National General (NTTNP) 10-K29 Feb 162015 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Statement - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information Statement - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 24, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 993,681,215
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		105,554,501

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Total investments	$ 2,667,710	$ 1,866,105
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $8,393 and $9,437)	282,277	132,615
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $2,347 and $1,898)	20,402	14,451
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $62,306 and $168,134) (Exchanges - $56,194 and $58,238)	758,633	647,443
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $23,803 and $4,485)	160,531	125,999
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $42,774 and $88,970) (Exchanges - $39,085 and $23,583)	833,176	911,798
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $61,730 and $26,924)	128,343	102,761
Income tax receivable (Exchanges - $300 and $0)	300	0
Notes receivable from related party	125,057	125,000
Due from affiliate (Exchanges - $12,060 and $0)	41,536	5,129
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $332 and $0)	42,931	30,583
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $4,825 and $11,433)	348,898	248,837
Goodwill	112,414	70,764
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $93 and $71)	41,184	43,231
Total assets	5,563,392	4,324,716
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $132,392 and $111,848)	1,755,624	1,562,153
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $146,186 and $119,998)	1,192,499	864,436
Unearned service contract and other revenue	12,504	8,527
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $31,923 and $41,965) (Exchanges - $14,357 and $13,811)	69,172	111,641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $51,755 and $68,096) (Exchanges - $19,845 and $17,691)	284,902	207,121
Due to affiliate (Exchanges - $0 and $1,552)	0	1,552
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	52,484	46,804
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $32,724 and $38,402)	12,247	67,535
Income tax payable (Exchanges - $0 and $1,059)	5,593	30,591
Notes payable (Exchanges owed to related party - $45,476 and $48,374)	491,537	299,082
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $38,105 and $5,710)	150,190	51,824
Total liabilities	$ 4,026,752	$ 3,251,266
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 105,554,331 shares - 2015; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,427,382 shares - 2014	$ 1,056	$ 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	900,114	690,736
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,780)	(4,806)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(15,634)	24,998
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,414)	20,192
Retained earnings	412,044	292,832
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity	1,513,800	1,059,694
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $22,619 and $13,670)	22,840	13,756
Total stockholders’ equity	1,536,640	1,073,450
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,563,392	4,324,716
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,063,051	1,374,087
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	57,216	45,802
Short-term investments	1,528	50
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	234,948	155,900
Other investments	13,031	4,764
Securities pledged (amortized cost $54,955 and $47,546)	55,394	49,456
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $62,306 and $168,134) (Exchanges - $56,194 and $58,238)	702,439	589,205
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $42,774 and $88,970) (Exchanges - $39,085 and $23,583)	794,091	888,215
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $332 and $0)	42,599
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $132,392 and $111,848)	1,623,232	1,450,305
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $51,755 and $68,096) (Exchanges - $19,845 and $17,691)	265,057	189,430
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $32,724 and $38,402)		29,133
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $38,105 and $5,710)	112,085	46,114
Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	238,969	222,739
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,574	2,817
Short-term investments	1,999	10,490
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $8,393 and $9,437)	8,393	9,437
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $2,347 and $1,898)	2,347	1,898
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $62,306 and $168,134) (Exchanges - $56,194 and $58,238)	56,194	58,238
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $23,803 and $4,485)	23,803	4,485
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $42,774 and $88,970) (Exchanges - $39,085 and $23,583)	39,085	23,583
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $61,730 and $26,924)	61,730	26,924
Income tax receivable (Exchanges - $300 and $0)	300	0
Due from affiliate (Exchanges - $12,060 and $0)	12,060	0
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $332 and $0)	332	0
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $4,825 and $11,433)	4,825	11,433
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $93 and $71)	93	71
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $132,392 and $111,848)	132,392	111,848
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $146,186 and $119,998)	146,186	119,998
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $31,923 and $41,965) (Exchanges - $14,357 and $13,811)	14,357	13,811
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $51,755 and $68,096) (Exchanges - $19,845 and $17,691)	19,845	17,691
Due to affiliate (Exchanges - $0 and $1,552)	0	1,552
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $32,724 and $38,402)	32,724	38,402
Income tax payable (Exchanges - $0 and $1,059)	0	1,059
Notes payable (Exchanges owed to related party - $45,476 and $48,374)	45,476	48,374
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $38,105 and $5,710)	38,105	5,710
Stockholders' equity:
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $22,619 and $13,670)	$ 22,619	$ 13,670

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 282,277	$ 132,615
Accrued investment income	20,402	14,451
Premiums and other receivables, net	758,633	647,443
Deferred acquisition costs	160,531	125,999
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	833,176	911,798
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	128,343	102,761
Due from affiliate	41,536	5,129
Premises and equipment, net	42,931	30,583
Income tax receivable	300	0
Intangible assets, net	348,898	248,837
Prepaid and other assets	41,184	43,231
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,755,624	1,562,153
Unearned premiums	1,192,499	864,436
Reinsurance payable	69,172	111,641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	284,902	207,121
Due to affiliate	0	1,552
Deferred tax liability	12,247	67,535
Income tax payable	5,593	30,591
Notes payable	491,537	299,082
Other liabilities	150,190	51,824
Non-controlling interest	$ 22,840	$ 13,756
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, issued	105,554,331	93,427,382
Common stock, outstanding	105,554,331	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
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$ 220,000	$ 55,000
Related party transactions
Premiums and other receivables, net	62,306	168,134
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	42,774	88,970
Reinsurance payable	31,923	41,965
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	51,755	68,096
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	2,081,456	1,330,760
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	63,303	52,272
Securities pledged	54,955	47,546
Premiums and other receivables, net	702,439	589,205
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	794,091	888,215
Premises and equipment, net	42,599
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,623,232	1,450,305
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	265,057	189,430
Deferred tax liability		29,133
Other liabilities	112,085	46,114
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	244,069	222,121
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	1,501	2,752
Cash and cash equivalents	8,393	9,437
Accrued investment income	2,347	1,898
Premiums and other receivables, net	56,194	58,238
Deferred acquisition costs	23,803	4,485
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	39,085	23,583
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	61,730	26,924
Due from affiliate	12,060	0
Premises and equipment, net	332	0
Income tax receivable	300	0
Intangible assets, net	4,825	11,433
Prepaid and other assets	93	71
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	132,392	111,848
Unearned premiums	146,186	119,998
Reinsurance payable	14,357	13,811
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	19,845	17,691
Due to affiliate	0	1,552
Deferred tax liability	32,724	38,402
Income tax payable	0	1,059
Notes payable	45,476	48,374
Other liabilities	38,105	5,710
Non-controlling interest	$ 22,619	$ 13,670

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premium income:
Gross premium written	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107	$ 1,338,755
Ceded premiums (related parties - $1,578, $44,936 and $501,067 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	(403,502)	(265,083)	(659,439)
Net premium written	2,186,246	1,870,024	679,316
Change in unearned premium	(56,436)	(236,804)	8,750
Net earned premium	2,129,810	1,633,220	688,066
Ceding commission income	43,790	12,430	87,100
Service and fee income	273,548	168,571	127,541
Net investment income	75,340	52,426	30,808
Net realized loss on investments	(10,307)	(2,892)	(1,669)
Other revenue (expense)	(788)	(1,660)	16
Total revenues	2,511,393	1,862,095	931,862
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense	1,381,641	1,053,065	462,124
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	405,930	315,089	134,887
General and administrative expenses	530,347	348,762	280,552
Interest expense	28,885	17,736	2,042
Total expenses	2,346,803	1,734,652	879,605
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	164,590	127,443	52,257
Provision for income taxes	18,956	23,876	11,140
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	145,634	103,567	41,117
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	10,643	1,180	1,274
Net income	156,277	104,747	42,391
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	(14,025)	(2,504)	(82)
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	142,252	102,243	42,309
Dividends on preferred stock	(14,025)	(2,291)	(2,158)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$ 128,227	$ 99,952	$ 40,151
Earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per share (usd per share)	$ 1.31	$ 1.09	$ 0.62
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share)	1.27	1.07	0.59
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.09	$ 0.05	$ 0.01
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	98,241,904	91,499,122	65,017,579
Diluted (in shares)	100,723,936	93,515,417	71,801,613
Net realized gain (loss) on investments:
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ (15,247)	$ (2,244)	$ (2,869)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(15,247)	(2,244)	(2,869)
Other net realized gain (loss) on investments	4,940	(648)	1,200
Net realized loss on investments	$ (10,307)	$ (2,892)	$ (1,669)

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Ceded premiums (related parties - $1,578, $44,936 and $501,067 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	$ 403,502	$ 265,083	$ 659,439
Related party transactions
Ceded premiums (related parties - $1,578, $44,936 and $501,067 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	$ 1,578	$ 44,936	$ 501,067

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 156,277	$ 104,747	$ 42,391
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,026	(5,171)	365
Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of ($27,621), $10,059 and $(16,242) in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(51,296)	18,681	(30,164)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss, net of tax of $5,336, $785 and $1,004 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	9,911	1,459	1,865
Other net realized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax of ($1,729), $(818) and $1,554 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(3,211)	(1,520)	2,885
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(43,570)	13,449	(25,049)
Comprehensive income	112,707	118,196	17,342
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(10,061)	(3,186)	(82)
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$ 102,646	$ 115,010	$ 17,260

Consolidated Statements of Com7

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax on unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities	$ (27,621)	$ 10,059	$ (16,242)
Tax on other-than-temporary impairment loss	5,336	785	1,004
Tax on reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the period	$ (1,729)	$ (818)	$ 1,554

Consolidated Statements of Chan

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 (Loss)	Non-controlling Interest
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012				45,554,570	53,054
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 413,042			$ 455	$ 53,054	$ 158,015			$ 169,039	$ 32,474	$ 5
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	42,391								42,309		82
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	365									365
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	(25,414)									(25,414)	0
Preferred stock dividends	(12,202)								(12,202)
Common stock dividends	(1,594)								(1,594)
Conversion of preferred stock, shares				12,295,430	(53,054)
Conversion of preferred stock				$ 123	$ (53,054)	52,931
Issuance of stock, shares				21,881,800
Issuance of stock	213,277			$ 219		213,058
Capital contributions	10,275					10,275
Stock-based compensation	2,727					2,727
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	104,747								102,243		2,504
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(5,171)									(5,171)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	17,938									17,938	0
Reciprocal Exchanges' equity on September 15, 2014, date of consolidation	11,165										11,165
Preferred stock dividends	(2,291)								(2,291)
Common stock dividends	(4,672)								(4,672)
Issuance of stock, shares				13,570,000	2,200,000
Issuance of stock		$ 177,833	$ 53,164	$ 136	$ 55,000		$ 177,697	$ (1,836)
Capital contributions	74,215					74,215
Exercises of stock options, shares				125,582
Exercises of stock options		796		$ 1			795
Stock-based compensation	2,859					2,859
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	156,277								142,252		14,025
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	1,026									1,026
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	(44,596)									(40,632)	(3,964)
Change in non-controlling interest	(977)										(977)
Preferred stock dividends	(14,025)								(14,025)
Common stock dividends	(9,015)								(9,015)
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
Exercises of stock options, shares				626,949
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options		$ (1,631)		$ 7			$ (1,638)
Stock-based compensation	5,937					5,937
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015				105,554,331	2,365,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,536,640			$ 1,056	$ 220,000	$ 900,114			$ 412,044	$ (19,414)	$ 22,840

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 156,277	$ 104,747	$ 42,391
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and goodwill impairment	49,628	43,905	21,536
Net amortization of premium on fixed maturities	5,008	2,596	3,870
Net amortization of discount on debt	(2,681)	3,774	0
Stock compensation expense	5,937	2,859	2,727
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(8,113)	(1,180)	(1,274)
Other net realized loss (gain) on investments	(4,940)	648	(2,645)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	15,247	2,244	2,869
Realized loss (gain) on premise and equipment disposals	0	(271)	96
Bad debt expense	23,810	29,133	22,484
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	278	(1,655)	365
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	(5,649)	(2,591)	(245)
Premiums and other receivables	45,340	(236,128)	(12,980)
Deferred acquisition costs, net	(34,532)	(65,626)	122
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	79,343	78,578	40,619
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(25,582)	13,095	3,617
Prepaid expenses and other assets	27,177	(33,663)	963
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	23,004	133,531	(27,289)
Unearned premiums	79,731	212,577	(12,366)
Unearned service contract and other revenue	(1,553)	1,208	3,147
Reinsurance payable	(42,469)	(17,147)	(41,426)
Accounts payable	(99,049)	148,456	(440)
Income tax payable	(25,306)	30,116	(5,960)
Deferred tax liability	(34,677)	(65,507)	(10,712)
Other liabilities	89,835	5,032	(18,966)
Net cash provided by operating activities	316,064	388,731	10,503
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	(68,975)	(21,647)	(47,729)
Purchases of other investments	(10,477)	(14,604)	(2,193)
Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash	162,569
Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash		(36,200)	(18,555)
Notes receivable from related party	0	(125,000)	0
Purchases of equity securities	(11,824)	(45,970)	(4,808)
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	3,951	2,829	0
Purchases of short term investments	(84,939)	0	(57,068)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	91,952	0	131,197
Purchases of premises and equipment	(22,669)	(15,307)	(10,873)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment	0	1,046	0
Purchases of fixed maturities	(1,310,560)	(746,338)	(439,673)
Proceeds from sale and maturity of fixed maturities	530,325	344,707	296,391
Net cash used in investing activities	(720,647)	(656,484)	(153,311)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	5,680	(62,825)	22,885
Securities sold but not yet purchased, net	0	0	(56,700)
Notes payable repayments	(631)	(84,427)	(58,435)
Proceeds from notes payable	195,400	245,077	69,463
Issuance of common stock, net (fees $7,858 - 2015, $12,146 - 2014 and $1,093 - 2013)	210,642	177,833	213,277
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $5,448- 2015, $1,836 - 2014 and $0 - 2013)	159,552	53,164	0
Exercises of stock options	2,595	796	0
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	(10,931)	(1,260)	(12,202)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(7,719)	(3,600)	(1,594)
Net cash provided by financing activities	554,588	324,758	176,694
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(343)	1,787	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	149,662	58,792	33,886
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year	132,615	73,823	39,937
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year	282,277	132,615	73,823
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	77,000	54,031	24,500
Cash paid for interest	21,222	17,144	1,256
Non-cash capital contributions	0	74,215	10,275
Unsettled investment security purchases	16,670	0	0
Preferred stock
Dividends Payable
Accrued stock dividends	4,125	1,031	0
Common Stock
Dividends Payable
Accrued stock dividends	$ 3,167	$ 1,870	$ 797

Consolidated Statements of Ca10

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Stock
Cost of issuance of stock	$ 7,858	$ 12,146	$ 1,093
Preferred Stock
Cost of issuance of stock	$ 5,448	$ 1,836	$ 0

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
Organization	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization National General Holdings Corp. (the “Company” or “NGHC”) is an insurance holding company formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. The Company provides, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, a variety of insurance products, including personal and commercial automobile, homeowners, umbrella, recreational vehicle, supplemental health, lender-placed and other niche insurance products. The insurance is sold through a network of independent agents, relationships with affinity partners, and direct-response marketing programs. The Company is licensed to operate throughout the fifty states and the District of Columbia as well as the European Union.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Reporting The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 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. The results of the Reciprocal Exchanges and the management companies are included in the Company's Property and Casualty segment. Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s principal estimates include unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense reserves; deferred acquisition costs; reinsurance recoverables, including the provision for uncollectible premiums; recording of impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in fair value; determining the fair value of investments; determining the fair value of share-based awards for stock compensation; the valuation of intangibles and the determination of goodwill; and income taxes. In developing the estimates and assumptions, management uses all available evidence. Because of uncertainties associated with estimating the amounts, timing and likelihood of possible outcomes, actual results could differ from estimates. Premiums and Other Receivables The Company recognizes earned premiums on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies, generally periods of six or twelve months. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies. Net premium receivables represent premiums written and not yet collected, net of an allowance for uncollectible premiums. The Company regularly evaluates premiums and other receivables and adjusts its allowance for uncollectible amounts as appropriate. Receivables specifically identified as uncollectible are charged to expense in the year the determination is made. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investment securities with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Certain securities with original maturities of 90 days or less that are held as a portion of longer-term investment portfolios are classified as short-term investments. The Company maintains cash balances at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured institutions. FDIC insures accounts up to $250 at these institutions. Management monitors balances in excess of insured limits and believes that these balances do not represent a significant credit risk to the Company. Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes, payments to affinity partners, promotional fees, and other direct sales costs that vary with and are directly related to successful contract acquisition of insurance policies. These costs are deferred and amortized to the extent recoverable, over the policy period in which the related premiums are earned. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs. Management believes that these costs are recoverable in the near term. Ceding Commission Revenue Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Certain reinsurance agreements contain provisions whereby the ceding commission rates vary based on the loss experience under the agreements. The Company records ceding commission revenue based on its current estimate of subject losses. The Company records adjustments to the ceding commission revenue in the period that changes in the estimated losses are determined. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represent the estimated ultimate net costs of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the period end. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE represent the accumulation of estimates for both reported losses and those incurred but not reported relating to direct insurance and assumed reinsurance agreements. Estimates for salvage and subrogation recoverables are recognized at the time losses are incurred and netted against the provision for losses. Reserves are established for each business at the lowest meaningful level of homogeneous data. Insurance liabilities are based on estimates, and the ultimate liability may vary from such estimates. These estimates are regularly reviewed and adjustments, which can potentially be significant, are included in the period in which they are deemed necessary. Business Combinations The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the Company to record assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company accounts for the insurance and reinsurance contracts under the acquisition method as new contracts, which requires the Company to record assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company adjusts the fair value loss and LAE reserves by recording the acquired loss reserves based on the Company’s existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free rate of interest. This risk free interest rate is then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and LAE reserves and the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date is recorded as either an intangible asset or another liability, as applicable and is amortized proportionately to the reduction in the related loss reserves (i.e., over the estimated payout period of the acquired loss and LAE reserves). The Company assigns fair values to intangible assets acquired based on valuation techniques including the income and market approaches. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value based on the terms of the purchase agreement with subsequent changes in fair value recorded through earnings. The determination of fair value may require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The purchase price is the fair value of the total consideration conveyed to the seller and the Company records the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired net assets, where applicable, as goodwill. The Company expenses costs associated with the acquisition of a business in the period incurred. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Accounting Standards of Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” A purchase price paid that is in excess of net assets (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset and is not amortized. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the consolidated statement of income. Equalization Reserves The Company owns several Luxembourg-domiciled reinsurance entities. In connection with these entities, the Company acquires cash and statutory equalization reserves of the reinsurance companies. An equalization reserve is a catastrophe reserve established in excess of required reserves as required by the laws of Luxembourg. The equalization reserves were originally established by the seller of the reinsurance entities, and under Luxembourg law allowed the reinsurance company to reduce its income tax paid. Equalization reserves are required to be established for Luxembourg statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. The Company establishes a deferred tax liability equal to approximately 30% of the unutilized statutory equalization reserves. The deferred tax liability is adjusted each reporting period based primarily on amounts ceded to the Luxembourg reinsurer under the intercompany reinsurance agreement. Investments The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities”, which requires that fixed maturities and equity securities that have readily determined fair values be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities. The Company has classified its investments as available-for-sale. The Company may sell its available-for-sale securities in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Net investment income is recognized when earned and includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the effective yield method and is net of investment management fees and other expenses. For mortgage-backed securities and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. The Company uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. These criteria include: • the current fair value compared to amortized cost; • the length of time the security’s fair value has been below its amortized cost; • specific credit issues related to the issuer such as changes in credit rating or non-payment of scheduled interest payments; • whether management intends to sell the security and, if not, whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; • the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings; • the occurrence of a discrete credit event resulting in the issuer defaulting on a material outstanding obligation or the issuer seeking protection under bankruptcy laws; and • other items, including management, media exposure, sponsors, marketing and advertising agreements, debt restructurings, regulatory changes, acquisitions and dispositions, pending litigation, distribution agreements and general industry trends. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company immediately writes down investments that it considers to be impaired based on the above criteria collectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $15,247 , $2,244 , and $2,869 , respectively. In the event of the decline in fair value of a debt security, a holder of that security that does not intend to sell the debt security and for whom it is more likely than not that such holder will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis is required to separate the decline in fair value into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of total decline in fair value related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings as an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) with the amount related to other factors recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. OTTI credit losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of the loss realization. The following are the types of investments the Company has: (i) Short-term investments - Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, and includes investments with maturities between 91 days and less than one year at the date of acquisition. Short-term investments consist primarily of money market investments and securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse purchase agreements). (ii) Fixed maturities and equity securities - Fixed maturities and equity securities (common stock, mutual funds, non-redeemable preferred stock) are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. (iii) Mortgage and asset-backed securities - For mortgage and asset-backed securities, the Company recognizes income using the retrospective adjustment method based on prepayments and the estimated economic lives of the securities. The effective yield reflects actual payments to date plus anticipated future payments. These investments are recorded as fixed maturities on the consolidated balance sheets. (iv) Limited partnerships - The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnerships in which its ownership interest enables the Company to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee company, but the Company’s interest in the limited partnership does not require consolidation. The Company’s proportionate share of equity in net income of these limited partnerships is reported in net investment income, or equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, as applicable. (v) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), at contract value are accounted for as collateralized borrowing and lending transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amounts, plus accrued interest. The Company minimizes the credit risk that counterparties might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. 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 and 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 a loan amount along with the agreed-upon interest. (vi) Securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repurchase agreements) at contract value are generally treated as collateralized receivables. The Company reports receivables arising from reverse repurchase agreements in short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. These reverse repurchase agreements are recorded at the contracted resale amounts plus accrued interest. The Company’s policy is to take possession of the securities purchased under agreements to resell. The Company minimizes the risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring the counterparty credit exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are used to earn spread income, borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activities. Securities repurchase and resale agreements are generally short-term, and therefore, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value. (vii) Securities sold but not yet purchased - Securities sold but not yet purchased are accounted for as liabilities and are recorded at prevailing market prices. These transactions result in off-balance sheet risk because the ultimate cost to deliver the securities sold is uncertain. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the ASC 820 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. Additionally, valuation of fixed-maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to lack of market-based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction could occur. Fair values of other financial instruments approximate their carrying values. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Additionally, ASC 820 requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring the fair value of a liability. ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy to be used when measuring and disclosing fair value. An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Following is a description of the three hierarchy levels: Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity. Level 2 - Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent management’s best assumptions of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation. Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in subsidiaries in which its ownership interest enables the Company to influence operating or financial decisions of the subsidiary, but the Company’s interest does not require consolidation. In applying the equity method, the Company records its investment at cost, and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying amount of the investment by its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Any dividends or distributions received are recorded as a decrease in the carrying value of the investment. The Company’s proportionate share of net income is reported in the consolidated statement of income. Stock Compensation Expense The Company recognizes compensation expense for its share-based awards over the estimated vesting period based on estimated grant date fair value. Share-based payments include stock option grants and restricted stock units ("RSU") under the Company’s 2010 and 2013 Equity Incentive Plans. Advertising Costs The Company expenses the cost of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense is included as a component of General and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Advertising expense was $38,263 , $31,198 and $31,596 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Dilutive earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options, RSUs and convertible preferred stock using the treasury stock method. Impairment of Long-lived Assets The carrying value of long-lived assets is evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value as estimated by discounted cash flows. No impairment was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Income Taxes The Company joins its subsidiaries in the filing of a consolidated Federal income tax return and is party to Federal income tax allocation agreements. Under the tax allocation agreements, the Company pays to or receives from its subsidiaries the amount, if any, by which the group’s Federal income tax liability was affected by virtue of inclusion of the subsidiary in the consolidated Federal return. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not party to federal income tax allocation agreements but file separate tax returns annually. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations. The deferred tax asset and liability primarily consists of book versus tax differences for earned premiums, loss and LAE reserve discounting, deferred acquisition costs, earned but unbilled premiums, and unrealized holding gains and losses on fixed maturities. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income, primarily unrealized investment gains and losses, are recorded directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the Company will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, the Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company’s policy is to prospectively classify accrued interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. Reinsurance The Company cedes insurance risk under various reinsurance agreements. The Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk with other insurance enterprises. The Company remains liable with respect to any insurance ceded if the assuming companies are unable to meet their obligations under these reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance premiums, losses and LAE ceded to other companies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Earned premiums and losses and LAE incurred ceded to other companies have been recorded as a reduction of premium revenue and losses and LAE. Commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded have been recorded as ceding commission revenue. Reinsurance recoverables are reported based on the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. Assessing whether or not a reinsurance contract meets the condition for risk transfer requires judgment. The determination of risk transfer is critical to reporting premiums and losses, and is based, in part, on the use of actuarial and pricing models and assumptions. If the Company determines that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, it accounts for the contract under deposit accounting. Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Buildings and improvements 30 years Leasehold improvements Remaining lease term Hardware and software 3 to 5 years Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 years The Company capitalizes costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use that is specifically identifiable, has determinable lives and relates to future use. Assessments Insurance-related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. A typical obligating event would be the issuance of an insurance policy or the occurrence of a claim. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments, such as assessments by state guaranty funds used by state insurance regulators to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. The Company uses estimated assessment rates in determining the appropriate assessment expense and accrual. The Company uses estimates derived from state regulators and/or National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Tax and Assessments Guidelines. Assessment expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $11,631 , $6,267 and $6,866 , respectively. Non-controlling Interest and Variable Interest Entities The ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries of non-controlling interests is reflected as non-controlling interest. The Company’s consolidation principles also consolidates entities in which the Company is deemed a primary beneficiary. Non-controlling interest income or loss represents such non-controlling interests in the earnings of that entity. The Company consolidates the Reciprocal Exchanges as it has determined that these are variable interest entities and that the Company is the primary beneficiary (see Note 3, "Reciprocal Exchanges"). All significant transactions and account balances between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated during consolidation. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments and premiums and other receivables. Investments are diversified through many industries and geographic regions through the use of an investment manager who employs different investment strategies. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to cash and investments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the outstanding premiums and other receivables balance was generally diversified due to the Company’s diversified customer base. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs ongoing evaluations for uncollectible amounts. The Company also has receivables from its reinsurers. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company periodically evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. It is the policy of management to review all outstanding receivables at period end as well as the bad debt write-offs experienced in the past and establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts, if deemed necessary. Reclassifications Certain accounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current year’s presentation. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (see Note 15, "Debt"). In addition, balances of $110,348 were reclassified from Accounts payable and accrued expenses to Premiums and other receivables, net with the right of offset in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014. This did not have any impact on the net income of the Company. Foreign Currency Transactions The functional currency of the Company and many of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. For these companies, the Company translates monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the year. Monetary assets and liabilities include investments, cash and cash equivalents, reinsurance balances receivable, reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses and accrued expenses and other liabilities. Accounts that are classified as non-monetary, such as deferred commission and other acquisition expenses and unearned premiums, are not revalued. Service and Fee Income The Company currently generates policy service and fee income from installment fees, late payment fees, and other finance and pr

