
	Assets
	Cash and invested assets	$	6,393
	Prepaid assets	1
	Loan receivable	62,973
	Intangible assets	132
	Total Assets	69,499
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	20
	Deferred tax liability	19,123
	Total Liabilities	19,143
	Net assets purchased	50,356
	Purchase price	62,973
	Goodwill recorded	$	12,617
Ikano Re S.A	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
	Dec-13
	Assets
	Cash and invested assets	$	39,542
	Prepaid assets	196
	Intangible assets	132
	Total Assets	39,870
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	57
	Deferred tax liability	10,241
	Total Liabilities	10,298
	Net assets purchased	29,572
	Purchase price	35,741
	Goodwill recorded	$	6,169

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
	30-Sep-14		Gross			Accumulated			Net Value		Useful Life
			Balance			Amortization
	Trademarks		8,200			5,585			2,615		5 years
	Loss reserve discount		12,451			11,988			463		7 years
	Agent relationships		30,422			8,220			22,202		11 - 17 years
	Affinity partners		800			344			456		11 years
	Operating lease		3,508			3,508			—		4.6 years
	Non-compete		2,500			2,292			208		5 years
	Value in policies-in-force		8,461			260			8,201		1 year
	Renewal rights		30,000			792			29,208		3 years
	Management contracts		118,600			—			118,600		indefinite life
	State licenses		62,015			—			62,015		indefinite life
	Goodwill		97,711			—			97,711		indefinite life
	Total		$	374,668		$	32,989		$	341,679
	NGHC		$	360,807		$	32,636		$	328,171
	Reciprocal Exchanges		13,861			353			13,508
	Total		$	374,668		$	32,989		$	341,679
	31-Dec-13		Gross			Accumulated			Net Value		Useful Life
			Balance			Amortization
	Trademarks		$	5,900		$	4,757		$	1,143	5 years
	Loss reserve discount		12,451			11,672			779		7 years
	Agent relationships		31,850			3,591			28,259		11 - 17 years
	Affinity partners		800			289			511		11 years
	Operating lease		3,508			2,934			574		4.6 years
	Non-compete		2,500			1,917			583		5 years
	State licenses		54,715			—			54,715		indefinite life
	Goodwill		70,351			—			70,351		indefinite life
	Total		$	182,075		$	25,160		$	156,915
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'
	The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is:
		NGHC			Reciprocal			Total
					Exchanges
	Year ending
	2014	$	3,296		$	2,230		$	5,526
	2015	13,259			6,453			19,712
	2016	12,915			460			13,375
	2017	9,363			460			9,823
	2018 and thereafter	14,112			805			14,917
		$	52,945		$	10,408		$	63,353

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	Maturities of the Company's debt for the five years subsequent to September 30, 2014 are as follows:
	December 31,	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Thereafter		Total
	6.75% Notes	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	250,000	$	250,000
	VelaPoint Note #1	—		622		—		—		—		—		622
	Imperial Surplus Notes	—		—		—		—		—		5,000		5,000
	Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes	—		—		—		—		—		44,600		44,600
		$	—	$	622	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	299,600	$	300,222

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended
						September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - basic	$	32,059	$	12,753	$	88,785	$	32,211
	Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
	Convertible preferred stock dividends	—		—		—		2,158
	Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - diluted	$	32,059	$	12,753	$	88,785	$	34,369
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	93,359,265		79,700,000		90,853,536		60,063,250
	Potentially dilutive securities:
	Share options	2,075,584		924,303		1,673,422		1,556,709
	Restricted stock units	228,580		—		88,240		—
	Convertible preferred stock	—		—		—		7,070,998
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	95,663,429		80,624,303		92,615,198		68,690,957
	Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$	0.34	$	0.16	$	0.98	$	0.54
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$	0.34	$	0.16	$	0.96	$	0.5

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is shown below:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
				Average				Average
				Exercise				Exercise
				Price				Price
	Outstanding at beginning of period	5,058,363		$	8.48	2,339,601		$	5.89
	Granted	195,000		17.63		2,990,353		10.33
	Forfeited	—		—		(271,591	)	6.69
	Exercised	(106,412	)	6.9		—		—
	Outstanding at end of period	5,146,951		$	8.86	5,058,363		$	8.48
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	'
	A summary of the Company's RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is shown below:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013
		RSUs		Weighted		RSUs		Weighted
				Average				Average
				Grant Date Fair Value				Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested at beginning of period	—		$	—	—		$	—
	Granted	330,555		17.45		—		—
	Vested	—		—		—		—
	Forfeited	—		—		—		—
	Non-vested at end of period	330,555		$	17.45	—		$	—

Service_and_Fee_Income_Tables

Service and Fee Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Service and Fee Income [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes service and fee income by category:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(amounts in thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Installment fees	$	7,816	$	6,958	$	22,021	$	24,021
	Commission revenue	16,593		13,989		46,331		30,805
	General agent fees	10,837		5,613		26,004		15,032
	Late payment fees	3,148		2,855		8,633		8,299
	Finance and processing fees	5,163		3,011		11,672		8,462
	Other	2,337		1,959		6,425		6,434
	Total	$	45,894	$	34,385	$	121,086	$	93,053

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table is a reconciliation of the difference in the Company’s income tax expense compared to the statutory rate of 35%:
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(amounts in thousands)	2014									2013
		NGHC			Reciprocal Exchanges			Total			Total
	Income (loss) before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$	111,109		$	(956	)	$	110,153		$	47,258
	Tax at Federal statutory rate of 35%	$	38,888		$	(335	)	$	38,553		$	16,540
	Tax effects resulting from:
	Loss of non-includable foreign subsidiaries	(1,736		)	—			(1,736		)	(2,580		)
	Tax exempt interest	(674		)	—			(674		)	(649		)
	Non-deductible expenses	97			—			97			121
	Luxembourg technical reserves	(16,659		)	—			(16,659		)	(2,349		)
	State tax	1,154			—			1,154			1,382
	Equity method income	(1,084		)	—			(1,084		)	78
	Other	(1,989		)	124			(1,865		)	(150		)
	Total income tax reported	$	17,997		$	(211	)	$	17,786		$	12,393
	Effective tax rate	16.2		%	22.1		%	16.1		%	26.2		%

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Reinsurance Treaties	'
	The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	186			$	201			$	2,063
	Maiden Insurance Company	310				335				3,437
	Technology Insurance Company	124				134				1,375
	Total	$	620			$	670			$	6,875
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	39,451			$	13,730			$	25,021
	Maiden Insurance Company	65,752				19,609				41,702
	Technology Insurance Company	26,301				8,339				16,681
	Total	$	131,504			$	41,678			$	83,404
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	12,859			$	4,100			$	11,370
	Maiden Insurance Company	21,432				6,776				18,936
	Technology Insurance Company	8,573				2,719				7,593
	Total	$	42,864			$	13,595			$	37,899
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Ceded Earned Premiums				Ceding Commission Income				Ceded Losses and LAE
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	126,714			$	40,660			$	80,054
	Maiden Insurance Company	211,190				64,492				133,423
	Technology Insurance Company	84,476				26,293				53,369
	Total	$	422,380			$	131,445			$	266,846
	The amounts related to these reinsurance treaties are as follows:
	30-Sep-14	Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Commission Receivable				Premium Receivable (Payable)
	Wesco	$	(3,738	)		$	—			$	(623	)
	AARC	560				97				(344		)
	31-Dec-13	Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Commission Receivable				Premium Receivable (Payable)
	AAIC	$	(200	)		$	836			$	1,359
	Wesco	(1,067		)		—				13
	AARC	457				78				(281		)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums				Commission Income (Expense)				Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	Wesco	$	5,310			$	(1,320	)		$	3,825
	AARC	(344		)		111				(148		)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums				Commission Income (Expense)				Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	AAIC	$	986			$	(92	)		$	653
	Wesco	4,041				(1,151		)		2,108
	AARC	(254		)		122				(141		)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums			Commission Income (Expense)			Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	Wesco	15,978			(4,062	)		12,511
	AARC	(967	)		284			(514	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums				Commission Income (Expense)				Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE
	AAIC	$	3,225			$	(549	)		$	1,835
	Wesco	10,490				(2,976		)		5,996
	AARC	(879		)		311				(552		)
Schedule of Percentage Participation by Reinsurer	'
	The percentage breakdown by reinsurer of such 50% is as follows:
	Name of Insurer	Percentage Participation
	ACP Re Ltd.	30%
	Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden	50%
	Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust	20%
Schedule of Effects of Recoveries of Acquisition Costs from Reinsured Contracts	'
	These amounts have been netted against acquisition and other underwriting costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	30-Sep-14	Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Ceded Commission Receivable				Ceded Premium Payable
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	34,090			$	61			$	7,594
	Maiden Insurance Company	62,407				(6		)		12,329
	Technology Insurance Company	22,727				40				5,062
	Total	$	119,224			$	95			$	24,985
	31-Dec-13	Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE				Ceded Commission Receivable				Ceded Premium Payable
	ACP Re Ltd.	$	74,997			$	7,669			$	30,604
	Maiden Insurance Company	124,995				12,782				51,021
	Technology Insurance Company	49,998				4,958				20,408
	Total	$	249,990			$	25,409			$	102,033

