National General (NTTNP) 10-Q 9 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Statement - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 05, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	NGHC
Entity Registrant Name	National General Holdings Corp.
Entity Central Index Key	1,578,735
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		105,434,793

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Total investments	$ 2,273,049	$ 1,866,105
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $11,765 and $9,437)	278,896	132,615
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $2,287 and $1,898)	16,658	14,451
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $68,219 and $64,129) (Exchanges - $62,846 and $58,238)	723,378	647,443
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $27,154 and $4,485)	152,576	125,999
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $54,458 and $88,970) (Exchanges - $64,848 and $23,583)	893,272	911,798
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $62,577 and $26,924)	131,468	102,761
Income tax receivable (Exchanges - $1,884 and $0)	1,884	0
Notes receivable from related party	127,188	125,000
Due from affiliate (Exchanges - $8,242 and $0)	25,752	5,129
Premises and equipment, net	31,869	30,583
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $6,212 and $11,433)	266,859	248,837
Goodwill	125,246	70,764
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $5,895 and $71)	36,238	43,231
Total assets	5,084,333	4,324,716
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $136,777 and $111,848)	1,565,318	1,562,153
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $151,163 and $119,998)	974,742	864,436
Unearned service contract and other revenue	12,871	8,527
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $26,779 and $41,965) (Exchanges - $17,243 and $13,811)	92,812	111,641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $45,707 and $38,576) (Exchanges - $42,209 and $17,691)	228,982	207,121
Due to affiliate (Exchanges - $0 and $1,552)	0	1,552
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	41,441	46,804
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $40,036 and $38,402)	67,714	67,535
Income tax payable (Exchanges - $0 and $1,059)	734	30,591
Notes payable (Exchanges owed to related party - $54,455 and $48,374)	401,486	299,082
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $59,065 and $5,710)	167,677	51,824
Total liabilities	3,553,777	3,251,266
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 105,433,893 shares - 2015; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,427,382 shares - 2014	1,054	934
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,365,000 shares - 2015; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,200,000 shares - 2014. Aggregate liquidation preference $220,000 - 2015, $55,000 - 2014	220,000	55,000
Additional paid-in capital	896,700	690,736
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,446	20,192
Retained earnings	401,527	292,832
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity	1,521,727	1,059,694
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $8,675 and $13,670)	8,829	13,756
Total stockholders’ equity	1,530,556	1,073,450
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,084,333	4,324,716
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,631,552	1,374,087
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	61,928	45,802
Short-term investments	5,000	50
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	233,538	155,900
Other investments	6,041	4,764
Securities pledged (amortized cost $42,806 and $47,546)	43,711	49,456
Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	285,705	222,739
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,544	2,817
Short-term investments	4,030	10,490
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $11,765 and $9,437)	11,765	9,437
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $2,287 and $1,898)	2,287	1,898
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $68,219 and $64,129) (Exchanges - $62,846 and $58,238)	62,846	58,238
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $27,154 and $4,485)	27,154	4,485
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $54,458 and $88,970) (Exchanges - $64,848 and $23,583)	64,848	23,583
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $62,577 and $26,924)	62,577	26,924
Income tax receivable (Exchanges - $1,884 and $0)	1,884	0
Due from affiliate (Exchanges - $8,242 and $0)	8,242	0
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $6,212 and $11,433)	6,212	11,433
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $5,895 and $71)	5,895	71
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $136,777 and $111,848)	136,777	111,848
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $151,163 and $119,998)	151,163	119,998
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $26,779 and $41,965) (Exchanges - $17,243 and $13,811)	17,243	13,811
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $45,707 and $38,576) (Exchanges - $42,209 and $17,691)	42,209	17,691
Due to affiliate (Exchanges - $0 and $1,552)	0	1,552
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $40,036 and $38,402)	40,036	38,402
Income tax payable (Exchanges - $0 and $1,059)	0	1,059
Notes payable (Exchanges owed to related party - $54,455 and $48,374)	54,455	48,374
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $59,065 and $5,710)	59,065	5,710
Stockholders' equity:
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $8,675 and $13,670)	$ 8,675	$ 13,670

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 278,896	$ 132,615
Accrued investment income	16,658	14,451
Premiums and other receivables, net	723,378	647,443
Deferred acquisition costs	152,576	125,999
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	893,272	911,798
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	131,468	102,761
Income tax receivable	1,884	0
Due from affiliate	25,752	5,129
Intangible assets, net	266,859	248,837
Prepaid and other assets	36,238	43,231
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,565,318	1,562,153
Unearned premiums	974,742	864,436
Reinsurance payable	92,812	111,641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	228,982	207,121
Due to affiliate	0	1,552
Deferred tax liability	67,714	67,535
Income tax payable	734	30,591
Notes payable	401,486	299,082
Other liabilities	167,677	51,824
Non-controlling interest	$ 8,829	$ 13,756
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, issued	105,433,893	93,427,382
Common stock, outstanding	105,433,893	93,427,382
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	2,365,000	2,200,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	2,365,000	2,200,000
Aggregate liquidation preference	$ 220,000	$ 55,000
Related party transactions
Premiums and other receivables, net	68,219	64,129
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	54,458	88,970
Reinsurance payable	26,779	41,965
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	45,707	38,576
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	1,621,363	1,330,760
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	67,113	52,272
Securities pledged, amortized cost	42,806	47,546
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	290,073	222,121
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	1,501	2,752
Cash and cash equivalents	11,765	9,437
Accrued investment income	2,287	1,898
Premiums and other receivables, net	62,846	58,238
Deferred acquisition costs	27,154	4,485
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	64,848	23,583
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	62,577	26,924
Income tax receivable	1,884	0
Due from affiliate	8,242	0
Intangible assets, net	6,212	11,433
Prepaid and other assets	5,895	71
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	136,777	111,848
Unearned premiums	151,163	119,998
Reinsurance payable	17,243	13,811
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	42,209	17,691
Due to affiliate	0	1,552
Deferred tax liability	40,036	38,402
Income tax payable	0	1,059
Notes payable	54,455	48,374
Other liabilities	59,065	5,710
Non-controlling interest	$ 8,675	$ 13,670

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Premium income:
Gross premium written	$ 626,685	$ 497,595	$ 1,845,821	$ 1,612,210
Ceded premiums (related parties - three months $451; $1,180 and nine months $1,181; $44,147)	(101,046)	(66,025)	(310,747)	(194,599)
Net premium written	525,639	431,570	1,535,074	1,417,611
Change in unearned premium	(22,378)	6,836	(83,832)	(229,887)
Net earned premium	503,261	438,406	1,451,242	1,187,724
Ceding commission income	12,150	705	27,200	7,632
Service and fee income	60,907	45,894	173,335	121,086
Net investment income	18,472	13,697	52,955	34,232
Net realized loss on investments	(4,594)	(1,118)	(3,018)	(1,118)
Other revenue	(157)	373	(327)	480
Total revenues	590,039	497,957	1,701,387	1,350,036
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense	302,259	275,019	895,774	755,970
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	108,744	83,915	295,131	232,706
General and administrative expenses	118,581	90,128	343,426	243,386
Interest expense	9,428	4,709	27,109	7,821
Total expenses	539,012	453,771	1,561,440	1,239,883
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	51,027	44,186	139,947	110,153
Provision for income taxes	8,614	10,026	24,892	17,786
Income before equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	42,413	34,160	115,055	92,367
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,288	(1,611)	8,900	(3,098)
Net income	44,701	32,549	123,955	89,269
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,588)	770	453	776
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	43,113	33,319	124,408	90,045
Dividends on preferred stock	(4,125)	(1,260)	(9,900)	(1,260)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$ 38,988	$ 32,059	$ 114,508	$ 88,785
Earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per share (usd per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.34	$ 1.19	$ 0.98
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share)	0.38	0.34	1.16	0.96
Dividends declared per common share (usd per common share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.01	$ 0.06	$ 0.03
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	100,360,687	93,359,265	95,877,178	90,853,536
Diluted (in shares)	102,940,728	95,663,429	98,314,808	92,615,198
Net realized loss on investments:
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ (6,009)	$ 0	$ (8,492)	$ 0
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(6,009)	0	(8,492)	0
Other net realized gain (loss) on investments	1,415	(1,118)	5,474	(1,118)
Net realized loss on investments	$ (4,594)	$ (1,118)	$ (3,018)	$ (1,118)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Ceded premiums	$ 101,046	$ 66,025	$ 310,747	$ 194,599
Related party transactions
Ceded premiums	$ 451	$ 1,180	$ 1,181	$ 44,147

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 44,701	$ 32,549	$ 123,955	$ 89,269
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(208)	(2,785)	3,544	(3,227)
Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of $(9,906) and $(4,995) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $(14,433) and $8,400 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.	(15,681)	(9,277)	(26,746)	15,601
Other-than-temporary impairment loss, net of tax of $2,103 and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2,972 and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.	3,906	0	5,520	0
Other net realized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax of $(495) and $578 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $(1,916) and $578 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.	(920)	1,074	(3,558)	1,074
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(12,903)	(10,988)	(21,240)	13,448
Comprehensive income	31,798	21,561	102,715	102,717
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,232)	770	3,947	776
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$ 30,566	$ 22,331	$ 106,662	$ 103,493

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities, tax	$ (9,906)	$ (4,995)	$ (14,433)	$ 8,400
Reclassification adjustments for Other-than-temporary impairment loss, tax	2,103	0	2,972	0
Reclassification adjustments for Other net realized (gain) loss on investments, tax	$ (495)	$ 578	$ (1,916)	$ 578

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in CapitalCommon Stock	Additional Paid-in CapitalPreferred Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Non-controlling Interest in Subsidiary
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013				79,731,800	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 642,867			$ 797	$ 0	$ 437,006			$ 197,552	$ 7,425	$ 87
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	89,269								90,045		(776)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(3,227)									(3,227)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	16,675									16,675
Reciprocal Exchanges' equity on September 15, 2014, date of consolidation	37,341										37,341
Preferred stock dividends	(1,260)								(1,260)
Common stock dividends	(2,796)								(2,796)
Issuance of stock, shares				13,570,000	2,200,000
Issuance of stock		$ 177,829	$ 53,164	$ 136	$ 55,000		$ 177,693	$ (1,836)
Capital contributions	75,404					75,404
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares				106,412
Exercises of stock options, value		839		$ 1			838
Stock-based compensation	1,803					1,803
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014				93,408,212	2,200,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	1,087,908			$ 934	$ 55,000	690,908			283,541	20,873	36,652
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014				93,427,382	2,200,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,073,450			$ 934	$ 55,000	690,736			292,832	20,192	13,756
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	123,955								124,408		(453)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	3,544									3,544
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	(24,784)									(21,290)	(3,494)
Change in non-controlling interest	(980)										(980)
Preferred stock dividends	(9,900)								(9,900)
Common stock dividends	(5,813)								(5,813)
Issuance of stock, shares				11,500,000	165,000
Issuance of stock		210,642	$ 159,552	$ 115	$ 165,000		210,527	$ (5,448)
Capital contributions	0
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares				506,511
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value		$ 1,672		$ 5			$ 1,667
Stock-based compensation	(782)					(782)
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2015				105,433,893	2,365,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 1,530,556			$ 1,054	$ 220,000	$ 896,700			$ 401,527	$ 2,446	$ 8,829

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 123,955	$ 89,269
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	22,134	19,716
Net amortization of premium on fixed maturities	4,179	2,338
Net amortization of discount on debt	6,298	0
Stock compensation expense	3,444	1,803
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(8,900)	3,098
Other net realized loss (gain) on investments	(5,474)	1,118
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	8,492	0
Realized gain on premises and equipment disposals	0	(23)
Bad debt expense	16,645	22,624
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(1,438)	(3,227)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	(4,208)	(1,928)
Premiums and other receivables	(92,274)	(232,823)
Deferred acquisition costs, net	(26,577)	(51,679)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	18,526	77,659
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(28,707)	15,556
Prepaid expenses and other assets	7,158	(2,803)
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	3,165	97,825
Unearned premiums	110,306	210,558
Unearned service contract and other revenue	(1,186)	1,630
Reinsurance payable	(18,829)	(27,235)
Accounts payable	526	116,331
Income tax payable	(30,244)	17,490
Deferred tax liability	2,743	(43,812)
Other liabilities	101,530	720
Net cash provided by operating activities	211,264	314,205
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	(68,859)	(16,690)
Distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,059	0
Purchases of other investments	(3,474)	(1,297)
Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash	(61,413)	(37,064)
Notes receivable from related party	0	(125,364)
Purchases of equity securities	(11,085)	(36,755)
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	2,339	1,703
Purchases of short term investments	(82,162)	(124,000)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	83,672	124,830
Purchases of premises and equipment	(9,584)	(7,048)
Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment	0	794
Purchases of fixed maturities	(642,838)	(742,702)
Proceeds from sale and maturity of fixed maturities	276,697	313,373
Net cash used in investing activities	(514,648)	(650,220)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	(5,363)	(14,267)
Notes payable repayments	(631)	(84,436)
Proceeds from notes payable	96,550	250,000
Issuance of common stock, net of fees	210,642	177,829
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees	159,552	53,164
Exercises of stock options	1,672	839
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	(6,806)	0
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(5,610)	(2,796)
Net cash provided by financing activities	450,006	380,333
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(341)	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	146,281	44,318
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period	132,615	73,823
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	278,896	118,141
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	52,700	39,031
Cash paid for interest	8,524	9,082
Non-cash capital contribution	$ 0	$ 75,404