Reciprocal Exchanges

Reciprocal Exchanges	12 Months Ended
Reciprocal Exchanges	Dec. 31, 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 opening 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 year ended December 31, 2015 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $203,492 , $189,599 and $13,893 , respectively. For the period from September 15, 2014 to December 31, 2014 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $54,347 , $51,841 and $2,506 , respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period from September 15, 2014 to December 31, 2014 , the Company earned service and fee income from the Reciprocal Exchanges in the amount of $39,792 and $9,901 , respectively. Such amounts are eliminated in our consolidated earnings.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
Investments	Dec. 31, 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: December 31, 2015 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Equity securities: Common stock $ 53,356 $ 569 $ (6,960 ) $ 46,965 Preferred stock 11,448 377 — 11,825 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 19,348 1,052 (48 ) 20,352 Federal agencies 1,945 7 — 1,952 States and political subdivision bonds 193,017 4,516 (609 ) 196,924 Foreign government 31,383 31 (352 ) 31,062 Corporate bonds 1,375,336 22,224 (47,902 ) 1,349,658 Residential mortgage-backed securities 419,293 6,254 (978 ) 424,569 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 135,134 720 (3,649 ) 132,205 Structured securities 205,024 15 (4,347 ) 200,692 Total $ 2,445,284 $ 35,765 $ (64,845 ) $ 2,416,204 Less: Securities pledged 54,955 439 — 55,394 Total net of Securities pledged $ 2,390,329 $ 35,326 $ (64,845 ) $ 2,360,810 NGHC $ 2,199,714 $ 34,773 $ (58,826 ) $ 2,175,661 Reciprocal Exchanges 245,570 992 (6,019 ) 240,543 Total $ 2,445,284 $ 35,765 $ (64,845 ) $ 2,416,204 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 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 $ 28,272 $ 27,853 $ 175 $ 178 $ 28,447 $ 28,031 Due after one year through five years 244,834 246,342 35,145 34,281 279,979 280,623 Due after five years through ten years 1,031,918 1,017,146 109,946 107,655 1,141,864 1,124,801 Due after ten years 330,244 321,985 45,519 45,200 375,763 367,185 Mortgage-backed securities 501,143 505,119 53,284 51,655 554,427 556,774 Total $ 2,136,411 $ 2,118,445 $ 244,069 $ 238,969 $ 2,380,480 $ 2,357,414 (b) Investment Income The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest Cash and short term investments $ 186 $ 114 $ 14 Equity securities 277 349 — Fixed maturities 69,310 52,008 33,936 Reverse Repurchase Agreements — — 61 Investment Income 69,773 52,471 34,011 Investment expense (3,529 ) (2,629 ) (2,927 ) Repurchase Agreements interest expense (213 ) (236 ) (276 ) Other Income (1) 9,309 2,820 — Net Investment Income $ 75,340 $ 52,426 $ 30,808 NGHC $ 66,429 $ 50,627 $ 30,808 Reciprocal Exchanges 8,911 1,799 — Net Investment Income $ 75,340 $ 52,426 $ 30,808 (1 ) Includes interest income of approximately $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement (see Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). (c) Realized Gains and Losses Proceeds from sales of equity securities and fixed maturities during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $180,412 , $218,496 and $296,391 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized an OTTI loss of $15,247 , $2,244 and $2,869 , respectively, on investments based on our qualitative and quantitative review. The tables below indicate the gross realized gains and losses (including any OTTI loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Year Ended December 31, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ 5 $ (1,608 ) $ (1,603 ) Fixed maturities 8,245 (1,702 ) 6,543 OTTI — (15,247 ) (15,247 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) NGHC $ 7,005 $ (17,658 ) $ (10,653 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 1,245 (899 ) 346 Total gross realized gains and losses $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ 34 $ (613 ) $ (579 ) Fixed maturities 151 (220 ) (69 ) OTTI — (2,244 ) (2,244 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) NGHC $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total gross realized gains and losses $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Fixed maturities $ 8,865 $ (7,665 ) $ 1,200 OTTI — (2,869 ) $ (2,869 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 8,865 $ (10,534 ) $ (1,669 ) (d) Unrealized Gains and Losses Unrealized gains (losses) on investments as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net unrealized loss on common stock $ (6,391 ) $ (6,345 ) $ — Net unrealized gain (loss) on preferred stock 377 (60 ) (652 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on fixed maturities (23,066 ) 45,855 10,310 Net unrealized gain (loss) on other (20 ) 18 — Deferred income tax 10,185 (13,787 ) (2,598 ) Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax $ (18,915 ) $ 25,681 $ 7,060 NGHC $ (15,634 ) $ 24,998 $ 7,060 Reciprocal Exchanges (3,281 ) 683 — Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax (18,915 ) 25,681 7,060 Non-controlling interest 3,281 (683 ) — NGHC net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax $ (15,634 ) $ 24,998 $ 7,060 Year Ended December 31, NGHC change for the year in net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax $ (40,632 ) $ 17,938 $ (25,414 ) Non-controlling interest change for the year in net unrealized loss, net of deferred income tax $ (3,964 ) $ — $ — (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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2015 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Common stock $ 39,490 $ (6,932 ) 5 $ 130 $ (28 ) 2 $ 39,620 $ (6,960 ) U.S. Treasury 7,141 (48 ) 5 — — — 7,141 (48 ) States and political subdivision bonds 17,674 (501 ) 22 4,878 (108 ) 10 22,552 (609 ) Foreign government 21,322 (352 ) 4 — — — 21,322 (352 ) Corporate bonds 684,613 (37,919 ) 229 32,121 (9,983 ) 38 716,734 (47,902 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 102,889 (919 ) 23 1,655 (59 ) 9 104,544 (978 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 66,222 (3,472 ) 30 2,364 (177 ) 2 68,586 (3,649 ) Structured securities 153,042 (4,347 ) 65 — — — 153,042 (4,347 ) Total $ 1,092,393 $ (54,490 ) 383 $ 41,148 $ (10,355 ) 61 $ 1,133,541 $ (64,845 ) NGHC $ 988,188 $ (50,599 ) 284 $ 28,691 $ (8,227 ) 34 $ 1,016,879 $ (58,826 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 104,205 (3,891 ) 99 12,457 (2,128 ) 27 116,662 (6,019 ) Total $ 1,092,393 $ (54,490 ) 383 $ 41,148 $ (10,355 ) 61 $ 1,133,541 $ (64,845 ) 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 444 and 208 securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, that account for the gross unrealized loss, none of which are deemed by the Company to be an OTTI. A t December 31, 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 December 31, 2015 , of the $10,355 of unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, $8,466 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. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized an OTTI loss of $15,247 , $2,244 and $2,869 , respectively, on investments based on our qualitative and quantitative review. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the OTTI loss of $15,247 related to certain investments in the energy and natural resources sectors and was based on the severity of the decline in relation to their amortized cost or cost. (f) Credit Quality of Investments The tables below summarize the credit quality of our fixed maturities, securities pledged and preferred securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 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 $ 13,416 $ 14,448 0.7 % $ 5,932 $ 5,904 2.5 % AAA 343,128 348,073 16.4 % 39,724 38,888 16.2 % AA, AA+, AA- 379,560 383,888 18.0 % 36,866 36,934 15.4 % A, A+, A- 501,409 508,884 23.9 % 50,612 50,153 20.8 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 634,250 623,742 29.3 % 82,417 80,322 33.4 % BB+ and lower 274,594 249,660 11.7 % 30,020 28,343 11.7 % Total $ 2,146,357 $ 2,128,695 100.0 % $ 245,571 $ 240,544 100.0 % 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 . December 31, 2015 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions — % 2.8 % 21.2 % 12.7 % 2.1 % $ 524,250 38.8 % Industrials — % 3.9 % 15.4 % 32.3 % 4.6 % 757,907 56.2 % Utilities/Other 0.4 % — % 0.4 % 3.4 % 0.8 % 67,501 5.0 % Total 0.4 % 6.7 % 37.0 % 48.4 % 7.5 % $ 1,349,658 100.0 % NGHC 0.4 % 6.1 % 33.9 % 42.7 % 6.3 % $ 1,206,442 89.4 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % 0.6 % 3.1 % 5.7 % 1.2 % 143,216 10.6 % Total 0.4 % 6.7 % 37.0 % 48.4 % 7.5 % $ 1,349,658 100.0 % 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Restricted cash $ 13,776 $ 7,937 Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value 40,174 56,049 Total restricted cash and investments $ 53,950 $ 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had no collateralized lending transaction principal outstanding. Interest income associated with lending agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $0 , $0 and $61 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had collateralized borrowing transaction principal outstanding of $52,484 at an interest rate of 0.80% . 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 expense associated with the repurchase borrowing agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $213 , $236 and $276 , respectively. The Company had approximately $55,394 and $49,456 of collateral pledged in support for these agreements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The table below summarizes the remaining contractual maturity of the Company's repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2015 . December 31, 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 $ — $ 52,484 $ — $ — $ 52,484 Total Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value $ — $ 52,484 $ — $ — $ 52,484 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	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 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 municipal entities or agencies. The fair values of municipal bonds are generally priced by pricing services. The pricing services typically use spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipal bonds are observable market inputs, these are classified within Level 2. Municipal auction rate securities are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at cost which approximates their fair value. 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 and 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 consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the debt. As of December 31, 2015 , the current fair value of the Company's 7.625% Notes, which are publicly traded, was $98,240 and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2015 , the current fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes and Imperial Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, were $350,000 and $4,979 , respectively. The fair value of the Company’s 6.75% Notes at December 31, 2015 was determined using the direct transaction method of the Market Approach. The Company executed an arm’s length private market transaction in the 6.75% Notes in the fourth quarter of 2015 which provided reasonably supportable indication of fair value for the 6.75% Notes as of December 31, 2015 . Non-direct market-based metrics and the magnitude and timing of contractual interest and principal payments were analyzed to support the indication of fair value provided by the direct transaction method of the Market Approach as of December 31, 2015 . The fair value of the Company’s 6.75% Notes at December 31, 2014 was determined using market-based metrics and the magnitude and timing of contractual interest and principal payments. The fair value of the Company's 6.75% Notes as of December 31, 2015 includes an additional $100,000 aggregate principal amount sold on October 8, 2015. The Imperial Surplus Notes were valued using the Black Derman-Toy interest rate lattice model. In addition, as of December 31, 2015 , the current fair value of the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes, which are not publicly traded, was $50,300 . 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. See Note 15, "Debt" for the carrying value of the Company's debt instruments. Contingent payments - represents the fair value of the contingent payments based on discounted cash flows under the Personal Lines Master Agreement (see Note 16, "Related Party Transactions") and the ARS and HST contingent payments (see Note 18, "Commitments and Contingencies"). In accordance with ASC 820, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: December 31, 2015 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock $ 46,965 $ — $ — $ 46,965 Preferred stock — 11,825 — 11,825 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 20,352 — — 20,352 Federal agencies 1,952 — — 1,952 States and political subdivision bonds — 196,924 — 196,924 Foreign government — 31,062 — 31,062 Corporate bonds — 1,349,658 — 1,349,658 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 424,569 — 424,569 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 132,205 — 132,205 Structured securities — 200,692 — 200,692 Short term investments — 3,527 — 3,527 Total assets $ 69,269 $ 2,350,462 $ — $ 2,419,731 NGHC $ 61,413 $ 2,115,776 $ — $ 2,177,189 Reciprocal Exchanges 7,856 234,686 — 242,542 Total assets $ 69,269 $ 2,350,462 $ — $ 2,419,731 Liabilities Contingent payments $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 NGHC $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 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 Liabilities Contingent payments $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499 NGHC $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499 The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Balance as of Net income / loss Other comprehensive Purchases and Payments, sales and Net transfers Balance as of Common stock $ 34,389 $ — $ 2,526 $ — $ — $ (36,915 ) $ — Total assets $ 34,389 $ — $ 2,526 $ — $ — $ (36,915 ) $ — Contingent payments $ 23,499 $ 2,357 $ — $ 8,581 $ (9,785 ) $ — $ 24,652 Total liabilities $ 23,499 $ 2,357 $ — $ 8,581 $ (9,785 ) $ — $ 24,652 Balance as of Net income / loss Other comprehensive Purchases and Payments, sales and Net transfers Balance as of Common stock $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389 Total assets $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389 Contingent payments $ — $ — $ — $ 26,100 $ (2,601 ) $ — $ 23,499 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ — $ 26,100 $ (2,601 ) $ — $ 23,499 As of December 31, 2014 , the fair value measurement for the Company's Level 3 common stock investment of $34,389 was valued based on a non-binding quote received from a third-party valuation service where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable. The Company does not develop the unobservable inputs used in measuring fair value and uses the third-party pricing information without adjustment. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the fair value measurement for the Company's Level 3 ACP Re Contingent Payments o f $16,071 and $23,499 , respectively, were valued based on discounted cash flows. As of December 31, 2015, the fair value measurement for the Company's Level 3 ARS Contingent Payments and HST Contingent Payments of $4,081 an d $4,500 , r espectively, were valued based on estimated earnings and projected payouts. See Note 18, "Commitments and Contingencies." During the year ended December 31, 2015 , there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company transferred $36,915 out of Level 3 and into Level 1 due to the public offering of a previously privately-placed common stock investment. During the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3. The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels as of the end of each reporting period, consistent with the date of determination of fair value. Other than goodwill, the Company does not measure any assets or liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Goodwill is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 8, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net" for additional information on how the Company tested goodwill for impairment. 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	12 Months Ended
Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	Dec. 31, 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. In March 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. Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 146,089 $ 126,186 $ 66,484 Distributions (1,923 ) — — Contributions 565 18,056 35,391 Acquisition of interest — — 22,411 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 8,930 1,847 1,900 Change in equity method investments 7,572 19,903 59,702 Balance at end of year $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and the results of operations for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Condensed balance sheet data As of December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value $ 264,001 $ 264,517 $ 233,024 Total assets 334,026 318,598 270,758 Total liabilities 26,704 26,420 18,387 Members' equity 307,322 292,178 252,371 NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 Condensed results of operations Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue, net of commission $ 66,435 $ 50,447 $ 7,828 Total expenses 48,575 46,753 4,029 Net income $ 17,860 $ 3,694 $ 3,799 NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 8,930 $ 1,847 $ 1,900 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 and, only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Average age of insured 81.2 years 81.1 years Average life expectancy, months (1) 114 121 Average face amount per policy $ 6,564 $ 6,624 Effective discount rate (2) 13.7 % 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 change in the EDR from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk. The LSC Entities' assumptions are, by their nature, inherently uncertain and the effect of changes in estimates may be significant. The fair value measurements used in estimating the present value calculation are derived from valuation techniques generally used in the industry that include inputs for the asset that are not based on observable market data. The extent to which the fair value could reasonably vary in the near term has been quantified by evaluating the effect of changes in significant underlying assumptions used to estimate the fair value amount. If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables were held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (37,697 ) $ 40,997 December 31, 2014 $ (34,686 ) $ 36,486 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (26,558 ) $ 29,644 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 December 31, 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 2016 $ 54,540 2017 53,002 2018 41,409 2019 41,385 2020 38,627 Thereafter 487,107 Total $ 716,070 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 $2,655 , $2,243 and $2,143 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,720 and $2,140 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(420) , $(737) , and $(558) , respectively. (See Note 16, "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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $4,139 and $4,079 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $60 , $70 , and $(57) , 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 total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in North Dearborn as of December 31, 2015 was $9,862 . For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $756 . The Company received distributions of $607 for the year ended December 31, 2015 . (See Note 16, "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 December 31, 2015 was $10,559 . For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $28 . (See Note 16, "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 total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in Illinois Center as of December 31, 2015 was $55,007 . For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $1,292 . (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions").