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Underwriting Results of Operating Segments	'
	The following tables summarize the underwriting results of the Company’s operating segments:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
	Gross premium written		$	479,866			$	17,729			$	—			$	497,595
	Net premium written		413,904				17,666				—				431,570
	Change in unearned premiums		(4,966		)		11,802				—				6,836
	Net earned premium		408,938				29,468				—				438,406
	Ceding commission income - primarily related party		705				—				—				705
	Service and fee income		31,378				14,516				—				45,894
	Underwriting expenses:
	Loss and loss adjustment expense		256,769				18,250				—				275,019
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		68,419				15,496				—				83,915
	General and administrative		79,078				11,050				—				90,128
	Total underwriting expenses		404,266				44,796				—				449,062
	Underwriting income (loss)		36,755				(812		)		—				35,943
	Net investment income		—				—				13,697				13,697
	Net realized losses		—				—				(1,118		)		(1,118		)
	Other revenue		—				—				373				373
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(1,611		)		(1,611		)
	Interest expense		—				—				(4,709		)		(4,709		)
	Provision for income taxes		—				—				(10,026		)		(10,026		)
	Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		684				—				86				770
	Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	37,439			$	(812	)		$	(3,308	)		$	33,319
	NGHC		$	38,123			$	(812	)		$	(3,247	)		$	34,064
	Reciprocal Exchanges		(684		)		—				(61		)		(745		)
	Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	37,439			$	(812	)		$	(3,308	)		$	33,319
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
	Gross premium written		$	324,298			$	8,416			$	—			$	332,714
	Net premium written		149,787				8,336				—				158,123
	Change in unearned premiums		7,997				5				—				8,002
	Net earned premium		157,784				8,341				—				166,125
	Ceding commission income - primarily related party		23,518				—				—				23,518
	Service and fee income		21,583				12,802				—				34,385
	Underwriting expenses:
	Loss and loss adjustment expense		104,222				4,038				—				108,260
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		26,063				6,168				—				32,231
	General and administrative		66,236				7,996				—				74,232
	Total underwriting expenses		196,521				18,202				—				214,723
	Underwriting income		6,364				2,941				—				9,305
	Net investment income		—				—				8,439				8,439
	Net realized gains		—				—				516				516
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(128		)		(128		)
	Interest expense		—				—				(540		)		(540		)
	Provision for income taxes		—				—				(4,839		)		(4,839		)
	Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		—				—				—				—
	Net income attributable NGHC		$	6,364			$	2,941			$	3,448			$	12,753
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
	Gross premium written		$	1,494,337			$	117,873			$	—			$	1,612,210
	Net premium written		1,299,998				117,613				—				1,417,611
	Change in unearned premiums		(202,218		)		(27,669		)		—				(229,887		)
	Net earned premium		1,097,780				89,944				—				1,187,724
	Ceding commission income - primarily related party		7,632				—				—				7,632
	Service and fee income		76,440				44,646				—				121,086
	Underwriting expenses:
	Loss and loss adjustment expense		697,207				58,763				—				755,970
	Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		185,632				47,074				—				232,706
	General and administrative		207,314				36,072				—				243,386
	Total underwriting expenses		1,090,153				141,909				—				1,232,062
	Underwriting income (loss)		91,699				(7,319		)		—				84,380
	Net investment income		—				—				34,232				34,232
	Net realized losses										(1,118		)		(1,118		)
	Other revenue		—				—				480				480
	Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(3,098		)		(3,098		)
	Interest expense		—				—				(7,821		)		(7,821		)
Provision for income taxes		—				—				(17,786		)		(17,786		)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		684				—				92				776
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	92,383			$	(7,319	)		$	4,981			$	90,045
NGHC		$	93,067			$	(7,319	)		$	5,042			$	90,790
Reciprocal Exchanges		(684		)		—				(61		)		(745		)
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC		$	92,383			$	(7,319	)		$	4,981			$	90,045
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
Gross premium written		$	996,034			$	24,982			$	—			$	1,021,016
Net premium written		452,816				24,827				—				477,643
Change in unearned premiums		(4,816		)		5				—				(4,811		)
Net earned premium		448,000				24,832				—				472,832
Ceding commission income - primarily related party		73,509				—				—				73,509
Service and fee income		62,996				30,057				—				93,053
Underwriting expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense		293,401				16,732				—				310,133
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses		77,249				17,415				—				94,664
General and administrative		191,681				17,774				—				209,455
Total underwriting expenses		562,331				51,921				—				614,252
Underwriting income		22,174				2,968				—				25,142
Net investment income		—				—				22,093				22,093
Net realized gains		—				—				1,463				1,463
Other revenue		—				—				16				16
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries		—				—				(452		)		(452		)
Interest expense		—				—				(1,456		)		(1,456		)
Provision for income taxes		—				—				(12,393		)		(12,393		)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest		—				—				(44		)		(44		)
Net income attributable NGHC		$	22,174			$	2,968			$	9,227			$	34,369
The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's operating segments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
30-Sep-14		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
Premiums and other receivables		$	732,442			$	24,935			$	—			$	757,377
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		100,300				—				—				100,300
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		911,046				—				—				911,046
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs		104,090				7,701				—				111,791
Goodwill and intangible assets, net		249,322				92,357				—				341,679
Corporate and other assets		—				—				2,174,298				2,174,298
Total		$	2,097,200			$	124,993			$	2,174,298			$	4,396,491
31-Dec-13		Property and Casualty				Accident and Health				Corporate and Other				Total
Premiums and other receivables		$	434,433			$	14,819			$	—			$	449,252
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		50,878				—				—				50,878
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses		950,828				—				—				950,828
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs		59,048				1,064				—				60,112
Goodwill and intangible assets, net		93,769				63,146				—				156,915
Corporate and other assets		—				—				1,169,530				1,169,530
Total		$	1,588,956			$	79,029			$	1,169,530			$	2,837,515
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	'
	The following table shows an analysis of the Company's gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned by geographical location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014												2013
		NGHC				Reciprocal				Total				Total
						Exchanges
	Gross premiums written - North America	$	481,047			$	9,993			$	491,040			$	332,714
	Gross premiums written - Europe	6,555				—				6,555				—
	Net premiums written - North America	200,913				7,205				208,118				78,117
	Net premiums written - Bermuda	210,372				—				210,372				72,005
	Net premiums written - Europe	13,080				—				13,080				8,001
	Net premiums earned - North America	196,453				6,692				203,145				86,120
	Net premiums earned - Bermuda	210,371				—				210,371				71,130
	Net premiums earned - Europe	24,890				—				24,890				8,875
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014												2013
		NGHC				Reciprocal				Total				Total
						Exchanges
	Gross premiums written - North America	$	1,515,687			$	9,993			$	1,525,680			$	1,021,016
	Gross premiums written - Europe	86,530				—				86,530				—
	Net premiums written - North America	772,232				7,205				779,437				259,367
	Net premiums written - Bermuda	511,643				—				511,643				192,948
	Net premiums written - Europe	126,531				—				126,531				25,328
	Net premiums earned - North America	570,506				6,692				577,198				254,557
	Net premiums earned - Bermuda	511,642				—				511,642				193,823
	Net premiums earned - Europe	98,884				—				98,884				24,452