Basis of Reporting

Basis of Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	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, 2014 , previously filed with the SEC on March 9, 2015. The balance sheet at December 31, 2014 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, 2015 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , and the audited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 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” or "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, 2014 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 Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 , as compared to those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 , that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. In April 2014, the FASB issued 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 Company adopted ASU 2014-08 on January 1, 2015 and the implementation of the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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 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: (a) the carrying amount of assets derecognized (sold) as of the date of derecognition; (b) the amount of gross proceeds received by the transferor at the time of derecognition for the assets derecognized; (c) the information about the transferor’s ongoing exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets; and (d) the amounts that are reported in the statement of financial position arising from the transaction, such as those represented by derivative contracts. ASU 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: (i) a disaggregation of the gross obligation by the class of collateral pledged; (ii) the remaining contractual time to maturity of the agreements; and (iii) 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 Company adopted ASU 2014-11 on April 1, 2015 and the effects of adoption were limited to the expanded disclosure requirements about the nature of collateral pledged in the Company's repurchase agreements which are accounted for as secured borrowings. The implementation of the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" to address concerns that GAAP might require a reporting entity to consolidate another legal entity in situations in which the reporting entity's contractual rights do not give it the ability to act primarily on its own behalf, the reporting entity does not hold a majority of the legal entity's voting rights, or the reporting entity is not exposed to a majority of the legal entity's economic benefits or obligations. Specifically, the amendments: (1) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities; (2) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (4) provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU 2015-02 amends certain areas in the consolidation analysis including: (i) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination; (ii) the evaluation of fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest; (iii) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination; and (iv) certain investment funds. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in ASU 2015-02 using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption or may apply the amendments retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”, as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. ASU 2015-03 amends the current practice where debt issuance costs were recognized as separate assets (i.e., deferred charges) on the balance sheet and were not deducted from the carrying value of the debt liability. ASU 2015-03 amends the current practice and requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in ASU 2015-03 is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 on April 1, 2015 which resulted in the reclassification of $4,923 of debt issuance costs from Prepaid and other assets to Notes payable in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (see Note 10, "Debt"). In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, "Financial Services—Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts" to expand existing GAAP disclosure requirements for short-duration contracts regarding the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. The amendments in ASU 2015-09 are intended to increase the transparency of significant estimates made in measuring those liabilities, improve comparability by requiring consistent disclosure of information, and provide financial statement users with additional information to facilitate analysis of the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from contracts issued by insurance entities and the development of loss reserve estimates. Specifically, the amendments require the following information for annual reporting periods about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses: (1) incurred and paid claims development information by accident year, on a net basis after risk mitigation through reinsurance, for the number of years for which claims incurred typically remain outstanding; (2) a reconciliation of incurred and paid claims development information to the aggregate carrying amount of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, with separate disclosure of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims for each period presented in the statement of financial position; (3) the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims included in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for each accident year presented of incurred claims development information, accompanied by a description of reserving methodologies (as well as any changes to those methodologies); (4) quantitative information about claim frequency (unless it is impracticable to do so) for each accident year presented of incurred claims development information, accompanied by a qualitative description of methodologies used for determining claim frequency information (as well as any changes to these methodologies); and (5) the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age (that is, history of claims duration) for the same number of accident years as presented in (3) and (4) above for all claims except health insurance claims. The amendments also require insurance entities to disclose information about significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including reasons for the change and the effects on the financial statements. Additionally, the amendments require insurance entities to disclose for annual and interim reporting periods a roll forward of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. For health insurance claims, the amendments require the disclosure of the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims included in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses. Additional disclosures about liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses reported at present value include the following: (1) the aggregate amount of discount for the time value of money deducted to derive the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for each period presented in the statement of financial position; (2) the amount of interest accretion recognized for each period presented in the statement of income; and (3) the line item(s) in the statement of income in which the interest accretion is classified. The amendments in ASU 2015-09 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In the year of initial application of the amendments in ASU 2015-09, an insurance entity need not disclose information about claims development for a particular category that occurred earlier than five years before the end of the first financial reporting year in which the amendments are first applied if it is impracticable to obtain the information required to satisfy the disclosure requirement. For each subsequent year following the year of initial application, the minimum required number of years will increase by at least 1 but need not exceed 10 years, including the most recent period presented in the statement of financial position. Early application of the amendments in ASU 2015-09 is permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period. The adoption of ASU 2015-09 is expected to be limited to disclosure requirements and is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)", which provides guidance that removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient as well as limits certain disclosure requirements only to investments for which the entity elects to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. 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 August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date" which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" for all entities by one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" which applies to all entities that have reported provisional amounts for items in a business combination for which the accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs and during the measurement period have an adjustment to provisional amounts recognized. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The only disclosures required at transition will be the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle. An entity should disclose that information in the first annual period of adoption and in the interim periods within the first annual period if there is a measurement-period adjustment during the first annual period in which the changes are effective. The adoption of ASU 2015-16 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, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reciprocal Exchanges	Reciprocal Exchanges As of September 15 , 2014, t hrough 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 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. Subsidiaries of ACP Re Ltd. ("ACP Re"), a related party, hold the surplus notes that were 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 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. The following table presents the balance sheet of the Reciprocal Exchanges as of September 15, 2014: September 15, 2014 Assets: Cash and investments $ 235,684 Accrued investment income 1,975 Premiums receivables 62,412 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 19,137 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 27,166 Intangible assets, net 13,901 Income tax receivable 819 Other assets 124 Total assets $ 361,218 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 113,828 Unearned premiums 114,786 Reinsurance payable 5,167 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 10,120 Deferred tax liability 39,238 Notes payable 44,600 Due to affiliate 17,808 Other liabilities 4,506 Total liabilities 350,053 Stockholders’ equity: Non-controlling interest 11,165 Total stockholders’ equity 11,165 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 361,218 For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $52,498 , $50,934 and $1,564 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net loss of $6,751 , $7,496 and $(745) , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net loss of $136,702 , $137,223 and $(521) , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net loss of $6,751 , $7,496 and $(745) , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the Company earned service and fee income from the Reciprocal Exchanges in the amount of $11,194 and $0 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the Company earned service and fee income from the Reciprocal Exchanges in the amount of $30,504 and $0 , respectively. Such amounts are eliminated in our consolidated earnings.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments (a) Available-for-Sale Securities The cost or amortized cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows: September 30, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Equity securities: Common stock $ 57,166 $ 554 $ (5,665 ) $ 52,055 Preferred stock 11,448 43 (74 ) 11,417 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 19,406 1,254 (3 ) 20,657 Federal agencies 1,945 31 — 1,976 States and political subdivision bonds 188,823 4,248 (793 ) 192,278 Foreign government 29,412 418 (148 ) 29,682 Corporate bonds 1,044,046 28,028 (33,113 ) 1,038,961 Residential mortgage-backed securities 408,984 11,044 (84 ) 419,944 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 135,961 1,654 (3,566 ) 134,049 Asset-backed securities 4,981 3 — 4,984 Structured securities 120,684 39 (2,286 ) 118,437 Total $ 2,022,856 $ 47,316 $ (45,732 ) $ 2,024,440 Less: Securities pledged 42,806 905 — 43,711 Total net of Securities pledged $ 1,980,050 $ 46,411 $ (45,732 ) $ 1,980,729 NGHC $ 1,731,282 $ 45,923 $ (40,014 ) $ 1,737,191 Reciprocal Exchanges 291,574 1,393 (5,718 ) 287,249 Total $ 2,022,856 $ 47,316 $ (45,732 ) $ 2,024,440 December 31, 2014 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Equity securities: Common stock $ 47,269 $ 1,004 $ (7,349 ) $ 40,924 Preferred stock 7,755 65 (125 ) 7,695 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 37,446 1,536 (3 ) 38,979 Federal agencies 98 — — 98 States and political subdivision bonds 172,617 4,961 (169 ) 177,409 Foreign government 6,194 — (658 ) 5,536 Corporate bonds 839,436 36,525 (8,699 ) 867,262 Residential mortgage-backed securities 459,596 11,132 (92 ) 470,636 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 79,579 1,602 (189 ) 80,992 Asset-backed securities 5,461 — (91 ) 5,370 Total $ 1,655,451 $ 56,825 $ (17,375 ) $ 1,694,901 Less: Securities pledged 47,546 1,910 — 49,456 Total net of Securities pledged $ 1,607,905 $ 54,915 $ (17,375 ) $ 1,645,445 NGHC $ 1,430,578 $ 55,031 $ (16,264 ) $ 1,469,345 Reciprocal Exchanges 224,873 1,794 (1,111 ) 225,556 Total $ 1,655,451 $ 56,825 $ (17,375 ) $ 1,694,901 The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and securities pledged, held as of September 30, 2015 , 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, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 9,756 $ 10,116 $ 500 $ 500 $ 10,256 $ 10,616 Due after one year through five years 248,555 256,096 23,455 22,991 272,010 279,087 Due after five years through ten years 719,103 716,196 140,508 139,001 859,611 855,197 Due after ten years 224,397 219,252 43,023 42,823 267,420 262,075 Mortgage-backed securities 462,358 473,603 82,587 80,390 544,945 553,993 Total $ 1,664,169 $ 1,675,263 $ 290,073 $ 285,705 $ 1,954,242 $ 1,960,968 (b) Investment Income The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest Cash and short term investments $ 2 $ 11 $ 11 $ 28 Equity securities 102 — 299 — Fixed maturities 17,321 13,858 48,243 35,537 Investment Income 17,425 13,869 48,553 35,565 Investment expense (1,110 ) (106 ) (2,381 ) (1,135 ) Repurchase Agreements interest income (expense) 78 (66 ) (25 ) (198 ) Other Income (1) 2,079 — 6,808 — Net Investment Income $ 18,472 $ 13,697 $ 52,955 $ 34,232 NGHC $ 16,140 $ 13,697 $ 46,403 $ 34,232 Reciprocal Exchanges 2,332 — 6,552 — Net Investment Income $ 18,472 $ 13,697 $ 52,955 $ 34,232 (1 ) Includes interest income of $2,115 and $6,514 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement (see Note 15, "Related Party Transactions"). (c) Realized Gains and Losses Proceeds from sales of equity securities and fixed maturities during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $148,508 and $193,749 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") loss of $6,009 and $8,492 , respectively, on investments based on our qualitative and quantitative review. The tables below indicate the gross realized gains and losses (including any OTTI) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ — $ (55 ) $ (55 ) Fixed maturities 1,579 (109 ) 1,470 OTTI — (6,009 ) (6,009 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 1,579 $ (6,173 ) $ (4,594 ) NGHC $ 1,349 $ (6,067 ) $ (4,718 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 230 (106 ) 124 Total gross realized gains and losses $ 1,579 $ (6,173 ) $ (4,594 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ — $ (505 ) $ (505 ) Fixed maturities 152 (204 ) (52 ) Other — (561 ) (561 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) NGHC $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ 5 $ (55 ) $ (50 ) Fixed maturities 6,669 (1,145 ) 5,524 OTTI — (8,492 ) (8,492 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 6,674 $ (9,692 ) $ (3,018 ) NGHC $ 5,537 $ (8,826 ) $ (3,289 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 1,137 (866 ) 271 Total gross realized gains and losses $ 6,674 $ (9,692 ) $ (3,018 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ — $ (505 ) $ (505 ) Fixed maturities 152 (204 ) (52 ) Other — (561 ) (561 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) NGHC $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) (d) Unrealized Gains and Losses Unrealized gains (losses) on investments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Net unrealized loss on common stock $ (5,111 ) $ (6,345 ) Net unrealized loss on preferred stock (31 ) (60 ) Net unrealized gain on fixed maturities 6,726 45,855 Net unrealized gain (loss) on other (278 ) 18 Deferred income tax expense (409 ) (13,787 ) Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense $ 897 $ 25,681 NGHC $ 3,708 $ 24,998 Reciprocal Exchanges (2,811 ) 683 Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense 897 25,681 Non-controlling interest 2,811 (683 ) NGHC net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense $ 3,708 $ 24,998 Period Ended: NGHC year-to-date change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense $ (21,290 ) $ 17,938 (e) Gross Unrealized Losses The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on equity securities and fixed maturities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total September 30, 2015 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Common stock $ 42,260 $ (5,643 ) 7 $ 136 $ (22 ) 2 $ 42,396 $ (5,665 ) Preferred stock 4,952 (74 ) 1 — — — 4,952 (74 ) U.S. Treasury 501 (3 ) 2 — — — 501 (3 ) States and political subdivision bonds 21,855 (643 ) 23 5,879 (150 ) 12 27,734 (793 ) Foreign government 4,444 (148 ) 2 — — — 4,444 (148 ) Corporate bonds 335,634 (27,477 ) 193 24,231 (5,636 ) 13 359,865 (33,113 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,523 (44 ) 14 2,036 (40 ) 8 11,559 (84 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 73,727 (3,566 ) 29 — — — 73,727 (3,566 ) Structured securities 92,372 (2,286 ) 44 — — — 92,372 (2,286 ) Total $ 585,268 $ (39,884 ) 315 $ 32,282 $ (5,848 ) 35 $ 617,550 $ (45,732 ) NGHC $ 435,365 $ (34,166 ) 177 $ 32,282 $ (5,848 ) 35 $ 467,647 $ (40,014 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 149,903 (5,718 ) 138 — — — 149,903 (5,718 ) Total $ 585,268 $ (39,884 ) 315 $ 32,282 $ (5,848 ) 35 $ 617,550 $ (45,732 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2014 Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Common stock $ 33,717 $ (7,349 ) 3 $ — $ — — $ 33,717 $ (7,349 ) Preferred stock — — — 4,878 (125 ) 1 4,878 (125 ) U.S. Treasury 6,343 (3 ) 5 — — — 6,343 (3 ) States and political subdivision bonds 16,320 (92 ) 39 8,341 (77 ) 8 24,661 (169 ) Foreign government 5,536 (658 ) 1 — — — 5,536 (658 ) Corporate bonds 116,880 (5,594 ) 108 23,592 (3,105 ) 10 140,472 (8,699 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 15,598 (34 ) 17 1,975 (58 ) 3 17,573 (92 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 33,735 (189 ) 10 — — — 33,735 (189 ) Asset-backed securities 4,869 (91 ) 3 — — — 4,869 (91 ) Total $ 232,998 $ (14,010 ) 186 $ 38,786 $ (3,365 ) 22 $ 271,784 $ (17,375 ) NGHC $ 142,313 $ (12,899 ) 97 $ 38,786 $ (3,365 ) 22 $ 181,099 $ (16,264 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 90,685 (1,111 ) 89 — — — 90,685 (1,111 ) Total $ 232,998 $ (14,010 ) 186 $ 38,786 $ (3,365 ) 22 $ 271,784 $ (17,375 ) There were 350 and 208 securities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, that account for the gross unrealized loss, none of which are deemed by the Company to be an OTTI. At September 30, 2015 , we have determined that the unrealized losses on fixed maturities were primarily due to market interest rate movements since their date of purchase. Significant factors influencing the Company’s determination that none of these securities were 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. As of September 30, 2015, of the $5,848 of unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, $1,972 of those unrealized losses were related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost. Those unrealized losses were evaluated based on factors such as discounted cash flows and near-term and long-term prospects of the issue or issuer and were determined to have adequate resources to fulfill contractual obligations. (f) Credit Quality of Investments The tables below summarize the credit quality of our fixed maturities, securities pledged and preferred securities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges September 30, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities U.S. Treasury $ 13,473 $ 14,695 0.9 % $ 5,933 $ 5,962 2.1 % AAA 321,450 330,800 19.6 % 42,195 41,689 14.5 % AA, AA+, AA- 330,481 337,158 20.0 % 55,328 55,694 19.4 % A, A+, A- 343,200 355,948 21.1 % 63,797 63,577 22.1 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 438,571 437,946 26.0 % 90,932 89,720 31.2 % BB+ and lower 226,941 208,589 12.4 % 33,389 30,607 10.7 % Total $ 1,674,116 $ 1,685,136 100.0 % $ 291,574 $ 287,249 100.0 % NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 2014 Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities U.S. Treasury $ 19,068 $ 20,475 1.4 % $ 18,378 $ 18,504 8.2 % AAA 359,424 370,058 25.9 % 24,956 25,027 11.1 % AA, AA+, AA- 275,905 282,443 19.8 % — — — % A, A+, A- 300,789 318,955 22.3 % 99,754 100,412 44.5 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 328,594 335,745 23.5 % 48,440 48,486 21.5 % BB+ and lower 99,529 100,745 7.1 % 33,345 33,127 14.7 % Total $ 1,383,309 $ 1,428,421 100.0 % $ 224,873 $ 225,556 100.0 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of our corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . September 30, 2015 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions — % 3.1 % 24.0 % 11.1 % 2.7 % $ 424,992 40.9 % Industrials — % 3.7 % 10.6 % 32.3 % 6.6 % 553,210 53.2 % Utilities/Other 0.5 % — % 0.7 % 3.5 % 1.2 % 60,759 5.9 % Total 0.5 % 6.8 % 35.3 % 46.9 % 10.5 % $ 1,038,961 100.0 % NGHC 0.5 % 6.6 % 30.1 % 38.8 % 8.8 % $ 879,533 84.8 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % 0.2 % 5.2 % 8.1 % 1.7 % 159,428 15.2 % Total 0.5 % 6.8 % 35.3 % 46.9 % 10.5 % $ 1,038,961 100.0 % December 31, 2014 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions 1.4 % 3.6 % 26.9 % 8.9 % 2.5 % $ 376,236 43.3 % Industrials — % 2.4 % 9.4 % 31.7 % 5.9 % 427,592 49.4 % Utilities/Other — % — % 2.2 % 3.1 % 2.0 % 63,434 7.3 % Total 1.4 % 6.0 % 38.5 % 43.7 % 10.4 % $ 867,262 100.0 % NGHC 1.4 % 6.0 % 34.0 % 38.6 % 8.3 % $ 762,822 88.3 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % — % 4.5 % 5.1 % 2.1 % 104,440 11.7 % Total 1.4 % 6.0 % 38.5 % 43.7 % 10.4 % $ 867,262 100.0 % (g) 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Restricted cash $ 14,999 $ 7,937 Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value 48,426 56,049 Total restricted cash and investments $ 63,425 $ 63,986 (h) 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had no collateralized lending transaction principal outstanding. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $41,441 at an interest rate of 0.50% . As of December 31, 2014, the Company had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $46,804 at interest rates between 0.30% and 0.35% . Interest income or expense associated with the repurchase borrowing agreements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was income of $78 and expense of $25 , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was expense of $66 and $198 , respectively. The Company had $43,711 and $49,456 of collateral pledged in support for these agreements as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The table below summarizes the remaining contractual maturity of the Company's repurchase agreements as of September 30, 2015 . September 30, 2015 Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Repurchase Agreements Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 days 30 - 90 days Greater Than 90 days Total Repurchase agreements: Residential mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 41,441 $ — $ — $ 41,441 Total Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value $ — $ 41,441 $ — $ — $ 41,441 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), at contract value are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amounts, plus accrued interest. Under repurchase agreements, the Company borrows cash from a counterparty at an agreed-upon interest rate for an agreed-upon time frame and the Company transfers either corporate debt securities or U.S. government or government agency securities (pledged collateral). For securities repurchase agreements, the cash received is typically invested in cash equivalents, short-term investments or fixed maturities, with the offsetting obligation to repay the loan included as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. At the end of the agreement, the counterparty returns the collateral to the Company, and the Company, in turn, repays the loan amount along with the agreed-upon interest. There are potential risks associated with repurchase agreements and the related collateral pledged, including obligations arising from a decline in the market value of the collateral pledged. The Company is generally required to maintain collateral in the amount of 105.0% to 110.0% of the value of the securities we have sold with agreement to repurchase, which are subject to daily mark-to-market margining (i.e., if the collateral falls in value, a margin call can be triggered requiring the Company to pay cash or post extra securities to maintain the 105.0% to 110.0% threshold). Conversely, if the value of the Company’s collateral pledged appreciates in value there is credit risk in that the lending counterparty could default and not return/sell the securities back. The Company minimizes the credit risk that counterparties might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring its counterparty exposure and related collateral pledged. Additionally, repurchase agreements are only transacted with pre-approved counter-parties.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 . Equity Securities ‑ The Company utilized a pricing service to estimate the fair value of the majority of its available for sale and trading equity securities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for equity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets and their respective quoted prices are provided as fair value. The Company classifies the values of these equity securities as Level 1. The pricing service also provides fair value estimates for certain equity securities whose fair value is based on observable market information rather than market quotes. The Company classifies the value of these equity securities as Level 2. The Company also holds certain equity securities that are issued by privately-held entity or direct equity investments that do not have an active market. The Company estimates the fair value of these securities primarily based on inputs such as third party broker quote, issuers' book value, market multiples, and other inputs. These equity securities are classified as Level 3 due to significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation. 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. States 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets at cost which approximates their fair value. 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. Corporate Bonds ‑ Comprised of bonds issued by corporations and are generally priced by pricing services. The fair values of short-term corporate bonds are priced, by the pricing services, using the spread above the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") yield curve and the fair value of long-term corporate bonds 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. Mortgage, Asset-backed and Structured Securities ‑ Comprised of commercial, residential mortgage-backed and structured 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 value of these securities are included in the Level 2 fair value hierarchy. Notes Payable - The amount reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the debt. As of September 30, 2015 , the current fair value of the Company's 7.625% Notes which are publicly traded was $93,680 and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. As of September 30, 2015 , the current fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes and Imperial Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, were $272,834 and $4,989 , 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, 2015 , the current fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, was $47,500 . The fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes was determined by discounting the estimated interest and principal payments by an appropriate yield. As of December 31, 2014, the current fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes and Imperial Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, were $276,014 and $4,982 , respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the current fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, was $42,000 . The Company's 6.75% Notes, Imperial Surplus Notes and Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. In accordance with ASC 820, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: September 30, 2015 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock $ 12,329 $ — $ 39,726 $ 52,055 Preferred stock — 11,417 — 11,417 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 20,657 — — 20,657 Federal agencies — 1,976 — 1,976 States and political subdivision bonds — 192,278 — 192,278 Foreign government — 29,682 — 29,682 Corporate bonds — 1,038,961 — 1,038,961 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 419,944 — 419,944 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 134,049 — 134,049 Asset-backed securities — 4,984 — 4,984 Structured securities — 118,437 — 118,437 Short term investments — 9,030 — 9,030 Total assets $ 32,986 $ 1,960,758 $ 39,726 $ 2,033,470 NGHC $ 27,023 $ 1,675,442 $ 39,726 $ 1,742,191 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,963 285,316 — 291,279 Total assets $ 32,986 $ 1,960,758 $ 39,726 $ 2,033,470 December 31, 2014 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock $ 6,535 $ — $ 34,389 $ 40,924 Preferred stock — 7,695 — 7,695 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 38,979 — — 38,979 Federal agencies — 98 — 98 States and political subdivision bonds — 177,409 — 177,409 Foreign government — 5,536 — 5,536 Corporate bonds — 867,262 — 867,262 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 470,636 — 470,636 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 80,992 — 80,992 Asset-backed securities — 5,370 — 5,370 Short term investments — 10,540 — 10,540 Total assets $ 45,514 $ 1,625,538 $ 34,389 $ 1,705,441 NGHC $ 45,514 $ 1,389,492 $ 34,389 $ 1,469,395 Reciprocal Exchanges — 236,046 — 236,046 Total assets $ 45,514 $ 1,625,538 $ 34,389 $ 1,705,441 The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets for the three and the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014: Balance as of Net income Other comprehensive Purchases and Sales and Net transfers Balance as of September 30, 2015 Common stock $ 39,726 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Total $ 39,726 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Balance as of Net income Other comprehensive Purchases and Sales and Net transfers Balance as of September 30, 2015 Common stock $ 34,389 $ — $ 5,337 $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Total $ 34,389 $ — $ 5,337 $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Balance as of Net income Other comprehensive Purchases and Sales and Net transfers Balance as of Common stock $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389 Total $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389 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 consolidated financial statements. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels when events or circumstances warrant transfers. The Company does not measure any assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, premiums and other receivables, accrued interest and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value given the short-term nature of such items and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of the Company’s securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximates fair value given the short-term nature of the agreements and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Equity Investments in Unconsoli

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries In 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 holds a 50% ownership interests in Tiger. In 2011, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Capital Acquisition Investments, Ltd. (“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 to acquire 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of AMT Capital Holdings S.A. (“AMTCH”), a Luxembourg Societe Anonyme, for a cash contribution in the amount of $12,136 . ACP Re and the Company are majority owned and controlled by a common parent and the transaction was 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 (collectively “LSC Entities”) are considered to be VIEs, 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 the LSC Entities 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 the 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, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of the period $ 146,089 $ 126,186 Distributions (1,923 ) — Contributions 565 16,676 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 8,588 (2,590 ) Change in equity method investments 7,230 14,086 Balance at end of the period $ 153,319 $ 140,272 The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and 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, 2015 and 2014 . Condensed balance sheet data September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value $ 271,249 $ 264,517 Total assets 333,802 318,598 Total liabilities 27,164 26,420 Members' equity 306,638 292,178 NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 153,319 $ 146,089 Three Months Ended September 30, Condensed results of operations 2015 2014 Revenue, net of commission $ 5,400 $ (2,453 ) Total expenses 1,246 456 Net income (loss) $ 4,154 $ (2,909 ) NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 2,077 $ (1,455 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, Condensed results of operations 2015 2014 Revenue, net of commission $ 21,541 $ (2,727 ) Total expenses 4,365 2,452 Net income (loss) $ 17,176 $ (5,179 ) NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 8,588 $ (2,590 ) 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. 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 and the independent life expectancy report based thereon. 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 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. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and, only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Average age of insured 81.8 years 81.1 years Average life expectancy, months (1) 114 121 Average face amount per policy $ 6,588 $ 6,624 Effective discount rate (2) 13.9 % 14.0 % (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 inclusive 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 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: September 30, 2015 $ (35,235 ) $ 37,787 December 31, 2014 $ (34,686 ) $ 36,486 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: September 30, 2015 $ (22,330 ) $ 24,938 December 31, 2014 $ (22,705 ) $ 25,456 (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 total premiums to be paid for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the existing life insurance policies in force as of September 30, 2015 . 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 2015 $ 45,181 2016 60,707 2017 40,446 2018 40,079 2019 37,652 Thereafter 514,923 Total $ 738,988 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. The lease period is for 15 years and the Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $664 and $1,992 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $561 and $1,683 , respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $1,791 and $2,140 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(190) and $(349) , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(183) and $(576) , respectively. (See Note 15, "Related Party Transactions"). In September 2012, the Company formed East Ninth & Superior, LLC and 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC with AmTrust (collectively “East Ninth & Superior”). The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in East Ninth and Superior, LLC and a 24.5% ownership interest in 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company’s equity interest in East Ninth & Superior as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $4,129 and $4,079 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $13 and $50 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $27 and $68 , respectively. In February 2015, the Company invested $9,714 in North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. (“North Dearborn”), a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust is also a limited partner in North Dearborn, and the general partner is NA Advisors GP LLC (“NA Advisors”), an entity controlled by Michael Karfunkel and managed by an unrelated third party. The Company and AmTrust each received a 45% limited partnership interest in North Dearborn for their respective $9,714 investments, while NA Advisors invested approximately $2,200 and holds a 10% general partnership interest and a 10% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. North Dearborn appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. North Dearborn is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for North Dearborn using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in North Dearborn as of September 30, 2015 was $10,121 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $319 and $542 , respectively. (See Note 15, "Related Party Transactions"). In August 2015, the Company formed 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC with AmTrust, for the purposes of acquiring an office building in Dallas, Texas. The cost of the building was approximately $21,000 . AmTrust has been appointed managing member of 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company accounts for 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC as of September 30, 2015 was $10,463 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $69 and $69 , respectively. (See Note 15, "Related Party Transactions"). In August 2015, the Company invested $53,715 in Illinois Center Building, L.P. (“Illinois Center”), a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust and ACP Re Group, Inc. ("ACP Re Group") are also limited partners in Illinois Center and the general partner is NA Advisors. The Company and Amtrust each received a 37.5% limited partnership interest in Illinois Center for their respective $53,715 investments, while ACP Re Group invested $21,486 for its 15.0% limited partnership interest. NA Advisors invested $14,324 and holds a 10.0% general partnership interest and a 10.0% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. Illinois Center appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. Illinois Center is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for Illinois Center using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in Illinois Center as of September 30, 2015 was $53,715 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $0 and $0 , respectively. (See Note 15, "Related Party Transactions").