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions 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 $95,726 , subject to certain adjustments. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: October 2015 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 290,262 Premium receivable 129,878 Premises and equipment 1,752 Intangible assets 61,645 Other assets 1,538 Total Assets 485,075 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 102,913 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 60,335 Unearned premiums 245,827 Total Liabilities 409,075 Net assets purchased 76,000 Purchase price 95,726 Goodwill recorded $ 19,726 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of LPI Business were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. Goodwill of $19,726 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of the LPI Business consisted of Agent/Customer relationships of $50,000 , Proprietary technology of $10,000 and Other of $1,645 , with weighted average amortization lives of 15 , 10 and 7 years , respectively. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $126,570 of gross premium written and $8,584 of service and fee income related to LPI Business in 2015. 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. As part of the transaction, the Company acquired the small group self-funded and supplemental product lines, as well as North Star Marketing, a proprietary small group sales channel. The purchase price was an aggregate cash payment of $14,000 . The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: October 2015 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 43,448 Premium receivable 18,645 Intangible assets 10,493 Total Assets 72,586 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 66,344 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 281 Unearned premiums 2,505 Deferred tax liability 3,887 Other liabilities 678 Total Liabilities 73,695 Net assets purchased (1,109 ) Purchase price 14,000 Goodwill recorded $ 15,109 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of the business lines and assets from Assurant Health were assigned to the Accident and Health segment. Goodwill of $7,288 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $55,693 of gross premium written and $17,881 of service and fee income in 2015. 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 ("ARS Contingent Payments"). The fair value of the ARS Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,081 at December 31, 2015 . Goodwill recorded on the acquisition of ARS was $14,600 . No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 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 earnout payments ("HST Contingent Payments") based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by the Company's insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. The fair value of the HST Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,500 at December 31, 2015 . Goodwill recorded on the acquisition of HST was $4,555 . The goodwill of $4,555 is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On September 15, 2014, ACP Re, a Bermuda reinsurer that is a subsidiary of the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (the “Karfunkel Family Trust”), completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Tower Group International, Ltd. ("Tower") and caused its subsidiary to merge into Tower (the "Merger") pursuant to a merger agreement, dated January 3, 2014, by and between ACP Re and Tower. In connection with the Merger, the Company acquired two management companies from ACP Re for $7,500 . The management companies (together, the “Management Companies”) are the attorneys-in-fact for Adirondack Insurance Exchange, a New York reciprocal insurer, and New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association, a New Jersey reciprocal insurer. The Company also agreed to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three year earnout (the "ACP Re Contingent Payments") of 3% of the gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger, capped at payments in the amount of $30,000 in the aggregate. The fair value of the ACP Re Contingent Payments was estimated to be $26,100 at the acquisition date. As the Company purchased the Management Companies and renewal rights from a commonly controlled company, the excess of carryover basis of net assets acquired over the purchase price was recorded as a capital contribution. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: September 2014 Assets Cash $ 70 Fee receivable 3,010 Intangible assets 144,700 Total Assets 147,780 Liabilities Due to related party 26,100 Deferred tax liability 39,965 Total Liabilities 66,065 Net assets purchased 81,715 Purchase price 7,500 Additional paid-in capital $ 74,215 The intangible assets related to the acquisition of the Management Companies were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. Intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of the Management Companies consisted of Management Contracts of $118,600 , with indefinite lives, and Renewal rights of $26,100 with a weighted average amortization life of 7 years . On July 1, 2014, the Company reacquired Agent Alliance Insurance Company (“AAIC”), an Alabama-domiciled insurer focused on private passenger auto business in North Carolina which is also licensed as a surplus lines carrier in over 30 states, from ACP Re for a purchase price equal to AAIC’s capital and surplus of approximately $17,343 . Following the Company's 2012 sale of AAIC to ACP Re, the Company had continued to reinsure 100% of its existing and renewal private passenger auto insurance. The following table summarizes the carrying value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: July 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 15,535 Accrued interest 138 Premium receivable 992 Reinsurance recoverable 6,966 Prepaid reinsurance 1,608 Intangible assets 900 Goodwill 1,005 Income tax receivable 84 Total Assets 27,228 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 6,867 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 323 Unearned premiums 1,608 Reinsurance payable 397 Notes payable 350 Deferred tax 340 Total Liabilities 9,885 Net assets purchased $ 17,343 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of AAIC were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On June 27, 2014, the Company purchased certain assets of Imperial Management Corporation ("Imperial"), including its underwriting subsidiaries Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and National Automotive Insurance Company, its retail agency subsidiary ABC Insurance Agencies, and its managing general agency subsidiary RAC Insurance Partners. The purchase price was approximately $20,000 . In connection with the Imperial transaction, the Company assumed certain debt of Imperial and Imperial Fire & Casualty Insurance Company (see Note 15, "Debt"). The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: June 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 61,011 Accrued interest 484 Premium receivable 37,348 Reinsurance recoverable 13,445 Prepaid reinsurance 36,203 Premises and equipment 1,893 Intangible assets 15,100 Income tax receivable 104 Other 214 Total Assets 165,802 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 42,796 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 17,253 Unearned premiums 50,178 Reinsurance payable 29,223 Notes payable 8,916 Total Liabilities 148,366 Net assets purchased 17,436 Purchase price 20,000 Goodwill recorded $ 2,564 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Imperial acquisition were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On April 1, 2014, the Company purchased Personal Express Insurance Company (“Personal Express”), a California domiciled personal auto and home insurer from Sequoia Insurance Company, an affiliate of AmTrust. The purchase price was $21,496 . The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: April 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 28,725 Premium receivable 2,915 Deferred tax 119 Intangible assets 2,700 Other assets 729 Total Assets 35,188 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 4,472 Unearned premiums 8,352 Reinsurance payable 816 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 3,186 Total Liabilities 16,826 Net assets purchased 18,362 Purchase price 21,496 Goodwill recorded $ 3,134 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Personal Express acquisition were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. On January 16, 2014, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, National General Holdings Luxembourg, acquired a 100% equity interest of a Luxembourg reinsurer, Anticemex Reinsurance S.A., for approximately $62,973 . The entity was renamed National General Beta Re (“Beta”). Beta is a reinsurer incorporated in Luxembourg that allows the Company to obtain the benefits of its capital and utilization of its existing and future loss reserves through a series of reinsurance agreements with one of the Company’s subsidiaries. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: January 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 6,393 Prepaid assets 1 Loan receivable 62,973 Intangible assets 132 Total Assets 69,499 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses 20 Deferred tax liability 19,123 Total Liabilities 19,143 Net assets purchased 50,356 Purchase price 62,973 Goodwill recorded $ 12,617 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the Beta acquisition were assigned to the Accident and Health segment. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. No individual acquisition or acquisitions in the aggregate were materially significant that required any pro forma financial information during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The goodwill associated with the Company's acquisitions relates to the additional benefit (i.e., expected cash flow or earnings, customer relationships) of the acquisition in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 6,744 $ 1,456 5 years Loss reserve discount 15,089 12,779 2,310 7 years Agent/Customer relationships 148,419 18,562 129,857 11 - 17 years Affinity partners 800 436 364 11 years Renewal rights 26,100 6,375 19,725 7 years Proprietary technology 11,800 379 11,421 3 - 10 years Management contracts 118,600 — 118,600 indefinite life State licenses 65,165 — 65,165 indefinite life Goodwill 112,414 — 112,414 indefinite life Total $ 506,587 $ 45,275 $ 461,312 NGHC $ 501,187 $ 44,700 $ 456,487 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,400 575 4,825 Total $ 506,587 $ 45,275 $ 461,312 December 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 5,737 $ 2,463 5 years Loss reserve discount 12,451 12,071 380 7 years Agent/Customer 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 The increase of $41,650 and $100,061 , in goodwill and intangibles, respectively, from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 was primarily due to the LPI Business acquisition, the Assurant Transaction, and the Company's HST and ARS acquisitions. 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. 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company amortized approximately $20,389 , $13,791 , and $6,420 , respectively, related to its intangible assets with a finite life, which includes amortization relating to intangibles owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $4,380 and $2,468 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014 , respectively. Included in the Company’s amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , is an impairment charge of $574 and $812 , respectively, related to certain agent and customer relationship intangible assets. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is: NGHC Reciprocal Total Year ending 2016 $ 20,634 $ 230 $ 20,864 2017 19,083 230 19,313 2018 14,586 230 14,816 2019 13,598 230 13,828 2020 11,839 230 12,069 Thereafter 83,668 575 84,243 $ 163,408 $ 1,725 $ 165,133 The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Property and Casualty Accident and Health Total Balance as of January 1, 2013 $ 28,074 $ 12,125 $ 40,199 Goodwill additions 6,169 25,428 31,597 Impairment (1,445 ) — (1,445 ) Balance as of January 1, 2014 $ 32,798 $ 37,553 $ 70,351 Goodwill additions 6,703 12,819 19,522 Foreign currency adjustments — (3,317 ) (3,317 ) Impairment (9,419 ) (6,373 ) (15,792 ) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 30,082 $ 40,682 $ 70,764 Goodwill additions 39,455 19,661 59,116 Impairment (11,222 ) (6,244 ) (17,466 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 58,315 $ 54,099 $ 112,414 As of December 31, 2015 the Company's gross goodwill, accumulated impairment loss and goodwill were $151,800 , $39,386 and $112,414 , respectively. As of December 31, 2014 the Company's gross goodwill, accumulated impairment loss and goodwill were $92,684 , $21,920 and $70,764 , respectively. The Company performs an impairment analysis at the reporting unit level using a two-step impairment test. In evaluating goodwill for potential impairment, management compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the goodwill is considered impaired, and a second test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. In the case of each Luxembourg reporting unit (“RU”), a step 1 analysis was performed to determine whether impairment existed using a December 31 measurement date. Since Luxembourg reinsurers are regularly bought and sold between third parties and the transaction data information is available, the Guideline Transactions Method of the Market Approach was utilized to determine the fair value of the RU. The Guideline Transactions Method is based on valuation multiples derived from actual transactions for comparable companies and were used to develop an estimate of value for the subject company. In applying this method, valuation multiples are derived from historical data of selected transactions, then evaluated and adjusted, if necessary, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the subject company relative to the derived market data. In the case of the RU, the most appropriate multiple to utilize was determined to be a Price to Invested Assets (“P/IA”) multiple, since invested assets and the corresponding regulatory reserves are metrics utilized by market participants to negotiate the purchase price of the transaction. These P/IA multiples are then applied to the appropriate invested assets of the subject company to arrive at an indication of fair value. Step 1 of the impairment test indicated that RU’s carrying value exceeded its fair value. Accordingly the Company performed a Step 2 impairment test and recorded in General and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income, non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $17,466 , $15,792 and $1,445 as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , approximately $8,434 and $25,900 , respectively, of the Company's goodwill balance was related to the Company's Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries.

Premiums and Other Receivables,

Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	12 Months Ended
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Premiums and other receivables, net at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Premiums receivable (Related parties - $46,565 and $153,654) $ 652,400 $ 543,574 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Related parties - $15,715 and $13,459) 64,056 59,318 Commission receivables 20,337 14,234 Investment receivables — 19,072 Other receivables (Related parties - $26 and $1,021) 35,273 20,973 Allowance for uncollectible amounts (13,433 ) (9,728 ) Total $ 758,633 $ 647,443 NGHC $ 702,439 $ 589,205 Reciprocal Exchanges 56,194 58,238 Total $ 758,633 $ 647,443

Premises and Equipment, Net

Premises and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
Premises and Equipment, Net	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises and Equipment, Net	Premises and Equipment, Net The composition of premises and equipment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 2,935 $ — $ 2,935 Buildings 11,390 313 11,077 Leasehold improvements 7,343 1,529 5,814 Furniture and equipment 3,656 1,303 2,353 Hardware and software 84,880 64,128 20,752 Total $ 110,204 $ 67,273 $ 42,931 NGHC 109,479 66,880 42,599 Reciprocal Exchanges 725 393 332 Total $ 110,204 $ 67,273 $ 42,931 December 31, 2014 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 287 $ — $ 287 Buildings 4,013 208 3,805 Leasehold improvements 4,505 228 4,277 Furniture and equipment 581 133 448 Hardware and software 70,104 50,429 19,675 Work-in-process systems and software 2,091 — 2,091 Total $ 81,581 $ 50,998 $ 30,583 Depreciation and amortization expense related to premises and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $12,065 , $14,457 and $13,685 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 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. Federal income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Current expense (benefit) Federal $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 $ 18,446 Foreign — — — — — — — Total current tax expense $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 $ 18,446 Deferred expense (benefit) Federal $ (3,019 ) $ (4,890 ) $ (7,909 ) $ (42,301 ) $ 144 $ (42,157 ) $ (5,519 ) Foreign (27,094 ) — (27,094 ) (21,237 ) — (21,237 ) (1,787 ) Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (30,113 ) (4,890 ) (35,003 ) (63,538 ) 144 (63,394 ) (7,306 ) Provision for income taxes $ 24,905 $ (5,949 ) $ 18,956 $ 22,712 $ 1,164 $ 23,876 $ 11,140 The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Domestic $ 225,708 $ 7,944 $ 233,652 $ 195,148 $ 3,670 $ 198,818 $ 33,873 Foreign (69,062 ) — (69,062 ) (71,375 ) — (71,375 ) 18,384 Total $ 156,646 $ 7,944 $ 164,590 $ 123,773 $ 3,670 $ 127,443 $ 52,257 Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax liability are presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 27,675 $ 1,551 $ 29,226 $ 24,772 $ 1,915 $ 26,687 Unearned premiums 68,902 6,033 74,935 50,128 6,611 56,739 Bad debt 3,692 576 4,268 3,212 90 3,302 Investments 760 — 760 — — — Depreciation 1,725 — 1,725 982 — 982 Contingent commissions 10,529 — 10,529 9,102 — 9,102 Loss reserve discounting 7,244 1,393 8,637 7,310 1,233 8,543 Suspended Subpart F losses 7,364 — 7,364 34,309 — 34,309 Net operating loss carryforwards 3,309 17,758 21,067 3,042 15,159 18,201 Capital loss carryforwards 1,241 — 1,241 1,247 62 1,309 Partnership activity — — — 706 — 706 Impairments 6,122 15 6,137 786 — 786 Goodwill 968 — 968 539 — 539 Unearned revenue 6,540 — 6,540 2,662 — 2,662 Unrealized capital losses 8,418 1,767 10,185 — — — Foreign translation 2,035 — 2,035 — — — APIC stock compensation 1,808 — 1,808 2,204 — 2,204 Alternative minimum tax credits — 611 611 1,112 611 1,723 Other 897 104 1,001 2,174 562 2,736 Gross deferred tax assets 159,229 29,808 189,037 144,287 26,243 170,530 Less: Valuation allowance — (17,295 ) (17,295 ) — (21,518 ) (21,518 ) Total deferred tax assets 159,229 12,513 171,742 144,287 4,725 149,012 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs 47,931 8,093 56,024 42,830 1,525 44,355 Investments items — 255 255 1,366 364 1,730 Intangible assets 71,878 2,398 74,276 69,267 2,908 72,175 Premises and equipment 4,759 — 4,759 4,759 — 4,759 Statutory equalization reserves 13,778 — 13,778 40,872 — 40,872 Unrealized capital gains — — — 13,848 2,256 16,104 Surplus note interest — 34,491 34,491 — 36,074 36,074 Other 406 — 406 478 — 478 Gross deferred tax liabilities 138,752 45,237 183,989 173,420 43,127 216,547 Deferred tax (asset) liability, net $ (20,477 ) $ 32,724 $ 12,247 $ 29,133 $ 38,402 $ 67,535 Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, there were no deferred tax asset valuation allowances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets. For the Reciprocal Exchanges, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and no tax benefit from consolidated pre-tax losses generated for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was recognized. Negative evidence in the form of a multi-year history of net operating losses for tax purposes supported the determination that the realized net deferred tax asset should be fully reserved. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, in considering the need for the full valuation allowance, the Company concluded that retaining a deferred tax liability of $32,724 and $38,402, respectively, associated with the indefinite long-lived intangibles was appropriate considering this liability cannot be used to offset our net deferred tax asset when determining the amount of valuation allowance required. In light of the historic and current year losses for tax purposes, we will continue to recognize a full valuation allowance until substantial positive evidence supports its reversal in future periods. The earnings of certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Therefore, no provision has been made for any U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes that may be applicable upon any repatriation or disposition. At December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign affiliates were approximately $23,637 , $9,966 and $8,417 , respectively. It should be noted that the total cumulative earnings for the Company’s foreign subsidiaries was negative for 2015, 2014 and 2013. The determination of any unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is not practicable. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, the Company has net operating carryforwards of $9,453 , $8,693 and $9,517 available for tax purposes for the years December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The net operating loss carryforwards expire between December 31, 2029 and December 31, 2034. Total income tax expense is different from the amount determined by multiplying earnings before income taxes by the statutory Federal tax rate of 35.00% . The reasons for such differences are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 156,646 $ 7,944 $ 164,590 Tax rate 35.00 % 35.00 % 35.00 % Computed "expected" tax expense $ 54,826 $ 2,780 $ 57,606 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (1,354 ) (165 ) (1,519 ) (0.92 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 336 — 336 0.20 Exempt foreign income (11,393 ) — (11,393 ) (6.92 ) Equity method income 3,726 — 3,726 2.26 Goodwill impairment 6,113 — 6,113 3.71 Statutory equalization reserves (27,094 ) — (27,094 ) (16.46 ) State tax 1,754 — 1,754 1.07 Change in valuation allowance — (4,025 ) (4,025 ) (2.45 ) Other permanent items (2,009 ) (4,539 ) (6,548 ) (3.97 ) Total income tax reported $ 24,905 $ (5,949 ) $ 18,956 11.52 % Year Ended December 31, 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 123,773 $ 3,670 $ 127,443 Tax rate 35.00 % 35.00 % 35.00 % Computed "expected" tax expense $ 43,321 $ 1,285 $ 44,606 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (978 ) (86 ) (1,064 ) (0.83 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 273 — 273 0.21 Exempt foreign income (4,304 ) — (4,304 ) (3.38 ) Goodwill impairment 5,527 — 5,527 4.34 Statutory equalization reserves (21,237 ) — (21,237 ) (16.66 ) State tax 2,453 — 2,453 1.92 Other permanent items (2,343 ) (35 ) (2,378 ) (1.86 ) Total income tax reported $ 22,712 $ 1,164 $ 23,876 18.74 % Year Ended December 31, 2013 Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 52,257 Tax rate 35.00 % Computed "expected" tax expense $ 18,290 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (903 ) (1.73 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 129 0.25 Exempt foreign income (4,201 ) (8.04 ) Goodwill impairment 413 0.79 Statutory equalization reserves (1,787 ) (3.42 ) State tax 3,309 6.33 Return to provision (2,479 ) (4.74 ) Other permanent items (1,631 ) (3.12 ) Total income tax reported $ 11,140 21.32 % In 2013, the Company recorded a return to provision (RTP) adjustment of $(2,479) , of which $(2,011) was related to a true up of estimated permanent items on the Company’s separate company federal tax return for its subsidiary National Health Insurance Company. The Company acquired additional information with regard to these permanent items following the completion of its 2012 financial statements. These adjustments were not material to the 2013 or 2012 financial statements. The Company owns a number of Luxembourg licensed reinsurers. Luxembourg reinsurers record a statutory equalization reserve which is a compulsory volatility or catastrophe reserve in excess of ordinary reserves determined by a formula based on the volatility of the business ceded to the reinsurance company. Equalization reserves are required to be established for Luxembourg statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. Each year, the Luxembourg reinsurer is required to adjust its equalization reserves by an amount equal to statutory net income or loss, determined based on premiums and investment income less incurred losses and operating expenses. The yearly adjustment of the equalization reserve generally results in zero pretax income on a Luxembourg statutory and tax basis. Luxembourg does not, under laws currently in effect, impose any income, corporation or profits tax on the reinsurance company. However, if the reinsurance company were to cease reinsuring business without exhausting the equalization reserves, it would recognize income in the amount of the unutilized equalization reserves that would be taxed by Luxembourg at a rate of approximately 30%. 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 consolidated statements of income. As there is no net effect on the consolidated pre-tax income from the intercompany reinsurance activity, the impact of these transactions reduces the worldwide effective tax rate of the Company. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had approximately $45,927 and $134,975 of unutilized equalization reserves and an associated deferred tax liability of approximately $13,778 and $40,493 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , income tax expense included a tax benefit of $27,094 , $21,237 , and $1,787 , respectively, attributable to the reduction of the deferred tax liability associated with the utilization of equalization reserves of our Luxembourg reinsurers. The effect of this tax benefit reduced the effective tax rate by 16.46% , 16.66% and 3.42% for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 . No interest or penalties have been recorded by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to its total unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. All tax liabilities are payable to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state and local taxing agencies. 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. Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, for state and local tax purposes, the Company is open to audit for tax years ended December 31, 2010 forward, depending on jurisdiction.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
Reinsurance	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance The Company's insurance subsidiaries utilize reinsurance agreements to transfer portions of the underlying risk of the business the Company writes to various affiliated and third-party reinsurance companies. Reinsurance does not discharge or diminish the Company's obligation to pay claims covered by the insurance policies it issues; however, it does permit the Company to recover certain incurred losses from its reinsurers and the Company's reinsurance recoveries reduce the maximum loss that it may incur as a result of a covered loss event. The Company believes it is important to ensure that its reinsurance partners are financially strong and they generally carry at least an A.M. Best rating of ‘‘A-’’ (Excellent) at the time it enters into the Company's reinsurance agreements. The Company also enters reinsurance relationships with third-party captives formed by agents as a mechanism for sharing risk and profit. The total amount, cost and limits relating to the reinsurance coverage the Company purchases may vary from year to year based upon a variety of factors, including the availability of quality reinsurance at an acceptable price and the level of risk that the Company chooses to retain for its own account. The Company assumes and cedes insurance risks under various reinsurance agreements, on both a pro rata basis and excess of loss basis. The Company purchases reinsurance to mitigate the volatility of direct and assumed business, which may be caused by the aggregate value or the concentration of written exposures in a particular geographic area or business segment and may arise from catastrophes or other events. The Company pays a premium as consideration for ceding the risk. The following is a summary of effects of reinsurance on premiums and losses for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Premium: Direct $ 2,234,976 $ 2,052,880 $ 1,558,612 $ 1,496,709 $ 1,315,162 $ 1,325,251 Assumed 354,772 454,851 576,495 414,410 23,593 25,870 Total Gross Premium 2,589,748 2,507,731 2,135,107 1,911,119 1,338,755 1,351,121 Ceded (403,502 ) (377,921 ) (265,083 ) (277,899 ) (659,439 ) (663,055 ) Net Premium $ 2,186,246 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,870,024 $ 1,633,220 $ 679,316 $ 688,066 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE $ 283,568 $ 254,924 $ 229,013 $ 211,433 $ 14,154 $ 442,251 As of December 31, 2015 2014 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves $ 252,661 $ 833,176 $ 106,568 $ 911,798 Unearned premiums 309,202 128,343 160,984 102,761 The Company’s reinsurance transactions include premiums written under state-mandated involuntary plans for commercial vehicles and premiums ceded to state-provided reinsurance facilities such as Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”) and North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (“NCRF” or “the Facility”) (collectively, “State Plans”), for which it retains no loss indemnity risk. Prepaid reinsurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the period of risk, based on a daily earnings convention, which is consistent with premiums written. MCCA is a reinsurance mechanism that covers no-fault first party medical losses of retentions in excess of $545 in 2015. The Company currently has claims with retentions from $250 to $545 . All automobile insurers doing business in Michigan are required to participate in MCCA. Insurers are reimbursed for their covered losses in excess of this threshold, which increased from $460 to $480 on July 1, 2010, and increased to $500 in 2011 and remained at this amount until June 30, 2013. Policies effective after July 1, 2013 have a threshold of $530 . For policies effective after July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017, the retention will be $545 . Funding for MCCA comes from assessments against automobile insurers based upon their share of insured automobiles in the state. Insurers are allowed to pass along this cost to Michigan automobile policyholders. The following is a summary of premiums and losses ceded to MCCA for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Ceded earned premiums $ 12,146 $ 12,968 $ 12,882 Ceded Loss and LAE 15,482 12,529 9,037 Reinsurance recoverables from MCCA as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 6,986 $ 8,482 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 656,904 689,202 NCRF is a mechanism for pooling of insurance risks for insureds who cannot obtain coverage by ordinary methods. Under the Facility law, licensed and writing carriers and agents must accept and insure any eligible applicant for coverages and limits which may be ceded to the Facility. The Facility accepts cession of bodily injury and property damage liability, medical payments, and uninsured and combined uninsured/underinsured motorist's coverages. Funding for the NCRF comes from collected premiums from automobile insurers based upon the provided coverage of the insured automobiles in the state. The following is a summary of premiums and losses ceded to NCRF for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Ceded earned premiums $ 158,613 $ 151,744 $ 138,473 Ceded Loss and LAE 144,350 130,265 111,185 Reinsurance recoverables from NCRF as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 26,228 $ 22,050 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 86,941 84,152 The Company believes that it is unlikely to incur any material loss as a result of non-payment of amounts owed to the Company by MCCA and NCRF because (i) the payment obligations are extended over many years, resulting in relatively small current payment obligations, (ii) both MCCA and NCRF are supported by assessments permitted by statute, and (iii) the Company has not historically incurred losses as a result of non-payment. Because MCCA and NCRF are supported by assessments permitted by statute, and there have been no significant and uncollectible balances from NCRF and MCCA, the Company believes that it has no significant exposure to uncollectible reinsurance balances from these entities. In addition to the reinsurance programs described above, until July 31, 2013, the Company used the Personal Lines Quota Share reinsurance arrangement to limit maximum loss, provide greater diversification of risk and minimize exposure on larger risks. For further discussion on the Personal Lines Quota Share arrangement (see Note 16, “Related Party Transactions”). The Company has a concentration of credit risk associated with MCCA and NCRF, related to risks ceded in accordance with Michigan insurance law and the Company’s market share in North Carolina, respectively, and the reinsurance under the Personal Lines Quota Share arrangement. Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 MCCA $ 656,904 $ 689,202 NCRF 86,941 84,152 Maiden Insurance Company 21,075 44,205 ACP Re 12,645 26,523 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 8,430 17,682 Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total 8,096 26,451 Subtotal $ 794,091 $ 888,215 Reciprocal Exchanges 39,085 23,583 Total $ 833,176 $ 911,798 The Company also has unauthorized reinsurance with ACP Re and Maiden Insurance Company Ltd. ("Maiden Insurance Company") that requires the reinsurers to provide collateral to mitigate any risk of default. As of July 1, 2015, the Company's new reinsurance program went into effect with respect to excess of loss catastrophic and casualty reinsurance for protection against catastrophic and other large losses. The property catastrophe program provides a total of $450,000 in coverage in excess of a $50,000 retention, with one reinstatement. The Company also purchased drop-down coverage to reduce the retention to $35,000 for Texas and Louisiana. The casualty program provides $45,000 in coverage in excess of a $5,000 retention. As of July 1, 2015, a reinsurance property catastrophe excess of loss program went into effect protecting the Reciprocal Exchanges against accumulations of losses resulting from a catastrophic event. The program provides a total of $355,000 in coverage in excess of a $20,000 retention, with one reinstatement.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
Other Liabilities	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities Other liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Bank overdrafts $ 57,971 $ 29,265 Advance premiums 9,242 8,046 Deferred revenue 65,186 11,354 Premium and other taxes and assessments 17,791 3,159 Total $ 150,190 $ 51,824 NGHC $ 112,085 $ 46,114 Reciprocal Exchanges 38,105 5,710 Total $ 150,190 $ 51,824