Reciprocal_Exchanges_Details

Reciprocal Exchanges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
						Reciprocal Exchanges	Reciprocal Exchanges	Reciprocal Exchanges
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$497,957	$232,983	$1,350,036	$662,966	'	$6,751	'	'
Total expenses	453,771	215,263	1,239,883	615,708	'	7,496	'	'
Net income	32,549	12,753	89,269	34,413	'	-745	'	'
Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	235,684	'
Accrued investment income	13,788	'	13,788	'	9,263	1,975	1,975	0
Premiums receivable	757,377	'	757,377	'	449,252	72,263	55,914	0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	911,046	'	911,046	'	950,828	19,137	18,734	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	100,300	'	100,300	'	50,878	28,012	27,166	0
Intangible assets, net	243,968	'	243,968	'	86,564	13,508	13,901	0
Income taxes receivable	1,030	'	1,030	'	0	1,030	819	0
Other assets	2,174,298	'	2,174,298	'	1,169,530	'	1,665	'
Total assets	4,396,491	'	4,396,491	'	2,837,515	'	355,858	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,514,008	'	1,514,008	'	1,259,241	100,282	101,153	0
Unearned premiums	860,988	'	860,988	'	476,232	116,145	114,786	0
Reinsurance payable	103,365	'	103,365	'	93,534	7,940	5,167	0
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	263,798	'	263,798	'	91,143	19,822	9,853	0
Deferred tax liability	72,737	'	72,737	'	24,476	24,046	24,046	0
Notes payable	300,222	'	300,222	'	81,142	44,600	44,600	0
Due to affiliate	17,808	'	17,808	'	0	17,808	17,808	0
Other liabilities	51,742	'	51,742	'	49,945	4,506	1,077	0
Total liabilities	3,308,583	'	3,308,583	'	2,194,648	'	318,490	'
Non-controlling interest	36,652	'	36,652	'	87	36,583	37,368	0
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$4,396,491	'	$4,396,491	'	$2,837,515	'	$355,858	'

Investments_Availableforsale_S

Investments - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Subtotal	$1,675,137	$897,140
Securities pledged	100,177	133,013
Total	1,574,960	764,127
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Subtotal	44,482	28,134
Securities pledged	1,614	3,884
Total	42,868	24,250
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Subtotal	-8,306	-18,476
Securities pledged	-859	-2,975
Total	-7,447	-15,501
Fair Value	'	'
Subtotal	1,711,313	906,798
Securities pledged	100,932	133,922
Total	1,610,381	772,876
Common stock	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Equity securities	48,744	1,939
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Equity securities	22	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Equity securities	-87	0
Fair Value	'	'
Equity securities	48,679	1,939
Preferred stock	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Equity securities	7,802	5,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Equity securities	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Equity securities	-326	-652
Fair Value	'	'
Equity securities	7,476	4,348
U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	'	30,655
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	'	920
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	'	0
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	'	31,575
U.S. Treasury	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	42,602	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	1,125	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	-12	'
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	43,715	'
States and political subdivisions bonds	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	168,352	101,105
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	3,720	1,681
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	-571	-3,202
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	171,501	99,584
Residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	476,705	272,820
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	6,829	4,136
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	-2,244	-7,527
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	481,290	269,429
Corporate bonds	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	836,511	477,442
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	32,133	21,397
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	-4,759	-7,044
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	863,885	491,795
U.S. Government	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	1,210	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	1,210	'
Asset-backed Securities	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,458	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,458	'
Foreign government	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	6,214	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	-307	'
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,907	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Fixed maturities	81,539	8,179
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Fixed maturities	653	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	-51
Fair Value	'	'
Fixed maturities	82,192	8,128
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Equity securities	53,794	6,939
Fixed maturities	1,288,829	757,188
Securities pledged	100,177	133,013
Total	1,342,623	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Total	42,868	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Total	-7,447	'
Fair Value	'	'
Equity securities	53,403	6,287
Fixed maturities	1,324,641	766,589
Securities pledged	100,932	133,922
Total	1,378,044	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'
Equity securities	2,752	'
Fixed maturities	229,585	'
Total	232,337	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'
Total	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'
Total	0	'
Fair Value	'	'
Equity securities	2,752	0
Fixed maturities	229,585	0
Total	$232,337	'

Investments_Debt_Securities_Ma

Investments - Debt Securities Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cost or Amortized Cost	'
Due in one year or less	$25,216
Due after one year through five years	185,136
Due after five years through ten years	726,611
Due after ten years	117,926
Mortgage-backed securities	563,702
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,618,591
Fair Value	'
Due in one year or less	25,298
Due after one year through five years	193,261
Due after five years through ten years	747,580
Due after ten years	120,079
Mortgage-backed securities	568,940
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,655,158
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'
Due in one year or less	12,373
Due after one year through five years	153,861
Due after five years through ten years	661,786
Due after ten years	77,327
Mortgage-backed securities	483,659
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,389,006
Fair Value	'
Due in one year or less	12,455
Due after one year through five years	161,986
Due after five years through ten years	682,755
Due after ten years	79,480
Mortgage-backed securities	488,897
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,425,573
Reciprocal Exchanges	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'
Due in one year or less	12,843
Due after one year through five years	31,275
Due after five years through ten years	64,825
Due after ten years	40,599
Mortgage-backed securities	80,043
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	229,585
Fair Value	'
Due in one year or less	12,843
Due after one year through five years	31,275
Due after five years through ten years	64,825
Due after ten years	40,599
Mortgage-backed securities	80,043
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	$229,585

Investments_Investment_Income_

Investments - Investment Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment Income	$13,869	$9,042	$35,565	$24,823
Investment expense	-106	-564	-1,135	-2,492
Repurchase agreements interest expense	-66	-39	-198	-238
Net investment income	13,697	8,439	34,232	22,093
Cash and short term investments	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment Income	11	6	28	11
Fixed maturities	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment Income	13,858	9,036	35,537	24,751
Reverse Repurchase Agreements	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment Income	0	0	0	61
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	13,697	8,439	34,232	22,093
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	$0	$0	$0	$0

Investments_Realized_Gains_and

Investments - Realized Gains and Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fixed maturities and equity securities	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	'	'	$193,749	$229,021
Equity securities	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	0	'	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-505	'	-505	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	-505	'	-505	'
Fixed maturities	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	152	585	152	6,971
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-204	-69	-204	-5,508
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	-52	516	-52	1,463
Other	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	0	'	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-561	'	-561	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	-561	'	-561	'
Equity and other securities	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	152	'	152	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-1,270	'	-1,270	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	-1,118	'	-1,118	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Equity and other securities	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	152	'	152	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	-1,270	'	-1,270	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	-1,118	'	-1,118	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Equity and other securities	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	0	'	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	0	'	0	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	$0	'	$0	'

Investments_Unrealized_Gains_a

Investments - Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred income tax expense	($12,776)	($2,598)
Net unrealized gain, net of deferred income tax expense	23,735	7,060
Change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	16,675	'
Common stock	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities	-65	'
Preferred stock	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities	-326	-652
Fixed maturities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities	36,902	10,310
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Net unrealized gain, net of deferred income tax expense	23,735	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Net unrealized gain, net of deferred income tax expense	$0	'