Recent Acquisitions

Recent Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Recent Acquisitions On April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd. ("ARS"), a New Jersey based managing general agency that services assigned risk, personal auto, and commercial lines of business, for a purchase price of approximately $48,000 in cash and potential future earnout payments. On January 23, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC (“HST”), an Illinois based healthcare insurance general agency. The Company paid approximately $15,000 on the acquisition date and agreed to pay potential future earn out payments based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by the Company's insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. No individual acquisition or acquisitions in the aggregate were materially significant that required any pro forma financial information.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: September 30, 2015 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 6,188 $ 2,012 5 years Loss reserve discount 12,451 12,201 250 7 years Agent relationships 41,711 13,080 28,631 11 - 17 years Affinity partners 800 418 382 11 years Value in policies-in-force 8,501 7,459 1,042 1 year Renewal rights 26,100 5,150 20,950 7 years Management contracts 151,427 — 151,427 indefinite life State licenses 62,165 — 62,165 indefinite life Goodwill 125,246 — 125,246 indefinite life Total $ 436,601 $ 44,496 $ 392,105 NGHC $ 422,700 $ 36,807 $ 385,893 Reciprocal Exchanges 13,901 7,689 6,212 Total $ 436,601 $ 44,496 $ 392,105 December 31, 2014 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 5,737 $ 2,463 5 years Loss reserve discount 12,451 12,071 380 7 years Agent relationships 43,652 9,602 34,050 11 - 17 years Affinity partners 800 363 437 11 years Non-compete 2,500 2,417 83 5 years Value in policies-in-force 8,501 2,468 6,033 1 year Renewal rights 26,100 1,474 24,626 7 years Management contracts 118,600 — 118,600 indefinite life State licenses 62,165 — 62,165 indefinite life Goodwill 70,764 — 70,764 indefinite life Total $ 353,733 $ 34,132 $ 319,601 NGHC $ 339,831 $ 31,663 $ 308,168 Reciprocal Exchanges 13,902 2,469 11,433 Total $ 353,733 $ 34,132 $ 319,601 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. Included in the Company’s amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is an impairment charge of $0 and $367 , respectively, related to certain agent relationship intangible assets. Included in the Company’s amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 is an impairment charge of $0 and $736 , respectively, related to certain agent relationship intangible assets. No goodwill impairment was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 . No goodwill impairment was recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 . The increase in goodwill of $54,482 from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 was primarily related to the Company's HST and ARS acquisitions. The increase in intangible assets of $18,022 from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 was primarily related to the Company's ARS acquisition. 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, 2015 , the Company amortized approximately $4,403 and $13,637 , respectively, related to its intangible assets with a finite life, which includes amortization relating to intangibles owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $1,355 and $5,220 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. 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 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is: Year ending NGHC Reciprocal Total 2015 (remaining three months) $ 2,804 $ 1,272 $ 4,076 2016 10,329 460 10,789 2017 10,330 460 10,790 2018 6,325 460 6,785 2019 5,585 460 6,045 2020 4,122 — 4,122 Thereafter 10,660 — 10,660 $ 50,155 $ 3,112 $ 53,267

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity On August 18, 2015, the Company issued 11,500,000 shares of common stock in a public offering, including 1,500,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment option. The common stock offering was priced to the public at $19.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $210,853 , after deducting underwriting discount, but before expenses. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $7,858 was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after underwriting discount, commissions and expenses were approximately $210,642 . On March 27, 2015, the Company completed a public offering of 6,000,000 of its depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). Each depositary share entitles the holder to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Series B Preferred Stock represented thereby (including any dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights). Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares will be payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, at a rate of 7.50% per annum, quarterly in arrears, on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2015, from and including the date of original issuance. The Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares is not redeemable prior to April 15, 2020. After that date, the Company may redeem at its option, in whole or in part, the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares at a redemption price of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods and accrued but unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) for the then current dividend period. A total of 6,000,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 150,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock) were issued. Net proceeds from this offering were $145,275 . The Company incurred $4,975 in underwriting discount, commissions and expenses, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. On April 6, 2015, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option with respect to an additional 600,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 15,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock), on the same terms and conditions as the original March 27, 2015 issuance. Net proceeds from this additional offering were $14,527 . The Company incurred an additional $473 in underwriting discount and commissions, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055 On August 18, 2015, the Company sold $100,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 7.625% subordinated notes due 2055 (the “ 7.625% Notes”) in a public offering. The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $96,550 , after deducting the underwriting discount, commissions and expenses. The 7.625% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 7.625% per year, payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2015. The 7.625% Notes are the Company’s subordinated unsecured obligations and rank (i) senior in right of payment to any future junior subordinated debt, (ii) equal in right of payment with any unsecured, subordinated debt that the Company incurs in the future that ranks equally with the 7.625% Notes, and (iii) subordinate in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future senior debt, including amounts outstanding under the Company’s $135,000 revolving credit facility, the Company’s 6.75% Notes and certain of the Company’s other obligations. In addition, the 7.625% Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The 7.625% Notes mature on September 15, 2055, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by the Company. Interest expense on the 7.625% Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1,056 and $1,056 , respectively. 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, 2015 . 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 net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $245,000 , after deducting the issuance expenses. The 6.75% Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 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. Interest expense on the 6.75% Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $4,317 and $12,809 , respectively. Interest expense on the 6.75% Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $4,253 and $5,964 , respectively. 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, 2015 . Revolving Credit Agreements 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, 2015 ). The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , there was no outstanding balance on the line of credit. There was no interest expense for the Company's existing and repaid lines of credit for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2015 . 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. Imperial-related Debt The Company's subsidiary, 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, 2015 was $56 and $164 , respectively. Interest expense on the Imperial Surplus Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $55 and $55 , respectively. Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes ACP Re (or subsidiaries thereof), 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $3,584 and $11,078 , respectively, which includes amortization of $1,908 and $6,081 , respectively. Interest expense on the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $272 and $272 , respectively, with no amortization. (See Note 15, "Related Party Transactions"). Maturities of the Company's debt for the five years subsequent to September 30, 2015 are as follows: 2015 (remaining three months) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total 7.625% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 6.75% Notes — — — — — — 250,000 250,000 Imperial Surplus Notes — — — — — — 5,000 5,000 Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes — — — — — — 54,455 54,455 Total principal amount of debt $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 409,455 $ 409,455 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (7,969 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 401,486 As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $0 and $12,142 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders $ 38,988 $ 32,059 $ 114,508 $ 88,785 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 100,360,687 93,359,265 95,877,178 90,853,536 Potentially dilutive securities: Share options 2,217,367 2,075,584 2,074,956 1,673,422 Restricted stock units 362,674 228,580 362,674 88,240 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 102,940,728 95,663,429 98,314,808 92,615,198 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.39 $ 0.34 $ 1.19 $ 0.98 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.38 $ 0.34 $ 1.16 $ 0.96 As of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , 2,155,484 and 2,791,099 share options, respectively, were excluded from diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company currently has two equity incentive plan (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 ("RSUs"), 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, 2015 , 1,768,870 shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Plans. 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 years period 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 three or four years. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Shares Weighted Shares Weighted Outstanding at beginning of period 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 Granted — — 195,000 17.63 Forfeited (30,759 ) 8.26 — — Exercised (835,801 ) 6.41 (106,412 ) 6.90 Outstanding at end of period 4,244,033 $ 9.37 5,146,951 $ 8.86 Options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were 0 and 195,000 , respectively. The Company had approximately $4,014 and $5,999 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all option grants outstanding had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 7.1 and 7.9 years, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , there were 2,444,940 and 2,347,412 exercisable shares with a weighted average exercise price of $8.50 and $7.81 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $7,243 and $1,037 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $32,647 and $44,022 , respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $1,672 and $839 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. A summary of the Company's RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted Non-vested at beginning of period 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — Granted 216,910 20.34 330,555 17.45 Vested (66,240 ) 17.67 — — Forfeited (115,551 ) 17.57 — — Non-vested at end of period 362,674 $ 19.16 330,555 $ 15.91 Compensation expense for all share-based compensation under ASC 718-10-30 was $1,180 and $3,444 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, and $884 and $1,803 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively.

Service and Fee Income

Service and Fee Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Installment fees $ 8,257 $ 7,816 $ 24,689 $ 22,021 Commission revenue 16,843 16,593 46,120 46,331 General agent fees 20,559 10,837 55,991 26,004 Late payment fees 3,063 3,148 8,996 8,633 Group health administrative fees 4,524 1,133 10,461 2,772 Finance and processing fees 6,529 5,163 23,340 11,672 Other 1,132 1,204 3,738 3,653 Total $ 60,907 $ 45,894 $ 173,335 $ 121,086