Accounts Payable and Accrued Ex

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Escheats payable $ 10,982 $ 8,720 Accrued expenses related to employees 30,224 16,029 Accounts payable related to commissions 36,160 6,824 Premiums payable — 3,324 Information technology payable 16,570 1,190 Payable to carrier 34,460 — Deferred purchase price 8,581 15,325 Dividends payable 7,292 2,901 Marketing accruals 4,918 1,153 Refundable tax credits — 3,360 Loss reserve fair value 1,785 4,013 Investments payable 16,670 33,517 Interest payable 10,907 3,834 Other 54,598 38,835 Subtotal 233,147 139,025 Related Parties: Accounts payable related to commissions — 30,229 License fee payable 12,905 9,148 Information technology payable 16,622 1,312 Printing fee payable 3,892 3,100 Renewal rights 16,071 23,499 Other 2,265 808 Subtotal 51,755 68,096 Total $ 284,902 $ 207,121 NGHC $ 265,057 $ 189,430 Reciprocal Exchanges 19,845 17,691 Total $ 284,902 $ 207,121

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
Debt	Dec. 31, 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 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 year ended December 31, 2015 was $2,967 . 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 December 31, 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. 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 additional 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 additional 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 was 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. The additional 6.75% Notes were issued under the same indenture as the original 6.75% Notes. Interest expense on the 6.75% Notes, including the additional issuance, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $18,428 and $10,218 , 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 December 31, 2015 . Revolving Credit Agreement 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 had 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 December 31, 2015 ). As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was no outstanding balance on the line of credit. Interest expense for the Company's existing and repaid lines of credit for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $0 , $1,162 and $1,254 , respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015 . See also Note 28, "Subsequent Events" for information on the New Credit Agreement. 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , was $220 and $110 , respectively. (See Note 7, "Acquisitions"). 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 year ended December 31, 2015 and for the period ended December 31, 2014 , was $4,656 and $5,724 , respectively, which includes amortization of $(2,023) and $3,774 , respectively. (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). Maturities of the Company's debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2015 are as follows: December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total 7.625% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 6.75% Notes — — — — — 350,000 350,000 Imperial Surplus Notes — — — — — 5,000 5,000 Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes — — — — — 45,476 45,476 Total principal amount of debt $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 500,476 $ 500,476 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (8,939 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 491,537 As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $0 and $12,142 , respectively.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 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 $2,384 , $1,916 and $1,612 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was a payable to AIIM related to these services in the amount of $1,909 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 $36,742 , $27,072 and $22,598 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was a payable related to the services received under this agreement in the amount of $30,122 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $145 , $99 and $134 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was a payable for these services in the amount of $34 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. On November 9, 2012, Integon National entered into a reinsurance agreement with an affiliated company, AAIC, whereby AAIC cedes 100% of the total written premiums, acquisition costs and incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates before and after November 9, 2012. The agreement had an indefinite term. In July 2014, the Company reacquired AAIC from ACP Re. The amounts related to these reinsurance treaties are as follows: December 31, 2015 Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) Wesco $ (45 ) $ — $ — AARC 829 107 (395 ) 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 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ 69 $ 212 $ (414 ) AARC (1,504 ) 470 (814 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ 17,843 $ (4,134 ) $ 14,852 AARC (1,317 ) 369 (811 ) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE AAIC $ 4,103 $ (631 ) $ 2,445 Wesco 14,681 (4,175 ) 8,556 AARC (1,197 ) 390 (750 ) 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, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust 10% The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Expense) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (1,226 ) $ 3,657 Maiden Insurance Company — (2,057 ) 6,109 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. — (804 ) 2,425 Total $ — $ (4,087 ) $ 12,191 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 12,850 $ 3,703 $ 11,486 Maiden Insurance Company 21,416 6,115 19,130 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 8,567 2,455 7,671 Total $ 42,833 $ 12,273 $ 38,287 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 149,954 $ 46,943 $ 94,802 Maiden Insurance Company 249,924 78,224 158,004 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 99,970 31,181 63,201 Total $ 499,848 $ 156,348 $ 316,007 Included in ceding commission income was $0 , $5,076 and $86,514 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 consolidated statements of income. December 31, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable ACP Re $ 17,298 $ — $ 9,025 Maiden Insurance Company 28,830 — 15,041 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 11,532 — 6,016 Total $ 57,660 $ — $ 30,082 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, Inc. 20,345 2 5,195 Total $ 101,723 $ 10 $ 25,974 The Company nets the ceded commission receivable against ceded premium payable in the 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 $18,677 and $30,797 , respectively, as of December 31, 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 $2,655 , $2,243 and $2,143 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,720 and $2,140 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(420) , $(737) , and $(558) , respectively. In September 2012, 800 Superior, LLC received $19,400 in net proceeds from a financing transaction the Company and AmTrust entered into with Key Community Development Corporation (“KCDC”) related to a capital improvement project for the office building in Cleveland, Ohio owned by 800 Superior, LLC. The Company, AmTrust and KCDC collectively made capital contributions (net of allocation fees) and loans to 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II and 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund I LLC (collectively, the “Investment Funds”) under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program. The NMTC program was provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the “Act”) and is intended to induce capital investment in qualified lower income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against their Federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDEs”). CDEs are privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments (“QLICIs”). In addition to the capital contributions and loans from the Company, AmTrust and KCDC, as part of the transaction, the Investment Funds received, directly and indirectly, proceeds of approximately $8,000 through two loans originating from state and local governments of Ohio. These loans are each for a period of 15 years and have an average interest rate of 1.7% per annum. The Investment Funds then contributed the loan proceeds and capital contributions of $19,400 to two CDEs, which, in turn, loaned the funds on similar terms to 800 Superior, LLC. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs (including loans representing the capital contribution made by KCDC, net of allocation fees) will be used to fund the capital improvement project. As collateral for these loans, the Company has granted a security interest in the assets acquired with the loan proceeds. The Company and AmTrust are each entitled to receive an equal portion of 49% of the benefits derived from the NMTCs generated by 800 Superior Investment Fund II LLC, while KCDC is entitled to the remaining 51% . The NMTC is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. During this seven years compliance period, the entities involved are required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangement. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in the projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, could require the Company to indemnify KCDC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until such time as the obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement. In addition, this transaction includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase KCDC's interest in the Investment Funds in September 2019 at the end of the recapture period. Management believes that KCDC will exercise its put option and, therefore, attributed an insignificant value to the put/call. East Ninth & Superior, LLC In September 2012, the Company formed 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $4,139 and $4,079 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $60 , $70 , and $(57) , respectively. 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 total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in North Dearborn as of December 31, 2015 was $9,862 . For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $756 . The Company received distributions of $607 for the year ended December 31, 2015 . 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 December 31, 2015 was $10,559 . For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $28 . 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 total exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment. The Company’s equity interest in Illinois Center as of December 31, 2015 was $55,007 . For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $1,292 . Agreements with ACP Re and Affiliated Entities In connection with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re, the Company entered into the agreements described below. Personal Lines Master Agreement On July 23, 2014, the Company and ACP Re entered into the Amended and Restated Personal Lines Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement"). The Master Agreement 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 earnout (the "ACP Re Contingent Payments") of 3% of gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger. The ACP Re Contingent Payments are subject to a maximum of $30,000 , in the aggregate, over the three -year period. During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the ACP Re Contingent Payments made by the Company were $9,785 and $2,601 , respectively. The expected remaining ACP Re Contingent Payments as of December 31, 2015 are $17,614 . The fair value of the ACP Re Contingent Payments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $16,071 and $23,499 , respectively. 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was a net receivable due from the Tower Companies of $46,565 and $43,998 , respectively. As a result of the PL Reinsurance Agreement and the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company assumed $144,497 and $439,578 , respectively, of premium from the Tower Companies and recorded $38,550 and $110,490 , respectively, of ceding commission expense. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company earned premium of $248,544 and $284,480 , respectively, under these reinsurance agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses of $159,814 and $154,577 , 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. The Company recorded $12,428 and $8,826 , respectively, of commission income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 as a result of the PL MGA Agreement. PL Administrative Services Agreement National General Management Corp., a subsidiary of the Company ("NGMC"), the Tower Companies and an affiliated company, CastlePoint Reinsurance Company, Ltd (“CP Re”), entered into the Personal Lines LPTA Administrative Services Agreement (the "PL Administrative Agreement"), pursuant to which NGMC 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 $3,379 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there was a receivable related to the PL Administrative Agreement of $11,795 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, which, the parties to the Loss Portfolio Transfer Agreement have agreed will be established upon reevaluation as of December 31, 2015. 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 approximately $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 $45,476 and $48,374 as of December 31, 2015 and 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 15, “Debt”). Investments In the fourth quarter of 2015, NG Re Ltd. purchased from Tower entities two investments in limited partnership interests for an aggregate amount of approximately $5,115 . 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had a receivable of $5,418 and $5,377 , respectively. Also, as part of this plan, the Company utilizes an employer trust to administer additional claims. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had a receivable to the employer trust in the amount of $2,950 and $605 , respectively.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustme

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	12 Months Ended
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,259,241 $ — $ 1,259,241 $ 1,286,533 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the year (888,215 ) (23,583 ) (911,798 ) (950,828 ) — (950,828 ) (991,447 ) Net balance at beginning of the year 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 — 308,413 295,086 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,265,702 100,255 1,365,957 1,008,406 25,382 1,033,788 456,039 Prior year 18,378 (2,694 ) 15,684 17,941 1,336 19,277 6,085 Total incurred 1,284,080 97,561 1,381,641 1,026,347 26,718 1,053,065 462,124 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (835,854 ) (37,018 ) (872,872 ) (645,826 ) (20,715 ) (666,541 ) (265,907 ) Prior year (347,912 ) (55,501 ) (403,413 ) (187,010 ) (12,429 ) (199,439 ) (182,890 ) Total paid (1,183,766 ) (92,519 ) (1,276,285 ) (832,836 ) (33,144 ) (865,980 ) (448,797 ) Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve 169,257 — 169,257 66,066 94,691 160,757 — Effect of foreign exchange rates (2,520 ) — (2,520 ) (5,900 ) — (5,900 ) — Net balance at end of the year 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the year 794,091 39,085 833,176 888,215 23,583 911,798 950,828 Gross balance at end of the year $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,259,241 These revised reserve estimates are generally the result of ongoing analysis of recent loss development trends and emerging historical experience. Original estimates are increased or decreased as additional information becomes known regarding individual claims. In setting its reserves, the Company reviews its loss data to estimate expected loss development. Management believes that its use of sound actuarial methodology applied to its analyses of its historical experience provides a reasonable estimate of future losses. However, actual future losses may differ from the Company’s estimate, and future events beyond the control of management, such as changes in law, judicial interpretations of law and inflation, may favorably or unfavorably impact the ultimate settlement of the Company’s loss and LAE. The anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating liabilities for losses and LAE. In addition to inflation, the average severity of claims is affected by a number of factors that may vary by types and features of policies written. Future average severities are projected from historical trends, adjusted for implemented changes in underwriting standards and policy provisions, and general economic trends. These estimated trends are monitored and revised as necessary based on actual development.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Lease Commitments The Company is obligated under approximately 49 leases for office space expiring at various dates through 2026. The lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $14,310 , $12,131 , and $11,958 , respectively. Future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2015 under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2016 $ 16,147 2017 15,744 2018 14,758 2019 13,860 2020 10,565 Thereafter 32,227 Total $ 103,301 Litigation The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are named as defendants in various legal actions arising principally from claims made under insurance policies and contracts. Those actions are considered by the Company in estimating the loss and LAE reserves. The Company’s management believes the resolution of those actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Employment Agreements The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain individuals. The employment agreements provide for option awards, executive benefits and severance payments under certain circumstances. Amounts payable under these agreements for the next five years are as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2016 $ 3,653 2017 949 2018 500 2019 500 2020 29 Total $ 5,631 Personal Lines Master Agreement On July 23, 2014, the Company and ACP Re entered into the Amended and Restated Personal Lines Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement"). The Master Agreement provides for the implementation of the various transactions associated with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re. In addition, the Master Agreement requires the Company to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three -year earnout (the "ACP Re Contingent Payments") of 3% of gross premium written of the Tower personal lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger. The ACP Re Contingent Payments are subject to a maximum of $30,000 , in the aggregate, over the three -year period. During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the ACP Re Contingent Payments made by the Company were $9,785 and $2,601 , respectively. The expected remaining ACP Re Contingent Payments as of December 31, 2015 are $17,614 . (See Note 16, "Related Party Transactions"). ARS Contingent Payments On April 1, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of 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 ("ARS Contingent Payments"). The fair value of the ARS Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,081 at December 31, 2015 . HST Contingent Payments On January 23, 2015, the Company closed on the acquisition of HST, an Illinois based healthcare insurance general agency. The Company paid approximately $15,000 on the acquisition date and agreed to pay potential future earnout payments ("HST Contingent Payments") based on the overall profitability of HST and the business underwritten by the Company's insurance subsidiaries which is produced by HST. The fair value of the HST Contingent Payments was estimated to be $4,500 at December 31, 2015 .

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity In 2010, the Company issued to AmTrust for an initial purchase consideration of approximately $53,053 , which was equal to 25% of the capital initially required by the Company, 53,054 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”). The Preferred Stock provided an 8% cumulative dividend, was non-redeemable and was convertible, at the holders’ option, into 21.25% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company. On June 5, 2013, the Company converted the issued and outstanding 53,054 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 12,295,430 shares of common stock (giving effect to a 286.22 to 1 stock split). Upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock, the Company paid AmTrust all undeclared cumulative dividends totaling $12,202 . On June 6, 2013, the Company sold 21,850,000 shares of common stock in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The shares of common stock were sold to investors at a price of $10.50 per share, except for 485,532 shares that were sold to FBR Capital Markets & Co. (“FBR”) and an affiliate of FBR, which were sold at a price of $9.765 per share representing the offering price per share sold to other investors less the amount of the initial purchaser discount or placement agent fee per share in the private placement. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $1,093 was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after expenses were approximately $213,277 . On February 19, 2014, the Company sold an additional 13,570,000 shares of common stock in a private placement in reliance on exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 at a price of $14.00 per share, subject to a placement fee of $0.840 per share. The Company recorded the cost of obtaining new capital as a reduction of the related proceeds. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $12,146 was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after expenses were approximately $177,833 . On June 25, 2014, the Company issued 2,200,000 shares of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") in a public offering. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock when, as and if declared by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") or a duly authorized committee of the Board, will be payable on the liquidation preference amount of $25.00 per share, on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year (each, a "dividend payment date"), commencing on October 15, 2014, at an annual rate of 7.50% . Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, in the event dividends are not declared on the Series A Preferred Stock for payment on any dividend payment date, then those dividends will not accumulate and will not be payable. If the Company has not declared a dividend before the dividend payment date for any dividend period, the Company will have no obligation to pay dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are declared for any future dividend payment. The net proceeds the Company received from the issuance was approximately $53,164 , after deducting the underwriting discount and issuance expenses. 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. 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 .

Benefits Plan

Benefits Plan	12 Months Ended
Benefits Plan	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefits Plan	Benefits Plan A significant number of the Company’s employees participate in a defined contribution plan. Employer contributions vary based on criteria specific to the plan. Contribution expense was $3,729 , $2,265 and $1,816 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Statutory Financial Data

Statutory Financial Data	12 Months Ended
Statutory Financial Data	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Financial Data	Statutory Financial Data Applicable insurance department regulations require the Company’s insurance subsidiaries to prepare statutory financial statements in accordance with Statutory Accounting Practices ("SAP") prescribed or permitted by the Department of Insurance of the state of domicile. Statutory net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and statutory capital and surplus as per the annual financial statements of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries as of December 31 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 37,316 $ 2,759 $ (2,195 ) National General Insurance Company 26,294 450 378 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 6,769 126 324 Integon National Insurance Company 448,339 123,839 (9,995 ) MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,042 451 (52 ) National General Assurance Company 16,819 255 130 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 6,269 54 120 New South Insurance Company 7,632 71 203 Integon General Insurance Corporation 6,305 160 493 National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. 11,340 67 218 National Health Insurance Company 13,796 746 893 Personal Express Insurance Company 16,155 167 667 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 40,572 366 3,021 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,103 100 544 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 48,811 681 387 National General Re Ltd. 601,276 298,795 163,872 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 32,922 26,491 925 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 28,770 21,571 7,346 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 32,879 $ 2,228 $ 18 National General Insurance Company 27,923 261 527 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 9,324 173 (66 ) Integon National Insurance Company 332,405 98,974 11,397 MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,800 222 50 National General Assurance Company 17,490 891 195 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 11,453 178 135 New South Insurance Company 6,890 101 321 Integon General Insurance Corporation 11,310 261 353 National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. 10,878 106 (53 ) National Health Insurance Company 11,536 161 1,169 Personal Express Insurance Company 15,520 65 789 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 41,018 6,599 178 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,013 487 1,502 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 16,464 321 (147 ) National General Re Ltd. 442,400 112,810 54,688 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 14,638 2,500 402 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 15,000 3,700 (354 ) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 32,767 $ 2,787 $ 2,967 National General Insurance Company 25,800 370 4,498 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 8,394 127 1,482 Integon National Insurance Company 159,752 61,897 (33,202 ) MIC General Insurance Corporation 20,234 369 1,086 National General Assurance Company 15,764 183 2,017 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 10,256 192 1,550 New South Insurance Company 15,621 288 4,091 Integon General Insurance Corporation 10,555 246 4,895 National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. 9,939 49 1,294 National Health Insurance Company 10,340 698 (1,246 ) National General Re Ltd. 133,088 40,389 4,232 For the Company's U.S. insurance subsidiaries, the required statutory capital and surplus amount is equal to 1.5 times of authorized control level of risk based capital as defined by NAIC or the minimum amount required to avoid regulatory oversight. For National General Re Ltd., the required statutory capital and surplus (known as the "Target Capital Level") amount is equal to 1.2 times the enhanced Capital Requirement based on a level of risk based capital compared to 2014. The Company maintained the minimum capital required by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Reciprocal Exchanges The Reciprocal Exchanges prepare their statutory basis financial statements in accordance with SAP. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Reciprocal Exchanges had combined SAP net income (loss) of $23,346 and $(3,646) , respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Reciprocal Exchanges had combined statutory capital and surplus of $119,330 and $74,952 , respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges are required to maintain minimum capital and surplus in accordance with regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the capital and surplus levels of the Reciprocal Exchanges exceeded such required levels. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not owned by the Company, but managed through management agreements. Accordingly, the Reciprocal Exchanges’ net assets are not available to the Company. In addition, no dividends can be paid from the Reciprocal Exchanges to the Company.

Dividend Restrictions

Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
Dividend Restrictions	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Dividend Restrictions	Dividend Restrictions The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions, applicable to insurance companies, imposed by the states of domicile, which limit the amount of cash dividends or distributions that they may pay unless special permission is received from the state of domicile. This limit was approximately $360,070 and $286,346 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , there were $23,751 , $12,000 and $24,015 of dividends and return of capital paid by the insurance subsidiaries to the parent company, respectively. The Company obtained permission from the states of domicile before the dividends were paid. Thereafter, the parent company paid $160,300 , $141,566 and $54,105 in the form of a capital contribution to its subsidiary, Integon National Insurance Company as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. During 2013, National Health Insurance Company received a capital contribution from its parent Integon Indemnity Corporation of $3,000 .