Investments_Gross_Unrealized_L

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	security	security
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	$292,148	$350,099
12 Months or More	44,700	44,273
Total	336,848	394,372
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-5,399	-14,903
12 Months or More	-2,907	-3,573
Total	-8,306	-18,476
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	130	66
12 Months or More	27	11
Number of securities with gross unrealized loss	157	77
Common stock	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	747	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	747	'
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-87	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	-87	'
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	22	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Preferred stock	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	46	4,348
12 Months or More	4,678	0
Total	4,724	4,348
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-1	-652
12 Months or More	-325	0
Total	-326	-652
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	2	1
12 Months or More	1	0
U.S. Government	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	3,319	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	3,319	'
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-12	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	-12	'
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	5	'
12 Months or More	0	'
States and political subdivisions bonds	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	14,865	32,770
12 Months or More	9,734	2,600
Total	24,599	35,370
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-108	-2,622
12 Months or More	-463	-580
Total	-571	-3,202
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	32	18
12 Months or More	9	2
Residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	144,489	176,491
12 Months or More	3,099	0
Total	147,588	176,491
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-2,187	-7,527
12 Months or More	-57	0
Total	-2,244	-7,527
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	17	6
12 Months or More	4	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	'	8,128
12 Months or More	'	0
Total	'	8,128
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	'	-51
12 Months or More	'	0
Total	'	-51
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	'	2
12 Months or More	'	0
Foreign government	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	5,907	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	5,907	'
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-307	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	-307	'
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	1	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	122,775	128,362
12 Months or More	27,189	41,673
Total	149,964	170,035
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-2,697	-4,051
12 Months or More	-2,062	-2,993
Total	-4,759	-7,044
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	51	39
12 Months or More	13	9
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	292,148	'
12 Months or More	44,700	'
Total	336,848	'
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	-5,399	'
12 Months or More	-2,907	'
Total	-8,306	'
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	130	'
12 Months or More	27	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Fair Market Value	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	0	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	0	'
Unrealized Losses	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	0	'
12 Months or More	0	'
Total	$0	'
No. of Positions Held	'	'
Less Than 12 Months	0	'
12 Months or More	0	'

Investments_Restricted_Cash_an

Investments - Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted cash	$3,238	$1,155
Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value	57,530	42,092
Total restricted cash and investments	$60,768	$43,247

Investments_Other_Details

Investments - Other (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$95,362	'	$95,362	'	$109,629
Repurchase agreements, interest expense amount	66	39	198	238	'
Collateral pledged in support of repurchase agreements	$100,932	'	$100,932	'	$133,922
Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate	3.00%	'	3.00%	'	0.37%
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate	3.50%	'	3.50%	'	0.44%

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	23-May-14	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
		6.75% Notes	6.75% Notes	Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes	Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
		Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Surplus Notes	Surplus Notes
			Level 3	Level 3	Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of investments priced by service	100.00%	'	'	'	'
Interest rate on debt	'	6.75%	'	'	'
Current fair value of notes	'	'	$275,588	$4,982	$44,600

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$1,711,313	$906,798
Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	1,718,309	909,691
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	95,362	109,629
Total liabilities	95,362	109,629
Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	51,886	33,514
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	1,620,610	873,284
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	95,362	109,629
Total liabilities	95,362	109,629
Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	45,813	2,893
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Preferred stock	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	7,476	4,348
Preferred stock | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	7,476	4,348
Preferred stock | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	0	0
Preferred stock | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	7,476	4,348
Preferred stock | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	0	0
Common stock	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	48,679	1,939
Common stock | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	48,679	1,939
Common stock | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	6,961	1,939
Common stock | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	0	0
Common stock | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	41,718	0
U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	'	31,575
U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	44,925	31,575
U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	44,925	31,575
U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
U.S. Treasury and Federal agencies | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
States and political subdivisions bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	171,501	99,584
States and political subdivisions bonds | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	171,501	99,584
States and political subdivisions bonds | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
States and political subdivisions bonds | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	171,501	99,584
States and political subdivisions bonds | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	481,290	269,429
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	481,290	269,429
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	481,290	269,429
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
Corporate bonds	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	863,885	491,795
Corporate bonds | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	863,885	491,795
Corporate bonds | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
Corporate bonds | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	863,885	491,795
Corporate bonds | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	82,192	8,128
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	82,192	8,128
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	82,192	8,128
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	0
Asset-backed Securities	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,458	'
Asset-backed Securities | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,458	'
Asset-backed Securities | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Asset-backed Securities | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,458	'
Asset-backed Securities | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Foreign government	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,907	'
Foreign government | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,907	'
Foreign government | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Foreign government | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	5,907	'
Foreign government | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed maturities	0	'
Short-term Investments [Member] | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	2,901	'
Short-term Investments [Member] | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	0	'
Short-term Investments [Member] | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	2,901	'
Short-term Investments [Member] | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	0	'
Other investments | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	4,095	2,893
Other investments | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	0	0
Other investments | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	0	0
Other investments | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Other investments	4,095	2,893
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	53,403	6,287
Fixed maturities	1,324,641	766,589
Other investments	4,095	2,893
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	1,483,071	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	27,974	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	1,409,284	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	45,813	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Equity securities	2,752	0
Fixed maturities	229,585	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	235,238	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring | Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	23,912	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	211,326	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total assets	$0	'

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol2

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

800 Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

Eight Hundred Superior NMTC investment Fund II

American Tax Credit Georgia Fund III, LLC

American Tax Credit Georgia Fund III, LLC

American Tax Credit Georgia Fund III, LLC

American Tax Credit Georgia Fund III, LLC

American Tax Credit Georgia Fund III, LLC

Minimum

Maximum

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

800 Superior, LLC

Unrelated Third Parties

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

sqft

LSC Entities

AMTCH

Building

American Tax Credit Georgia Fund III, LLC

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contribution amount to acquire equity investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,676

$15,715

'

'

$11,000

'

'

$10,708

$8,890

'

'

$12,136

'

'

$4,527

$6,375

'

'

'

'

$14

$1,225

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

'

'

Equity interest percentage acquired

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

50.00%

50.00%

24.50%

34.74%

'

34.74%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

65.26%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

50.00%

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

135

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

140,272

103,858

140,272

103,858

126,186

66,484

'

76,858

67,030

76,858

67,030

73,186

58,273

22,411

34,821

30,606

34,821

30,606

32,966

0

2,301

3,604

2,301

3,604

2,863

2,671

4,077

4,130

4,077

4,130

4,009

4,066

Difference between equity interest and consideration paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,275

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective Discount Rate (EDR)

'

'

'

'

7.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective discount rate

'

'

'

'

13.90%

14.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.50%

17.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional required capital to keep life settlement policies in-force

50.00%

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of building

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of office lease space

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

134,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of lease

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rent expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

561

536

1,683

1,607

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries

($1,611)

($128)

($3,098)

($452)

'

'

'

'

'

$0

($65)

($131)

($196)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,455)

$37

($2,590)

($752)

'

'

'

($2,382)

($2,132)

($7,036)

($133)

'

'

'

$572

$2,665

($2,672)

$1,820

'

'

($183)

($82)

($576)

($292)

'

'

$27

($83)

$68

$64

'

'

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol3

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Investment Activity (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

VIE, Not primary beneficiary

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

LSC Entities

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

Tiger

AMT Alpha

AMT Alpha

AMT Alpha

AMT Alpha

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH

AMTCH II

AMTCH II

East Ninth & Superior

East Ninth & Superior

East Ninth & Superior

East Ninth & Superior

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

Equity Method Investment [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

$126,186

$66,484

'

'

'

$73,186

$58,273

'

'

$6,537

$8,211

'

'

'

$32,966

$0

'

$13,497

'

'

$6,872

$6,737

'

'

$2,863

$2,671

'

'

$4,009

$4,066

Contributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,676

15,715

11,000

'

'

10,708

8,890

'

'

756

450

12,136

'

'

4,527

6,375

'

685

'

'

14

1,225

'

'

14

1,225

'

'

0

0

Distributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

Acquisition of interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,411

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

22,411

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries

-1,611

-128

-3,098

-452

-1,455

37

-2,590

-752

'

-2,382

-2,132

-7,036

-133

158

-496

81

-2,439

'

572

2,665

-2,672

1,820

197

7,037

-156

-165

-508

-228

-183

-82

-576

-292

27

-83

68

64

Change in equity method investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,086

37,374

'

'

'

3,672

8,757

'

'

837

-1,989

'

'

'

1,855

30,606

'

7,722

'

'

-494

997

'

'

-562

933

'

'

68

64

Ending balance

'

'

'

'

$140,272

$103,858

$140,272

$103,858

'