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not included in the Company's consolidated tax return as the Company does not have an ownership interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges, and they are not a part of the consolidated tax sharing agreement. The Company uses the estimated annual effective tax rate method as prescribed under ASC 740, "Income Taxes". Certain items, including those deemed to be unusual, infrequent or that cannot be reliably estimated, are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. In these cases, the actual tax expense or benefit is reported in the same period as the related item. Certain tax effects are also not reflected in the estimated annual effective tax rate, primarily certain changes in the realizability of deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions. 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 the intercompany reinsurance agreements. As the income or loss of the Luxembourg entity 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 condensed consolidated statements of income. As there is no net effect on the consolidated pre-tax income from the intercompany reinsurance activity, the deferred tax benefit related to these transactions reduces the consolidated effective tax rate of the Company. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had approximately $106,615 and $134,975 , respectively, of unutilized equalization reserves and an associated deferred tax liability of approximately $31,984 and $40,493 , respectively. The following table is a reconciliation of the difference in the Company’s income tax expense compared to the statutory rate of 35% : Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 48,689 $ 2,338 $ 51,027 $ 45,142 $ (956 ) $ 44,186 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 17,041 $ 818 $ 17,859 $ 15,800 $ (335 ) $ 15,465 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (2,574 ) — (2,574 ) 1,918 — 1,918 Statutory equalization reserves 3,600 — 3,600 (3,917 ) — (3,917 ) Other, net (10,227 ) (44 ) (10,271 ) (3,564 ) 124 (3,440 ) Total income tax reported $ 7,840 $ 774 $ 8,614 $ 10,237 $ (211 ) $ 10,026 Effective tax rate 16.1 % 33.1 % 16.9 % 22.7 % 22.1 % 22.7 % Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 140,945 $ (998 ) $ 139,947 $ 111,109 $ (956 ) $ 110,153 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 49,331 $ (349 ) $ 48,982 $ 38,888 $ (335 ) $ 38,553 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (7,273 ) — (7,273 ) (1,736 ) — (1,736 ) Statutory equalization reserves (8,887 ) — (8,887 ) (16,659 ) — (16,659 ) Other, net (7,802 ) (128 ) (7,930 ) (2,496 ) 124 (2,372 ) Total income tax reported $ 25,369 $ (477 ) $ 24,892 $ 17,997 $ (211 ) $ 17,786 Effective tax rate 18.0 % 47.8 % 17.8 % 16.2 % 22.1 % 16.1 % The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, decreased by 5.8% from 22.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 to 16.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. This was primarily driven by an increase in excludable foreign income. The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate, which includes the Reciprocal Exchanges, increased by 1.7% from 16.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to 17.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. As permitted by ASC 740, "Income Taxes", the Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits and, therefore, has not recorded any unrecognized tax benefits, or any related interest and penalties, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . No interest or penalties have been recorded by the Company for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to its total unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the Company’s subsidiaries are currently open to audit by the IRS for the years ended December 31, 2012 and thereafter for Federal tax purposes.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 $628 and $1,717 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, while the amounts charged for such expenses were $496 and $1,352 , for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , there was a payable to AIIM related to these services in the amount of $1,216 and $564 , 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. 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. 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 premium of NGHC and its affiliates written on the system plus the costs for support services. In 2014, AmTrust also began providing the Company services in managing the premium receipts from its lockbox facilities at a fixed cost per item processed. The Company recorded expenses and capitalized costs related to the Master Services Agreement of $10,239 and $25,141 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, while the amounts for such expenses and capitalized costs were $6,141 and $20,231 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , there was a payable related to the services received under this agreement in the amount of $19,891 and $13,621 , respectively. Reinsurance Agreements On July 1, 2012, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, 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 1.5% of all net premiums written generated to the program. The amounts charged for such fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were $38 and $112 , respectively, while the amounts charged for such fees were $0 and $66 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , there was a payable for these services in the amount of $1 and $31 , 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. The amounts related to these reinsurance treaties are as follows: September 30, 2015 Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) Wesco $ (51 ) $ — $ (73 ) AARC 809 111 (387 ) December 31, 2014 Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) Wesco $ (3,987 ) $ — $ (638 ) AARC 706 94 (350 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ (2 ) $ 1 $ (518 ) AARC (387 ) 149 (221 ) 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 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ 69 $ 212 $ (413 ) AARC (1,108 ) 359 (586 ) 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 ) NGHC Quota Share Agreement The Company participated 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 was 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 were 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 Quota Share Percentage ACP Re 15% Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden 25% Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust 10% The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Expense Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (825 ) $ 1,702 Maiden Insurance Company — (1,373 ) 2,825 Technology Insurance Company — (567 ) 1,149 Total $ — $ (2,765 ) $ 5,676 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 186 $ 201 $ 2,063 Maiden Insurance Company 310 335 3,437 Technology Insurance Company 124 134 1,375 Total $ 620 $ 670 $ 6,875 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Expense Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (734 ) $ 2,516 Maiden Insurance Company — (1,224 ) 4,194 Technology Insurance Company — (489 ) 1,678 Total $ — $ (2,447 ) $ 8,388 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 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 Included in ceding commission income was $0 and $0 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, and $104 and $6,353 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively, which represented recovery of successful acquisition cost of the reinsured contracts. These amounts have been netted against acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income. September 30, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable ACP Re $ 19,642 $ — $ 8,533 Maiden Insurance Company 32,736 — 14,221 Technology Insurance Company 13,095 — 5,689 Total $ 65,473 $ — $ 28,443 December 31, 2014 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable ACP Re $ 30,517 $ 3 $ 7,792 Maiden Insurance Company 50,861 5 12,987 Technology Insurance Company 20,345 2 5,195 Total $ 101,723 $ 10 $ 25,974 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 $17,859 and $26,820 , respectively, as of September 30, 2015 and $31,044 and $58,513 , respectively, as of December 31, 2014. 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”). 800 Superior, LLC 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 $664 and $1,992 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, and $561 and $1,683 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. For more information on the 800 Superior, LLC related party transactions, see Note 16, "Related Party Transactions - 800 Superior, LLC" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. In February 2015, the Company invested $9,714 in North Dearborn, a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust is also a limited partner in North Dearborn, and the general partner is NA Advisors, an entity controlled by Michael Karfunkel and managed by an unrelated third party. The Company and AmTrust each received a 45% limited partnership interest in North Dearborn for their respective $9,714 investments, while NA Advisors invested approximately $2,200 and holds a 10% general partnership interest and a 10% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. North Dearborn appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. North Dearborn is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for North Dearborn using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in North Dearborn as of September 30, 2015 was $10,121 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $319 and $542 , respectively. 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC In August 2015, the Company formed 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC with AmTrust, for the purposes of acquiring an office building in Dallas, Texas. The cost of the building was approximately $21,000 . AmTrust has been appointed managing member of 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company accounts for 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC as of September 30, 2015 was $10,463 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $69 and $69 , respectively. Illinois Center Building, L.P. In August 2015, the Company invested $53,715 in Illinois Center, a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. AmTrust and ACP Re Group are also limited partners in Illinois Center and the general partner is NA Advisors. The Company and Amtrust each received a 37.5% limited partnership interest in Illinois Center for their respective $53,715 investments, while ACP Re Group invested $21,486 for its 15.0% limited partnership interest. NA Advisors invested $14,324 and holds a 10.0% general partnership interest and a 10.0% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. Illinois Center appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building. Illinois Center is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not a primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for Illinois Center using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s equity interest in Illinois Center as of September 30, 2015 was $53,715 . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $0 and $0 , respectively. Agreements with ACP Re and Affiliated Entities In connection with the acquisition of Tower Group International, Ltd. ("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 provided 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 premium written 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 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 National reinsures 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 National 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 premium written (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 National (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 of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was a net receivable due from the Tower Companies of $44,267 and $43,998 , respectively. As a result of the PL Reinsurance Agreement and the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company assumed $26,752 and $127,232 , respectively, of premium from the Tower Companies and recorded $11,873 and $44,591 , respectively, of ceding commission expense, while during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company assumed $79,298 and $359,083 , respectively, of premium from the Tower Companies and recorded $18,297 and $75,182 , respectively, of ceding commission expense. Additionally, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company earned premium of $54,508 and $212,080 , respectively, while during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company earned premium of $84,593 and $228,010 , respectively, under these reinsurance agreements. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses of $29,629 and $121,884 , respectively, and 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 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 National 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 National to the Tower Companies pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recorded $2,607 and $10,634 , respectively, while during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company recorded $0 and $0 , respectively, of commission income, 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 administers 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 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 National to the Tower Companies pursuant to the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement. As a result of the PL Administrative Agreement, the Company was reimbursed $13,640 and $19,408 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, while during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company was reimbursed $0 and $0 , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was a receivable related to the PL Administrative Agreement of $9,687 and $1,546 , respectively. 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 is obligated to 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 NG Re Ltd. and AII 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 fifth 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 the 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 certain of 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 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 $2,115 and $6,514 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, while during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company recorded interest income of $365 and $365 , respectively, 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 $54,455 and $48,374 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges. 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”). AIBD Health Plan On September 1, 2012, the Company purchased The Association Benefits Solution companies, a group of companies affiliated with the accident and health insurance industry. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had a receivable of $5,419 and $5,377 , respectively. Also, as part of this plan, the Company utilizes an employer trust to administer additional claims. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had a receivable to the employer trust in the amount of $5,570 and $605 , respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company currently operates two business segments, Property and Casualty and Accident and Health. The “Corporate and Other” column 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 and Other. 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 transactions between NGHC and the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation to derive consolidated net income. The following tables summarize the underwriting results of the Company’s operating segments: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 583,091 $ 43,594 $ — $ 626,685 Ceded premiums (91,301 ) (9,745 ) — (101,046 ) Net premium written 491,790 33,849 — 525,639 Change in unearned premium (33,636 ) 11,258 — (22,378 ) Net earned premium 458,154 45,107 — 503,261 Ceding commission income 11,883 267 — 12,150 Service and fee income 41,247 19,660 — 60,907 Total underwriting revenue 511,284 65,034 — 576,318 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 268,740 33,519 — 302,259 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 91,379 17,365 — 108,744 General and administrative expenses 104,520 14,061 — 118,581 Total underwriting expenses 464,639 64,945 — 529,584 Underwriting income 46,645 89 — 46,734 Net investment income — — 18,472 18,472 Net realized losses on investments — — (4,594 ) (4,594 ) Other revenue — — (157 ) (157 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 2,288 2,288 Interest expense — — (9,428 ) (9,428 ) Provision for income taxes — — (8,614 ) (8,614 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (1,588 ) (1,588 ) Net income attributable NGHC $ 46,645 $ 89 $ (3,621 ) $ 43,113 NGHC $ 43,179 $ 89 $ (155 ) $ 43,113 Reciprocal Exchanges 3,466 — (3,466 ) — Net income attributable NGHC $ 46,645 $ 89 $ (3,621 ) $ 43,113 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 479,866 $ 17,729 $ — $ 497,595 Ceded premiums (65,962 ) (63 ) — (66,025 ) Net premium written 413,904 17,666 — 431,570 Change in unearned premium (4,966 ) 11,802 — 6,836 Net earned premium 408,938 29,468 — 438,406 Ceding commission income 705 — — 705 Service and fee income 31,378 14,516 — 45,894 Total underwriting revenue 441,021 43,984 — 485,005 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 expenses 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 on investments — — (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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,692,412 $ 153,409 $ — $ 1,845,821 Ceded premiums (284,121 ) (26,626 ) — (310,747 ) Net premium written 1,408,291 126,783 — 1,535,074 Change in unearned premium (69,598 ) (14,234 ) — (83,832 ) Net earned premium 1,338,693 112,549 — 1,451,242 Ceding commission income 26,380 820 — 27,200 Service and fee income 118,584 54,751 — 173,335 Total underwriting revenue 1,483,657 168,120 — 1,651,777 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 816,022 79,752 — 895,774 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 254,855 40,276 — 295,131 General and administrative expenses 301,187 42,239 — 343,426 Total underwriting expenses 1,372,064 162,267 — 1,534,331 Underwriting income 111,593 5,853 — 117,446 Net investment income — — 52,955 52,955 Net realized losses on investments — — (3,018 ) (3,018 ) Other revenue — — (327 ) (327 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 8,900 8,900 Interest expense — — (27,109 ) (27,109 ) Provision for income taxes — — (24,892 ) (24,892 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — 453 453 Net income attributable NGHC $ 111,593 $ 5,853 $ 6,962 $ 124,408 NGHC $ 108,336 $ 5,853 $ 10,219 $ 124,408 Reciprocal Exchanges 3,257 — (3,257 ) — Net income attributable NGHC $ 111,593 $ 5,853 $ 6,962 $ 124,408 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,494,337 $ 117,873 $ — $ 1,612,210 Ceded premiums (194,339 ) (260 ) — (194,599 ) Net premium written 1,299,998 117,613 — 1,417,611 Change in unearned premium (202,218 ) (27,669 ) — (229,887 ) Net earned premium 1,097,780 89,944 — 1,187,724 Ceding commission income 7,632 — — 7,632 Service and fee income 76,440 44,646 — 121,086 Total underwriting revenue 1,181,852 134,590 — 1,316,442 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 expenses 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 on investments — — (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 The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's operating segments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : September 30, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 628,040 $ 95,338 $ — $ 723,378 Deferred acquisition costs 150,411 2,165 — 152,576 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 893,272 — — 893,272 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 131,468 — — 131,468 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 312,781 79,324 — 392,105 Corporate and other assets — — 2,791,534 2,791,534 Total assets $ 2,115,972 $ 176,827 $ 2,791,534 $ 5,084,333 December 31, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 576,980 $ 70,463 $ — $ 647,443 Deferred acquisition costs 119,167 6,832 — 125,999 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 911,790 8 — 911,798 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 102,761 — — 102,761 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 260,739 58,862 — 319,601 Corporate and other assets — — 2,217,114 2,217,114 Total assets $ 1,971,437 $ 136,165 $ 2,217,114 $ 4,324,716 The following tables show an analysis of the Company's gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 536,583 $ 79,864 $ 616,447 $ 481,047 $ 9,993 $ 491,040 Gross premium written - Europe 10,238 — 10,238 6,555 — 6,555 Total $ 546,821 $ 79,864 $ 626,685 $ 487,602 $ 9,993 $ 497,595 Net premium written - North America $ 209,390 $ 43,650 $ 253,040 $ 200,913 $ 7,205 $ 208,118 Net premium written - Bermuda 262,361 — 262,361 210,372 — 210,372 Net premium written - Europe 10,238 — 10,238 13,080 — 13,080 Total $ 481,989 $ 43,650 $ 525,639 $ 424,365 $ 7,205 $ 431,570 Net earned premium - North America $ 183,113 $ 34,296 $ 217,409 $ 196,453 $ 6,692 $ 203,145 Net earned premium - Bermuda 264,161 — 264,161 210,371 — 210,371 Net earned premium - Europe 21,691 — 21,691 24,890 — 24,890 Total $ 468,965 $ 34,296 $ 503,261 $ 431,714 $ 6,692 $ 438,406 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,553,584 $ 217,830 $ 1,771,414 $ 1,515,687 $ 9,993 $ 1,525,680 Gross premium written - Europe 74,407 — 74,407 86,530 — 86,530 Total $ 1,627,991 $ 217,830 $ 1,845,821 $ 1,602,217 $ 9,993 $ 1,612,210 Net premium written - North America $ 600,386 $ 93,053 $ 693,439 $ 772,232 $ 7,205 $ 779,437 Net premium written - Bermuda 727,228 — 727,228 511,643 — 511,643 Net premium written - Europe 114,407 — 114,407 126,531 — 126,531 Total $ 1,442,021 $ 93,053 $ 1,535,074 $ 1,410,406 $ 7,205 $ 1,417,611 Net earned premium - North America $ 525,233 $ 98,440 $ 623,673 $ 570,506 $ 6,692 $ 577,198 Net earned premium - Bermuda 727,228 — 727,228 511,642 — 511,642 Net earned premium - Europe 100,341 — 100,341 98,884 — 98,884 Total $ 1,352,802 $ 98,440 $ 1,451,242 $ 1,181,032 $ 6,692 $ 1,187,724 The following tables show an analysis of the Company's gross premium written, net premium written and net earned premium by product type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Gross Premium Written 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 307,799 $ 315,672 $ 935,339 $ 953,010 Homeowners 103,423 74,583 263,544 290,667 RV/Packaged 40,447 39,490 121,093 120,183 Commercial Auto 48,052 35,619 139,880 107,173 Other 3,506 4,509 14,726 13,311 Property and Casualty Total $ 503,227 $ 469,873 $ 1,474,582 $ 1,484,344 Accident and Health Total 43,594 17,729 153,409 117,873 NGHC Total $ 546,821 $ 487,602 $ 1,627,991 $ 1,602,217 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 24,177 $ 4,330 $ 67,641 $ 4,330 Homeowners 48,229 5,013 128,951 5,013 Other 7,458 650 21,238 650 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 79,864 $ 9,993 $ 217,830 $ 9,993 Total $ 626,685 $ 497,595 $ 1,845,821 $ 1,612,210 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Premium Written 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 257,432 $ 273,922 $ 805,081 $ 795,511 Homeowners 105,028 57,105 250,874 273,190 RV/Packaged 40,113 38,900 119,781 115,263 Commercial Auto 43,502 32,249 127,753 96,009 Other 2,065 4,523 11,749 12,820 Property and Casualty Total $ 448,140 $ 406,699 $ 1,315,238 $ 1,292,793 Accident and Health Total 33,849 17,666 126,783 117,613 NGHC Total $ 481,989 $ 424,365 $ 1,442,021 $ 1,410,406 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ (3,516 ) $ 4,063 $ 38,619 $ 4,063 Homeowners 46,902 2,636 40,079 2,636 Other 264 506 14,355 506 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 43,650 $ 7,205 $ 93,053 $ 7,205 Total $ 525,639 $ 431,570 $ 1,535,074 $ 1,417,611 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Earned Premium 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 251,754 $ 268,155 $ 786,397 $ 719,483 Homeowners 92,283 58,730 219,633 165,507 RV/Packaged 38,489 38,885 112,041 109,746 Commercial Auto 39,440 31,920 111,491 84,841 Other 1,892 4,556 10,691 11,511 Property and Casualty Total $ 423,858 $ 402,246 $ 1,240,253 $ 1,091,088 Accident and Health Total 45,107 29,468 112,549 89,944 NGHC Total $ 468,965 $ 431,714 $ 1,352,802 $ 1,181,032 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 14,494 $ 4,043 $ 60,965 $ 4,043 Homeowners 17,105 2,221 26,991 2,221 Other 2,697 428 10,484 428 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 34,296 $ 6,692 $ 98,440 $ 6,692 Total $ 503,261 $ 438,406 $ 1,451,242 $ 1,187,724

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On October 8, 2015, the Company sold an additional $100,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 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 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2015. 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 net proceeds the Company received from the issuance were approximately $98,850 , after deducting the estimated issuance expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance for general corporate purposes, including strategic acquisitions and to support its current and future policy writings. On October 1, 2015, the Company closed its acquisition of certain business lines and assets from Assurant Health, which is a business segment of Assurant, Inc. Included in the transaction are the small group self-funded and supplemental product lines, as well as the acquisition of North Star Marketing, a proprietary small group sales channel. The purchase price was an aggregate cash payment of $14,000 . On October 1, 2015, the Company closed on a master transaction agreement with QBE Investments (North America), Inc. (“QBE Parent”) and its subsidiary, QBE Holdings, Inc. (together with QBE Parent, “QBE”), pursuant to which the Company acquired QBE’s lender placed insurance business (“LPI Business”), including certain of QBE’s affiliates engaged in the LPI Business. The transaction included the acquisition of certain assets, including loan-tracking systems and technology, client servicing accounts, intellectual property, and vendor relationships, as well as the assumption of the related insurance liabilities in a reinsurance transaction through which the Company received the loss reserves, unearned premium reserves, and invested assets. The aggregate consideration for the transaction was approximately $90,000 , subject to certain adjustments.

Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)

Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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: September 15, 2014 Assets: Cash and investments $ 235,684 Accrued investment income 1,975 Premiums receivables 62,412 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 19,137 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 27,166 Intangible assets, net 13,901 Income tax receivable 819 Other assets 124 Total assets $ 361,218 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 113,828 Unearned premiums 114,786 Reinsurance payable 5,167 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 10,120 Deferred tax liability 39,238 Notes payable 44,600 Due to affiliate 17,808 Other liabilities 4,506 Total liabilities 350,053 Stockholders’ equity: Non-controlling interest 11,165 Total stockholders’ equity 11,165 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 361,218

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities	The cost or amortized cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were as follows: September 30, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Equity securities: Common stock $ 57,166 $ 554 $ (5,665 ) $ 52,055 Preferred stock 11,448 43 (74 ) 11,417 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 19,406 1,254 (3 ) 20,657 Federal agencies 1,945 31 — 1,976 States and political subdivision bonds 188,823 4,248 (793 ) 192,278 Foreign government 29,412 418 (148 ) 29,682 Corporate bonds 1,044,046 28,028 (33,113 ) 1,038,961 Residential mortgage-backed securities 408,984 11,044 (84 ) 419,944 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 135,961 1,654 (3,566 ) 134,049 Asset-backed securities 4,981 3 — 4,984 Structured securities 120,684 39 (2,286 ) 118,437 Total $ 2,022,856 $ 47,316 $ (45,732 ) $ 2,024,440 Less: Securities pledged 42,806 905 — 43,711 Total net of Securities pledged $ 1,980,050 $ 46,411 $ (45,732 ) $ 1,980,729 NGHC $ 1,731,282 $ 45,923 $ (40,014 ) $ 1,737,191 Reciprocal Exchanges 291,574 1,393 (5,718 ) 287,249 Total $ 2,022,856 $ 47,316 $ (45,732 ) $ 2,024,440 December 31, 2014 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Equity securities: Common stock $ 47,269 $ 1,004 $ (7,349 ) $ 40,924 Preferred stock 7,755 65 (125 ) 7,695 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 37,446 1,536 (3 ) 38,979 Federal agencies 98 — — 98 States and political subdivision bonds 172,617 4,961 (169 ) 177,409 Foreign government 6,194 — (658 ) 5,536 Corporate bonds 839,436 36,525 (8,699 ) 867,262 Residential mortgage-backed securities 459,596 11,132 (92 ) 470,636 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 79,579 1,602 (189 ) 80,992 Asset-backed securities 5,461 — (91 ) 5,370 Total $ 1,655,451 $ 56,825 $ (17,375 ) $ 1,694,901 Less: Securities pledged 47,546 1,910 — 49,456 Total net of Securities pledged $ 1,607,905 $ 54,915 $ (17,375 ) $ 1,645,445 NGHC $ 1,430,578 $ 55,031 $ (16,264 ) $ 1,469,345 Reciprocal Exchanges 224,873 1,794 (1,111 ) 225,556 Total $ 1,655,451 $ 56,825 $ (17,375 ) $ 1,694,901
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and securities pledged, held as of September 30, 2015 , 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, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 9,756 $ 10,116 $ 500 $ 500 $ 10,256 $ 10,616 Due after one year through five years 248,555 256,096 23,455 22,991 272,010 279,087 Due after five years through ten years 719,103 716,196 140,508 139,001 859,611 855,197 Due after ten years 224,397 219,252 43,023 42,823 267,420 262,075 Mortgage-backed securities 462,358 473,603 82,587 80,390 544,945 553,993 Total $ 1,664,169 $ 1,675,263 $ 290,073 $ 285,705 $ 1,954,242 $ 1,960,968
Investment Income	The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest Cash and short term investments $ 2 $ 11 $ 11 $ 28 Equity securities 102 — 299 — Fixed maturities 17,321 13,858 48,243 35,537 Investment Income 17,425 13,869 48,553 35,565 Investment expense (1,110 ) (106 ) (2,381 ) (1,135 ) Repurchase Agreements interest income (expense) 78 (66 ) (25 ) (198 ) Other Income (1) 2,079 — 6,808 — Net Investment Income $ 18,472 $ 13,697 $ 52,955 $ 34,232 NGHC $ 16,140 $ 13,697 $ 46,403 $ 34,232 Reciprocal Exchanges 2,332 — 6,552 — Net Investment Income $ 18,472 $ 13,697 $ 52,955 $ 34,232 (1 ) Includes interest income of $2,115 and $6,514 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement (see Note 15, "Related Party Transactions").
Realized Gains and Losses	The tables below indicate the gross realized gains and losses (including any OTTI) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ — $ (55 ) $ (55 ) Fixed maturities 1,579 (109 ) 1,470 OTTI — (6,009 ) (6,009 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 1,579 $ (6,173 ) $ (4,594 ) NGHC $ 1,349 $ (6,067 ) $ (4,718 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 230 (106 ) 124 Total gross realized gains and losses $ 1,579 $ (6,173 ) $ (4,594 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ — $ (505 ) $ (505 ) Fixed maturities 152 (204 ) (52 ) Other — (561 ) (561 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) NGHC $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ 5 $ (55 ) $ (50 ) Fixed maturities 6,669 (1,145 ) 5,524 OTTI — (8,492 ) (8,492 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 6,674 $ (9,692 ) $ (3,018 ) NGHC $ 5,537 $ (8,826 ) $ (3,289 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 1,137 (866 ) 271 Total gross realized gains and losses $ 6,674 $ (9,692 ) $ (3,018 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ — $ (505 ) $ (505 ) Fixed maturities 152 (204 ) (52 ) Other — (561 ) (561 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) NGHC $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total gross realized gains and losses $ 152 $ (1,270 ) $ (1,118 )
Unrealized Gains and Losses	Unrealized gains (losses) on investments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Net unrealized loss on common stock $ (5,111 ) $ (6,345 ) Net unrealized loss on preferred stock (31 ) (60 ) Net unrealized gain on fixed maturities 6,726 45,855 Net unrealized gain (loss) on other (278 ) 18 Deferred income tax expense (409 ) (13,787 ) Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense $ 897 $ 25,681 NGHC $ 3,708 $ 24,998 Reciprocal Exchanges (2,811 ) 683 Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense 897 25,681 Non-controlling interest 2,811 (683 ) NGHC net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense $ 3,708 $ 24,998 Period Ended: NGHC year-to-date change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense $ (21,290 ) $ 17,938
Gross Unrealized Losses	The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on equity securities and fixed maturities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total September 30, 2015 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Common stock $ 42,260 $ (5,643 ) 7 $ 136 $ (22 ) 2 $ 42,396 $ (5,665 ) Preferred stock 4,952 (74 ) 1 — — — 4,952 (74 ) U.S. Treasury 501 (3 ) 2 — — — 501 (3 ) States and political subdivision bonds 21,855 (643 ) 23 5,879 (150 ) 12 27,734 (793 ) Foreign government 4,444 (148 ) 2 — — — 4,444 (148 ) Corporate bonds 335,634 (27,477 ) 193 24,231 (5,636 ) 13 359,865 (33,113 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 9,523 (44 ) 14 2,036 (40 ) 8 11,559 (84 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 73,727 (3,566 ) 29 — — — 73,727 (3,566 ) Structured securities 92,372 (2,286 ) 44 — — — 92,372 (2,286 ) Total $ 585,268 $ (39,884 ) 315 $ 32,282 $ (5,848 ) 35 $ 617,550 $ (45,732 ) NGHC $ 435,365 $ (34,166 ) 177 $ 32,282 $ (5,848 ) 35 $ 467,647 $ (40,014 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 149,903 (5,718 ) 138 — — — 149,903 (5,718 ) Total $ 585,268 $ (39,884 ) 315 $ 32,282 $ (5,848 ) 35 $ 617,550 $ (45,732 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2014 Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Common stock $ 33,717 $ (7,349 ) 3 $ — $ — — $ 33,717 $ (7,349 ) Preferred stock — — — 4,878 (125 ) 1 4,878 (125 ) U.S. Treasury 6,343 (3 ) 5 — — — 6,343 (3 ) States and political subdivision bonds 16,320 (92 ) 39 8,341 (77 ) 8 24,661 (169 ) Foreign government 5,536 (658 ) 1 — — — 5,536 (658 ) Corporate bonds 116,880 (5,594 ) 108 23,592 (3,105 ) 10 140,472 (8,699 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 15,598 (34 ) 17 1,975 (58 ) 3 17,573 (92 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 33,735 (189 ) 10 — — — 33,735 (189 ) Asset-backed securities 4,869 (91 ) 3 — — — 4,869 (91 ) Total $ 232,998 $ (14,010 ) 186 $ 38,786 $ (3,365 ) 22 $ 271,784 $ (17,375 ) NGHC $ 142,313 $ (12,899 ) 97 $ 38,786 $ (3,365 ) 22 $ 181,099 $ (16,264 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 90,685 (1,111 ) 89 — — — 90,685 (1,111 ) Total $ 232,998 $ (14,010 ) 186 $ 38,786 $ (3,365 ) 22 $ 271,784 $ (17,375 )
Credit Quality of Investments	The tables below summarize the credit quality of our fixed maturities, securities pledged and preferred securities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges September 30, 2015 Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities U.S. Treasury $ 13,473 $ 14,695 0.9 % $ 5,933 $ 5,962 2.1 % AAA 321,450 330,800 19.6 % 42,195 41,689 14.5 % AA, AA+, AA- 330,481 337,158 20.0 % 55,328 55,694 19.4 % A, A+, A- 343,200 355,948 21.1 % 63,797 63,577 22.1 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 438,571 437,946 26.0 % 90,932 89,720 31.2 % BB+ and lower 226,941 208,589 12.4 % 33,389 30,607 10.7 % Total $ 1,674,116 $ 1,685,136 100.0 % $ 291,574 $ 287,249 100.0 % NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 2014 Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities Cost or Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities U.S. Treasury $ 19,068 $ 20,475 1.4 % $ 18,378 $ 18,504 8.2 % AAA 359,424 370,058 25.9 % 24,956 25,027 11.1 % AA, AA+, AA- 275,905 282,443 19.8 % — — — % A, A+, A- 300,789 318,955 22.3 % 99,754 100,412 44.5 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 328,594 335,745 23.5 % 48,440 48,486 21.5 % BB+ and lower 99,529 100,745 7.1 % 33,345 33,127 14.7 % Total $ 1,383,309 $ 1,428,421 100.0 % $ 224,873 $ 225,556 100.0 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of our corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . September 30, 2015 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions — % 3.1 % 24.0 % 11.1 % 2.7 % $ 424,992 40.9 % Industrials — % 3.7 % 10.6 % 32.3 % 6.6 % 553,210 53.2 % Utilities/Other 0.5 % — % 0.7 % 3.5 % 1.2 % 60,759 5.9 % Total 0.5 % 6.8 % 35.3 % 46.9 % 10.5 % $ 1,038,961 100.0 % NGHC 0.5 % 6.6 % 30.1 % 38.8 % 8.8 % $ 879,533 84.8 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % 0.2 % 5.2 % 8.1 % 1.7 % 159,428 15.2 % Total 0.5 % 6.8 % 35.3 % 46.9 % 10.5 % $ 1,038,961 100.0 % December 31, 2014 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions 1.4 % 3.6 % 26.9 % 8.9 % 2.5 % $ 376,236 43.3 % Industrials — % 2.4 % 9.4 % 31.7 % 5.9 % 427,592 49.4 % Utilities/Other — % — % 2.2 % 3.1 % 2.0 % 63,434 7.3 % Total 1.4 % 6.0 % 38.5 % 43.7 % 10.4 % $ 867,262 100.0 % NGHC 1.4 % 6.0 % 34.0 % 38.6 % 8.3 % $ 762,822 88.3 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % — % 4.5 % 5.1 % 2.1 % 104,440 11.7 % Total 1.4 % 6.0 % 38.5 % 43.7 % 10.4 % $ 867,262 100.0 %
Restricted Cash and Investments	The fair values of our restricted assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Restricted cash $ 14,999 $ 7,937 Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value 48,426 56,049 Total restricted cash and investments $ 63,425 $ 63,986
Contractual Maturity of Repurchase Agreements	The table below summarizes the remaining contractual maturity of the Company's repurchase agreements as of September 30, 2015 . September 30, 2015 Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Repurchase Agreements Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 days 30 - 90 days Greater Than 90 days Total Repurchase agreements: Residential mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 41,441 $ — $ — $ 41,441 Total Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value $ — $ 41,441 $ — $ — $ 41,441