Risk-Based Capital

Risk-Based Capital	12 Months Ended
Risk-Based Capital	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Risk-Based Capital	Risk-Based Capital Property and casualty insurance companies in the United States are subject to certain risk-based capital (“RBC”) requirements as specified by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Under such requirements, the amount of capital and surplus maintained by a property and casualty insurance company is to be determined on various risk factors. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the capital and surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries exceeded the RBC requirements.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation	Dec. 31, 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 ("RSU"), unrestricted stock and other performance awards. The aggregate number of shares of common stock for which awards may be issued may not exceed 7,435,000 shares, subject to the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors to adjust this amount in the event of a consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or similar transaction affecting the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2015 , approximately 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. The fair value for stock options was estimated at the date of grant with the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : 2015 (1) 2014 2013 Low-End High End Low-End High End Low-End High End Volatility — % — % 27.00 % 35.00 % 36.00 % 39.00 % Risk-free interest rate — % — % 1.74 % 2.26 % 0.95 % 2.27 % Weighted average expected life in years 0.00 0.00 5.50 7.00 6.25 6.50 Forfeiture rate — % — % 10.00 % 10.00 % 19.00 % 19.20 % Dividend rate — % — % 0.40 % 0.40 % — % — % (1) There were no options granted for the year ended December 31, 2015. Expected Price Volatility - this is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. For the year ended December 31, 2013 , it was not possible to use actual experience to estimate the expected volatility of the price of the common shares in estimating the value of the options granted because the Company's common shares were not traded on a public exchange. As a substitute for such estimate, the Company used a set of comparable companies in the industry in which the Company operates. Risk-Free Interest Rate - this is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense. Expected Lives - this is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. The Company uses the simplified method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data is not available and the options meet the requirements set out in the Bulletin. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense. Forfeiture Rate - this is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense. Dividend Yield - this is calculated by dividing the expected annual dividend by the share price of the Company at the valuation date. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Shares Weighted Outstanding at beginning of year 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 2,339,601 $ 5.89 Granted — — 195,000 17.63 2,990,353 10.33 Exercised (584,296 ) 6.31 (125,582 ) 6.43 — — Forfeited (30,759 ) 8.26 (17,188 ) 7.52 (271,591 ) 6.69 Withheld (1) (371,729 ) 6.97 — — — — Outstanding at end of year 4,123,809 $ 9.31 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability and exercise price in connection with certain exercises. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $0.00 , $6.76 and $4.20 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company had approximately $9,069 and $5,999 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , all option grants outstanding had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 6.8 and 7.9 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , options exercisable had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 6.7 and 7.5 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there were approximately 2,686,762 and 2,347,412 exercisable shares with a weighted-average exercise price of $8.31 and $7.81 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $7,973 , $1,325 and $0 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $52,261 and $49,727 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $36,396 and $20,736 , respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $2,595 , $796 and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The excess tax benefit from award exercises was approximately $0 , $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. A summary of the Company's RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted Non-vested at beginning of year 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — — $ — Granted 216,910 20.34 330,555 17.45 — — Vested (42,653 ) 17.31 — — — — Forfeited (115,551 ) 17.57 (3,000 ) 18.02 — — Withheld (1) (23,587 ) 17.30 — — — — Non-vested at end of year 362,674 $ 19.16 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability and exercise price in connection with RSU vesting. Compensation expense for all share-based compensation under ASC 718-10-30 was $5,937 , $2,859 and $2,727 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Dec. 31, 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: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - basic $ 128,227 $ 99,952 $ 40,151 Effect of potentially dilutive securities: Convertible preferred stock dividends — — 2,158 Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - diluted $ 128,227 $ 99,952 $ 42,309 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 98,241,904 91,499,122 65,017,579 Potentially dilutive securities: Share options 2,119,358 1,868,171 1,495,315 Restricted stock units 362,674 148,124 — Convertible preferred stock — — 5,288,719 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 100,723,936 93,515,417 71,801,613 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.31 $ 1.09 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.27 $ 1.07 $ 0.59 As of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 2,432,421 , 2,674,014 and 3,643,552 share options, respectively, were excluded from diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Dec. 31, 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 management fees 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: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 2,337,826 $ 251,922 $ — $ 2,589,748 Ceded premiums (367,533 ) (35,969 ) — (403,502 ) Net premium written 1,970,293 215,953 — 2,186,246 Change in unearned premium (51,784 ) (4,652 ) — (56,436 ) Net earned premium 1,918,509 211,301 — 2,129,810 Ceding commission income 42,699 1,091 — 43,790 Service and fee income 174,738 98,810 — 273,548 Total underwriting revenue 2,135,946 311,202 — 2,447,148 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,210,319 171,322 — 1,381,641 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 339,931 65,999 — 405,930 General and administrative expenses 448,236 82,111 — 530,347 Total underwriting expenses 1,998,486 319,432 — 2,317,918 Underwriting income (loss) 137,460 (8,230 ) — 129,230 Net investment income — — 75,340 75,340 Net realized loss on investments — — (10,307 ) (10,307 ) Other revenue (expense) — — (788 ) (788 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 10,643 10,643 Interest expense — — (28,885 ) (28,885 ) Provision for income taxes — — (18,956 ) (18,956 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (14,025 ) (14,025 ) Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 137,460 $ (8,230 ) $ 13,022 $ 142,252 NGHC $ 134,117 $ (8,230 ) $ 16,365 $ 142,252 Reciprocal Exchanges 3,343 — (3,343 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 137,460 $ (8,230 ) $ 13,022 $ 142,252 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,994,708 $ 140,399 $ — $ 2,135,107 Ceded premiums (264,686 ) (397 ) — (265,083 ) Net premium written 1,730,022 140,002 — 1,870,024 Change in unearned premium (217,278 ) (19,526 ) — (236,804 ) Net earned premium 1,512,744 120,476 — 1,633,220 Ceding commission income 12,430 — — 12,430 Service and fee income 110,114 58,457 — 168,571 Total underwriting revenue 1,635,288 178,933 — 1,814,221 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 967,176 85,889 — 1,053,065 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 260,397 54,692 — 315,089 General and administrative expenses 292,145 56,617 — 348,762 Total underwriting expenses 1,519,718 197,198 — 1,716,916 Underwriting income (loss) 115,570 (18,265 ) — 97,305 Net investment income — — 52,426 52,426 Net realized loss on investments — — (2,892 ) (2,892 ) Other revenue (expense) — — (1,660 ) (1,660 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 1,180 1,180 Interest expense — — (17,736 ) (17,736 ) Provision for income taxes — — (23,876 ) (23,876 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (2,504 ) (2,504 ) Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 115,570 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 102,243 NGHC $ 107,975 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 94,648 Reciprocal Exchanges 7,595 — — 7,595 Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 115,570 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 102,243 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,305,254 $ 33,501 $ — $ 1,338,755 Ceded premiums (659,154 ) (285 ) — (659,439 ) Net premium written 646,100 33,216 — 679,316 Change in unearned premium 8,749 1 — 8,750 Net earned premium 654,849 33,217 — 688,066 Ceding commission income 87,100 — — 87,100 Service and fee income 82,752 44,789 — 127,541 Total underwriting revenue 824,701 78,006 — 902,707 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 435,989 26,135 — 462,124 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 110,509 24,378 — 134,887 General and administrative expenses 252,345 28,207 — 280,552 Total underwriting expenses 798,843 78,720 — 877,563 Underwriting income (loss) 25,858 (714 ) — 25,144 Net investment income — — 30,808 30,808 Net realized loss on investments — — (1,669 ) (1,669 ) Other revenue (expense) — — 16 16 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 1,274 1,274 Interest expense — — (2,042 ) (2,042 ) Provision for income taxes — — (11,140 ) (11,140 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (82 ) (82 ) Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 25,858 $ (714 ) $ 17,165 $ 42,309 The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's operating segments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 684,857 $ 73,776 $ — $ 758,633 Deferred acquisition costs 153,767 6,764 — 160,531 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 832,593 583 — 833,176 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 128,343 — — 128,343 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 366,021 95,291 — 461,312 Corporate and other assets — — 3,221,397 3,221,397 Total assets $ 2,165,581 $ 176,414 $ 3,221,397 $ 5,563,392 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 table shows an analysis of the Company's gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Total Gross premium written - North America $ 2,217,844 $ 283,582 $ 2,501,426 $ 1,965,942 $ 70,042 $ 2,035,984 $ 1,338,755 Gross premium written - Europe 88,322 — 88,322 99,123 — 99,123 — Total $ 2,306,166 $ 283,582 $ 2,589,748 $ 2,065,065 $ 70,042 $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 Net premium written - North America $ 922,386 $ 126,091 $ 1,048,477 $ 927,760 $ 53,076 $ 980,836 $ 382,358 Net premium written - Bermuda 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 750,065 — 750,065 267,263 Net premium written - Europe 128,322 — 128,322 139,123 — 139,123 29,695 Total $ 2,060,155 $ 126,091 $ 2,186,246 $ 1,816,948 $ 53,076 $ 1,870,024 $ 679,316 Net earned premium - North America $ 862,034 $ 134,709 $ 996,743 $ 715,906 $ 47,622 $ 763,528 $ 391,108 Net earned premium - Bermuda 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 750,065 — 750,065 267,263 Net earned premium - Europe 123,620 — 123,620 119,627 — 119,627 29,695 Total $ 1,995,101 $ 134,709 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,585,598 $ 47,622 $ 1,633,220 $ 688,066 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, Gross Premium Written 2015 2014 2013 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,240,224 $ 1,241,575 $ 1,016,728 Homeowners 327,299 366,997 1,389 RV/Packaged 154,929 153,553 158,300 Commercial Auto 187,686 146,124 116,774 Lender-placed insurance 126,570 — — Other 17,536 16,417 12,063 Property and Casualty Total $ 2,054,244 $ 1,924,666 $ 1,305,254 Accident and Health Total 251,922 140,399 33,501 NGHC Total $ 2,306,166 $ 2,065,065 $ 1,338,755 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 88,494 $ 32,436 $ — Homeowners 168,015 33,028 — Other 27,073 4,578 — Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 283,582 $ 70,042 $ — Total $ 2,589,748 $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 Year Ended December 31, Net Premium Written 2015 2014 2013 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,070,852 $ 1,047,795 $ 487,311 Homeowners 309,775 333,586 1,389 RV/Packaged 153,501 148,456 88,553 Commercial Auto 170,720 132,002 61,163 Lender-placed insurance 125,693 — — Other 13,661 15,107 7,684 Property and Casualty Total $ 1,844,202 $ 1,676,946 $ 646,100 Accident and Health Total 215,953 140,002 33,216 NGHC Total $ 2,060,155 $ 1,816,948 $ 679,316 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 50,686 $ 32,075 $ — Homeowners 58,012 17,127 — Other 17,393 3,874 — Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 126,091 $ 53,076 $ — Total $ 2,186,246 $ 1,870,024 $ 679,316 Year Ended December 31, Net Earned Premium 2015 2014 2013 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,054,529 $ 979,082 $ 502,160 Homeowners 286,920 204,285 444 RV/Packaged 150,290 147,587 88,494 Commercial Auto 154,565 118,759 54,913 Lender-placed insurance 123,274 — — Other 14,222 15,409 8,838 Property and Casualty Total $ 1,783,800 $ 1,465,122 $ 654,849 Accident and Health Total 211,301 120,476 33,217 NGHC Total $ 1,995,101 $ 1,585,598 $ 688,066 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 74,477 $ 28,405 $ — Homeowners 45,354 15,779 — Other 14,878 3,438 — Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 134,709 $ 47,622 $ — Total $ 2,129,810 $ 1,633,220 $ 688,066

Condensed Quarterly Financial D

Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following tables summarize the Company's quarterly financial data: 2015 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 557,695 $ 553,653 $ 590,039 $ 810,006 Net income 42,928 36,326 44,701 32,322 Net income attributable to NGHC common shareholders 41,737 33,783 38,988 13,719 Comprehensive income (loss) - attributable to NGHC shareholders 55,259 20,837 30,566 (4,016 ) Basic earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.45 $ 0.36 $ 0.39 $ 0.13 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.43 $ 0.35 $ 0.38 $ 0.13 2014 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 409,149 $ 442,930 $ 496,463 $ 513,553 Net income 26,424 30,296 32,550 15,477 Net income attributable to NGHC common shareholders 26,392 30,334 32,060 11,166 Comprehensive income - attributable to NGHC shareholders 34,566 46,597 22,330 11,517 Basic earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.31 $ 0.32 $ 0.34 $ 0.12 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.30 $ 0.32 $ 0.33 $ 0.12

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Century-National Purchase Agreement On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Kramer-Wilson Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock (the "Century-National Transaction") of Century-National Insurance Company, a California domiciled property and casualty company ("Century-National") and Western General Agency, Inc., a California corporation ("Western General," and together with Century-National, the "Acquired Companies"). The aggregate purchase price (the "Purchase Price") for the Century-National Transaction is equal to the sum of the tangible book value of the Acquired Companies as of the closing date ("TBV") and a $50,000 premium (the "Premium"). On the closing date of the Century-National Transaction, the Company will make an initial payment of the Purchase Price that is an estimate of one-third of the TBV (subject to adjustment upon receipt of a closing audit of the Acquired Companies by independent auditors) plus the Premium. With respect to the remainder of the Purchase Price, the Company will enter into a promissory note upon closing, payable over a period of two years. On January 22, 2016, the Company deposited $10,000 into an escrow account, refundable in the event that regulatory approval of the Century-National Transaction is not received. The Century-National Transaction is subject to approval of governmental authorities and other customary closing conditions. The Century-National Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016. New Credit Agreement On January 25, 2016, the Company entered into a $225,000 credit agreement (the “New 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, and the various lending institutions party thereto. The credit facility is a revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $25,000 and an expansion feature not to exceed $50,000 . Proceeds of borrowings under the New Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The New Credit Agreement has a maturity date of January 25, 2020 . All of the commitments to extend credit under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2014, by and between the Company, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, were terminated pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Agreement. Standard Mutual Insurance Company Purchase Agreement On January 27, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Standard Mutual Insurance Company, an Illinois based property and casualty insurance underwriter (“SMIC”), following the completion of the conversion of SMIC to a stock company from a mutual company (the “SMIC Transaction”). The SMIC Transaction is subject to approval of governmental authorities and other customary closing conditions. The SMIC Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016.

Schedule I - Summary of Investm

Schedule I - Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties	NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (In Thousands) December 31, 2015 Cost (1) Value Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet Fixed Maturities: Bonds: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities $ 21,293 $ 22,304 $ 22,304 States, municipalities and political subdivisions 193,017 196,924 196,924 Foreign governments 31,383 31,062 31,062 Public utilities 71,244 62,222 62,222 Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached — — — All other corporate bonds (2) 2,063,543 2,044,902 2,044,902 Certificates of deposit — — — Redeemable preferred stock — — — Total Fixed Maturities 2,380,480 2,357,414 2,357,414 Equity Securities: Common stock: Public utilities, banks, trust and insurance companies 244 255 255 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 53,112 46,710 46,710 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 11,448 11,825 11,825 Total Equity Securities 64,804 58,790 58,790 Other Investments (3) 13,031 13,031 13,031 Other Short-term Investments (3) 3,527 3,527 3,527 Total Investments (other than investments in related parties) $ 2,461,842 $ 2,432,762 $ 2,432,762 (1) Original cost of equity securities and, as to fixed maturities, original cost reduced by repayments and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts. (2) Includes structured securities, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities. (3) Approximates market value.

Schedule II - Condensed Financi

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEETS — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands, Except Shares and Par Value per Share) December 31, 2015 2014 Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $229,405 and $15,427) $ 230,952 $ 15,844 Other investments 4,139 — Equity investments in subsidiaries 1,782,748 1,339,161 Total investments 2,017,839 1,355,005 Cash and cash equivalents 16,642 1,282 Accrued interest 858 163 Premiums and other receivables, net 445 — Deferred tax asset 7,992 9,575 Income tax receivable 19,931 — Due from affiliates 1,843 — Total Assets $ 2,065,550 $ 1,366,025 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Due to affiliates $ — $ 9,266 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value 52,484 — Notes payable 441,061 245,077 Income tax payable — 6,616 Other liabilities 35,365 31,616 Total Liabilities 528,910 292,575 Stockholders' Equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 105,554,331 shares - 2015; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,427,382 shares - 2014 1,056 934 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 900,114 690,736 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (19,414 ) 20,192 Retained earnings 412,044 292,832 Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity 1,513,800 1,059,694 Non-controlling interest 22,840 13,756 Total Stockholders' Equity 1,536,640 1,073,450 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 2,065,550 $ 1,366,025 Schedule II NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Income: Investment income $ 3,813 $ 3,416 $ 1,842 Net realized loss on investments (534 ) (2,489 ) (2,830 ) Other-than-temporary impairment loss — — (2,869 ) Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated subsidiaries and partially-owned companies 160,396 112,850 46,826 Total income 163,675 113,777 42,969 Expenses: Interest expense 24,065 11,753 1,916 Benefit for income taxes (16,988 ) (2,996 ) (1,981 ) Other 321 273 643 Total expenses 7,398 9,030 578 Net income $ 156,277 $ 104,747 $ 42,391 Less: Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest (14,025 ) (2,504 ) (82 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 142,252 $ 102,243 $ 42,309 Dividends on preferred stock (14,025 ) (2,291 ) (2,158 ) Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 128,227 $ 99,952 $ 40,151 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Changes in: Foreign currency translation adjustment 1,026 (5,171 ) 365 Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities (44,596 ) 18,620 (25,414 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (43,570 ) 13,449 (25,049 ) Comprehensive income 112,707 118,196 17,342 Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest (10,061 ) (3,186 ) (82 ) Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC $ 102,646 $ 115,010 $ 17,260 Schedule II NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net income $ 142,252 $ 102,243 $ 42,309 Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (199,263 ) (116,366 ) (46,744 ) Net amortization of premium (discount) on fixed maturities (296 ) 2,596 (62 ) Other net realized loss on investments 534 2,489 2,830 Other-than-temporary impairment loss — — 2,869 Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax (139 ) (1,655 ) — Stock compensation expense 5,937 2,859 2,727 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accrued interest (111 ) 25 (188 ) Other assets (445 ) — — Due to/from affiliates (11,109 ) 25,533 (25,986 ) Deferred tax asset 1,187 (19,537 ) (448 ) Income tax receivable/payable (26,548 ) 6,754 (138 ) Other liabilities (4,869 ) 28,714 867 Net Cash Provided By (Used in) Operating Activities (92,870 ) 33,655 (21,964 ) Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Purchases of fixed maturities (569,632 ) (102,191 ) (200,587 ) Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities 355,576 173,804 102,279 Purchase of other investments (4,139 ) — — Investment in consolidated subsidiaries (275,598 ) (517,953 ) (89,583 ) Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (493,793 ) (446,340 ) (187,891 ) Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net 52,484 — — Issuances of common and preferred stock, net of fees 370,194 230,997 213,277 Notes payable repayments — (59,200 ) (57,570 ) Exercises of stock options 2,595 796 — Proceeds from notes payable 195,400 245,077 68,700 Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders (18,650 ) (4,860 ) (13,796 ) Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 602,023 412,810 210,611 Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 15,360 125 756 Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year 1,282 1,157 401 Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year $ 16,642 $ 1,282 $ 1,157

Schedule III - Supplementary In

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (In Thousands) Years Ended December 31, Segment Deferred Unpaid Unearned Net Earned Premium Net Loss and Deferred Other Net 2015 Property and casualty $ 153,767 $ 1,612,346 $ 1,172,516 $ 1,918,509 $ — $ 1,210,319 $ 302,126 $ 37,805 $ 1,970,293 Accident and health 6,764 143,278 19,983 211,301 — 171,322 31,857 34,142 215,953 Corporate and other — — — — 75,340 — — — — Total $ 160,531 $ 1,755,624 $ 1,192,499 $ 2,129,810 $ 75,340 $ 1,381,641 $ 333,983 $ 71,947 $ 2,186,246 2014 Property and casualty $ 119,167 $ 1,521,134 $ 851,875 $ 1,512,744 $ — $ 967,176 $ 171,693 $ 88,704 $ 1,730,022 Accident and health 6,832 41,019 12,561 120,476 — 85,889 32,624 22,068 140,002 Corporate and other — — — — 52,426 — — — — Total $ 125,999 $ 1,562,153 $ 864,436 $ 1,633,220 $ 52,426 $ 1,053,065 $ 204,317 $ 110,772 $ 1,870,024 2013 Property and casualty $ 59,048 $ 1,253,516 $ 476,220 $ 654,849 $ — $ 435,989 $ 64,694 $ 45,815 $ 646,100 Accident and health 1,064 5,725 12 33,217 — 26,135 425 23,953 33,216 Corporate and other — — — — 30,808 — — — — Total $ 60,112 $ 1,259,241 $ 476,232 $ 688,066 $ 30,808 $ 462,124 $ 65,119 $ 69,768 $ 679,316

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. REINSURANCE (In Thousands) Years Ended December 31, Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Assumed Other Companies Net Amount Percent of Amount Assumed to Net 2015 Premiums $ 2,052,880 $ (377,921 ) $ 454,851 $ 2,129,810 21.4 % 2014 Premiums $ 1,496,709 $ (277,899 ) $ 414,410 $ 1,633,220 25.4 % 2013 Premiums $ 1,325,251 $ (663,055 ) $ 25,870 $ 688,066 3.8 %

Schedule V - Valuation and Qual

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In Thousands) Years Ended December 31, Additions Description Balance at beginning of the year Charged to costs and expenses Charged to other accounts Deductions Balance at end of the year 2015 Premiums and other receivables: Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 9,728 $ 23,810 $ — $ (20,105 ) $ 13,433 2014 Premiums and other receivables: Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 6,064 $ 29,133 $ — $ (25,469 ) $ 9,728 2013 Premiums and other receivables: Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 6,573 $ 22,484 $ — $ (22,993 ) $ 6,064

Schedule VI - Supplemental Info

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS (In Thousands) Losses and Loss Adjustment Paid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Years Ended December 31, Current Year Prior Years 2015 $ 1,365,957 $ 15,684 $ 1,276,285 2014 $ 1,033,788 $ 19,277 $ 865,980 2013 $ 456,039 $ 6,085 $ 448,797