$76,858

$67,030

$76,858

$67,030

$7,374

$6,222

$7,374

$6,222

$22,411

$34,821

$30,606

$34,821

$30,606

$21,219

$21,219

$6,378

$7,734

$6,378

$7,734

$2,301

$3,604

$2,301

$3,604

$4,077

$4,130

$4,077

$4,130

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol4

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Balance Sheet (Details) (VIE, Not primary beneficiary, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
LSC Entities	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$283,200	$233,024	'	'	'
Total assets	298,169	270,758	'	'	'
Total liabilities	17,626	18,387	'	'	'
Members' equity	280,543	252,371	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	140,272	126,186	103,858	'	66,484
Tiger	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	157,788	153,684	'	'	'
Total assets	168,065	163,169	'	'	'
Total liabilities	14,350	16,797	'	'	'
Members' equity	153,715	146,372	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	76,858	73,186	67,030	'	58,273
AMT Alpha	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	15,449	14,366	'	'	'
Total assets	15,955	14,416	'	'	'
Total liabilities	1,206	1,342	'	'	'
Members' equity	14,749	13,074	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	7,374	6,537	6,222	'	8,211
AMTCH	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	67,214	64,974	'	'	'
Total assets	69,803	66,168	'	'	'
Total liabilities	161	236	'	'	'
Members' equity	69,642	65,932	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	34,821	32,966	30,606	22,411	0
AMTCH II	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	42,749	0	'	'	'
Total assets	44,346	27,005	'	'	'
Total liabilities	1,909	12	'	'	'
Members' equity	42,437	26,993	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	21,219	13,497	'	'	'
East Ninth & Superior	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	46,236	47,388	'	'	'
Total liabilities	33,479	33,642	'	'	'
Members' equity	12,757	13,746	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	6,378	6,872	7,734	'	6,737
800 Superior, LLC	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	25,227	26,528	'	'	'
Total liabilities	20,624	20,801	'	'	'
Members' equity	4,603	5,727	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	2,301	2,863	3,604	'	2,671
East Ninth & Superior, LLC	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	21,009	20,860	'	'	'
Total liabilities	12,855	12,841	'	'	'
Members' equity	8,154	8,019	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$4,077	$4,009	$4,130	'	$4,066

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol5

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	($1,611)	($128)	($3,098)	($452)
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | LSC Entities	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	-2,453	1,306	-2,727	3,001
Total expenses	456	1,233	2,452	2,921
Net income (loss)	-2,909	73	-5,179	80
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	-1,455	37	-2,590	-752
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Tiger	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	-4,524	-3,408	-13,036	1,790
Total expenses	240	856	1,036	2,056
Net income (loss)	-4,764	-4,264	-14,072	-266
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	-2,382	-2,132	-7,036	-133
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | AMT Alpha	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	326	-1,013	183	-4,874
Total expenses	9	-20	20	4
Net income (loss)	317	-993	163	-4,878
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	158	-496	81	-2,439
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | AMTCH	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	1,255	5,727	-4,809	6,085
Total expenses	111	397	535	861
Net income (loss)	1,144	5,330	-5,344	5,224
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	572	2,665	-2,672	1,820
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | AMTCH II	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	490	'	14,935	'
Total expenses	96	'	861	'
Net income (loss)	394	'	14,074	'
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	197	'	7,037	'
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | East Ninth & Superior	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	1,297	1,270	3,715	3,645
Total expenses	1,609	1,601	4,731	4,101
Net income (loss)	-312	-331	-1,016	-456
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	-156	-165	-508	-228
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | 800 Superior, LLC	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	1,297	1,270	3,715	3,645
Total expenses	1,663	1,435	4,867	4,230
Net income (loss)	-366	-165	-1,152	-585
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	-183	-82	-576	-292
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | East Ninth & Superior, LLC	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net of commission	0	0	0	0
Total expenses	-54	166	-136	-129
Net income (loss)	54	-166	136	129
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$27	($83)	$68	$64

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol6

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Fair Value Quantitative Information (Details) (LSC Entities)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
LSC Entities	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Average age of insured	'81 years 1 month 6 days	'80 years 1 month 6 days
Average life expectancy, months(1)	'121 months	'131 months
Average face amount per policy	6,616,000	6,611,000
Effective discount rate(2)	7.50%	'
Effective Discount Rate, estimated internal rate of return	13.90%	14.20%

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol7

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts (Details) (LSC Entities, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
LSC Entities	'
Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts	'
2014	$42,790
2015	47,738
2016	61,273
2017	41,266
2018	41,074
Thereafter	567,317
Total	$801,458

Equity_Investments_in_Unconsol8

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Increase (Decrease) in Carrying Value of Investment in Life Insurance Policies (Details) (LSC Entities, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
LSC Entities	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Change in life expectancy plus 4 months	($35,729)	($29,537)
Change in life expectancy minus 4 months	37,059	31,313
Change in discount rate plus 1%	-23,470	-20,055
Change in discount rate minus 1%	$26,361	$22,605

Acquisitions_and_Disposals_Nar

Acquisitions and Disposals - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Jan. 16, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 15, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014
	Agent Alliance Insurance Company	Imperial	Personal Express	Anticemex Reinsurance S.A.	Ikano Re S.A	Attorneys-in-Fact	ACP Re Ltd.	ACP Re Ltd.
							Affiliated Entity	Affiliated Entity
							Tower International	Tower International
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of voting interests acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%
Number of states licensed as a surplus carrier	30	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity interest percentage acquired	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	'
Purchase price of acquired interest	$17,343	$20,000	$21,496	$62,973	$35,741	$7,500	'	'
Percent of ACP Re auto reinsurance	100.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term of contingent payments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'
Contingent payments as a percent of gross written premiums	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.00%	'
Aggregate cap of contingent payments	'	'	'	'	'	'	$30,000	'

Acquisitions_and_Disposals_Ass

Acquisitions and Disposals - Assets and Liabilities Acquired (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 15, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Jan. 16, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Attorneys-in-Fact	Agent Alliance Insurance Company	Agent Alliance Insurance Company	Imperial	Personal Express	Personal Express	Anticemex Reinsurance S.A.	Ikano Re S.A
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and invested assets	'	'	$70	'	$15,535	$62,159	'	$28,727	$6,393	$39,542
Accrued interest	'	'	'	'	138	484	'	'	'	'
Receivables	'	'	3,010	'	992	37,687	'	2,896	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	'	'	'	'	6,966	9,398	'	'	'	'
Prepaid reinsurance	'	'	'	'	1,608	45,408	'	'	1	196
Premises and equipment	'	'	'	'	'	4,687	'	'	'	'
Loan receivable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	62,973	'
Intangible assets	'	'	148,600	'	900	3,300	'	'	132	132
Deferred tax asset	'	'	'	'	'	847	'	237	'	'
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	1,005	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax receivable	'	'	'	'	84	'	'	'	'	'
Other assets	'	'	'	'	'	225	'	729	'	'
Total Assets	'	'	151,680	'	27,228	164,195	'	32,589	69,499	39,870
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'	'	6,867	41,671	'	4,472	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'	'	'	323	13,899	'	3,181	20	57
Unearned premium	'	'	'	'	1,608	58,657	'	8,352	'	'
Reinsurance payable	'	'	'	'	397	30,686	'	816	'	'
Notes payable	'	'	'	'	350	8,916	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liability	'	'	38,911	'	340	'	'	119	19,123	10,241
Due to related party	'	'	30,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'	68,911	'	9,885	153,829	'	16,940	19,143	10,298
Net assets purchased	'	'	82,769	'	17,343	10,366	'	15,649	50,356	29,572
Purchase price	'	'	7,500	17,343	'	20,000	21,496	'	62,973	35,741
Additional paid-in capital	690,908	437,006	75,269	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$97,711	$70,351	'	'	'	$9,634	'	$5,847	$12,617	$6,169