Fair Value of Financial Instr29

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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: September 30, 2015 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock $ 12,329 $ — $ 39,726 $ 52,055 Preferred stock — 11,417 — 11,417 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 20,657 — — 20,657 Federal agencies — 1,976 — 1,976 States and political subdivision bonds — 192,278 — 192,278 Foreign government — 29,682 — 29,682 Corporate bonds — 1,038,961 — 1,038,961 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 419,944 — 419,944 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 134,049 — 134,049 Asset-backed securities — 4,984 — 4,984 Structured securities — 118,437 — 118,437 Short term investments — 9,030 — 9,030 Total assets $ 32,986 $ 1,960,758 $ 39,726 $ 2,033,470 NGHC $ 27,023 $ 1,675,442 $ 39,726 $ 1,742,191 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,963 285,316 — 291,279 Total assets $ 32,986 $ 1,960,758 $ 39,726 $ 2,033,470 December 31, 2014 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock $ 6,535 $ — $ 34,389 $ 40,924 Preferred stock — 7,695 — 7,695 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 38,979 — — 38,979 Federal agencies — 98 — 98 States and political subdivision bonds — 177,409 — 177,409 Foreign government — 5,536 — 5,536 Corporate bonds — 867,262 — 867,262 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 470,636 — 470,636 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 80,992 — 80,992 Asset-backed securities — 5,370 — 5,370 Short term investments — 10,540 — 10,540 Total assets $ 45,514 $ 1,625,538 $ 34,389 $ 1,705,441 NGHC $ 45,514 $ 1,389,492 $ 34,389 $ 1,469,395 Reciprocal Exchanges — 236,046 — 236,046 Total assets $ 45,514 $ 1,625,538 $ 34,389 $ 1,705,441
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Financial Assets	The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets for the three and the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014: Balance as of Net income Other comprehensive Purchases and Sales and Net transfers Balance as of September 30, 2015 Common stock $ 39,726 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Total $ 39,726 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Balance as of Net income Other comprehensive Purchases and Sales and Net transfers Balance as of September 30, 2015 Common stock $ 34,389 $ — $ 5,337 $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Total $ 34,389 $ — $ 5,337 $ — $ — $ — $ 39,726 Balance as of Net income Other comprehensive Purchases and Sales and Net transfers Balance as of Common stock $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389 Total $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389

Equity Investments in Unconso30

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries (Tables) - LSC Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investment Information	The following tables present the investment activity in the LSC Entities. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of the period $ 146,089 $ 126,186 Distributions (1,923 ) — Contributions 565 16,676 Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 8,588 (2,590 ) Change in equity method investments 7,230 14,086 Balance at end of the period $ 153,319 $ 140,272 The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and 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, 2015 and 2014 . Condensed balance sheet data September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value $ 271,249 $ 264,517 Total assets 333,802 318,598 Total liabilities 27,164 26,420 Members' equity 306,638 292,178 NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 153,319 $ 146,089 Three Months Ended September 30, Condensed results of operations 2015 2014 Revenue, net of commission $ 5,400 $ (2,453 ) Total expenses 1,246 456 Net income (loss) $ 4,154 $ (2,909 ) NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 2,077 $ (1,455 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, Condensed results of operations 2015 2014 Revenue, net of commission $ 21,541 $ (2,727 ) Total expenses 4,365 2,452 Net income (loss) $ 17,176 $ (5,179 ) NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 8,588 $ (2,590 )
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: September 30, 2015 $ (35,235 ) $ 37,787 December 31, 2014 $ (34,686 ) $ 36,486 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: September 30, 2015 $ (22,330 ) $ 24,938 December 31, 2014 $ (22,705 ) $ 25,456 (1) Discount rate is a present value calculation that considers legal risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and is a component of EDR. The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and, only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Average age of insured 81.8 years 81.1 years Average life expectancy, months (1) 114 121 Average face amount per policy $ 6,588 $ 6,624 Effective discount rate (2) 13.9 % 14.0 %
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 2015 $ 45,181 2016 60,707 2017 40,446 2018 40,079 2019 37,652 Thereafter 514,923 Total $ 738,988

Goodwill and Intangible Asset31

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following: September 30, 2015 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 6,188 $ 2,012 5 years Loss reserve discount 12,451 12,201 250 7 years Agent relationships 41,711 13,080 28,631 11 - 17 years Affinity partners 800 418 382 11 years Value in policies-in-force 8,501 7,459 1,042 1 year Renewal rights 26,100 5,150 20,950 7 years Management contracts 151,427 — 151,427 indefinite life State licenses 62,165 — 62,165 indefinite life Goodwill 125,246 — 125,246 indefinite life Total $ 436,601 $ 44,496 $ 392,105 NGHC $ 422,700 $ 36,807 $ 385,893 Reciprocal Exchanges 13,901 7,689 6,212 Total $ 436,601 $ 44,496 $ 392,105 December 31, 2014 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 5,737 $ 2,463 5 years Loss reserve discount 12,451 12,071 380 7 years Agent relationships 43,652 9,602 34,050 11 - 17 years Affinity partners 800 363 437 11 years Non-compete 2,500 2,417 83 5 years Value in policies-in-force 8,501 2,468 6,033 1 year Renewal rights 26,100 1,474 24,626 7 years Management contracts 118,600 — 118,600 indefinite life State licenses 62,165 — 62,165 indefinite life Goodwill 70,764 — 70,764 indefinite life Total $ 353,733 $ 34,132 $ 319,601 NGHC $ 339,831 $ 31,663 $ 308,168 Reciprocal Exchanges 13,902 2,469 11,433 Total $ 353,733 $ 34,132 $ 319,601
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is: Year ending NGHC Reciprocal Total 2015 (remaining three months) $ 2,804 $ 1,272 $ 4,076 2016 10,329 460 10,789 2017 10,330 460 10,790 2018 6,325 460 6,785 2019 5,585 460 6,045 2020 4,122 — 4,122 Thereafter 10,660 — 10,660 $ 50,155 $ 3,112 $ 53,267

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of the Company's debt for the five years subsequent to September 30, 2015 are as follows: 2015 (remaining three months) 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total 7.625% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 6.75% Notes — — — — — — 250,000 250,000 Imperial Surplus Notes — — — — — — 5,000 5,000 Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes — — — — — — 54,455 54,455 Total principal amount of debt $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 409,455 $ 409,455 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (7,969 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 401,486

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders $ 38,988 $ 32,059 $ 114,508 $ 88,785 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 100,360,687 93,359,265 95,877,178 90,853,536 Potentially dilutive securities: Share options 2,217,367 2,075,584 2,074,956 1,673,422 Restricted stock units 362,674 228,580 362,674 88,240 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 102,940,728 95,663,429 98,314,808 92,615,198 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.39 $ 0.34 $ 1.19 $ 0.98 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.38 $ 0.34 $ 1.16 $ 0.96

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 Shares Weighted Shares Weighted Outstanding at beginning of period 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 Granted — — 195,000 17.63 Forfeited (30,759 ) 8.26 — — Exercised (835,801 ) 6.41 (106,412 ) 6.90 Outstanding at end of period 4,244,033 $ 9.37 5,146,951 $ 8.86
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, 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted Non-vested at beginning of period 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — Granted 216,910 20.34 330,555 17.45 Vested (66,240 ) 17.67 — — Forfeited (115,551 ) 17.57 — — Non-vested at end of period 362,674 $ 19.16 330,555 $ 15.91

Service and Fee Income (Tables)

Service and Fee Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Service and Fee Income	The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Installment fees $ 8,257 $ 7,816 $ 24,689 $ 22,021 Commission revenue 16,843 16,593 46,120 46,331 General agent fees 20,559 10,837 55,991 26,004 Late payment fees 3,063 3,148 8,996 8,633 Group health administrative fees 4,524 1,133 10,461 2,772 Finance and processing fees 6,529 5,163 23,340 11,672 Other 1,132 1,204 3,738 3,653 Total $ 60,907 $ 45,894 $ 173,335 $ 121,086

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following table is a reconciliation of the difference in the Company’s income tax expense compared to the statutory rate of 35% : Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 48,689 $ 2,338 $ 51,027 $ 45,142 $ (956 ) $ 44,186 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 17,041 $ 818 $ 17,859 $ 15,800 $ (335 ) $ 15,465 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (2,574 ) — (2,574 ) 1,918 — 1,918 Statutory equalization reserves 3,600 — 3,600 (3,917 ) — (3,917 ) Other, net (10,227 ) (44 ) (10,271 ) (3,564 ) 124 (3,440 ) Total income tax reported $ 7,840 $ 774 $ 8,614 $ 10,237 $ (211 ) $ 10,026 Effective tax rate 16.1 % 33.1 % 16.9 % 22.7 % 22.1 % 22.7 % Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 140,945 $ (998 ) $ 139,947 $ 111,109 $ (956 ) $ 110,153 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 49,331 $ (349 ) $ 48,982 $ 38,888 $ (335 ) $ 38,553 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (7,273 ) — (7,273 ) (1,736 ) — (1,736 ) Statutory equalization reserves (8,887 ) — (8,887 ) (16,659 ) — (16,659 ) Other, net (7,802 ) (128 ) (7,930 ) (2,496 ) 124 (2,372 ) Total income tax reported $ 25,369 $ (477 ) $ 24,892 $ 17,997 $ (211 ) $ 17,786 Effective tax rate 18.0 % 47.8 % 17.8 % 16.2 % 22.1 % 16.1 %

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Reinsurance Treaties	The amounts related to these reinsurance treaties are as follows: September 30, 2015 Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) Wesco $ (51 ) $ — $ (73 ) AARC 809 111 (387 ) December 31, 2014 Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) Wesco $ (3,987 ) $ — $ (638 ) AARC 706 94 (350 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ (2 ) $ 1 $ (518 ) AARC (387 ) 149 (221 ) 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 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ 69 $ 212 $ (413 ) AARC (1,108 ) 359 (586 ) 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 ) The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Expense Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (825 ) $ 1,702 Maiden Insurance Company — (1,373 ) 2,825 Technology Insurance Company — (567 ) 1,149 Total $ — $ (2,765 ) $ 5,676 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 186 $ 201 $ 2,063 Maiden Insurance Company 310 335 3,437 Technology Insurance Company 124 134 1,375 Total $ 620 $ 670 $ 6,875 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Expense Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (734 ) $ 2,516 Maiden Insurance Company — (1,224 ) 4,194 Technology Insurance Company — (489 ) 1,678 Total $ — $ (2,447 ) $ 8,388 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 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
Schedule of Percentage Participation by Reinsurer	The percentage breakdown by reinsurer of such 50% is as follows: Name of Insurer Quota Share Percentage ACP Re 15% Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden 25% Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust 10%
Schedule of Effects of Recoveries of Acquisition Costs from Reinsured Contracts	September 30, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable ACP Re $ 19,642 $ — $ 8,533 Maiden Insurance Company 32,736 — 14,221 Technology Insurance Company 13,095 — 5,689 Total $ 65,473 $ — $ 28,443 December 31, 2014 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable ACP Re $ 30,517 $ 3 $ 7,792 Maiden Insurance Company 50,861 5 12,987 Technology Insurance Company 20,345 2 5,195 Total $ 101,723 $ 10 $ 25,974

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables summarize the underwriting results of the Company’s operating segments: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 583,091 $ 43,594 $ — $ 626,685 Ceded premiums (91,301 ) (9,745 ) — (101,046 ) Net premium written 491,790 33,849 — 525,639 Change in unearned premium (33,636 ) 11,258 — (22,378 ) Net earned premium 458,154 45,107 — 503,261 Ceding commission income 11,883 267 — 12,150 Service and fee income 41,247 19,660 — 60,907 Total underwriting revenue 511,284 65,034 — 576,318 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 268,740 33,519 — 302,259 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 91,379 17,365 — 108,744 General and administrative expenses 104,520 14,061 — 118,581 Total underwriting expenses 464,639 64,945 — 529,584 Underwriting income 46,645 89 — 46,734 Net investment income — — 18,472 18,472 Net realized losses on investments — — (4,594 ) (4,594 ) Other revenue — — (157 ) (157 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 2,288 2,288 Interest expense — — (9,428 ) (9,428 ) Provision for income taxes — — (8,614 ) (8,614 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (1,588 ) (1,588 ) Net income attributable NGHC $ 46,645 $ 89 $ (3,621 ) $ 43,113 NGHC $ 43,179 $ 89 $ (155 ) $ 43,113 Reciprocal Exchanges 3,466 — (3,466 ) — Net income attributable NGHC $ 46,645 $ 89 $ (3,621 ) $ 43,113 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 479,866 $ 17,729 $ — $ 497,595 Ceded premiums (65,962 ) (63 ) — (66,025 ) Net premium written 413,904 17,666 — 431,570 Change in unearned premium (4,966 ) 11,802 — 6,836 Net earned premium 408,938 29,468 — 438,406 Ceding commission income 705 — — 705 Service and fee income 31,378 14,516 — 45,894 Total underwriting revenue 441,021 43,984 — 485,005 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 expenses 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 on investments — — (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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,692,412 $ 153,409 $ — $ 1,845,821 Ceded premiums (284,121 ) (26,626 ) — (310,747 ) Net premium written 1,408,291 126,783 — 1,535,074 Change in unearned premium (69,598 ) (14,234 ) — (83,832 ) Net earned premium 1,338,693 112,549 — 1,451,242 Ceding commission income 26,380 820 — 27,200 Service and fee income 118,584 54,751 — 173,335 Total underwriting revenue 1,483,657 168,120 — 1,651,777 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 816,022 79,752 — 895,774 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 254,855 40,276 — 295,131 General and administrative expenses 301,187 42,239 — 343,426 Total underwriting expenses 1,372,064 162,267 — 1,534,331 Underwriting income 111,593 5,853 — 117,446 Net investment income — — 52,955 52,955 Net realized losses on investments — — (3,018 ) (3,018 ) Other revenue — — (327 ) (327 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 8,900 8,900 Interest expense — — (27,109 ) (27,109 ) Provision for income taxes — — (24,892 ) (24,892 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — 453 453 Net income attributable NGHC $ 111,593 $ 5,853 $ 6,962 $ 124,408 NGHC $ 108,336 $ 5,853 $ 10,219 $ 124,408 Reciprocal Exchanges 3,257 — (3,257 ) — Net income attributable NGHC $ 111,593 $ 5,853 $ 6,962 $ 124,408 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,494,337 $ 117,873 $ — $ 1,612,210 Ceded premiums (194,339 ) (260 ) — (194,599 ) Net premium written 1,299,998 117,613 — 1,417,611 Change in unearned premium (202,218 ) (27,669 ) — (229,887 ) Net earned premium 1,097,780 89,944 — 1,187,724 Ceding commission income 7,632 — — 7,632 Service and fee income 76,440 44,646 — 121,086 Total underwriting revenue 1,181,852 134,590 — 1,316,442 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 expenses 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 on investments — — (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 The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's operating segments as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : September 30, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 628,040 $ 95,338 $ — $ 723,378 Deferred acquisition costs 150,411 2,165 — 152,576 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 893,272 — — 893,272 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 131,468 — — 131,468 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 312,781 79,324 — 392,105 Corporate and other assets — — 2,791,534 2,791,534 Total assets $ 2,115,972 $ 176,827 $ 2,791,534 $ 5,084,333 December 31, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 576,980 $ 70,463 $ — $ 647,443 Deferred acquisition costs 119,167 6,832 — 125,999 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 911,790 8 — 911,798 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 102,761 — — 102,761 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 260,739 58,862 — 319,601 Corporate and other assets — — 2,217,114 2,217,114 Total assets $ 1,971,437 $ 136,165 $ 2,217,114 $ 4,324,716
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	The following tables show an analysis of the Company's gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 536,583 $ 79,864 $ 616,447 $ 481,047 $ 9,993 $ 491,040 Gross premium written - Europe 10,238 — 10,238 6,555 — 6,555 Total $ 546,821 $ 79,864 $ 626,685 $ 487,602 $ 9,993 $ 497,595 Net premium written - North America $ 209,390 $ 43,650 $ 253,040 $ 200,913 $ 7,205 $ 208,118 Net premium written - Bermuda 262,361 — 262,361 210,372 — 210,372 Net premium written - Europe 10,238 — 10,238 13,080 — 13,080 Total $ 481,989 $ 43,650 $ 525,639 $ 424,365 $ 7,205 $ 431,570 Net earned premium - North America $ 183,113 $ 34,296 $ 217,409 $ 196,453 $ 6,692 $ 203,145 Net earned premium - Bermuda 264,161 — 264,161 210,371 — 210,371 Net earned premium - Europe 21,691 — 21,691 24,890 — 24,890 Total $ 468,965 $ 34,296 $ 503,261 $ 431,714 $ 6,692 $ 438,406 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,553,584 $ 217,830 $ 1,771,414 $ 1,515,687 $ 9,993 $ 1,525,680 Gross premium written - Europe 74,407 — 74,407 86,530 — 86,530 Total $ 1,627,991 $ 217,830 $ 1,845,821 $ 1,602,217 $ 9,993 $ 1,612,210 Net premium written - North America $ 600,386 $ 93,053 $ 693,439 $ 772,232 $ 7,205 $ 779,437 Net premium written - Bermuda 727,228 — 727,228 511,643 — 511,643 Net premium written - Europe 114,407 — 114,407 126,531 — 126,531 Total $ 1,442,021 $ 93,053 $ 1,535,074 $ 1,410,406 $ 7,205 $ 1,417,611 Net earned premium - North America $ 525,233 $ 98,440 $ 623,673 $ 570,506 $ 6,692 $ 577,198 Net earned premium - Bermuda 727,228 — 727,228 511,642 — 511,642 Net earned premium - Europe 100,341 — 100,341 98,884 — 98,884 Total $ 1,352,802 $ 98,440 $ 1,451,242 $ 1,181,032 $ 6,692 $ 1,187,724
Revenue from External Customers by Product Type	The following tables show an analysis of the Company's gross premium written, net premium written and net earned premium by product type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Gross Premium Written 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 307,799 $ 315,672 $ 935,339 $ 953,010 Homeowners 103,423 74,583 263,544 290,667 RV/Packaged 40,447 39,490 121,093 120,183 Commercial Auto 48,052 35,619 139,880 107,173 Other 3,506 4,509 14,726 13,311 Property and Casualty Total $ 503,227 $ 469,873 $ 1,474,582 $ 1,484,344 Accident and Health Total 43,594 17,729 153,409 117,873 NGHC Total $ 546,821 $ 487,602 $ 1,627,991 $ 1,602,217 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 24,177 $ 4,330 $ 67,641 $ 4,330 Homeowners 48,229 5,013 128,951 5,013 Other 7,458 650 21,238 650 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 79,864 $ 9,993 $ 217,830 $ 9,993 Total $ 626,685 $ 497,595 $ 1,845,821 $ 1,612,210 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Premium Written 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 257,432 $ 273,922 $ 805,081 $ 795,511 Homeowners 105,028 57,105 250,874 273,190 RV/Packaged 40,113 38,900 119,781 115,263 Commercial Auto 43,502 32,249 127,753 96,009 Other 2,065 4,523 11,749 12,820 Property and Casualty Total $ 448,140 $ 406,699 $ 1,315,238 $ 1,292,793 Accident and Health Total 33,849 17,666 126,783 117,613 NGHC Total $ 481,989 $ 424,365 $ 1,442,021 $ 1,410,406 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ (3,516 ) $ 4,063 $ 38,619 $ 4,063 Homeowners 46,902 2,636 40,079 2,636 Other 264 506 14,355 506 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 43,650 $ 7,205 $ 93,053 $ 7,205 Total $ 525,639 $ 431,570 $ 1,535,074 $ 1,417,611 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Earned Premium 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 251,754 $ 268,155 $ 786,397 $ 719,483 Homeowners 92,283 58,730 219,633 165,507 RV/Packaged 38,489 38,885 112,041 109,746 Commercial Auto 39,440 31,920 111,491 84,841 Other 1,892 4,556 10,691 11,511 Property and Casualty Total $ 423,858 $ 402,246 $ 1,240,253 $ 1,091,088 Accident and Health Total 45,107 29,468 112,549 89,944 NGHC Total $ 468,965 $ 431,714 $ 1,352,802 $ 1,181,032 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 14,494 $ 4,043 $ 60,965 $ 4,043 Homeowners 17,105 2,221 26,991 2,221 Other 2,697 428 10,484 428 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 34,296 $ 6,692 $ 98,440 $ 6,692 Total $ 503,261 $ 438,406 $ 1,451,242 $ 1,187,724