Significant Accounting Polici45

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Reporting	Basis of Reporting The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 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. The results of the Reciprocal Exchanges and the management companies are included in the Company's Property and Casualty segment.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions	Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s principal estimates include unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense reserves; deferred acquisition costs; reinsurance recoverables, including the provision for uncollectible premiums; recording of impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in fair value; determining the fair value of investments; determining the fair value of share-based awards for stock compensation; the valuation of intangibles and the determination of goodwill; and income taxes. In developing the estimates and assumptions, management uses all available evidence. Because of uncertainties associated with estimating the amounts, timing and likelihood of possible outcomes, actual results could differ from estimates.
Revenue Recognition, Premiums Earned, Policy	Premiums and Other Receivables The Company recognizes earned premiums on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies, generally periods of six or twelve months.
Premiums Receivable, Basis of Accounting, Policy	Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies.
Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Estimation Methodology, Policy	Net premium receivables represent premiums written and not yet collected, net of an allowance for uncollectible premiums. The Company regularly evaluates premiums and other receivables and adjusts its allowance for uncollectible amounts as appropriate. Receivables specifically identified as uncollectible are charged to expense in the year the determination is made.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investment securities with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Certain securities with original maturities of 90 days or less that are held as a portion of longer-term investment portfolios are classified as short-term investments. The Company maintains cash balances at Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured institutions. FDIC insures accounts up to $250 at these institutions. Management monitors balances in excess of insured limits and believes that these balances do not represent a significant credit risk to the Company.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes, payments to affinity partners, promotional fees, and other direct sales costs that vary with and are directly related to successful contract acquisition of insurance policies. These costs are deferred and amortized to the extent recoverable, over the policy period in which the related premiums are earned. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs. Management believes that these costs are recoverable in the near term.
Ceding Commission Revenue	Ceding Commission Revenue Commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded are earned in a manner consistent with the recognition of the direct acquisition costs of underlying insurance policies, generally on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Certain reinsurance agreements contain provisions whereby the ceding commission rates vary based on the loss experience under the agreements. The Company records ceding commission revenue based on its current estimate of subject losses. The Company records adjustments to the ceding commission revenue in the period that changes in the estimated losses are determined.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represent the estimated ultimate net costs of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the period end. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE represent the accumulation of estimates for both reported losses and those incurred but not reported relating to direct insurance and assumed reinsurance agreements. Estimates for salvage and subrogation recoverables are recognized at the time losses are incurred and netted against the provision for losses. Reserves are established for each business at the lowest meaningful level of homogeneous data. Insurance liabilities are based on estimates, and the ultimate liability may vary from such estimates. These estimates are regularly reviewed and adjustments, which can potentially be significant, are included in the period in which they are deemed necessary.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the Company to record assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. The Company accounts for the insurance and reinsurance contracts under the acquisition method as new contracts, which requires the Company to record assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company adjusts the fair value loss and LAE reserves by recording the acquired loss reserves based on the Company’s existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free rate of interest. This risk free interest rate is then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and LAE reserves and the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date is recorded as either an intangible asset or another liability, as applicable and is amortized proportionately to the reduction in the related loss reserves (i.e., over the estimated payout period of the acquired loss and LAE reserves). The Company assigns fair values to intangible assets acquired based on valuation techniques including the income and market approaches. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value based on the terms of the purchase agreement with subsequent changes in fair value recorded through earnings. The determination of fair value may require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The purchase price is the fair value of the total consideration conveyed to the seller and the Company records the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired net assets, where applicable, as goodwill. The Company expenses costs associated with the acquisition of a business in the period incurred.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Accounting Standards of Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” A purchase price paid that is in excess of net assets (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset and is not amortized. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the consolidated statement of income.
Equalization Reserves	Equalization Reserves The Company owns several Luxembourg-domiciled reinsurance entities. In connection with these entities, the Company acquires cash and statutory equalization reserves of the reinsurance companies. An equalization reserve is a catastrophe reserve established in excess of required reserves as required by the laws of Luxembourg. The equalization reserves were originally established by the seller of the reinsurance entities, and under Luxembourg law allowed the reinsurance company to reduce its income tax paid. Equalization reserves are required to be established for Luxembourg statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. The Company establishes a deferred tax liability equal to approximately 30% of the unutilized statutory equalization reserves. The deferred tax liability is adjusted each reporting period based primarily on amounts ceded to the Luxembourg reinsurer under the intercompany reinsurance agreement.
Investments	Investments The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities”, which requires that fixed maturities and equity securities that have readily determined fair values be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities. The Company has classified its investments as available-for-sale. The Company may sell its available-for-sale securities in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Net investment income is recognized when earned and includes interest and dividend income together with amortization of market premiums and discounts using the effective yield method and is net of investment management fees and other expenses. For mortgage-backed securities and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the change in effective yields and maturities are recognized on a prospective basis through yield adjustments. The Company uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. These criteria include: • the current fair value compared to amortized cost; • the length of time the security’s fair value has been below its amortized cost; • specific credit issues related to the issuer such as changes in credit rating or non-payment of scheduled interest payments; • whether management intends to sell the security and, if not, whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; • the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings; • the occurrence of a discrete credit event resulting in the issuer defaulting on a material outstanding obligation or the issuer seeking protection under bankruptcy laws; and • other items, including management, media exposure, sponsors, marketing and advertising agreements, debt restructurings, regulatory changes, acquisitions and dispositions, pending litigation, distribution agreements and general industry trends. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company immediately writes down investments that it considers to be impaired based on the above criteria collectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $15,247 , $2,244 , and $2,869 , respectively. In the event of the decline in fair value of a debt security, a holder of that security that does not intend to sell the debt security and for whom it is more likely than not that such holder will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis is required to separate the decline in fair value into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of total decline in fair value related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings as an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) with the amount related to other factors recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. OTTI credit losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of the loss realization. The following are the types of investments the Company has: (i) Short-term investments - Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value, and includes investments with maturities between 91 days and less than one year at the date of acquisition. Short-term investments consist primarily of money market investments and securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse purchase agreements). (ii) Fixed maturities and equity securities - Fixed maturities and equity securities (common stock, mutual funds, non-redeemable preferred stock) are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. (iii) Mortgage and asset-backed securities - For mortgage and asset-backed securities, the Company recognizes income using the retrospective adjustment method based on prepayments and the estimated economic lives of the securities. The effective yield reflects actual payments to date plus anticipated future payments. These investments are recorded as fixed maturities on the consolidated balance sheets. (iv) Limited partnerships - The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in limited partnerships in which its ownership interest enables the Company to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee company, but the Company’s interest in the limited partnership does not require consolidation. The Company’s proportionate share of equity in net income of these limited partnerships is reported in net investment income, or equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, as applicable. (v) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements), at contract value are accounted for as collateralized borrowing and lending transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amounts, plus accrued interest. The Company minimizes the credit risk that counterparties might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. 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 and 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 a loan amount along with the agreed-upon interest. (vi) Securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repurchase agreements) at contract value are generally treated as collateralized receivables. The Company reports receivables arising from reverse repurchase agreements in short-term investments in the consolidated balance sheets. These reverse repurchase agreements are recorded at the contracted resale amounts plus accrued interest. The Company’s policy is to take possession of the securities purchased under agreements to resell. The Company minimizes the risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring the counterparty credit exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are used to earn spread income, borrow funds, or to facilitate trading activities. Securities repurchase and resale agreements are generally short-term, and therefore, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value. (vii) Securities sold but not yet purchased - Securities sold but not yet purchased are accounted for as liabilities and are recorded at prevailing market prices. These transactions result in off-balance sheet risk because the ultimate cost to deliver the securities sold is uncertain.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”. The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the ASC 820 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. Additionally, valuation of fixed-maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to lack of market-based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction could occur. Fair values of other financial instruments approximate their carrying values. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Additionally, ASC 820 requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring the fair value of a liability. ASC 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy to be used when measuring and disclosing fair value. An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Following is a description of the three hierarchy levels: Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity. Level 2 - Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent management’s best assumptions of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation.
Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in subsidiaries in which its ownership interest enables the Company to influence operating or financial decisions of the subsidiary, but the Company’s interest does not require consolidation. In applying the equity method, the Company records its investment at cost, and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying amount of the investment by its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. Any dividends or distributions received are recorded as a decrease in the carrying value of the investment. The Company’s proportionate share of net income is reported in the consolidated statement of income.
Stock Compensation Expense	Stock Compensation Expense The Company recognizes compensation expense for its share-based awards over the estimated vesting period based on estimated grant date fair value. Share-based payments include stock option grants and restricted stock units ("RSU") under the Company’s 2010 and 2013 Equity Incentive Plans.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs The Company expenses the cost of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense is included as a component of General and administrative expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Advertising expense was $38,263 , $31,198 and $31,596 for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Dilutive earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options, RSUs and convertible preferred stock using the treasury stock method.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets	Impairment of Long-lived Assets The carrying value of long-lived assets is evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value as estimated by discounted cash flows. No impairment was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company joins its subsidiaries in the filing of a consolidated Federal income tax return and is party to Federal income tax allocation agreements. Under the tax allocation agreements, the Company pays to or receives from its subsidiaries the amount, if any, by which the group’s Federal income tax liability was affected by virtue of inclusion of the subsidiary in the consolidated Federal return. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not party to federal income tax allocation agreements but file separate tax returns annually. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations. The deferred tax asset and liability primarily consists of book versus tax differences for earned premiums, loss and LAE reserve discounting, deferred acquisition costs, earned but unbilled premiums, and unrealized holding gains and losses on fixed maturities. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income, primarily unrealized investment gains and losses, are recorded directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the Company will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, the Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company’s policy is to prospectively classify accrued interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance The Company cedes insurance risk under various reinsurance agreements. The Company seeks to reduce the loss that may arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting results by reinsuring certain levels of risk with other insurance enterprises. The Company remains liable with respect to any insurance ceded if the assuming companies are unable to meet their obligations under these reinsurance agreements. Reinsurance premiums, losses and LAE ceded to other companies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Earned premiums and losses and LAE incurred ceded to other companies have been recorded as a reduction of premium revenue and losses and LAE. Commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded have been recorded as ceding commission revenue. Reinsurance recoverables are reported based on the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. Assessing whether or not a reinsurance contract meets the condition for risk transfer requires judgment. The determination of risk transfer is critical to reporting premiums and losses, and is based, in part, on the use of actuarial and pricing models and assumptions. If the Company determines that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, it accounts for the contract under deposit accounting.
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Buildings and improvements 30 years Leasehold improvements Remaining lease term Hardware and software 3 to 5 years Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 years The Company capitalizes costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use that is specifically identifiable, has determinable lives and relates to future use.
Assessments	Assessments Insurance-related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. A typical obligating event would be the issuance of an insurance policy or the occurrence of a claim. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments, such as assessments by state guaranty funds used by state insurance regulators to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. The Company uses estimated assessment rates in determining the appropriate assessment expense and accrual. The Company uses estimates derived from state regulators and/or National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Tax and Assessments Guidelines. Assessment expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $11,631 , $6,267 and $6,866 , respectively.
Non-controlling Interest	Non-controlling Interest and Variable Interest Entities The ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries of non-controlling interests is reflected as non-controlling interest. The Company’s consolidation principles also consolidates entities in which the Company is deemed a primary beneficiary. Non-controlling interest income or loss represents such non-controlling interests in the earnings of that entity. The Company consolidates the Reciprocal Exchanges as it has determined that these are variable interest entities and that the Company is the primary beneficiary (see Note 3, "Reciprocal Exchanges"). All significant transactions and account balances between the Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated during consolidation.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments and premiums and other receivables. Investments are diversified through many industries and geographic regions through the use of an investment manager who employs different investment strategies. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to cash and investments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the outstanding premiums and other receivables balance was generally diversified due to the Company’s diversified customer base. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs ongoing evaluations for uncollectible amounts. The Company also has receivables from its reinsurers. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company periodically evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. It is the policy of management to review all outstanding receivables at period end as well as the bad debt write-offs experienced in the past and establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts, if deemed necessary.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain accounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current year’s presentation. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (see Note 15, "Debt"). In addition, balances of $110,348 were reclassified from Accounts payable and accrued expenses to Premiums and other receivables, net with the right of offset in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014. This did not have any impact on the net income of the Company.
Foreign Currency Transactions	Foreign Currency Transactions The functional currency of the Company and many of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. For these companies, the Company translates monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates, with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statements of income. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies are converted at average exchange rates during the year. Monetary assets and liabilities include investments, cash and cash equivalents, reinsurance balances receivable, reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses and accrued expenses and other liabilities. Accounts that are classified as non-monetary, such as deferred commission and other acquisition expenses and unearned premiums, are not revalued.
Service and fee income	Service and Fee Income The Company currently generates policy service and fee income from installment fees, late payment fees, and other finance and processing fees related to policy cancellation, policy reinstatement and non-sufficient funds check returns. These fees are generally designed to offset expenses incurred in the administration of the Company’s insurance business, and are generated as follows. Installment fees are charged to permit a policyholder to pay premiums in installments rather than in a lump sum. Late payment fees are charged when premiums are remitted after the due date and any applicable grace periods. Policy cancellation fees are charged to policyholders when a policy is terminated by the policyholder prior to the expiration of the policy’s term or renewal term, as applicable. Reinstatement fees are charged to reinstate a policy that has lapsed, generally as a result of non-payment of premiums. Non-sufficient fund fees are charged when the customer’s payment is returned by the financial institution. All fee income is recognized as follows. An installment fee is recognized at the time each policy installment bill is due. A late payment fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is not received after the listed due date and any applicable grace period. A policy cancellation fee is recognized at the time the customer’s policy is cancelled. A policy reinstatement fee is recognized when the customer’s policy is reinstated. A non-sufficient fund fee is recognized when the customer’s payment is returned by the financial institution. The amounts charged are primarily intended to compensate the Company for the administrative costs associated with processing and administering policies that generate insurance premium; however, the amounts of fees charged are not dependent on the amount or period of insurance coverage provided and do not entail any obligation to return any portion of those funds. The direct and indirect costs associated with generating fee income are not separately tracked. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a percentage of fee income. The Company also collects service fees in the form of commission and general agent fees by selling policies issued by third-party insurance companies. The Company does not bear insurance underwriting risk with respect to these policies. Commission income and general agent fees are recognized, net of an allowance for estimated policy cancellations, at the date the customer is initially billed or as of the effective date of the insurance policy, whichever is later. The allowance for estimated third-party cancellations is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Management fees earned by the management companies for services provided to the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation. The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Installment fees $ 32,404 $ 30,323 $ 30,666 Commission revenue 58,807 52,597 43,716 General agent fees 76,855 45,637 21,526 Late payment fees 12,210 11,658 11,240 Group health administrative fees 29,622 4,358 3,321 Finance and processing fees 52,865 13,569 11,727 Lender service fees 4,364 — — Other 6,421 10,429 5,345 Total $ 273,548 $ 168,571 $ 127,541
Recent Accounting Standards	Recent Accounting Literature In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", to reduce diversity in practice for reporting discontinued operations. Under the previous guidance, any component of an entity that was a reportable segment, an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group was eligible for discontinued operations presentation. The revised guidance only allows disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift (e.g., disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity) and that have a major effect on a reporting entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as discontinued operations. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. The updated guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The 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 No. 2014-11, "Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures." The new guidance aligns the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. Going forward, these transactions would all be accounted for as secured borrowings. The guidance eliminates sale accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and supersedes the guidance under which a transfer of a financial asset and a contemporaneous repurchase financing could be accounted for on a combined basis as a forward agreement, which has resulted in outcomes referred to as off-balance-sheet accounting. ASU No. 2014-11 requires new disclosures for certain transactions comprised of (1) a transfer of a financial asset accounted for as a sale and (2) an agreement with the same transferee entered into in contemplation of the initial transfer that results in the transferor retaining substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial asset throughout the term of the transaction. Such disclosures include: (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 No. 2014-11 also requires expanded disclosures about the nature of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. Such disclosures include: (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 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (see Note 15, "Debt"). Recently Issued Accounting Standards Update - Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on recognizing revenue in contracts with customers. The objective of the new guidance as issued by the FASB in ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, is to remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices, and provide for improved disclosure requirements. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve that core principle, an entity applies the following five steps: (1) identifies the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identifies the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determines the transaction price; (4) allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizes revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the performance obligations. The new guidance also includes a comprehensive set of qualitative and quantitative disclosure requirements including information about: (i) contracts with customers-including revenue and impairments recognized, disaggregation of revenue, and information about contract balances and performance obligations; (ii) significant judgments in determining the satisfaction of performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and amounts allocated to performance obligations; and (iii) assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. For a public entity, the amendments in this Update were originally effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. However, 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 are to 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. While the guidance specifically excludes revenues from insurance contracts, investments and financial instruments from the scope of the new guidance, the guidance will be applicable to the Company’s other forms of revenue not specifically exempted from the guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or Equity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)", to reduce diversity in practice in the accounting for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share. The amendments in ASU 2014-16 do not change the current criteria in GAAP for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. An entity will continue to evaluate whether the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative feature are clearly and closely related to those of the host contract, among other relevant criteria. ASU 2014-16 clarifies how current GAAP should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. Specifically, ASU 2014-16 clarifies that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features-including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation-in evaluating the nature of the host contract. Furthermore, ASU 2014-16 clarifies that no single term or feature would necessarily determine the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract. Rather, the nature of the host contract depends upon the economic characteristics and risks of the entire hybrid financial instrument. In addition, the amendments in this Update clarify that, in evaluating the nature of a host contract, an entity should assess the substance of the relevant terms and features (that is, the relative strength of the debt-like or equity-like terms and features given the facts and circumstances) when considering how to weight those terms and features. The effects of initially adopting the amendments in ASU 2014-16 are to be applied on a modified retrospective basis to existing hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the amendments are effective. Retrospective application is permitted to all relevant prior periods. The amendments in ASU 2014-16 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, is permitted. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments are to be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of ASU 2014-16 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) (simplifying income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items)”, as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. ASU No. 2015-01 eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Subtopic 225-20, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items, required that an entity separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. Previously, an event or transaction was presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction met the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity was required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. The entity also was required to disclose applicable income taxes and either present or disclose earnings-per-share data applicable to the extraordinary item. An entity has a choice of transition methods. It may apply the amendments in ASU 2015-01 either prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2015-01 are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity has the option to adopt the changes earlier provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. 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 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 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 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 limited to disclosure requirements and will not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. 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 date 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 Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" to provide users of financial statements with more useful information on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 affect all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities and make targeted improvements to existing GAAP by: (1) requiring equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer; (2) simplifying the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value; (3) eliminating the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for entities that are not public business entities; (4) eliminating the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (5) requiring public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (6) requiring an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income ("OCI") the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as "own credit") when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (7) requiring separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and (8) clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the following provisions in ASU 2016-01 is permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption: (i) the "own credit" provision, in which an organization should present separately in OCI the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; and (ii) the provision that exempts entities that are not public business entities from the requirement to apply the fair value of financial instruments disclosure guidance. Except for the early application guidance discussed above, early adoption of the amendments in ASU 2016-01 is not permitted. The amendments should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)” to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance.

Significant Accounting Polici46

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Useful Lives and composition of Premises and Equipment	Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Buildings and improvements 30 years Leasehold improvements Remaining lease term Hardware and software 3 to 5 years Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 years The composition of premises and equipment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 2,935 $ — $ 2,935 Buildings 11,390 313 11,077 Leasehold improvements 7,343 1,529 5,814 Furniture and equipment 3,656 1,303 2,353 Hardware and software 84,880 64,128 20,752 Total $ 110,204 $ 67,273 $ 42,931 NGHC 109,479 66,880 42,599 Reciprocal Exchanges 725 393 332 Total $ 110,204 $ 67,273 $ 42,931 December 31, 2014 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 287 $ — $ 287 Buildings 4,013 208 3,805 Leasehold improvements 4,505 228 4,277 Furniture and equipment 581 133 448 Hardware and software 70,104 50,429 19,675 Work-in-process systems and software 2,091 — 2,091 Total $ 81,581 $ 50,998 $ 30,583
Schedule of Service and Fee Income	The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Installment fees $ 32,404 $ 30,323 $ 30,666 Commission revenue 58,807 52,597 43,716 General agent fees 76,855 45,637 21,526 Late payment fees 12,210 11,658 11,240 Group health administrative fees 29,622 4,358 3,321 Finance and processing fees 52,865 13,569 11,727 Lender service fees 4,364 — — Other 6,421 10,429 5,345 Total $ 273,548 $ 168,571 $ 127,541

Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)

Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule Of Variable Interest Entity Opening Balance Sheet	The following table presents the opening 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)	12 Months Ended
Investments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 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: December 31, 2015 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Equity securities: Common stock $ 53,356 $ 569 $ (6,960 ) $ 46,965 Preferred stock 11,448 377 — 11,825 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 19,348 1,052 (48 ) 20,352 Federal agencies 1,945 7 — 1,952 States and political subdivision bonds 193,017 4,516 (609 ) 196,924 Foreign government 31,383 31 (352 ) 31,062 Corporate bonds 1,375,336 22,224 (47,902 ) 1,349,658 Residential mortgage-backed securities 419,293 6,254 (978 ) 424,569 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 135,134 720 (3,649 ) 132,205 Structured securities 205,024 15 (4,347 ) 200,692 Total $ 2,445,284 $ 35,765 $ (64,845 ) $ 2,416,204 Less: Securities pledged 54,955 439 — 55,394 Total net of Securities pledged $ 2,390,329 $ 35,326 $ (64,845 ) $ 2,360,810 NGHC $ 2,199,714 $ 34,773 $ (58,826 ) $ 2,175,661 Reciprocal Exchanges 245,570 992 (6,019 ) 240,543 Total $ 2,445,284 $ 35,765 $ (64,845 ) $ 2,416,204 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 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 $ 28,272 $ 27,853 $ 175 $ 178 $ 28,447 $ 28,031 Due after one year through five years 244,834 246,342 35,145 34,281 279,979 280,623 Due after five years through ten years 1,031,918 1,017,146 109,946 107,655 1,141,864 1,124,801 Due after ten years 330,244 321,985 45,519 45,200 375,763 367,185 Mortgage-backed securities 501,143 505,119 53,284 51,655 554,427 556,774 Total $ 2,136,411 $ 2,118,445 $ 244,069 $ 238,969 $ 2,380,480 $ 2,357,414
Investment Income	The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest Cash and short term investments $ 186 $ 114 $ 14 Equity securities 277 349 — Fixed maturities 69,310 52,008 33,936 Reverse Repurchase Agreements — — 61 Investment Income 69,773 52,471 34,011 Investment expense (3,529 ) (2,629 ) (2,927 ) Repurchase Agreements interest expense (213 ) (236 ) (276 ) Other Income (1) 9,309 2,820 — Net Investment Income $ 75,340 $ 52,426 $ 30,808 NGHC $ 66,429 $ 50,627 $ 30,808 Reciprocal Exchanges 8,911 1,799 — Net Investment Income $ 75,340 $ 52,426 $ 30,808 (1 ) Includes interest income of approximately $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement (see Note 16, "Related Party Transactions").
Realized Gains and Losses	The tables below indicate the gross realized gains and losses (including any OTTI loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Year Ended December 31, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ 5 $ (1,608 ) $ (1,603 ) Fixed maturities 8,245 (1,702 ) 6,543 OTTI — (15,247 ) (15,247 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) NGHC $ 7,005 $ (17,658 ) $ (10,653 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 1,245 (899 ) 346 Total gross realized gains and losses $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Equity securities $ 34 $ (613 ) $ (579 ) Fixed maturities 151 (220 ) (69 ) OTTI — (2,244 ) (2,244 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) NGHC $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total gross realized gains and losses $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Fixed maturities $ 8,865 $ (7,665 ) $ 1,200 OTTI — (2,869 ) $ (2,869 ) Total gross realized gains and losses $ 8,865 $ (10,534 ) $ (1,669 )
Unrealized Gains and Losses	Unrealized gains (losses) on investments as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net unrealized loss on common stock $ (6,391 ) $ (6,345 ) $ — Net unrealized gain (loss) on preferred stock 377 (60 ) (652 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on fixed maturities (23,066 ) 45,855 10,310 Net unrealized gain (loss) on other (20 ) 18 — Deferred income tax 10,185 (13,787 ) (2,598 ) Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax $ (18,915 ) $ 25,681 $ 7,060 NGHC $ (15,634 ) $ 24,998 $ 7,060 Reciprocal Exchanges (3,281 ) 683 — Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax (18,915 ) 25,681 7,060 Non-controlling interest 3,281 (683 ) — NGHC net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax $ (15,634 ) $ 24,998 $ 7,060 Year Ended December 31, NGHC change for the year in net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax $ (40,632 ) $ 17,938 $ (25,414 ) Non-controlling interest change for the year in net unrealized loss, net of deferred income tax $ (3,964 ) $ — $ —
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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2015 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Common stock $ 39,490 $ (6,932 ) 5 $ 130 $ (28 ) 2 $ 39,620 $ (6,960 ) U.S. Treasury 7,141 (48 ) 5 — — — 7,141 (48 ) States and political subdivision bonds 17,674 (501 ) 22 4,878 (108 ) 10 22,552 (609 ) Foreign government 21,322 (352 ) 4 — — — 21,322 (352 ) Corporate bonds 684,613 (37,919 ) 229 32,121 (9,983 ) 38 716,734 (47,902 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 102,889 (919 ) 23 1,655 (59 ) 9 104,544 (978 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 66,222 (3,472 ) 30 2,364 (177 ) 2 68,586 (3,649 ) Structured securities 153,042 (4,347 ) 65 — — — 153,042 (4,347 ) Total $ 1,092,393 $ (54,490 ) 383 $ 41,148 $ (10,355 ) 61 $ 1,133,541 $ (64,845 ) NGHC $ 988,188 $ (50,599 ) 284 $ 28,691 $ (8,227 ) 34 $ 1,016,879 $ (58,826 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 104,205 (3,891 ) 99 12,457 (2,128 ) 27 116,662 (6,019 ) Total $ 1,092,393 $ (54,490 ) 383 $ 41,148 $ (10,355 ) 61 $ 1,133,541 $ (64,845 ) 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 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 $ 13,416 $ 14,448 0.7 % $ 5,932 $ 5,904 2.5 % AAA 343,128 348,073 16.4 % 39,724 38,888 16.2 % AA, AA+, AA- 379,560 383,888 18.0 % 36,866 36,934 15.4 % A, A+, A- 501,409 508,884 23.9 % 50,612 50,153 20.8 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 634,250 623,742 29.3 % 82,417 80,322 33.4 % BB+ and lower 274,594 249,660 11.7 % 30,020 28,343 11.7 % Total $ 2,146,357 $ 2,128,695 100.0 % $ 245,571 $ 240,544 100.0 % 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 . December 31, 2015 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions — % 2.8 % 21.2 % 12.7 % 2.1 % $ 524,250 38.8 % Industrials — % 3.9 % 15.4 % 32.3 % 4.6 % 757,907 56.2 % Utilities/Other 0.4 % — % 0.4 % 3.4 % 0.8 % 67,501 5.0 % Total 0.4 % 6.7 % 37.0 % 48.4 % 7.5 % $ 1,349,658 100.0 % NGHC 0.4 % 6.1 % 33.9 % 42.7 % 6.3 % $ 1,206,442 89.4 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % 0.6 % 3.1 % 5.7 % 1.2 % 143,216 10.6 % Total 0.4 % 6.7 % 37.0 % 48.4 % 7.5 % $ 1,349,658 100.0 % 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Restricted cash $ 13,776 $ 7,937 Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value 40,174 56,049 Total restricted cash and investments $ 53,950 $ 63,986
Contractual Maturity of Repurchase Agreements	The table below summarizes the remaining contractual maturity of the Company's repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2015 . December 31, 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 $ — $ 52,484 $ — $ — $ 52,484 Total Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value $ — $ 52,484 $ — $ — $ 52,484

Fair Value of Financial Instr49

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 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: December 31, 2015 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Equity securities: Common stock $ 46,965 $ — $ — $ 46,965 Preferred stock — 11,825 — 11,825 Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury 20,352 — — 20,352 Federal agencies 1,952 — — 1,952 States and political subdivision bonds — 196,924 — 196,924 Foreign government — 31,062 — 31,062 Corporate bonds — 1,349,658 — 1,349,658 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 424,569 — 424,569 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 132,205 — 132,205 Structured securities — 200,692 — 200,692 Short term investments — 3,527 — 3,527 Total assets $ 69,269 $ 2,350,462 $ — $ 2,419,731 NGHC $ 61,413 $ 2,115,776 $ — $ 2,177,189 Reciprocal Exchanges 7,856 234,686 — 242,542 Total assets $ 69,269 $ 2,350,462 $ — $ 2,419,731 Liabilities Contingent payments $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 NGHC $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 24,652 $ 24,652 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 Liabilities Contingent payments $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499 NGHC $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 23,499 $ 23,499
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities	The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Balance as of Net income / loss Other comprehensive Purchases and Payments, sales and Net transfers Balance as of Common stock $ 34,389 $ — $ 2,526 $ — $ — $ (36,915 ) $ — Total assets $ 34,389 $ — $ 2,526 $ — $ — $ (36,915 ) $ — Contingent payments $ 23,499 $ 2,357 $ — $ 8,581 $ (9,785 ) $ — $ 24,652 Total liabilities $ 23,499 $ 2,357 $ — $ 8,581 $ (9,785 ) $ — $ 24,652 Balance as of Net income / loss Other comprehensive Purchases and Payments, sales and Net transfers Balance as of Common stock $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389 Total assets $ — $ — $ (7,328 ) $ 41,717 $ — $ — $ 34,389 Contingent payments $ — $ — $ — $ 26,100 $ (2,601 ) $ — $ 23,499 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ — $ 26,100 $ (2,601 ) $ — $ 23,499

Equity Investments in Unconso50

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries (Tables) - LSC Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investment Information	The following tables present the investment activity in the LSC Entities. Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of year $ 146,089 $ 126,186 $ 66,484 Distributions (1,923 ) — — Contributions 565 18,056 35,391 Acquisition of interest — — 22,411 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 8,930 1,847 1,900 Change in equity method investments 7,572 19,903 59,702 Balance at end of year $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 The following tables summarize total assets and total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and the results of operations for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Condensed balance sheet data As of December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value $ 264,001 $ 264,517 $ 233,024 Total assets 334,026 318,598 270,758 Total liabilities 26,704 26,420 18,387 Members' equity 307,322 292,178 252,371 NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 Condensed results of operations Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue, net of commission $ 66,435 $ 50,447 $ 7,828 Total expenses 48,575 46,753 4,029 Net income $ 17,860 $ 3,694 $ 3,799 NGHC's 50% ownership interest $ 8,930 $ 1,847 $ 1,900
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and, only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Average age of insured 81.2 years 81.1 years Average life expectancy, months (1) 114 121 Average face amount per policy $ 6,564 $ 6,624 Effective discount rate (2) 13.7 % 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 change in the EDR from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk. If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables were held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (37,697 ) $ 40,997 December 31, 2014 $ (34,686 ) $ 36,486 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (26,558 ) $ 29,644 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.
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 2016 $ 54,540 2017 53,002 2018 41,409 2019 41,385 2020 38,627 Thereafter 487,107 Total $ 716,070

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
LPI Business
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: October 2015 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 290,262 Premium receivable 129,878 Premises and equipment 1,752 Intangible assets 61,645 Other assets 1,538 Total Assets 485,075 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 102,913 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 60,335 Unearned premiums 245,827 Total Liabilities 409,075 Net assets purchased 76,000 Purchase price 95,726 Goodwill recorded $ 19,726
Assurant Health
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: October 2015 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 43,448 Premium receivable 18,645 Intangible assets 10,493 Total Assets 72,586 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 66,344 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 281 Unearned premiums 2,505 Deferred tax liability 3,887 Other liabilities 678 Total Liabilities 73,695 Net assets purchased (1,109 ) Purchase price 14,000 Goodwill recorded $ 15,109
Management Companies
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: September 2014 Assets Cash $ 70 Fee receivable 3,010 Intangible assets 144,700 Total Assets 147,780 Liabilities Due to related party 26,100 Deferred tax liability 39,965 Total Liabilities 66,065 Net assets purchased 81,715 Purchase price 7,500 Additional paid-in capital $ 74,215
Agent Alliance Insurance Company
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the carrying value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: July 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 15,535 Accrued interest 138 Premium receivable 992 Reinsurance recoverable 6,966 Prepaid reinsurance 1,608 Intangible assets 900 Goodwill 1,005 Income tax receivable 84 Total Assets 27,228 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 6,867 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 323 Unearned premiums 1,608 Reinsurance payable 397 Notes payable 350 Deferred tax 340 Total Liabilities 9,885 Net assets purchased $ 17,343
Imperial
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: June 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 61,011 Accrued interest 484 Premium receivable 37,348 Reinsurance recoverable 13,445 Prepaid reinsurance 36,203 Premises and equipment 1,893 Intangible assets 15,100 Income tax receivable 104 Other 214 Total Assets 165,802 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 42,796 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 17,253 Unearned premiums 50,178 Reinsurance payable 29,223 Notes payable 8,916 Total Liabilities 148,366 Net assets purchased 17,436 Purchase price 20,000 Goodwill recorded $ 2,564
Personal Express
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: April 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 28,725 Premium receivable 2,915 Deferred tax 119 Intangible assets 2,700 Other assets 729 Total Assets 35,188 Liabilities Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 4,472 Unearned premiums 8,352 Reinsurance payable 816 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 3,186 Total Liabilities 16,826 Net assets purchased 18,362 Purchase price 21,496 Goodwill recorded $ 3,134
Anticemex Reinsurance S.A.
Business Acquisition
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: January 2014 Assets Cash and invested assets $ 6,393 Prepaid assets 1 Loan receivable 62,973 Intangible assets 132 Total Assets 69,499 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses 20 Deferred tax liability 19,123 Total Liabilities 19,143 Net assets purchased 50,356 Purchase price 62,973 Goodwill recorded $ 12,617

Goodwill and Intangible Asset52

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 6,744 $ 1,456 5 years Loss reserve discount 15,089 12,779 2,310 7 years Agent/Customer relationships 148,419 18,562 129,857 11 - 17 years Affinity partners 800 436 364 11 years Renewal rights 26,100 6,375 19,725 7 years Proprietary technology 11,800 379 11,421 3 - 10 years Management contracts 118,600 — 118,600 indefinite life State licenses 65,165 — 65,165 indefinite life Goodwill 112,414 — 112,414 indefinite life Total $ 506,587 $ 45,275 $ 461,312 NGHC $ 501,187 $ 44,700 $ 456,487 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,400 575 4,825 Total $ 506,587 $ 45,275 $ 461,312 December 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Net Value Useful Life Trademarks $ 8,200 $ 5,737 $ 2,463 5 years Loss reserve discount 12,451 12,071 380 7 years Agent/Customer 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: NGHC Reciprocal Total Year ending 2016 $ 20,634 $ 230 $ 20,864 2017 19,083 230 19,313 2018 14,586 230 14,816 2019 13,598 230 13,828 2020 11,839 230 12,069 Thereafter 83,668 575 84,243 $ 163,408 $ 1,725 $ 165,133
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Property and Casualty Accident and Health Total Balance as of January 1, 2013 $ 28,074 $ 12,125 $ 40,199 Goodwill additions 6,169 25,428 31,597 Impairment (1,445 ) — (1,445 ) Balance as of January 1, 2014 $ 32,798 $ 37,553 $ 70,351 Goodwill additions 6,703 12,819 19,522 Foreign currency adjustments — (3,317 ) (3,317 ) Impairment (9,419 ) (6,373 ) (15,792 ) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 30,082 $ 40,682 $ 70,764 Goodwill additions 39,455 19,661 59,116 Impairment (11,222 ) (6,244 ) (17,466 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 58,315 $ 54,099 $ 112,414

Premiums and Other Receivable53

Premiums and Other Receivables, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule Of Premiums And Other Receivables, Net	Premiums and other receivables, net at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Premiums receivable (Related parties - $46,565 and $153,654) $ 652,400 $ 543,574 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Related parties - $15,715 and $13,459) 64,056 59,318 Commission receivables 20,337 14,234 Investment receivables — 19,072 Other receivables (Related parties - $26 and $1,021) 35,273 20,973 Allowance for uncollectible amounts (13,433 ) (9,728 ) Total $ 758,633 $ 647,443 NGHC $ 702,439 $ 589,205 Reciprocal Exchanges 56,194 58,238 Total $ 758,633 $ 647,443

Premises and Equipment, Net (Ta

Premises and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Premises and Equipment, Net (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Useful Lives and composition of Premises and Equipment	Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Buildings and improvements 30 years Leasehold improvements Remaining lease term Hardware and software 3 to 5 years Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 years The composition of premises and equipment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 2,935 $ — $ 2,935 Buildings 11,390 313 11,077 Leasehold improvements 7,343 1,529 5,814 Furniture and equipment 3,656 1,303 2,353 Hardware and software 84,880 64,128 20,752 Total $ 110,204 $ 67,273 $ 42,931 NGHC 109,479 66,880 42,599 Reciprocal Exchanges 725 393 332 Total $ 110,204 $ 67,273 $ 42,931 December 31, 2014 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 287 $ — $ 287 Buildings 4,013 208 3,805 Leasehold improvements 4,505 228 4,277 Furniture and equipment 581 133 448 Hardware and software 70,104 50,429 19,675 Work-in-process systems and software 2,091 — 2,091 Total $ 81,581 $ 50,998 $ 30,583

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Federal income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Current expense (benefit) Federal $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 $ 18,446 Foreign — — — — — — — Total current tax expense $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 $ 18,446 Deferred expense (benefit) Federal $ (3,019 ) $ (4,890 ) $ (7,909 ) $ (42,301 ) $ 144 $ (42,157 ) $ (5,519 ) Foreign (27,094 ) — (27,094 ) (21,237 ) — (21,237 ) (1,787 ) Total deferred tax expense (benefit) (30,113 ) (4,890 ) (35,003 ) (63,538 ) 144 (63,394 ) (7,306 ) Provision for income taxes $ 24,905 $ (5,949 ) $ 18,956 $ 22,712 $ 1,164 $ 23,876 $ 11,140
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Domestic $ 225,708 $ 7,944 $ 233,652 $ 195,148 $ 3,670 $ 198,818 $ 33,873 Foreign (69,062 ) — (69,062 ) (71,375 ) — (71,375 ) 18,384 Total $ 156,646 $ 7,944 $ 164,590 $ 123,773 $ 3,670 $ 127,443 $ 52,257
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax liability are presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 27,675 $ 1,551 $ 29,226 $ 24,772 $ 1,915 $ 26,687 Unearned premiums 68,902 6,033 74,935 50,128 6,611 56,739 Bad debt 3,692 576 4,268 3,212 90 3,302 Investments 760 — 760 — — — Depreciation 1,725 — 1,725 982 — 982 Contingent commissions 10,529 — 10,529 9,102 — 9,102 Loss reserve discounting 7,244 1,393 8,637 7,310 1,233 8,543 Suspended Subpart F losses 7,364 — 7,364 34,309 — 34,309 Net operating loss carryforwards 3,309 17,758 21,067 3,042 15,159 18,201 Capital loss carryforwards 1,241 — 1,241 1,247 62 1,309 Partnership activity — — — 706 — 706 Impairments 6,122 15 6,137 786 — 786 Goodwill 968 — 968 539 — 539 Unearned revenue 6,540 — 6,540 2,662 — 2,662 Unrealized capital losses 8,418 1,767 10,185 — — — Foreign translation 2,035 — 2,035 — — — APIC stock compensation 1,808 — 1,808 2,204 — 2,204 Alternative minimum tax credits — 611 611 1,112 611 1,723 Other 897 104 1,001 2,174 562 2,736 Gross deferred tax assets 159,229 29,808 189,037 144,287 26,243 170,530 Less: Valuation allowance — (17,295 ) (17,295 ) — (21,518 ) (21,518 ) Total deferred tax assets 159,229 12,513 171,742 144,287 4,725 149,012 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs 47,931 8,093 56,024 42,830 1,525 44,355 Investments items — 255 255 1,366 364 1,730 Intangible assets 71,878 2,398 74,276 69,267 2,908 72,175 Premises and equipment 4,759 — 4,759 4,759 — 4,759 Statutory equalization reserves 13,778 — 13,778 40,872 — 40,872 Unrealized capital gains — — — 13,848 2,256 16,104 Surplus note interest — 34,491 34,491 — 36,074 36,074 Other 406 — 406 478 — 478 Gross deferred tax liabilities 138,752 45,237 183,989 173,420 43,127 216,547 Deferred tax (asset) liability, net $ (20,477 ) $ 32,724 $ 12,247 $ 29,133 $ 38,402 $ 67,535
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Total income tax expense is different from the amount determined by multiplying earnings before income taxes by the statutory Federal tax rate of 35.00% . The reasons for such differences are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 156,646 $ 7,944 $ 164,590 Tax rate 35.00 % 35.00 % 35.00 % Computed "expected" tax expense $ 54,826 $ 2,780 $ 57,606 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (1,354 ) (165 ) (1,519 ) (0.92 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 336 — 336 0.20 Exempt foreign income (11,393 ) — (11,393 ) (6.92 ) Equity method income 3,726 — 3,726 2.26 Goodwill impairment 6,113 — 6,113 3.71 Statutory equalization reserves (27,094 ) — (27,094 ) (16.46 ) State tax 1,754 — 1,754 1.07 Change in valuation allowance — (4,025 ) (4,025 ) (2.45 ) Other permanent items (2,009 ) (4,539 ) (6,548 ) (3.97 ) Total income tax reported $ 24,905 $ (5,949 ) $ 18,956 11.52 % Year Ended December 31, 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 123,773 $ 3,670 $ 127,443 Tax rate 35.00 % 35.00 % 35.00 % Computed "expected" tax expense $ 43,321 $ 1,285 $ 44,606 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (978 ) (86 ) (1,064 ) (0.83 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 273 — 273 0.21 Exempt foreign income (4,304 ) — (4,304 ) (3.38 ) Goodwill impairment 5,527 — 5,527 4.34 Statutory equalization reserves (21,237 ) — (21,237 ) (16.66 ) State tax 2,453 — 2,453 1.92 Other permanent items (2,343 ) (35 ) (2,378 ) (1.86 ) Total income tax reported $ 22,712 $ 1,164 $ 23,876 18.74 % Year Ended December 31, 2013 Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 52,257 Tax rate 35.00 % Computed "expected" tax expense $ 18,290 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (903 ) (1.73 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 129 0.25 Exempt foreign income (4,201 ) (8.04 ) Goodwill impairment 413 0.79 Statutory equalization reserves (1,787 ) (3.42 ) State tax 3,309 6.33 Return to provision (2,479 ) (4.74 ) Other permanent items (1,631 ) (3.12 ) Total income tax reported $ 11,140 21.32 %

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Reinsurance (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Ceded Credit Risk
Schedule Of Effects Of Reinsurance On Premiums And Losses	The following is a summary of effects of reinsurance on premiums and losses for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Premium: Direct $ 2,234,976 $ 2,052,880 $ 1,558,612 $ 1,496,709 $ 1,315,162 $ 1,325,251 Assumed 354,772 454,851 576,495 414,410 23,593 25,870 Total Gross Premium 2,589,748 2,507,731 2,135,107 1,911,119 1,338,755 1,351,121 Ceded (403,502 ) (377,921 ) (265,083 ) (277,899 ) (659,439 ) (663,055 ) Net Premium $ 2,186,246 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,870,024 $ 1,633,220 $ 679,316 $ 688,066 Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE $ 283,568 $ 254,924 $ 229,013 $ 211,433 $ 14,154 $ 442,251 As of December 31, 2015 2014 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves $ 252,661 $ 833,176 $ 106,568 $ 911,798 Unearned premiums 309,202 128,343 160,984 102,761
Ceded Credit Risk	Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 MCCA $ 656,904 $ 689,202 NCRF 86,941 84,152 Maiden Insurance Company 21,075 44,205 ACP Re 12,645 26,523 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 8,430 17,682 Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total 8,096 26,451 Subtotal $ 794,091 $ 888,215 Reciprocal Exchanges 39,085 23,583 Total $ 833,176 $ 911,798
MCCA
Ceded Credit Risk
Schedule Of Summary Of Premiums And Losses Ceded	The following is a summary of premiums and losses ceded to MCCA for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Ceded earned premiums $ 12,146 $ 12,968 $ 12,882 Ceded Loss and LAE 15,482 12,529 9,037
Ceded Credit Risk	Reinsurance recoverables from MCCA as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 6,986 $ 8,482 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 656,904 689,202
NCRF
Ceded Credit Risk
Schedule Of Summary Of Premiums And Losses Ceded	The following is a summary of premiums and losses ceded to NCRF for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Ceded earned premiums $ 158,613 $ 151,744 $ 138,473 Ceded Loss and LAE 144,350 130,265 111,185
Ceded Credit Risk	Reinsurance recoverables from NCRF as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 2014 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 26,228 $ 22,050 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 86,941 84,152

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Other Liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Bank overdrafts $ 57,971 $ 29,265 Advance premiums 9,242 8,046 Deferred revenue 65,186 11,354 Premium and other taxes and assessments 17,791 3,159 Total $ 150,190 $ 51,824 NGHC $ 112,085 $ 46,114 Reciprocal Exchanges 38,105 5,710 Total $ 150,190 $ 51,824

Accounts Payable and Accrued 58

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Escheats payable $ 10,982 $ 8,720 Accrued expenses related to employees 30,224 16,029 Accounts payable related to commissions 36,160 6,824 Premiums payable — 3,324 Information technology payable 16,570 1,190 Payable to carrier 34,460 — Deferred purchase price 8,581 15,325 Dividends payable 7,292 2,901 Marketing accruals 4,918 1,153 Refundable tax credits — 3,360 Loss reserve fair value 1,785 4,013 Investments payable 16,670 33,517 Interest payable 10,907 3,834 Other 54,598 38,835 Subtotal 233,147 139,025 Related Parties: Accounts payable related to commissions — 30,229 License fee payable 12,905 9,148 Information technology payable 16,622 1,312 Printing fee payable 3,892 3,100 Renewal rights 16,071 23,499 Other 2,265 808 Subtotal 51,755 68,096 Total $ 284,902 $ 207,121 NGHC $ 265,057 $ 189,430 Reciprocal Exchanges 19,845 17,691 Total $ 284,902 $ 207,121