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Composition of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$97,711	$70,351
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	32,989	25,160
Net Value	63,353	'
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	374,668	182,075
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	341,679	156,915
Trademarks	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	8,200	5,900
Accumulated Amortization	5,585	4,757
Net Value	2,615	1,143
Useful Life	'5 years	'5 years
Loss reserve discount	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	12,451	12,451
Accumulated Amortization	11,988	11,672
Net Value	463	779
Useful Life	'7 years	'7 years
Agent relationships	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	30,422	31,850
Accumulated Amortization	8,220	3,591
Net Value	22,202	28,259
Affinity partners	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	800	800
Accumulated Amortization	344	289
Net Value	456	511
Useful Life	'11 years	'11 years
Operating lease	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	3,508	3,508
Accumulated Amortization	3,508	2,934
Net Value	0	574
Useful Life	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'4 years 7 months 6 days
Noncompete agreements	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	2,500	2,500
Accumulated Amortization	2,292	1,917
Net Value	208	583
Useful Life	'5 years	'5 years
Value In Policies In Force	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	8,461	'
Accumulated Amortization	260	'
Net Value	8,201	'
Useful Life	'1 year	'
Renewal Rights	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	30,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	792	'
Net Value	29,208	'
Useful Life	'3 years	'
Minimum | Agent relationships	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Life	'11 years	'11 years
Maximum | Agent relationships	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Life	'17 years	'17 years
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	32,636	'
Net Value	52,945	'
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	360,807	'
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	328,171	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	353	'
Net Value	10,408	'
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	13,861	'
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	13,508	'
Management Contracts	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	118,600	'
State Licenses	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	$62,015	$54,715

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'
2014	$5,526
2015	19,712
2016	13,375
2017	9,823
2018 and thereafter	14,917
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	63,353
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'
Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'
2014	3,296
2015	13,259
2016	12,915
2017	9,363
2018 and thereafter	14,112
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	52,945
Reciprocal Exchanges	'
Expected Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'
2014	2,230
2015	6,453
2016	460
2017	460
2018 and thereafter	805
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$10,408

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$97,711,000	'	$97,711,000	'	$70,351,000
Amortization on intangible assets	2,834,000	2,193,000	8,786,000	4,638,000	'
Goodwill impairment	'	'	0	0	'
Impairment on finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	736,000	'	'
Luxembourg reinsurance subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	41,700,000	'	41,700,000	'	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization on intangible assets	$353,000	'	$353,000	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 19, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Feb. 19, 2014	Jun. 25, 2014
					Common stock	6.75% Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares of stock sold	'	'	'	'	13,570,000	2,200,000
Price per share	'	'	'	'	$14	'
Sale of Stock, Private Placement Fee Per Share	'	'	'	'	$0.84	'
Cost of issuance of stock	'	'	'	'	$12,151	'
Issuance of common stock	177,829	177,829	213,277	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	'	7.50%	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	'	'	'	$25	'	'
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees	'	$53,164	$0	'	'	$53,164

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

28 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

28 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

23-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 22, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

30-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

30-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

23-May-14

23-May-14

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Promissory Notes

Promissory Notes

Promissory Notes

Promissory Notes

Promissory Notes

Promissory Notes

Promissory Notes

Promissory Notes

Line of Credit

Surplus Notes

Surplus Notes

Surplus Notes

Surplus Notes

Surplus Notes

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Failure To Pay Interest Or Fees [Member]

Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio [Member]

Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio [Member]

6.75% Notes

6.75% Notes

6.75% Notes

Libor Plus Three Point Nine Five Percent Notes

Libor Plus Three Point Nine Five Percent Notes

Libor Plus Three Point Nine Five Percent Notes

Libor Plus Three Point Nine Five Percent Notes

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One

Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes

Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes

Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes

Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes

Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

Letter of Credit

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

Minimum

Maximum

LIBOR

Period Payment One

Period Payment Two

Period Payment Three

LIBOR

Alternate Base Rate Or LIBOR

Federal Funds

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

6.75% Notes

6.75% Notes

Alternate Base Rate Or LIBOR

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable (Exchanges - $44,600 and $0)

$300,222,000

'

'

$81,142,000

'

'

$250,000,000

'

'

$3,500,000

'

$600,000

'

$600,000

'

$1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.35

1

Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

245,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense associated with debt

'

'

'

'

4,253,000

5,964,000

'

37,000

37,000

'

'

8,000

14,000

28,000

44,000

'

'

'

'

'

55,000

55,000

'

'

272,000

'

'

29,000

405,000

1,162,000

824,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

37,064,000

22,766,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Periodic principal payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

500,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period payments are due after first anniversary date

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of debt paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit agreement maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

135,000,000

'

'

'

90,000,000

'

10,000,000

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

Number Of Days Failure to Pay Interest Or Fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 days

'

'

Letter Of Credit Fronting Fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

0.20%

'

0.30%

'

'

'

'

Description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Federal Funds

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.95%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.05%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

1.00%

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit agreement outstanding balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,700,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

$300,222,000

'

'

'

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$622,000

'

$622,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

$5,000,000

'

'

$44,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Debt_Maturities_Details

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturities of Debt [Line Items]	'
2014	$0
2015	622
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
Thereafter	299,600
Long-term Debt	300,222
6.75% Notes | Senior Notes	'
Maturities of Debt [Line Items]	'
2014	0
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
Thereafter	250,000
Long-term Debt	250,000
Notes Payable, VelaPoint Note Number One | Promissory Notes	'
Maturities of Debt [Line Items]	'
2014	0
2015	622
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
Thereafter	0
Long-term Debt	622
Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes | Surplus Notes	'
Maturities of Debt [Line Items]	'
2014	0
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
Thereafter	5,000
Long-term Debt	5,000
Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes	'
Maturities of Debt [Line Items]	'
2014	0
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
Thereafter	44,600
Long-term Debt	$44,600

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - basic	$32,059	$12,753	$88,785	$32,211
Convertible preferred stock dividends	0	0	0	2,158
Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - diluted	$32,059	$12,753	$88,785	$34,369
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	93,359,265	79,700,000	90,853,536	60,063,250
Potentially dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Share options	2,075,584	924,303	1,673,422	1,556,709
Restricted stock units	228,580	0	88,240	0
Convertible preferred stock	0	0	0	7,070,998
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	95,663,429	80,624,303	92,615,198	68,690,957
Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$0.34	$0.16	$0.98	$0.54
Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$0.34	$0.16	$0.96	$0.50
Share options excluded from diluted earnings per common share	'	'	2,791,099	3,705,151

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares granted	'	'	195,000	2,990,353	'
Number of equity incentive plans	'	'	2	'	'
Number of shares authorized	7,435,000	'	7,435,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	$7,135	'	$7,135	'	$7,670
Share-based compensation expense	$884	$0	$1,803	$1,629	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise period upon end of employment	'	'	'30 days	'	'
Common stock	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized	7,435,000	'	7,435,000	'	'
Number of shares available	1,819,297	'	1,819,297	'	'
Employee Stock Option	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum term	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Employee Stock Option | Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Employee Stock Option | Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'	'	'4 years	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'
Shares outstanding, beginning of period	5,058,363	2,339,601
Shares granted	195,000	2,990,353
Shares forfeited	0	-271,591
Shares exercised	-106,412	0
Shares outstanding, end of period	5,146,951	5,058,363
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning of period (USD per share)	$8.48	$5.89
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted, (USD per share)	$17.63	$10.33
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited, (USD per share)	$0	$6.69
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised, (USD per share)	$6.90	$0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, end of period (USD per share)	$8.86	$8.48

ShareBased_Compensation_RSU_Ac

Share-Based Compensation - RSU Activity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
RSUs	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of period	0	0
Granted	330,555	0
Vested	0	0
Forfeited	0	0
Non-vested at end of period	330,555	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'
Non-vested at beginning of period	$0	$0
Granted	$17.45	$0
Vested	$0	$0
Forfeited	$0	$0
Non-vested at end of period	$17.45	$0

Service_and_Fee_Income_Details

Service and Fee Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Installment fees	$7,816	$6,958	$22,021	$24,021
Commission revenue	16,593	13,989	46,331	30,805
General agent fees	10,837	5,613	26,004	15,032
Late payment fees	3,148	2,855	8,633	8,299
Finance and processing fees	5,163	3,011	11,672	8,462
Other	2,337	1,959	6,425	6,434
Total	$45,894	$34,385	$121,086	$93,053