Recent Accounting Pronounceme39

Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncement (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Debt issuance costs	$ 4,923

Reciprocal Exchanges (Details)

Reciprocal Exchanges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014
Entity
Total revenues	$ 590,039	$ 497,957	$ 1,701,387	$ 1,350,036
Total expenses	539,012	453,771	1,561,440	1,239,883
Net income (loss)	44,701	32,549	123,955	89,269
Service and fee income	60,907	45,894	173,335	121,086
Assets:
Accrued investment income	16,658		16,658		$ 14,451
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	893,272		893,272		911,798
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	131,468		131,468		102,761
Intangible assets, net	266,859		266,859		248,837
Income tax receivable	1,884		1,884		0
Other assets	2,791,534		2,791,534		2,217,114
Total assets	5,084,333		5,084,333		4,324,716
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,565,318		1,565,318		1,562,153
Unearned premiums	974,742		974,742		864,436
Reinsurance payable	92,812		92,812		111,641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	228,982		228,982		207,121
Deferred tax liability	67,714		67,714		67,535
Notes payable	401,486		401,486		299,082
Due to affiliate	0		0		1,552
Other liabilities	167,677		167,677		51,824
Total liabilities	3,553,777		3,553,777		3,251,266
Non-controlling interest	8,829		8,829		13,756
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,084,333		5,084,333		4,324,716
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity
Total revenues	52,498	6,751	136,702	6,751
Total expenses	50,934	7,496	137,223	7,496
Net income (loss)	1,564	(745)	(521)	(745)
Assets:
Cash and investments						$ 235,684
Accrued investment income	2,287		2,287		1,898	1,975
Premiums receivables						62,412
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	64,848		64,848		23,583	19,137
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	62,577		62,577		26,924	27,166
Intangible assets, net	6,212		6,212		11,433	13,901
Income tax receivable	1,884		1,884		0	819
Other assets						124
Total assets						361,218
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	136,777		136,777		111,848	113,828
Unearned premiums	151,163		151,163		119,998	114,786
Reinsurance payable	17,243		17,243		13,811	5,167
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	42,209		42,209		17,691	10,120
Deferred tax liability	40,036		40,036		38,402	39,238
Notes payable	54,455		54,455		48,374	44,600
Due to affiliate	0		0		1,552	17,808
Other liabilities	59,065		59,065		5,710	4,506
Total liabilities						350,053
Non-controlling interest	8,675		8,675		$ 13,670	11,165
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity						$ 361,218
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity
Service and fee income	$ 11,194	$ 0	$ 30,504	$ 0

Investments - Available-for-sal

Investments - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	$ 2,022,856	$ 1,655,451
Total net of Securities pledged	1,980,050	1,607,905
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	47,316	56,825
Total net of Securities pledged	46,411	54,915
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(45,732)	(17,375)
Total net of Securities pledged	(45,732)	(17,375)
Fair Value
Total	2,024,440	1,694,901
Total net of Securities pledged	1,980,729	1,645,445
Common stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	57,166	47,269
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities	554	1,004
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities	(5,665)	(7,349)
Fair Value
Equity securities	52,055	40,924
Preferred stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	11,448	7,755
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities	43	65
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities	(74)	(125)
Fair Value
Equity securities	11,417	7,695
U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	19,406	37,446
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	1,254	1,536
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(3)	(3)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	20,657	38,979
Federal agencies
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	1,945	98
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	31	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	1,976	98
States and political subdivision bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	188,823	172,617
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	4,248	4,961
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(793)	(169)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	192,278	177,409
Foreign government
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	29,412	6,194
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	418	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(148)	(658)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	29,682	5,536
Corporate bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	1,044,046	839,436
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	28,028	36,525
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(33,113)	(8,699)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	1,038,961	867,262
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	408,984	459,596
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	11,044	11,132
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(84)	(92)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	419,944	470,636
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	135,961	79,579
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	1,654	1,602
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(3,566)	(189)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	134,049	80,992
Asset-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	4,981	5,461
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	3	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	0	(91)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	4,984	5,370
Structured securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	120,684
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	39
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(2,286)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	118,437
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	67,113	52,272
Fixed maturities	1,621,363	1,330,760
Total	1,731,282	1,430,578
Less: Securities pledged	42,806	47,546
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	45,923	55,031
Less: Securities pledged	905	1,910
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(40,014)	(16,264)
Less: Securities pledged	0	0
Fair Value
Equity securities	61,928	45,802
Fixed maturities	1,631,552	1,374,087
Total	1,737,191	1,469,345
Less: Securities pledged	43,711	49,456
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	13,473	19,068
Fair Value
Total	14,695	20,475
Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	1,501	2,752
Fixed maturities	290,073	222,121
Total	291,574	224,873
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	1,393	1,794
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(5,718)	(1,111)
Fair Value
Equity securities	1,544	2,817
Fixed maturities	285,705	222,739
Total	287,249	225,556
Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	5,933	18,378
Fair Value
Total	$ 5,962	$ 18,504

Investments - Available-for-s42

Investments - Available-for-sale and Securities Pledged Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 10,256
Due after one year through five years	272,010
Due after five years through ten years	859,611
Due after ten years	267,420
Mortgage-backed securities	544,945
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,954,242
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	10,616
Due after one year through five years	279,087
Due after five years through ten years	855,197
Due after ten years	262,075
Mortgage-backed securities	553,993
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,960,968
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	9,756
Due after one year through five years	248,555
Due after five years through ten years	719,103
Due after ten years	224,397
Mortgage-backed securities	462,358
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,664,169
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	10,116
Due after one year through five years	256,096
Due after five years through ten years	716,196
Due after ten years	219,252
Mortgage-backed securities	473,603
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	1,675,263
Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	500
Due after one year through five years	23,455
Due after five years through ten years	140,508
Due after ten years	43,023
Mortgage-backed securities	82,587
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	290,073
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	500
Due after one year through five years	22,991
Due after five years through ten years	139,001
Due after ten years	42,823
Mortgage-backed securities	80,390
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	$ 285,705

Investments - Investment Income

Investments - Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	$ 17,425	$ 13,869	$ 48,553	$ 35,565
Investment expense	(1,110)	(106)	(2,381)	(1,135)
Repurchase Agreements interest income (expense)	78	(66)	(25)	(198)
Net investment income	18,472	13,697	52,955	34,232
Cash and short term investments
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	2	11	11	28
Equity securities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	102	0	299	0
Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	17,321	13,858	48,243	35,537
Other Income (1)
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	2,079	0	6,808	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	16,140	13,697	46,403	34,232
Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	2,332	0	6,552	0
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re
Net Investment Income
(1) Interest income, related party	$ 2,115	$ 365	$ 6,514	$ 365

Investments - Realized Gains an

Investments - Realized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Proceeds from sales of equity securities and fixed maturities			$ 148,508	$ 193,749
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ (6,009)	$ 0	(8,492)	0
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	0	0	5	0
Gross Losses	(55)	(505)	(55)	(505)
Net Gains (Losses)	(55)	(505)	(50)	(505)
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	1,579	152	6,669	152
Gross Losses	(109)	(204)	(1,145)	(204)
Net Gains (Losses)	1,470	(52)	5,524	(52)
Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains		0		0
Gross Losses		(561)		(561)
Net Gains (Losses)		(561)		(561)
Total gross realized gains and losses
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	1,579	152	6,674	152
Gross Losses	(6,173)	(1,270)	(9,692)	(1,270)
Net Gains (Losses)	(4,594)	(1,118)	(3,018)	(1,118)
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Total gross realized gains and losses
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	1,349	152	5,537	152
Gross Losses	(6,067)	(1,270)	(8,826)	(1,270)
Net Gains (Losses)	(4,718)	(1,118)	(3,289)	(1,118)
Reciprocal Exchanges | Total gross realized gains and losses
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	230	0	1,137	0
Gross Losses	(106)	0	(866)	0
Net Gains (Losses)	$ 124	$ 0	$ 271	$ 0

Investments - Unrealized Gains

Investments - Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Deferred income tax expense	$ (409)	$ (13,787)
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax expense	897	25,681
Non-controlling interest
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax expense	2,811	(683)
Common stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities	(5,111)	(6,345)
Preferred stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities	(31)	(60)
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities	6,726	45,855
Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities	(278)	18
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax expense	3,708	24,998
NGHC year-to-date change in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax expense	(21,290)	17,938
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax expense	$ (2,811)	$ 683

Investments - Gross Unrealized

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)security
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 585,268	$ 232,998
12 Months or More	32,282	38,786
Total	617,550	271,784
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(39,884)	(14,010)
12 Months or More	(5,848)	(3,365)
Total	$ (45,732)	$ (17,375)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	315	186
12 Months or More | security	35	22
Number of securities with gross unrealized loss | security	350	208
20% of amortized cost or cost	20.00%
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost	$ 1,972
Common stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	42,260	$ 33,717
12 Months or More	136	0
Total	42,396	33,717
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(5,643)	(7,349)
12 Months or More	(22)	0
Total	$ (5,665)	$ (7,349)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	7	3
12 Months or More | security	2	0
Preferred stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 4,952	$ 0
12 Months or More	0	4,878
Total	4,952	4,878
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(74)	0
12 Months or More	0	(125)
Total	$ (74)	$ (125)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	1	0
12 Months or More | security	0	1
U.S. Treasury
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 501	$ 6,343
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	501	6,343
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(3)	(3)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (3)	$ (3)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	2	5
12 Months or More | security	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 21,855	$ 16,320
12 Months or More	5,879	8,341
Total	27,734	24,661
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(643)	(92)
12 Months or More	(150)	(77)
Total	$ (793)	$ (169)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	23	39
12 Months or More | security	12	8
Foreign government
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 4,444	$ 5,536
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	4,444	5,536
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(148)	(658)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (148)	$ (658)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	2	1
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 335,634	$ 116,880
12 Months or More	24,231	23,592
Total	359,865	140,472
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(27,477)	(5,594)
12 Months or More	(5,636)	(3,105)
Total	$ (33,113)	$ (8,699)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	193	108
12 Months or More | security	13	10
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 9,523	$ 15,598
12 Months or More	2,036	1,975
Total	11,559	17,573
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(44)	(34)
12 Months or More	(40)	(58)
Total	$ (84)	$ (92)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	14	17
12 Months or More | security	8	3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 73,727	$ 33,735
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	73,727	33,735
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(3,566)	(189)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (3,566)	$ (189)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	29	10
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Asset-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months		$ 4,869
12 Months or More		0
Total		4,869
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months		(91)
12 Months or More		0
Total		$ (91)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security		3
12 Months or More | security		0
Structured securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 92,372
12 Months or More	0
Total	92,372
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(2,286)
12 Months or More	0
Total	$ (2,286)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	44
12 Months or More | security	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 435,365	$ 142,313
12 Months or More	32,282	38,786
Total	467,647	181,099
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(34,166)	(12,899)
12 Months or More	(5,848)	(3,365)
Total	$ (40,014)	$ (16,264)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	177	97
12 Months or More | security	35	22
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 149,903	$ 90,685
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	149,903	90,685
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(5,718)	(1,111)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (5,718)	$ (1,111)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	138	89
12 Months or More | security	0	0

Investments - Credit Quality of

Investments - Credit Quality of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 2,022,856	$ 1,655,451
Total	2,024,440	1,694,901
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,731,282	1,430,578
Total	1,737,191	1,469,345
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,674,116	1,383,309
Total	$ 1,685,136	$ 1,428,421
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	100.00%	100.00%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 13,473	$ 19,068
Total	$ 14,695	$ 20,475
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	0.90%	1.40%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 321,450	$ 359,424
Total	$ 330,800	$ 370,058
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	19.60%	25.90%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 330,481	$ 275,905
Total	$ 337,158	$ 282,443
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	20.00%	19.80%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 343,200	$ 300,789
Total	$ 355,948	$ 318,955
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	21.10%	22.30%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 438,571	$ 328,594
Total	$ 437,946	$ 335,745
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	26.00%	23.50%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 226,941	$ 99,529
Total	$ 208,589	$ 100,745
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	12.40%	7.10%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 291,574	$ 224,873
Total	287,249	225,556
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	291,574	224,873
Total	$ 287,249	$ 225,556
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 5,933	$ 18,378
Total	$ 5,962	$ 18,504
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	2.10%	8.20%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 42,195	$ 24,956
Total	$ 41,689	$ 25,027
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	14.50%	11.10%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 55,328	$ 0
Total	$ 55,694	$ 0
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	19.40%	0.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 63,797	$ 99,754
Total	$ 63,577	$ 100,412
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	22.10%	44.50%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 90,932	$ 48,440
Total	$ 89,720	$ 48,486
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	31.20%	21.50%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 33,389	$ 33,345
Total	$ 30,607	$ 33,127
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Stock Securities	10.70%	14.70%

Investments - Investment Qualit

Investments - Investment Quality Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 2,024,440	$ 1,694,901
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 1,038,961	$ 867,262
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.50%	1.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	6.80%	6.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	35.30%	38.50%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	46.90%	43.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	10.50%	10.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 424,992	$ 376,236
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	40.90%	43.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.00%	1.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	3.10%	3.60%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	24.00%	26.90%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	11.10%	8.90%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	2.70%	2.50%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 553,210	$ 427,592
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	53.20%	49.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	3.70%	2.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	10.60%	9.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	32.30%	31.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	6.60%	5.90%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 60,759	$ 63,434
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	5.90%	7.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.50%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.70%	2.20%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	3.50%	3.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	1.20%	2.00%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 1,737,191	$ 1,469,345
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 879,533	$ 762,822
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	84.80%	88.30%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.50%	1.40%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	6.60%	6.00%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	30.10%	34.00%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	38.80%	38.60%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	8.80%	8.30%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 287,249	$ 225,556
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 159,428	$ 104,440
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	15.20%	11.70%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.20%	0.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	5.20%	4.50%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	8.10%	5.10%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	1.70%	2.10%

Investments - Restricted Cash a

Investments - Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 14,999	$ 7,937
Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value	48,426	56,049
Total restricted cash and investments	$ 63,425	$ 63,986

Investments - Other (Details)

Investments - Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Collateralized lending transactions	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$ 41,441		$ 41,441		$ 46,804
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate	0.50%		0.50%
Repurchase Agreements interest income (expense)	$ 78	$ (66)	$ (25)	$ (198)
Minimum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate					0.30%
Maximum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate					0.35%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Collateral pledged in support of repurchase agreements	$ 43,711		$ 43,711		$ 49,456

Investments - Contractual Matur

Investments - Contractual Maturity Information Regarding Repurchase Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	$ 41,441	$ 46,804
Overnight and Continuous
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0
Up to 30 days
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	41,441
30 - 90 days
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0
Greater Than 90 days
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	41,441
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Overnight and Continuous
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Up to 30 days
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	41,441
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 30 - 90 days
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Greater Than 90 days
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	$ 0
Minimum
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Amount of collateral required	105.00%
Maximum
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Amount of collateral required	110.00%

Fair Value of Financial Instr52

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Percentage of investments priced by service	100.00%
7.625% Subordinated Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate on debt	7.625%
7.625% Subordinated Notes | Senior Notes | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Current fair value of notes	$ 93,680
6.75% Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate on debt	6.75%	6.75%
6.75% Notes | Senior Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Current fair value of notes	$ 272,834	$ 276,014
Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes | Senior Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Current fair value of notes	4,989	4,982
Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Current fair value of notes	$ 47,500	$ 42,000

Fair Value of Financial Instr53

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	$ 2,024,440	$ 1,694,901
Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	52,055	40,924
Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	11,417	7,695
U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	20,657	38,979
Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,976	98
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	192,278	177,409
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	29,682	5,536
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,038,961	867,262
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	419,944	470,636
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	134,049	80,992
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	4,984	5,370
Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	118,437
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	61,928	45,802
Fixed maturities	1,631,552	1,374,087
Other investments	6,041	4,764
Total	1,737,191	1,469,345
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	14,695	20,475
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	1,544	2,817
Fixed maturities	285,705	222,739
Total	287,249	225,556
Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	5,962	18,504
Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	2,033,470	1,705,441
Recurring | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	52,055	40,924
Recurring | Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	11,417	7,695
Recurring | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	20,657	38,979
Recurring | Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,976	98
Recurring | States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	192,278	177,409
Recurring | Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	29,682	5,536
Recurring | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,038,961	867,262
Recurring | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	419,944	470,636
Recurring | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	134,049	80,992
Recurring | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	4,984	5,370
Recurring | Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	118,437
Recurring | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	9,030	10,540
Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	32,986	45,514
Recurring | Level 1 | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	12,329	6,535
Recurring | Level 1 | Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	20,657	38,979
Recurring | Level 1 | Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0
Recurring | Level 1 | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	0	0
Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	1,960,758	1,625,538
Recurring | Level 2 | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 2 | Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	11,417	7,695
Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 2 | Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,976	98
Recurring | Level 2 | States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	192,278	177,409
Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	29,682	5,536
Recurring | Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,038,961	867,262
Recurring | Level 2 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	419,944	470,636
Recurring | Level 2 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	134,049	80,992
Recurring | Level 2 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	4,984	5,370
Recurring | Level 2 | Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	118,437
Recurring | Level 2 | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	9,030	10,540
Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	39,726	34,389
Recurring | Level 3 | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	39,726	34,389
Recurring | Level 3 | Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0
Recurring | Level 3 | Short-term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	0	0
Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	1,742,191	1,469,395
Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	27,023	45,514
Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	1,675,442	1,389,492
Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	39,726	34,389
Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	291,279	236,046
Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	5,963	0
Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	285,316	236,046
Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr54

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Beginning Balance	$ 39,726	$ 34,389	$ 0
Net income (loss)	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	5,337	(7,328)
Purchases and issuances	0	0	41,717
Sales and settlements	0	0	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	39,726	39,726	34,389
Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Beginning Balance	39,726	34,389	0
Net income (loss)	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	5,337	(7,328)
Purchases and issuances	0	0	41,717
Sales and settlements	0	0	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 39,726	$ 39,726	$ 34,389

Equity Investments in Unconso55

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Investment Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investment [Roll Forward]
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 2,288	$ (1,611)	$ 8,900	$ (3,098)
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | LSC Entities
Equity Method Investment [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			146,089	126,186
Distributions			(1,923)	0
Contributions			565	16,676
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,077	(1,455)	8,588	(2,590)
Change in equity method investments			7,230	14,086
Ending balance	$ 153,319	$ 140,272	$ 153,319	$ 140,272

Equity Investments in Unconso56

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Balance Sheet (Details) - VIE, Not primary beneficiary - LSC Entities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$ 271,249	$ 264,517
Total assets	333,802	318,598
Total liabilities	27,164	26,420
Members' equity	306,638	292,178
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 153,319	$ 146,089	$ 140,272	$ 126,186

Equity Investments in Unconso57

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 2,288	$ (1,611)	$ 8,900	$ (3,098)
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Revenue, net of commission	5,400	(2,453)	21,541	(2,727)
Total expenses	1,246	456	4,365	2,452
Net income (loss)	4,154	(2,909)	17,176	(5,179)
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 2,077	$ (1,455)	$ 8,588	$ (2,590)

Equity Investments in Unconso58

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Fair Value Quantitative Information (Details) - VIE, Not primary beneficiary - LSC Entities - $ / policy $ / policy in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Average age of insured	81 years 9 months	81 years 1 month
Average life expectancy, months	114 months	121 months
Average face amount per policy	6,588	6,624
Effective discount rate	13.90%	14.00%
Investment discount rate	7.50%	7.50%
Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate	12.50%	12.50%
Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate	17.50%	17.50%

Equity Investments in Unconso59

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Increase (Decrease) in Carrying Value of Investment in Life Insurance Policies (Details) - LSC Entities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Change in life expectancy plus 4 months	$ 35,235	$ (34,686)
Change in life expectancy minus 4 months	37,787	36,486
Change in discount rate plus 1%	22,330	(22,705)
Change in discount rate minus 1%	$ 24,938	$ 25,456

Equity Investments in Unconso60

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts (Details) - LSC Entities $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts
2,015	$ 45,181
2,016	60,707
2,017	40,446
2,018	40,079
2,019	37,652
Thereafter	514,923
Total	$ 738,988

Equity Investments in Unconso61

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012ft²	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 2,288	$ (1,611)	$ 8,900	$ (3,098)
800 Superior, LLC | Building
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Cost of building				$ 7,500
Affiliated Entity | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | Building
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Cost of building		$ 21,000
LSC Entities | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%		50.00%
LSC Entities | VIE, Not primary beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%		50.00%
Contribution amount to acquire equity investment							$ 565	16,676
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 153,319	140,272	$ 153,319	140,272	$ 146,089		$ 126,186
Investment discount rate							7.50%		7.50%
Effective discount rate (EDR)							13.90%		14.00%
Additional required capital to keep life settlement policies in-force					50.00%		50.00%
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 2,077	(1,455)	$ 8,588	(2,590)
LSC Entities | VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate (EDR)							12.50%		12.50%
LSC Entities | VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate (EDR)							17.50%		17.50%
Tiger | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired												50.00%
Tiger | VIE, Not primary beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired												50.00%
AMTCH | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired	50.00%
AMTCH | VIE, Not primary beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired	50.00%
Contribution amount to acquire equity investment	$ 12,136
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	22,411
Difference between equity interest and consideration paid	$ 10,275
800 Superior, LLC | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%		50.00%
800 Superior, LLC | Affiliated Entity
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 1,791		$ 1,791		$ 2,140
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries					(190)	(183)	(349)	(576)
800 Superior, LLC | Affiliated Entity | 800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Area of office lease space (sqft) | ft²										134,000
Term of lease										15 years
Rent expense					$ 664	561	$ 1,992	1,683
800 Superior NMTC investment Fund II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					24.50%		24.50%
800 Superior NMTC investment Fund II | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					24.50%		24.50%
East Ninth & Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 4,129		$ 4,129		$ 4,079
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 13	$ 27	$ 50	$ 68
East Ninth & Superior, LLC | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%		50.00%
North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership			$ 9,714
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation			45.00%
North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. | NA Advisors GP LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership			$ 2,200
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation			10.00%
Limited Partnership, Percentage of Profit Interest			10.00%
North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. | Affiliated Entity
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					45.00%		45.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 10,121		$ 10,121
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 319		$ 542
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests			$ 9,714
4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation		50.00%
4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | Affiliated Entity
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 10,463		$ 10,463
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 69		$ 69
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership		$ 53,715
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation		37.50%
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | ACP Re
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership		$ 21,486
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation		15.00%
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | ACP Re Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership		$ 53,715
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation		37.50%
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | NA Advisors GP LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership		$ 14,324
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation		10.00%
Limited Partnership, Percentage of Profit Interest		10.00%
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | Affiliated Entity
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					37.50%		37.50%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 53,715		$ 53,715
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 0		$ 0
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests		$ 53,715

Recent Acquisitions - Narrative

Recent Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015
Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd.ARS
Business Acquisition
Purchase price	$ 48,000
Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC (HST)
Business Acquisition
Purchase price		$ 15,000

Goodwill and Intangible Asset63

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Composition of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill	$ 125,246		$ 125,246		$ 70,764
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	44,496		44,496		34,132
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	53,267		53,267
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	436,601		436,601		353,733
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	392,105		392,105		319,601
Goodwill impairment	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Intangible Assets impairment	0	$ 0	367	$ 736
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	36,807		36,807		31,663
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	50,155		50,155
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	422,700		422,700		339,831
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	385,893		385,893		308,168
Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	7,689		7,689		2,469
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	3,112		3,112
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	13,901		13,901		13,902
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	6,212		6,212		11,433
Management contracts
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	151,427		151,427		118,600
State licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	62,165		62,165		62,165
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	8,200		8,200		8,200
Accumulated Amortization	6,188		6,188		5,737
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	2,012		$ 2,012		$ 2,463
Useful Life			5 years		5 years
Loss reserve discount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	12,451		$ 12,451		$ 12,451
Accumulated Amortization	12,201		12,201		12,071
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	250		$ 250		$ 380
Useful Life			7 years		7 years
Agent relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	41,711		$ 41,711		$ 43,652
Accumulated Amortization	13,080		13,080		9,602
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	28,631		$ 28,631		$ 34,050
Agent relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life			11 years		11 years
Agent relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life			17 years		17 years
Affinity partners
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	800		$ 800		$ 800
Accumulated Amortization	418		418		363
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	382		$ 382		$ 437
Useful Life			11 years		11 years
Non-compete
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance					$ 2,500
Accumulated Amortization					2,417
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total					$ 83
Useful Life					5 years
Value in policies-in-force
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	8,501		$ 8,501		$ 8,501
Accumulated Amortization	7,459		7,459		2,468
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	1,042		$ 1,042		$ 6,033
Useful Life			1 year		1 year
Renewal rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	26,100		$ 26,100		$ 26,100
Accumulated Amortization	5,150		5,150		1,474
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 20,950		$ 20,950		$ 24,626
Useful Life			7 years		7 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset64

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Entity Information
2015 (remaining three months)	$ 4,076
2,016	10,789
2,017	10,790
2,018	6,785
2,019	6,045
2,020	4,122
Thereafter	10,660
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	53,267
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
2015 (remaining three months)	2,804
2,016	10,329
2,017	10,330
2,018	6,325
2,019	5,585
2,020	4,122
Thereafter	10,660
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	50,155
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
2015 (remaining three months)	1,272
2,016	460
2,017	460
2,018	460
2,019	460
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 3,112

Goodwill and Intangible Asset65

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill	$ 125,246		$ 125,246		$ 70,764
Goodwill impairment	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets	4,403	2,834	13,637	8,786
Intangible Assets impairment	0	0	367	736
Goodwill, Period Increase			54,482
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase			18,022
Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 1,355	$ 353	$ 5,220	$ 353

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 18, 2015	Aug. 17, 2015	Apr. 06, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock
Common stock, par value					$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Issuance of common stock, net of fees					$ 210,642	$ 177,829
Preferred stock, par value					$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees					$ 159,552	$ 53,164
Common stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares	11,500,000				11,500,000	13,570,000
Common stock, par value	$ 19
Issuance of common stock, net of fees	$ 210,853
Issuance of stock	210,642				$ 115	$ 136
Underwriting discount, commissions and expenses on issuance of stock	$ 7,858
Underwriters' over-allotment option
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares		1,500,000
Preferred stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares					165,000	2,200,000
Issuance of stock					$ 165,000	$ 55,000
Preferred stock | Noncumulative Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares			15,000	150,000
Preferred stock, par value				$ 0.01
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees			$ 14,527	$ 145,275
Interest rate on preferred stock				7.50%
Liquidation preference (in dollars per share)				$ 1,000
Underwriting discount, commissions and expenses on issuance of stock			$ 473	$ 4,975
Preferred stock | American Depository Shares
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares			600,000	6,000,000
Liquidation preference (in dollars per share)				$ 25

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 23, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 18, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	May. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument
Proceeds from notes payable				$ 96,550	$ 250,000
Notes payable		$ 401,486		$ 401,486			$ 299,082
Revolving credit facility | JPMorgan Chase, N.A.
Debt Instrument
Credit agreement maximum borrowing capacity									$ 135,000
Letter of credit fronting fee				0.125%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage				0.25%
Interest expense associated with debt		0	$ 29	$ 0	1,162
Outstanding balance of lines of credit		0		$ 0			0
Revolving credit facility | JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | Federal Funds
Debt Instrument
Description of variable rate basis				federal funds
Revolving credit facility | JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | Alternate Base Rate Or LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Basis spread on variable rate				0.50%
Revolving credit facility | JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Description of variable rate basis				LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate				1.00%
Revolving credit facility | JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | Failure To Pay Interest Or Fees
Debt Instrument
Number of days failure to pay interest or fees				3 days
Revolving credit facility | JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity		10,000		$ 10,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage				0.20%
Revolving credit facility | JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity		50,000		$ 50,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage				0.30%
Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument
Outstanding balance of lines of credit		$ 0		$ 0			$ 12,142
Senior Notes | 7.625% Subordinated Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt		7.625%		7.625%
Proceeds from notes payable				$ 96,550
Notes payable						$ 100,000
Interest expense associated with debt		$ 1,056		$ 1,056
Senior Notes | 7.625% Subordinated Notes | Minimum | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio
Debt Instrument
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital		0.35		0.35
Senior Notes | 7.625% Subordinated Notes | Maximum | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio
Debt Instrument
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital		1		1
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt		6.75%		6.75%			6.75%
Notes payable	$ 250,000
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs	$ 245,000
Interest expense associated with debt		$ 4,317	4,253	$ 12,809	5,964
Surplus Notes | Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes
Debt Instrument
Notes payable								$ 5,000
Redemption price, percentage				100.00%
Interest expense associated with debt		56	55	$ 164	55
Surplus Notes | Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes | LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Description of variable rate basis				LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate				4.05%
Surplus Notes | Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest expense associated with debt		3,584	272	$ 11,078	272
Interest expense due to change in present value		$ 1,908	$ 0	$ 6,081	$ 0

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Maturities of Debt
2015 (remaining three months)	$ 0
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	409,455
Total principal amount of debt	409,455
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount	(7,969)
Carrying amount of debt	401,486
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Maturities of Debt
2015 (remaining three months)	0
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	100,000
Total principal amount of debt	100,000
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Maturities of Debt
2015 (remaining three months)	0
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	250,000
Total principal amount of debt	250,000
Surplus Notes | Imperial Surplus Notes
Maturities of Debt
2015 (remaining three months)	0
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	5,000
Total principal amount of debt	5,000
Surplus Notes | Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
Maturities of Debt
2015 (remaining three months)	0
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	54,455
Total principal amount of debt	$ 54,455

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders	$ 38,988	$ 32,059	$ 114,508	$ 88,785
Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	100,360,687	93,359,265	95,877,178	90,853,536
Potentially dilutive securities:
Share options	2,217,367	2,075,584	2,074,956	1,673,422
Restricted stock units	362,674	228,580	362,674	88,240
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	102,940,728	95,663,429	98,314,808	92,615,198
Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.34	$ 1.19	$ 0.98
Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.34	$ 1.16	$ 0.96
Share options excluded from diluted earnings per common share			2,155,484	2,791,099

Share-Based Compensation - Narr

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)plan$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of equity incentive plans | plan			2
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 4,014		$ 4,014		$ 5,999
Weighted average remaining life for options grants outstanding			7 years 1 month 24 days		7 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable shares | shares	2,444,940		2,444,940		2,347,412
Weighted-average exercise price of exercisable shares | $ / shares	$ 8.50		$ 8.50		$ 7.81
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted | $ / shares			$ 0	$ 0
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised			$ 7,243	$ 1,037
Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$ 32,647	$ 44,022	32,647	44,022
Proceeds from exercises of stock options			1,672	839
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,180	$ 884	$ 3,444	$ 1,803
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Exercise period upon end of employment			30 days
Common stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of shares authorized | shares	7,435,000		7,435,000
Number of shares available | shares	1,768,870		1,768,870
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Maximum term			10 years
Employee Stock Option | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period			1 year
Employee Stock Option | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period			5 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period			3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period			4 years

Share-Based Compensation - Stoc

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Shares
Outstanding, beginning of year	5,110,593	5,058,363
Granted	0	195,000
Forfeited	(30,759)	0
Exercised	(835,801)	(106,412)
Outstanding, end of year	4,244,033	5,146,951
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)
Outstanding at beginning of year	$ 8.88	$ 8.48
Granted	0	17.63
Forfeited	8.26	0
Exercised	6.41	6.90
Outstanding at end of year	$ 9.37	$ 8.86

Share-Based Compensation - RSU

Share-Based Compensation - RSU Activity (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
RSUs
Non-vested at beginning of period	327,555	0
Granted	216,910	330,555
Vested	(66,240)	0
Forfeited	(115,551)	0
Non-vested at end of period	362,674	330,555
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period	$ 17.44	$ 0
Granted	20.34	17.45
Vested	17.67	0
Forfeited	17.57	0
Non-vested at end of period	$ 19.16	$ 15.91

Service and Fee Income (Details

Service and Fee Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]
Installment fees	$ 8,257	$ 7,816	$ 24,689	$ 22,021
Commission revenue	16,843	16,593	46,120	46,331
General agent fees	20,559	10,837	55,991	26,004
Late payment fees	3,063	3,148	8,996	8,633
Group health administrative fees	4,524	1,133	10,461	2,772
Finance and processing fees	6,529	5,163	23,340	11,672
Other	1,132	1,204	3,738	3,653
Total	$ 60,907	$ 45,894	$ 173,335	$ 121,086

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Entity Information
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 51,027	$ 44,186	$ 139,947	$ 110,153
Tax at Federal statutory rate 35%	17,859	15,465	48,982	38,553
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Exempt foreign income	(2,574)	1,918	(7,273)	(1,736)
Statutory equalization reserves	3,600	(3,917)	(8,887)	(16,659)
Other, net	(10,271)	(3,440)	(7,930)	(2,372)
Total income tax reported	$ 8,614	$ 10,026	$ 24,892	$ 17,786
Effective tax rate	16.90%	22.70%	17.80%	16.10%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 48,689	$ 45,142	$ 140,945	$ 111,109
Tax at Federal statutory rate 35%	17,041	15,800	49,331	38,888
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Exempt foreign income	(2,574)	1,918	(7,273)	(1,736)
Statutory equalization reserves	3,600	(3,917)	(8,887)	(16,659)
Other, net	(10,227)	(3,564)	(7,802)	(2,496)
Total income tax reported	$ 7,840	$ 10,237	$ 25,369	$ 17,997
Effective tax rate	16.10%	22.70%	18.00%	16.20%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 2,338	$ (956)	$ (998)	$ (956)
Tax at Federal statutory rate 35%	818	(335)	(349)	(335)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Exempt foreign income	0	0	0	0
Statutory equalization reserves	0	0	0	0
Other, net	(44)	124	(128)	124
Total income tax reported	$ 774	$ (211)	$ (477)	$ (211)
Effective tax rate	33.10%	22.10%	47.80%	22.10%

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Effective Tax Rate, Percent	(5.80%)		1.70%
Effective tax rate	16.90%	22.70%	17.80%	16.10%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Interest and penalties	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Foreign Tax Authority
Unutilized Equalization Reserves	106,615		106,615		134,975
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals	$ 31,984		$ 31,984		$ 40,493