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reconciliation Of Provision Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$44,186	$17,720	$110,153	$47,258
Tax at Federal statutory rate of 35%	'	'	38,553	16,540
Loss of non-includable foreign subsidiaries	'	'	-1,736	-2,580
Tax exempt interest	'	'	-674	-649
Non-deductible expenses	'	'	97	121
Luxembourg technical reserves	'	'	-16,659	-2,349
State tax	'	'	1,154	1,382
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Subsidiary, Amount	'	'	-1,084	78
Other	'	'	-1,865	-150
Total income tax reported	10,026	4,839	17,786	12,393
Effective tax rate	'	'	16.10%	26.20%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation Of Provision Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	'	'	111,109	'
Tax at Federal statutory rate of 35%	'	'	38,888	'
Loss of non-includable foreign subsidiaries	'	'	-1,736	'
Tax exempt interest	'	'	-674	'
Non-deductible expenses	'	'	97	'
Luxembourg technical reserves	'	'	-16,659	'
State tax	'	'	1,154	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Subsidiary, Amount	'	'	-1,084	'
Other	'	'	-1,989	'
Total income tax reported	'	'	17,997	'
Effective tax rate	'	'	16.20%	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation Of Provision Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	'	'	-956	'
Tax at Federal statutory rate of 35%	'	'	-335	'
Loss of non-includable foreign subsidiaries	'	'	0	'
Tax exempt interest	'	'	0	'
Non-deductible expenses	'	'	0	'
Luxembourg technical reserves	'	'	0	'
State tax	'	'	0	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Subsidiary, Amount	'	'	0	'
Other	'	'	124	'
Total income tax reported	'	'	($211)	'
Effective tax rate	'	'	22.10%	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Federal tax rate	35.00%	'
Deferred tax liabilities as a percent of unutilized statutory equalization reserves	30.00%	'
Income tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	$16,659	$2,349
Reduction in effective tax rate	15.00%	5.10%
Luxembourg reinsurance subsidiaries	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	$45,070	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 02, 2013

Oct. 02, 2012

Mar. 02, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 02, 2010

Oct. 02, 2012

Mar. 02, 2010

Jul. 01, 2012

Sep. 15, 2014

Sep. 15, 2014

Sep. 15, 2014

Sep. 15, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement [Member]

PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement [Member]

PL MGA Agreement

PL Administrative Agreement

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

East Ninth & Superior, LLC

800 Superior, LLC

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Maximum

Minimum

Minimum

New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association (NJSIA) [Member]

National General Insurance Marketing, Inc (NGIM) [Member]

Integon National [Member]

Tower International

Tower International

Tower International

Tower International

Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes

Loans

sqft

Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts

Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts

Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts

Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts

Reinsurance, Threshold To Decrease Ceding Commission

Reinsurance, Threshold To Increase Ceding Commission

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

AAIM

AAIM

AAIM

AAIM

AAIM

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

AIBD Health Plan

AIBD Health Plan

Agent Alliance Insurance Company (AAIC)

Risk Services, LLC (RSL)

Risk Services, LLC (RSL)

Risk Services, LLC (RSL)

Risk Services, LLC (RSL)

Risk Services, LLC (RSL)

AARC

Wesco

ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company

ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company

Tower International

Tower International

Tower International

Tower International

Tower International

AIBD Health Plan Employer Trust

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Reciprocal Exchange Agreements

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

Surplus Notes

Asset Management Fee

Asset Management Fee

Asset Management Fee

Asset Management Fee

Asset Management Fee

Postage And Billing Services

Postage And Billing Services

Postage And Billing Services

Postage And Billing Services

Postage And Billing Services

Information Technology Development Services

Information Technology Development Services

Information Technology Development Services

Information Technology Development Services

Information Technology Development Services

License Fee For Policy Management System

License Fee For Policy Management System

License Fee For Policy Management System

License Fee For Policy Management System

License Fee For Policy Management System

Welfare Benefit Plan

Welfare Benefit Plan

Reinsurance

Consulting And Marketing Services for Product Promotion

Consulting And Marketing Services for Product Promotion

Consulting And Marketing Services for Product Promotion

Consulting And Marketing Services for Product Promotion

Consulting And Marketing Services for Product Promotion

Reinsurance

Quota Share Agreement

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

PL Reinsurance Agreement

PL Reinsurance Agreement

PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement [Member]

PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement [Member]

Ceding Commission Payable

Welfare Benefit Plan

ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company

ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company

ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company

Tower International

PL MGA Agreement

company

Integon National [Member]

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

PL MGA Agreement

PL Reinsurance Agreement

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset management fee, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.05%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset management fee, threshold to determine fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset management fee percentage, above threshold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.04%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset management agreement, initial term agreement may not be terminated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prior notice period for written notification of termination

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset management costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

496,000

376,000

1,352,000

1,102,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payable related to management services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

462,000

'

462,000

'

439,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of subsequent renewals

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period allowed for party to cure breach of contract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (expense) from reinsurance affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,513,000

1,671,000

5,516,000

4,448,000

'

703,000

1,006,000

2,878,000

3,018,000

'

3,925,000

5,263,000

11,837,000

10,682,000

'

'

'

'

0

29,000

66,000

108,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

License fee, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Information technology services capitalized in property and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

823,000

853,000

1,790,000

2,559,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due to (from) related parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,546,000

'

1,546,000

'

1,389,000

2,279,000

'

2,279,000

'

777,000

8,105,000

'

8,105,000

'

7,610,000

6,015,000

4,955,000

'

33,000

'

33,000

'

26,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,506,000

1,785,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of business ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

'

'

25.00%

'

32.00%

32.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

34.50%

30.00%

30.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of related losses ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assumed premiums, percentage of business written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of obligations reinsured

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

Loss portfolio transfer, percentage covered, loss and Loss adjustment expense (LAE) reserves and unearned premiums,

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss portfolio transfer, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of business fronted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fronted ceded commission

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts Receivable, Related Parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

281,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets held-in-trust

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54,010,000

57,959,000

69,546,000

104,824,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reimbursement Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity interest percentage acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of lease

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of office lease space

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

134,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rent expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

561,000

536,000

1,683,000

1,607,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans, Related Parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related party transaction, rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest income, related party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

365,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ceding commission income

705,000

23,518,000

7,632,000

73,509,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104,000

22,793,000

6,353,000

71,280,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Threshold percentage of loss ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

64.50%

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of gross written premiums collected

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Assumed premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,298,000

359,083,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earned premiums

'

'

'

'

84,593,000

228,010,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss and loss adjustment expense

275,019,000

108,260,000

755,970,000

310,133,000

41,806,000

127,283,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commission as percentage of business written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ceding commission expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,297,000

75,182,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of contingent payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

Number Of Insurance Companies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

'

'

Contingent payments as a percent of gross written premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

Aggregate cap of contingent payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

Aggregate stop loss reinsurance issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

Stop loss coverage provided individually

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

Stop loss coverage premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,000,000

'

'

Stop loss coverage premium period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

Fee as a percent of stop loss premium to be retained by each subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

'

'

Financing principal amount, aggregate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

Percentage of stock pledged

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of stock of foreign subsidiaries pledged

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

$300,222,000

'

$300,222,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$44,600,000

Reinsurance Agreements, Quota Share, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related_Party_Transactions_Rei

Related Party Transactions - Reinsurance Treaties (Details) (Affiliated Entity, USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceded Premium Payable

Ceded Premium Payable

AAIC

AAIC

AAIC

AAIC

AAIC

AAIC

AAIC

AAIC

AAIC

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

Wesco

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

AARC

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

ACP Re Ltd.