Related Party Transactions - Na

Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 02, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Mar. 22, 2012	Mar. 02, 2010	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012ft²	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 15, 2014USD ($)company	Jul. 22, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income									$ 12,150	$ 705	$ 27,200	$ 7,632
Loss and loss adjustment expense									302,259	275,019	895,774	755,970
Long-term Debt									401,486		401,486
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries									2,288	(1,611)	8,900	(3,098)
800 Superior, LLC | Building
Related Party Transaction
Cost of building								$ 7,500
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Aggregate stop loss reinsurance issued											250,000
Stop loss coverage provided individually											125,000
Stop loss coverage premium											$ 56,000
Fee as a percent of stop loss premium to be retained by each subsidiary											5.50%
Financing principal amount, aggregate																	$ 250,000
Affiliated Entity | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Number Of Insurance Companies | company																10
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Assets held-in-trust									17,859		$ 17,859				$ 31,044
Loans, Related Parties									125,000		125,000
Interest income, related party									2,115	365	$ 6,514	365
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Term of contingent payments											3 years
Contingent payments as a percent of gross written premiums											3.00%
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re | Reciprocal Exchanges | Surplus Notes | Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
Related Party Transaction
Long-term Debt									54,455		$ 54,455				48,374
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re | Maximum | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Deferred purchase price																$ 30,000
Affiliated Entity | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Assets held-in-trust									$ 26,820		$ 26,820				58,513
Affiliated Entity | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | Building
Related Party Transaction
Cost of building						$ 21,000
LSC Entities | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired									50.00%		50.00%
LSC Entities | VIE, Not primary beneficiary
Related Party Transaction
Additional required capital to keep life settlement policies in-force									50.00%		50.00%
Equity interest percentage acquired									50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 153,319	140,272	$ 153,319	140,272			146,089			$ 126,186
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 2,077	(1,455)	$ 8,588	(2,590)
800 Superior, LLC | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired									50.00%		50.00%
800 Superior, LLC | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired									50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 1,791		$ 1,791				2,140
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries									(190)	(183)	(349)	(576)
800 Superior, LLC | Affiliated Entity | 800 Superior, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Term of lease													15 years
Area of office lease space (sqft) | ft²													134,000
Rent expense									$ 664	561	$ 1,992	1,683
North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership							$ 9,714
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation							45.00%
North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. | NA Advisors GP LLC
Related Party Transaction
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership							$ 2,200
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation							10.00%
Limited Partnership, Percentage of Profit Interest							10.00%
North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired									45.00%		45.00%
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests							$ 9,714
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 10,121		$ 10,121
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 319		$ 542
4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation						50.00%
4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired									50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 10,463		$ 10,463
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 69		$ 69
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership						$ 53,715
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation						37.50%
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership						$ 21,486
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation						15.00%
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | NA Advisors GP LLC
Related Party Transaction
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership						$ 14,324
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation						10.00%
Limited Partnership, Percentage of Profit Interest						10.00%
Illinois Center Building, L.P. | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired									37.50%		37.50%
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests						$ 53,715
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 53,715		$ 53,715
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries									0		$ 0
Asset Management Fee | Affiliated Entity | AAIM
Related Party Transaction
Asset management fee, percentage											0.05%
Asset management fee, threshold to determine fee											$ 1,000,000
Asset management fee percentage, above threshold											0.0375%
Asset management agreement, initial term agreement may not be terminated											1 year
Asset management costs									628	496	$ 1,717	1,352
Payable related to management services									1,216		$ 1,216				564
Period allowed for party to cure breach of contract											30 days
Postage And Billing Services | Affiliated Entity | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Term of agreement											10 years
Term of subsequent renewals											5 years
Period allowed for party to cure breach of contract											30 days
Consulting And Marketing Services for Product Promotion | Affiliated Entity | Risk Services, LLC (RSL)
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from reinsurance affiliates									0	0	$ 112	66
Due from (to) related parties									1		$ 1				31
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission			1.50%
License Fee For Policy Management System | Affiliated Entity | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
License fee, percentage											1.25%
Master Service Agreement | Affiliated Entity | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from reinsurance affiliates									10,239	6,141	$ 25,141	20,231
Due from (to) related parties									$ 19,891		$ 19,891				13,621
Reinsurance | Affiliated Entity | AARC
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of business ceded				25.00%
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission				25.00%
Percentage of related losses ceded				25.00%
Related Party Transaction, Prior Notice Period Required For Written Notification Of Termination				90 days
Reinsurance | Affiliated Entity | ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of business ceded														50.00%
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission		32.00%			32.50%
Reinsurance | Affiliated Entity | ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company | Maximum
Related Party Transaction
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission					34.50%
Reinsurance | Affiliated Entity | ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company | Minimum
Related Party Transaction
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission		30.00%			30.50%
Quota Share Agreement | Affiliated Entity | Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Assumed premiums, percentage of business written	100.00%
Percentage of obligations reinsured	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%
Reinsurance, Threshold To Increase Ceding Commission | Affiliated Entity | ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Threshold percentage of loss ratio									60.00%		60.00%
Reinsurance, Threshold To Decrease Ceding Commission | Affiliated Entity | ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Threshold percentage of loss ratio									64.50%		64.50%
Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income									$ 0	104	$ 0	6,353
PL Reinsurance Agreement | Affiliated Entity | Integon National | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of obligations reinsured																100.00%
PL Reinsurance Agreement | Affiliated Entity | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Assumed premiums									26,752	79,298	127,232	359,083
PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties									44,267		44,267				43,998
Earned premiums									54,508	84,593	212,080	228,010
Loss and loss adjustment expense									29,629	41,806	121,884	127,283
PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement | Affiliated Entity | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission expense									11,873	18,297	44,591	75,182
PL MGA Agreement | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income									2,607	0	10,634	0
PL MGA Agreement | Affiliated Entity | Integon National
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of gross written premiums collected																2.00%
PL MGA Agreement | Affiliated Entity | Tower International | National General Insurance Marketing, Inc (NGIM)
Related Party Transaction
Commission as percentage of business written																10.00%
PL Administrative Agreement | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties									9,687		9,687				1,546
Reimbursement Revenue									13,640	$ 0	$ 19,408	$ 0
Loans | Affiliated Entity | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Related party transaction, rate											7.00%
Percentage of stock pledged											100.00%
Percentage of stock of foreign subsidiaries pledged											65.00%
Welfare Benefit Plan | Affiliated Entity | AIBD Health Plan
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties									5,419		$ 5,419				5,377
Welfare Benefit Plan | Affiliated Entity | AIBD Health Plan Employer Trust
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties									$ 5,570		$ 5,570				$ 605

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Reinsurance Treaties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 2,288	$ (1,611)	$ 8,900	$ (3,098)
Ceding commission income	12,150	705	$ 27,200	7,632
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Quota Share Percentage			15.00%
Affiliated Entity | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Quota Share Percentage			25.00%
Affiliated Entity | Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Quota Share Percentage			10.00%
Affiliated Entity | Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income	0	104	$ 0	6,353
Affiliated Entity | Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE | Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	(51)		(51)		$ (3,987)
Affiliated Entity | Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE | AARC
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	809		809		706
Affiliated Entity | Commission Receivable | Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	0		0		0
Affiliated Entity | Commission Receivable | AARC
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	111		111		94
Affiliated Entity | Premium Receivable (Payable) | Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	(73)		(73)		(638)
Affiliated Entity | Premium Receivable (Payable) | AARC
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	(387)		(387)		(350)
Affiliated Entity | Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums | Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(2)	5,310	69	15,978
Affiliated Entity | Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums | AARC
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(387)	(344)	(1,108)	(967)
Affiliated Entity | Commission Income | Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	1	(1,320)	212	(4,062)
Affiliated Entity | Commission Income | AARC
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	149	111	359	284
Affiliated Entity | Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE | Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(518)	3,825	(413)	12,511
Affiliated Entity | Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE | AARC
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(221)	(148)	(586)	(514)
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Earned Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	0	620	0	42,864
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Earned Premiums | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	0	186	0	12,859
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Earned Premiums | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	0	310	0	21,432
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Earned Premiums | Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	0	124	0	8,573
Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Expense
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(2,765)	670	(2,447)	13,595
Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Expense | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(825)	201	(734)	4,100
Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Expense | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(1,373)	335	(1,224)	6,776
Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Expense | Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	(567)	134	(489)	2,719
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	5,676	6,875	8,388	37,899
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	1,702	2,063	2,516	11,370
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	2,825	3,437	4,194	18,936
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE | Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Income/Expense from reinsurance treaties	1,149	$ 1,375	1,678	$ 7,593
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	65,473		65,473		101,723
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	19,642		19,642		30,517
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	32,736		32,736		50,861
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE | Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	13,095		13,095		20,345
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Commission Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	0		0		10
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Commission Payable | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	0		0		3
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Commission Payable | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	0		0		5
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Commission Payable | Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	0		0		2
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premium Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	28,443		28,443		25,974
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premium Payable | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	8,533		8,533		7,792
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premium Payable | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	14,221		14,221		12,987
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premium Payable | Technology Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	$ 5,689		$ 5,689		$ 5,195

Segment Information - Revenues

Segment Information - Revenues of Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of business segments | segment			2
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 626,685	$ 497,595	$ 1,845,821	$ 1,612,210
Ceded premiums	(101,046)	(66,025)	(310,747)	(194,599)
Net premium written	525,639	431,570	1,535,074	1,417,611
Change in unearned premium	(22,378)	6,836	(83,832)	(229,887)
Net earned premium	503,261	438,406	1,451,242	1,187,724
Ceding commission income	12,150	705	27,200	7,632
Service and fee income	60,907	45,894	173,335	121,086
Total underwriting revenue	576,318	485,005	1,651,777	1,316,442
Loss and loss adjustment expense	302,259	275,019	895,774	755,970
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	108,744	83,915	295,131	232,706
General and administrative expenses	118,581	90,128	343,426	243,386
Total underwriting expenses	529,584	449,062	1,534,331	1,232,062
Underwriting income (loss)	46,734	35,943	117,446	84,380
Net investment income	18,472	13,697	52,955	34,232
Net realized losses on investments	(4,594)	(1,118)	(3,018)	(1,118)
Other revenue	(157)	373	(327)	480
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,288	(1,611)	8,900	(3,098)
Interest expense	(9,428)	(4,709)	(27,109)	(7,821)
Provision for income taxes	(8,614)	(10,026)	(24,892)	(17,786)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,588)	770	453	776
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	43,113	33,319	124,408	90,045
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	583,091	479,866	1,692,412	1,494,337
Ceded premiums	(91,301)	(65,962)	(284,121)	(194,339)
Net premium written	491,790	413,904	1,408,291	1,299,998
Change in unearned premium	(33,636)	(4,966)	(69,598)	(202,218)
Net earned premium	458,154	408,938	1,338,693	1,097,780
Ceding commission income	11,883	705	26,380	7,632
Service and fee income	41,247	31,378	118,584	76,440
Total underwriting revenue	511,284	441,021	1,483,657	1,181,852
Loss and loss adjustment expense	268,740	256,769	816,022	697,207
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	91,379	68,419	254,855	185,632
General and administrative expenses	104,520	79,078	301,187	207,314
Total underwriting expenses	464,639	404,266	1,372,064	1,090,153
Underwriting income (loss)	46,645	36,755	111,593	91,699
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Net realized losses on investments	0	0	0	0
Other revenue	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	684	0	684
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	46,645	37,439	111,593	92,383
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	43,594	17,729	153,409	117,873
Ceded premiums	(9,745)	(63)	(26,626)	(260)
Net premium written	33,849	17,666	126,783	117,613
Change in unearned premium	11,258	11,802	(14,234)	(27,669)
Net earned premium	45,107	29,468	112,549	89,944
Ceding commission income	267	0	820	0
Service and fee income	19,660	14,516	54,751	44,646
Total underwriting revenue	65,034	43,984	168,120	134,590
Loss and loss adjustment expense	33,519	18,250	79,752	58,763
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	17,365	15,496	40,276	47,074
General and administrative expenses	14,061	11,050	42,239	36,072
Total underwriting expenses	64,945	44,796	162,267	141,909
Underwriting income (loss)	89	(812)	5,853	(7,319)
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Net realized losses on investments	0	0	0	0
Other revenue	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	89	(812)	5,853	(7,319)
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	0	0	0	0
Ceded premiums	0	0	0	0
Net premium written	0	0	0	0
Change in unearned premium	0	0	0	0
Net earned premium	0	0	0	0
Ceding commission income	0	0	0	0
Service and fee income	0	0	0	0
Total underwriting revenue	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	18,472	13,697	52,955	34,232
Net realized losses on investments	(4,594)	(1,118)	(3,018)	(1,118)
Other revenue	(157)	373	(327)	480
Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,288	(1,611)	8,900	(3,098)
Interest expense	(9,428)	(4,709)	(27,109)	(7,821)
Provision for income taxes	(8,614)	(10,026)	(24,892)	(17,786)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,588)	86	453	92
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	(3,621)	(3,308)	6,962	4,981
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	546,821	487,602	1,627,991	1,602,217
Net premium written	481,989	424,365	1,442,021	1,410,406
Net earned premium	468,965	431,714	1,352,802	1,181,032
Service and fee income	11,194	0	30,504	0
Net investment income	16,140	13,697	46,403	34,232
Provision for income taxes	(7,840)	(10,237)	(25,369)	(17,997)
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	43,113	34,064	124,408	90,790
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	503,227	469,873	1,474,582	1,484,344
Net premium written	448,140	406,699	1,315,238	1,292,793
Net earned premium	423,858	402,246	1,240,253	1,091,088
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	43,179	38,123	108,336	93,067
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	307,799	315,672	935,339	953,010
Net premium written	257,432	273,922	805,081	795,511
Net earned premium	251,754	268,155	786,397	719,483
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	103,423	74,583	263,544	290,667
Net premium written	105,028	57,105	250,874	273,190
Net earned premium	92,283	58,730	219,633	165,507
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	40,447	39,490	121,093	120,183
Net premium written	40,113	38,900	119,781	115,263
Net earned premium	38,489	38,885	112,041	109,746
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	48,052	35,619	139,880	107,173
Net premium written	43,502	32,249	127,753	96,009
Net earned premium	39,440	31,920	111,491	84,841
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,506	4,509	14,726	13,311
Net premium written	2,065	4,523	11,749	12,820
Net earned premium	1,892	4,556	10,691	11,511
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	43,594	17,729	153,409	117,873
Net premium written	33,849	17,666	126,783	117,613
Net earned premium	45,107	29,468	112,549	89,944
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	89	(812)	5,853	(7,319)
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	(155)	(3,247)	10,219	5,042
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	79,864	9,993	217,830	9,993
Net premium written	43,650	7,205	93,053	7,205
Net earned premium	34,296	6,692	98,440	6,692
Net investment income	2,332	0	6,552	0
Provision for income taxes	(774)	211	477	211
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	0	(745)	0	(745)
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	79,864	9,993	217,830	9,993
Net premium written	43,650	7,205	93,053	7,205
Net earned premium	34,296	6,692	98,440	6,692
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	3,466	(684)	3,257	(684)
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	24,177	4,330	67,641	4,330
Net premium written	(3,516)	4,063	38,619	4,063
Net earned premium	14,494	4,043	60,965	4,043
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	48,229	5,013	128,951	5,013
Net premium written	46,902	2,636	40,079	2,636
Net earned premium	17,105	2,221	26,991	2,221
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	7,458	650	21,238	650
Net premium written	264	506	14,355	506
Net earned premium	2,697	428	10,484	428
Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	0	0	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	$ (3,466)	$ (61)	$ (3,257)	$ (61)

Segment Information - Long Live

Segment Information - Long Lived Assets and Total Assets of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	$ 723,378	$ 647,443
Deferred acquisition costs	152,576	125,999
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	893,272	911,798
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	131,468	102,761
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	392,105	319,601
Corporate and other assets	2,791,534	2,217,114
Total assets	5,084,333	4,324,716
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	628,040	576,980
Deferred acquisition costs	150,411	119,167
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	893,272	911,790
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	131,468	102,761
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	312,781	260,739
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	2,115,972	1,971,437
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	95,338	70,463
Deferred acquisition costs	2,165	6,832
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	0	8
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	79,324	58,862
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	176,827	136,165
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	0	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	0	0
Corporate and other assets	2,791,534	2,217,114
Total assets	$ 2,791,534	$ 2,217,114

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 626,685	$ 497,595	$ 1,845,821	$ 1,612,210
Net premium written	525,639	431,570	1,535,074	1,417,611
Net earned premium	503,261	438,406	1,451,242	1,187,724
North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	616,447	491,040	1,771,414	1,525,680
Net premium written	253,040	208,118	693,439	779,437
Net earned premium	217,409	203,145	623,673	577,198
Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	262,361	210,372	727,228	511,643
Net earned premium	264,161	210,371	727,228	511,642
Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	10,238	6,555	74,407	86,530
Net premium written	10,238	13,080	114,407	126,531
Net earned premium	21,691	24,890	100,341	98,884
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	546,821	487,602	1,627,991	1,602,217
Net premium written	481,989	424,365	1,442,021	1,410,406
Net earned premium	468,965	431,714	1,352,802	1,181,032
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	536,583	481,047	1,553,584	1,515,687
Net premium written	209,390	200,913	600,386	772,232
Net earned premium	183,113	196,453	525,233	570,506
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	262,361	210,372	727,228	511,643
Net earned premium	264,161	210,371	727,228	511,642
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	10,238	6,555	74,407	86,530
Net premium written	10,238	13,080	114,407	126,531
Net earned premium	21,691	24,890	100,341	98,884
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	79,864	9,993	217,830	9,993
Net premium written	43,650	7,205	93,053	7,205
Net earned premium	34,296	6,692	98,440	6,692
Reciprocal Exchanges | North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	79,864	9,993	217,830	9,993
Net premium written	43,650	7,205	93,053	7,205
Net earned premium	34,296	6,692	98,440	6,692
Reciprocal Exchanges | Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	0	0	0	0
Net earned premium	0	0	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	0	0	0	0
Net premium written	0	0	0	0
Net earned premium	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information - Gross Pre

Segment Information - Gross Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 626,685	$ 497,595	$ 1,845,821	$ 1,612,210
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	546,821	487,602	1,627,991	1,602,217
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	79,864	9,993	217,830	9,993
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	583,091	479,866	1,692,412	1,494,337
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	503,227	469,873	1,474,582	1,484,344
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	307,799	315,672	935,339	953,010
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	103,423	74,583	263,544	290,667
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	40,447	39,490	121,093	120,183
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	48,052	35,619	139,880	107,173
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,506	4,509	14,726	13,311
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	79,864	9,993	217,830	9,993
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	24,177	4,330	67,641	4,330
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	48,229	5,013	128,951	5,013
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	7,458	650	21,238	650
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	43,594	17,729	153,409	117,873
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 43,594	$ 17,729	$ 153,409	$ 117,873

Segment Information - Net Premi

Segment Information - Net Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 525,639	$ 431,570	$ 1,535,074	$ 1,417,611
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	481,989	424,365	1,442,021	1,410,406
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	43,650	7,205	93,053	7,205
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	491,790	413,904	1,408,291	1,299,998
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	448,140	406,699	1,315,238	1,292,793
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	257,432	273,922	805,081	795,511
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	105,028	57,105	250,874	273,190
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	40,113	38,900	119,781	115,263
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	43,502	32,249	127,753	96,009
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	2,065	4,523	11,749	12,820
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	43,650	7,205	93,053	7,205
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	(3,516)	4,063	38,619	4,063
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	46,902	2,636	40,079	2,636
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	264	506	14,355	506
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	33,849	17,666	126,783	117,613
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 33,849	$ 17,666	$ 126,783	$ 117,613

Segment Information - Net Earne

Segment Information - Net Earned Premium (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 503,261	$ 438,406	$ 1,451,242	$ 1,187,724
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	468,965	431,714	1,352,802	1,181,032
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	34,296	6,692	98,440	6,692
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	458,154	408,938	1,338,693	1,097,780
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	423,858	402,246	1,240,253	1,091,088
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	251,754	268,155	786,397	719,483
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	92,283	58,730	219,633	165,507
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	38,489	38,885	112,041	109,746
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	39,440	31,920	111,491	84,841
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	1,892	4,556	10,691	11,511
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	34,296	6,692	98,440	6,692
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	14,494	4,043	60,965	4,043
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	17,105	2,221	26,991	2,221
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	2,697	428	10,484	428
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	45,107	29,468	112,549	89,944
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 45,107	$ 29,468	$ 112,549	$ 89,944

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 08, 2015	Oct. 01, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events
Notes payable (Exchanges owed to related party - $54,455 and $48,374)			$ 401,486	$ 299,082
Subsequent Event | Assurant Health
Subsequent Events
Purchase price		$ 14,000
Subsequent Event | QBE’s Lender Placed Insurance Business
Subsequent Events
Purchase price		$ 90,000
Senior Notes | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Additional 6.75% | Senior Notes | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events
Notes payable (Exchanges owed to related party - $54,455 and $48,374)	$ 100,000
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs	$ 98,850