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Maiden Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Technology Insurance Company

Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Commission Receivable

Premium Receivable (Payable)

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Commission Income (Expense)

Commission Income (Expense)

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Commission Receivable

Commission Receivable

Premium Receivable (Payable)

Premium Receivable (Payable)

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Commission Income (Expense)

Commission Income (Expense)

Commission Income (Expense)

Commission Income (Expense)

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Commission Receivable

Commission Receivable

Premium Receivable (Payable)

Premium Receivable (Payable)

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums

Commission Income (Expense)

Commission Income (Expense)

Commission Income (Expense)

Commission Income (Expense)

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceded Premium Payable

Ceded Premium Payable

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceded Premium Payable

Ceded Premium Payable

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceded Earned Premiums

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceding Commission Income

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Ceded Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceding Commission Receivable

Ceded Premium Payable

Ceded Premium Payable

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due to (from) reinsurance treaties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$119,224

$249,990

$95

$25,409

$24,985

$102,033

($200)

$836

$1,359

'

'

'

'

'

'

($3,738)

($1,067)

$0

$0

($623)

$13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$560

$457

$97

$78

($344)

($281)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$34,090

$74,997

$61

$7,669

$7,594

$30,604

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$62,407

$124,995

($6)

$12,782

$12,329

$51,021

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$22,727

$49,998

$40

$4,958

$5,062

$20,408

Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties

$620

$131,504

$42,864

$422,380

$670

$41,678

$13,595

$131,445

$6,875

$83,404

$37,899

$266,846

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$986

$3,225

($92)

($549)

$653

$1,835

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,310

$4,041

$15,978

$10,490

($1,320)

($1,151)

($4,062)

($2,976)

$3,825

$2,108

$12,511

$5,996

'

'

'

'

'

'

($344)

($254)

($967)

($879)

$111

$122

$284

$311

($148)

($141)

($514)

($552)

'

$186

$39,451

$12,859

$126,714

$201

$13,730

$4,100

$40,660

$2,063

$25,021

$11,370

$80,054

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$310

$65,752

$21,432

$211,190

$335

$19,609

$6,776

$64,492

$3,437

$41,702

$18,936

$133,423

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$124

$26,301

$8,573

$84,476

$134

$8,339

$2,719

$26,293

$1,375

$16,681

$7,593

$53,369

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Participation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment_Information_Revenues_o

Segment Information - Revenues of Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of business segments	2	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	$497,595	$332,714	$1,612,210	$1,021,016
Net written premium	431,570	158,123	1,417,611	477,643
Change in unearned premium	6,836	8,002	-229,887	-4,811
Net earned premium	438,406	166,125	1,187,724	472,832
Ceding commission income (primarily related parties)	705	23,518	7,632	73,509
Service and fee income	45,894	34,385	121,086	93,053
Loss and loss adjustment expense	275,019	108,260	755,970	310,133
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	83,915	32,231	232,706	94,664
General and administrative expenses	90,128	74,232	243,386	209,455
Total underwriting expenses	449,062	214,723	1,232,062	614,252
Underwriting income (loss)	35,943	9,305	84,380	25,142
Net investment income	13,697	8,439	34,232	22,093
Net realized gain (losses) on investments	-1,118	516	-1,118	1,463
Other revenue	373	0	480	16
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	-1,611	-128	-3,098	-452
Interest expense	-4,709	-540	-7,821	-1,456
Provision for income taxes	-10,026	-4,839	-17,786	-12,393
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	770	0	776	-44
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	33,319	12,753	90,045	34,369
Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	479,866	324,298	1,494,337	996,034
Net written premium	413,904	149,787	1,299,998	452,816
Change in unearned premium	-4,966	7,997	-202,218	-4,816
Net earned premium	408,938	157,784	1,097,780	448,000
Ceding commission income (primarily related parties)	705	23,518	7,632	73,509
Service and fee income	31,378	21,583	76,440	62,996
Loss and loss adjustment expense	256,769	104,222	697,207	293,401
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	68,419	26,063	185,632	77,249
General and administrative expenses	79,078	66,236	207,314	191,681
Total underwriting expenses	404,266	196,521	1,090,153	562,331
Underwriting income (loss)	36,755	6,364	91,699	22,174
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Net realized gain (losses) on investments	'	0	'	0
Other revenue	0	'	0	0
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-684	0	-684	0
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	37,439	6,364	92,383	22,174
Accident and Health	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	17,729	8,416	117,873	24,982
Net written premium	17,666	8,336	117,613	24,827
Change in unearned premium	11,802	5	-27,669	5
Net earned premium	29,468	8,341	89,944	24,832
Ceding commission income (primarily related parties)	0	0	0	0
Service and fee income	14,516	12,802	44,646	30,057
Loss and loss adjustment expense	18,250	4,038	58,763	16,732
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	15,496	6,168	47,074	17,415
General and administrative expenses	11,050	7,996	36,072	17,774
Total underwriting expenses	44,796	18,202	141,909	51,921
Underwriting income (loss)	-812	2,941	-7,319	2,968
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Net realized gain (losses) on investments	'	0	'	0
Other revenue	0	'	0	0
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	-812	2,941	-7,319	2,968
Corporate and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	0	0	0	0
Net written premium	0	0	0	0
Change in unearned premium	0	0	0	0
Net earned premium	0	0	0	0
Ceding commission income (primarily related parties)	0	0	0	0
Service and fee income	0	0	0	0
Loss and loss adjustment expense	0	0	0	0
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Total underwriting expenses	0	0	0	0
Underwriting income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Net investment income	13,697	8,439	34,232	22,093
Net realized gain (losses) on investments	-1,118	516	-1,118	1,463
Other revenue	373	'	480	16
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	-1,611	-128	-3,098	-452
Interest expense	-4,709	-540	-7,821	-1,456
Provision for income taxes	-10,026	-4,839	-17,786	-12,393
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	86	0	92	-44
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	-3,308	3,448	4,981	9,227
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	13,697	8,439	34,232	22,093
Provision for income taxes	'	'	-17,997	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	34,064	'	90,790	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	38,123	'	93,067	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	-812	'	-7,319	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	-3,247	'	5,042	'
Reciprocal Exchanges	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	'	'	211	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	-745	'	-745	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	-684	'	-684	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	0	'	0	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable NGHC	($61)	'	($61)	'

Segment_Information_Long_Lived

Segment Information - Long Lived Assets and Total Assets of Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums and other receivables	$757,377	$449,252
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	100,300	50,878
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	911,046	950,828
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs	111,791	60,112
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	341,679	156,915
Other assets	2,174,298	1,169,530
Total assets	4,396,491	2,837,515
Property and Casualty	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums and other receivables	732,442	434,433
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	100,300	50,878
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	911,046	950,828
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs	104,090	59,048
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	249,322	93,769
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	2,097,200	1,588,956
Accident and Health	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums and other receivables	24,935	14,819
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	0	0
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs	7,701	1,064
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	92,357	63,146
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	124,993	79,029
Corporate and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Premiums and other receivables	0	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	0	0
Deferred commission and other acquisition costs	0	0
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	0	0
Other assets	2,174,298	1,169,530
Total assets	$2,174,298	$1,169,530

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue by Geographical Location (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	$497,595	$332,714	$1,612,210	$1,021,016
Net written premium	431,570	158,123	1,417,611	477,643
Net earned premium	438,406	166,125	1,187,724	472,832
North America	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	491,040	332,714	1,525,680	1,021,016
Net written premium	208,118	78,117	779,437	259,367
Net earned premium	203,145	86,120	577,198	254,557
Bermuda	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net written premium	210,372	72,005	511,643	192,948
Net earned premium	210,371	71,130	511,642	193,823
Europe	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	6,555	0	86,530	0
Net written premium	13,080	8,001	126,531	25,328
Net earned premium	24,890	8,875	98,884	24,452
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | North America	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	481,047	'	1,515,687	'
Net written premium	200,913	'	772,232	'
Net earned premium	196,453	'	570,506	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Bermuda	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net written premium	210,372	'	511,643	'
Net earned premium	210,371	'	511,642	'
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Europe	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	6,555	'	86,530	'
Net written premium	13,080	'	126,531	'
Net earned premium	24,890	'	98,884	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | North America	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	9,993	'	9,993	'
Net written premium	7,205	'	7,205	'
Net earned premium	6,692	'	6,692	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Bermuda	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net written premium	0	'	0	'
Net earned premium	0	'	0	'
Reciprocal Exchanges | Europe	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gross premium written	0	'	0	'
Net written premium	0	'	0	'
Net earned premium	$0	'	$0	'