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Debt (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of the Company's debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2015 are as follows: December 31, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total 7.625% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 6.75% Notes — — — — — 350,000 350,000 Imperial Surplus Notes — — — — — 5,000 5,000 Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes — — — — — 45,476 45,476 Total principal amount of debt $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 500,476 $ 500,476 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (8,939 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 491,537

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Reinsurance Treaties	The amounts related to these reinsurance treaties are as follows: December 31, 2015 Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Commission Receivable Premium Receivable (Payable) Wesco $ (45 ) $ — $ — AARC 829 107 (395 ) 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 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ 69 $ 212 $ (414 ) AARC (1,504 ) 470 (814 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE Wesco $ 17,843 $ (4,134 ) $ 14,852 AARC (1,317 ) 369 (811 ) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums Commission Income (Expense) Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE AAIC $ 4,103 $ (631 ) $ 2,445 Wesco 14,681 (4,175 ) 8,556 AARC (1,197 ) 390 (750 ) The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Expense) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (1,226 ) $ 3,657 Maiden Insurance Company — (2,057 ) 6,109 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. — (804 ) 2,425 Total $ — $ (4,087 ) $ 12,191 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 12,850 $ 3,703 $ 11,486 Maiden Insurance Company 21,416 6,115 19,130 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 8,567 2,455 7,671 Total $ 42,833 $ 12,273 $ 38,287 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Ceded Earned Premiums Ceding Commission Income Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 149,954 $ 46,943 $ 94,802 Maiden Insurance Company 249,924 78,224 158,004 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 99,970 31,181 63,201 Total $ 499,848 $ 156,348 $ 316,007
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, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust 10%
Schedule of Effects of Recoveries of Acquisition Costs from Reinsured Contracts	December 31, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE Ceded Commission Payable Ceded Premium Payable ACP Re $ 17,298 $ — $ 9,025 Maiden Insurance Company 28,830 — 15,041 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 11,532 — 6,016 Total $ 57,660 $ — $ 30,082 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, Inc. 20,345 2 5,195 Total $ 101,723 $ 10 $ 25,974

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust61

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses	Activity in the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is presented below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Total Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,259,241 $ — $ 1,259,241 $ 1,286,533 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the year (888,215 ) (23,583 ) (911,798 ) (950,828 ) — (950,828 ) (991,447 ) Net balance at beginning of the year 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 — 308,413 295,086 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,265,702 100,255 1,365,957 1,008,406 25,382 1,033,788 456,039 Prior year 18,378 (2,694 ) 15,684 17,941 1,336 19,277 6,085 Total incurred 1,284,080 97,561 1,381,641 1,026,347 26,718 1,053,065 462,124 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (835,854 ) (37,018 ) (872,872 ) (645,826 ) (20,715 ) (666,541 ) (265,907 ) Prior year (347,912 ) (55,501 ) (403,413 ) (187,010 ) (12,429 ) (199,439 ) (182,890 ) Total paid (1,183,766 ) (92,519 ) (1,276,285 ) (832,836 ) (33,144 ) (865,980 ) (448,797 ) Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve 169,257 — 169,257 66,066 94,691 160,757 — Effect of foreign exchange rates (2,520 ) — (2,520 ) (5,900 ) — (5,900 ) — Net balance at end of the year 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the year 794,091 39,085 833,176 888,215 23,583 911,798 950,828 Gross balance at end of the year $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,259,241

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2015 under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2016 $ 16,147 2017 15,744 2018 14,758 2019 13,860 2020 10,565 Thereafter 32,227 Total $ 103,301
Schedule of Amounts Payable under Employment Agreements	The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain individuals. The employment agreements provide for option awards, executive benefits and severance payments under certain circumstances. Amounts payable under these agreements for the next five years are as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2016 $ 3,653 2017 949 2018 500 2019 500 2020 29 Total $ 5,631

Statutory Financial Data (Table

Statutory Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Statutory Financial Data (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	Statutory net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and statutory capital and surplus as per the annual financial statements of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries as of December 31 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 37,316 $ 2,759 $ (2,195 ) National General Insurance Company 26,294 450 378 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 6,769 126 324 Integon National Insurance Company 448,339 123,839 (9,995 ) MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,042 451 (52 ) National General Assurance Company 16,819 255 130 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 6,269 54 120 New South Insurance Company 7,632 71 203 Integon General Insurance Corporation 6,305 160 493 National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. 11,340 67 218 National Health Insurance Company 13,796 746 893 Personal Express Insurance Company 16,155 167 667 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 40,572 366 3,021 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,103 100 544 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 48,811 681 387 National General Re Ltd. 601,276 298,795 163,872 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 32,922 26,491 925 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 28,770 21,571 7,346 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 32,879 $ 2,228 $ 18 National General Insurance Company 27,923 261 527 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 9,324 173 (66 ) Integon National Insurance Company 332,405 98,974 11,397 MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,800 222 50 National General Assurance Company 17,490 891 195 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 11,453 178 135 New South Insurance Company 6,890 101 321 Integon General Insurance Corporation 11,310 261 353 National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. 10,878 106 (53 ) National Health Insurance Company 11,536 161 1,169 Personal Express Insurance Company 15,520 65 789 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 41,018 6,599 178 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,013 487 1,502 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 16,464 321 (147 ) National General Re Ltd. 442,400 112,810 54,688 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 14,638 2,500 402 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 15,000 3,700 (354 ) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 32,767 $ 2,787 $ 2,967 National General Insurance Company 25,800 370 4,498 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 8,394 127 1,482 Integon National Insurance Company 159,752 61,897 (33,202 ) MIC General Insurance Corporation 20,234 369 1,086 National General Assurance Company 15,764 183 2,017 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 10,256 192 1,550 New South Insurance Company 15,621 288 4,091 Integon General Insurance Corporation 10,555 246 4,895 National General Insurance Company Online, Inc. 9,939 49 1,294 National Health Insurance Company 10,340 698 (1,246 ) National General Re Ltd. 133,088 40,389 4,232

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value for stock options was estimated at the date of grant with the following assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : 2015 (1) 2014 2013 Low-End High End Low-End High End Low-End High End Volatility — % — % 27.00 % 35.00 % 36.00 % 39.00 % Risk-free interest rate — % — % 1.74 % 2.26 % 0.95 % 2.27 % Weighted average expected life in years 0.00 0.00 5.50 7.00 6.25 6.50 Forfeiture rate — % — % 10.00 % 10.00 % 19.00 % 19.20 % Dividend rate — % — % 0.40 % 0.40 % — % — % (1) There were no options granted for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Shares Weighted Outstanding at beginning of year 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 2,339,601 $ 5.89 Granted — — 195,000 17.63 2,990,353 10.33 Exercised (584,296 ) 6.31 (125,582 ) 6.43 — — Forfeited (30,759 ) 8.26 (17,188 ) 7.52 (271,591 ) 6.69 Withheld (1) (371,729 ) 6.97 — — — — Outstanding at end of year 4,123,809 $ 9.31 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability and exercise price in connection with certain exercises.
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	A summary of the Company's RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted Non-vested at beginning of year 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — — $ — Granted 216,910 20.34 330,555 17.45 — — Vested (42,653 ) 17.31 — — — — Forfeited (115,551 ) 17.57 (3,000 ) 18.02 — — Withheld (1) (23,587 ) 17.30 — — — — Non-vested at end of year 362,674 $ 19.16 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability and exercise price in connection with RSU vesting.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Dec. 31, 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: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - basic $ 128,227 $ 99,952 $ 40,151 Effect of potentially dilutive securities: Convertible preferred stock dividends — — 2,158 Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - diluted $ 128,227 $ 99,952 $ 42,309 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 98,241,904 91,499,122 65,017,579 Potentially dilutive securities: Share options 2,119,358 1,868,171 1,495,315 Restricted stock units 362,674 148,124 — Convertible preferred stock — — 5,288,719 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 100,723,936 93,515,417 71,801,613 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.31 $ 1.09 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.27 $ 1.07 $ 0.59

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables summarize the underwriting results of the Company’s operating segments: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 2,337,826 $ 251,922 $ — $ 2,589,748 Ceded premiums (367,533 ) (35,969 ) — (403,502 ) Net premium written 1,970,293 215,953 — 2,186,246 Change in unearned premium (51,784 ) (4,652 ) — (56,436 ) Net earned premium 1,918,509 211,301 — 2,129,810 Ceding commission income 42,699 1,091 — 43,790 Service and fee income 174,738 98,810 — 273,548 Total underwriting revenue 2,135,946 311,202 — 2,447,148 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,210,319 171,322 — 1,381,641 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 339,931 65,999 — 405,930 General and administrative expenses 448,236 82,111 — 530,347 Total underwriting expenses 1,998,486 319,432 — 2,317,918 Underwriting income (loss) 137,460 (8,230 ) — 129,230 Net investment income — — 75,340 75,340 Net realized loss on investments — — (10,307 ) (10,307 ) Other revenue (expense) — — (788 ) (788 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 10,643 10,643 Interest expense — — (28,885 ) (28,885 ) Provision for income taxes — — (18,956 ) (18,956 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (14,025 ) (14,025 ) Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 137,460 $ (8,230 ) $ 13,022 $ 142,252 NGHC $ 134,117 $ (8,230 ) $ 16,365 $ 142,252 Reciprocal Exchanges 3,343 — (3,343 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 137,460 $ (8,230 ) $ 13,022 $ 142,252 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,994,708 $ 140,399 $ — $ 2,135,107 Ceded premiums (264,686 ) (397 ) — (265,083 ) Net premium written 1,730,022 140,002 — 1,870,024 Change in unearned premium (217,278 ) (19,526 ) — (236,804 ) Net earned premium 1,512,744 120,476 — 1,633,220 Ceding commission income 12,430 — — 12,430 Service and fee income 110,114 58,457 — 168,571 Total underwriting revenue 1,635,288 178,933 — 1,814,221 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 967,176 85,889 — 1,053,065 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 260,397 54,692 — 315,089 General and administrative expenses 292,145 56,617 — 348,762 Total underwriting expenses 1,519,718 197,198 — 1,716,916 Underwriting income (loss) 115,570 (18,265 ) — 97,305 Net investment income — — 52,426 52,426 Net realized loss on investments — — (2,892 ) (2,892 ) Other revenue (expense) — — (1,660 ) (1,660 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 1,180 1,180 Interest expense — — (17,736 ) (17,736 ) Provision for income taxes — — (23,876 ) (23,876 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (2,504 ) (2,504 ) Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 115,570 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 102,243 NGHC $ 107,975 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 94,648 Reciprocal Exchanges 7,595 — — 7,595 Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 115,570 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 102,243 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,305,254 $ 33,501 $ — $ 1,338,755 Ceded premiums (659,154 ) (285 ) — (659,439 ) Net premium written 646,100 33,216 — 679,316 Change in unearned premium 8,749 1 — 8,750 Net earned premium 654,849 33,217 — 688,066 Ceding commission income 87,100 — — 87,100 Service and fee income 82,752 44,789 — 127,541 Total underwriting revenue 824,701 78,006 — 902,707 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 435,989 26,135 — 462,124 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 110,509 24,378 — 134,887 General and administrative expenses 252,345 28,207 — 280,552 Total underwriting expenses 798,843 78,720 — 877,563 Underwriting income (loss) 25,858 (714 ) — 25,144 Net investment income — — 30,808 30,808 Net realized loss on investments — — (1,669 ) (1,669 ) Other revenue (expense) — — 16 16 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 1,274 1,274 Interest expense — — (2,042 ) (2,042 ) Provision for income taxes — — (11,140 ) (11,140 ) Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (82 ) (82 ) Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 25,858 $ (714 ) $ 17,165 $ 42,309 The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company's operating segments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : December 31, 2015 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 684,857 $ 73,776 $ — $ 758,633 Deferred acquisition costs 153,767 6,764 — 160,531 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 832,593 583 — 833,176 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 128,343 — — 128,343 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 366,021 95,291 — 461,312 Corporate and other assets — — 3,221,397 3,221,397 Total assets $ 2,165,581 $ 176,414 $ 3,221,397 $ 5,563,392 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 table shows an analysis of the Company's gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Total Gross premium written - North America $ 2,217,844 $ 283,582 $ 2,501,426 $ 1,965,942 $ 70,042 $ 2,035,984 $ 1,338,755 Gross premium written - Europe 88,322 — 88,322 99,123 — 99,123 — Total $ 2,306,166 $ 283,582 $ 2,589,748 $ 2,065,065 $ 70,042 $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 Net premium written - North America $ 922,386 $ 126,091 $ 1,048,477 $ 927,760 $ 53,076 $ 980,836 $ 382,358 Net premium written - Bermuda 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 750,065 — 750,065 267,263 Net premium written - Europe 128,322 — 128,322 139,123 — 139,123 29,695 Total $ 2,060,155 $ 126,091 $ 2,186,246 $ 1,816,948 $ 53,076 $ 1,870,024 $ 679,316 Net earned premium - North America $ 862,034 $ 134,709 $ 996,743 $ 715,906 $ 47,622 $ 763,528 $ 391,108 Net earned premium - Bermuda 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 750,065 — 750,065 267,263 Net earned premium - Europe 123,620 — 123,620 119,627 — 119,627 29,695 Total $ 1,995,101 $ 134,709 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,585,598 $ 47,622 $ 1,633,220 $ 688,066
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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : Year Ended December 31, Gross Premium Written 2015 2014 2013 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,240,224 $ 1,241,575 $ 1,016,728 Homeowners 327,299 366,997 1,389 RV/Packaged 154,929 153,553 158,300 Commercial Auto 187,686 146,124 116,774 Lender-placed insurance 126,570 — — Other 17,536 16,417 12,063 Property and Casualty Total $ 2,054,244 $ 1,924,666 $ 1,305,254 Accident and Health Total 251,922 140,399 33,501 NGHC Total $ 2,306,166 $ 2,065,065 $ 1,338,755 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 88,494 $ 32,436 $ — Homeowners 168,015 33,028 — Other 27,073 4,578 — Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 283,582 $ 70,042 $ — Total $ 2,589,748 $ 2,135,107 $ 1,338,755 Year Ended December 31, Net Premium Written 2015 2014 2013 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,070,852 $ 1,047,795 $ 487,311 Homeowners 309,775 333,586 1,389 RV/Packaged 153,501 148,456 88,553 Commercial Auto 170,720 132,002 61,163 Lender-placed insurance 125,693 — — Other 13,661 15,107 7,684 Property and Casualty Total $ 1,844,202 $ 1,676,946 $ 646,100 Accident and Health Total 215,953 140,002 33,216 NGHC Total $ 2,060,155 $ 1,816,948 $ 679,316 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 50,686 $ 32,075 $ — Homeowners 58,012 17,127 — Other 17,393 3,874 — Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 126,091 $ 53,076 $ — Total $ 2,186,246 $ 1,870,024 $ 679,316 Year Ended December 31, Net Earned Premium 2015 2014 2013 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,054,529 $ 979,082 $ 502,160 Homeowners 286,920 204,285 444 RV/Packaged 150,290 147,587 88,494 Commercial Auto 154,565 118,759 54,913 Lender-placed insurance 123,274 — — Other 14,222 15,409 8,838 Property and Casualty Total $ 1,783,800 $ 1,465,122 $ 654,849 Accident and Health Total 211,301 120,476 33,217 NGHC Total $ 1,995,101 $ 1,585,598 $ 688,066 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 74,477 $ 28,405 $ — Homeowners 45,354 15,779 — Other 14,878 3,438 — Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 134,709 $ 47,622 $ — Total $ 2,129,810 $ 1,633,220 $ 688,066

Condensed Quarterly Financial67

Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Quarterly Financial Information	The following tables summarize the Company's quarterly financial data: 2015 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 557,695 $ 553,653 $ 590,039 $ 810,006 Net income 42,928 36,326 44,701 32,322 Net income attributable to NGHC common shareholders 41,737 33,783 38,988 13,719 Comprehensive income (loss) - attributable to NGHC shareholders 55,259 20,837 30,566 (4,016 ) Basic earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.45 $ 0.36 $ 0.39 $ 0.13 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.43 $ 0.35 $ 0.38 $ 0.13 2014 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 409,149 $ 442,930 $ 496,463 $ 513,553 Net income 26,424 30,296 32,550 15,477 Net income attributable to NGHC common shareholders 26,392 30,334 32,060 11,166 Comprehensive income - attributable to NGHC shareholders 34,566 46,597 22,330 11,517 Basic earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.31 $ 0.32 $ 0.34 $ 0.12 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to NGHC shareholders $ 0.30 $ 0.32 $ 0.33 $ 0.12

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015state
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of states in which the Company is licensed to operate	50

Significant Accounting Polici69

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Premium receivables, period for recognition, minimum	6 months
Premium receivables, period for recognition, maximum	12 months
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ 15,247	$ 2,244	$ 2,869
Impairment of long-lived assets held-for-use	0	0	0
Assessment expense levied by state agency	$ 11,631	$ 6,267	$ 6,866

Significant Accounting Polici70

Significant Accounting Policies (Advertising Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Advertising Costs [Abstract]
Advertising Costs	$ 38,263	$ 31,198	$ 31,596

Significant Accounting Polici71

Significant Accounting Policies (Premises and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
Hardware and software \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Hardware and software \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	5 years
Furniture and equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Furniture and equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	10 years

Significant Accounting Polici72

Significant Accounting Policies (Reclassifications) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Balance Sheet Reclassifications	$ 110,348

Significant Accounting Polici73

Significant Accounting Policies (Service and Fee Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Installment fees	$ 32,404	$ 30,323	$ 30,666
Commission revenue	58,807	52,597	43,716
General agent fees	76,855	45,637	21,526
Late payment fees	12,210	11,658	11,240
Group health administrative fees	29,622	4,358	3,321
Finance and processing fees	52,865	13,569	11,727
Lender service fees	4,364	0	0
Other	6,421	10,429	5,345
Service and fee income	$ 273,548	$ 168,571	$ 127,541

Significant Accounting Polici74

Significant Accounting Policies (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								12 Months Ended
Reciprocal Exchanges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Entity
Total revenues	$ 810,006	$ 590,039	$ 553,653	$ 557,695	$ 513,553	$ 496,463	$ 442,930	$ 409,149	$ 2,511,393	$ 1,862,095	$ 931,862
Total expenses									2,346,803	1,734,652	879,605
Net income	32,322	$ 44,701	$ 36,326	$ 42,928	15,477	$ 32,550	$ 30,296	$ 26,424	156,277	104,747	42,391
Service and fee income									273,548	168,571	127,541
Assets
Accrued investment income	20,402				14,451				20,402	14,451
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	833,176				911,798				833,176	911,798	950,828		$ 991,447
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	128,343				102,761				128,343	102,761
Intangible assets, net	348,898				248,837				348,898	248,837
Income tax receivable	300				0				300	0
Other assets	3,221,397				2,217,114				3,221,397	2,217,114
Total assets	5,563,392				4,324,716				5,563,392	4,324,716
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,755,624				1,562,153				1,755,624	1,562,153	1,259,241		$ 1,286,533
Unearned premiums	1,192,499				864,436				1,192,499	864,436
Reinsurance payable	69,172				111,641				69,172	111,641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	284,902				207,121				284,902	207,121
Deferred tax liability	12,247				67,535				12,247	67,535
Notes payable	491,537				299,082				491,537	299,082
Due to affiliate	0				1,552				0	1,552
Other liabilities	150,190				51,824				150,190	51,824
Total liabilities	4,026,752				3,251,266				4,026,752	3,251,266
Non-controlling interest	22,840				13,756				22,840	13,756
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,563,392				4,324,716				5,563,392	4,324,716
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity
Total revenues									203,492	54,347
Total expenses									189,599	51,841
Net income									13,893	2,506
Assets
Cash and investments												$ 235,684
Accrued investment income	2,347				1,898				2,347	1,898		1,975
Premiums receivable												62,412
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	39,085				23,583				39,085	23,583	0	19,137
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	61,730				26,924				61,730	26,924		27,166
Intangible assets, net	4,825				11,433				4,825	11,433		13,901
Income tax receivable	300				0				300	0		819
Other assets												124
Total assets												361,218
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	132,392				111,848				132,392	111,848	0	113,828
Unearned premiums	146,186				119,998				146,186	119,998		114,786
Reinsurance payable	14,357				13,811				14,357	13,811		5,167
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	19,845				17,691				19,845	17,691		10,120
Deferred tax liability	32,724				38,402				32,724	38,402		39,238
Notes payable	45,476				48,374				45,476	48,374		44,600
Due to affiliate	0				1,552				0	1,552		17,808
Other liabilities	38,105				5,710				38,105	5,710		4,506
Total liabilities												350,053
Non-controlling interest	22,619				13,670				22,619	13,670		11,165
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity												$ 361,218
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity
Service and fee income									39,792	9,901
Assets
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	794,091				888,215				794,091	888,215	950,828
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,623,232				1,450,305				1,623,232	1,450,305	$ 1,259,241
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	265,057				189,430				265,057	189,430
Deferred tax liability					29,133					29,133
Other liabilities	$ 112,085				$ 46,114				$ 112,085	$ 46,114

Investments - Available-for-sal

Investments - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	$ 2,445,284	$ 1,655,451
Total net of Securities pledged	2,390,329	1,607,905
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	35,765	56,825
Total net of Securities pledged	35,326	54,915
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(64,845)	(17,375)
Total net of Securities pledged	64,845	17,375
Fair Value
Total	2,416,204	1,694,901
Total net of Securities pledged	2,360,810	1,645,445
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	63,303	52,272
Fixed maturities	2,081,456	1,330,760
Total	2,199,714	1,430,578
Securities pledged	54,955	47,546
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	34,773	55,031
Securities pledged	439	1,910
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(58,826)	(16,264)
Securities pledged	0	0
Fair Value
Equity securities	57,216	45,802
Fixed maturities	2,063,051	1,374,087
Total	2,175,661	1,469,345
Securities pledged	55,394	49,456
Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	1,501	2,752
Fixed maturities	244,069	222,121
Total	245,570	224,873
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	992	1,794
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(6,019)	(1,111)
Fair Value
Equity securities	1,574	2,817
Fixed maturities	238,969	222,739
Total	240,543	225,556
Common Stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	53,356	47,269
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities	569	1,004
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities	(6,960)	(7,349)
Fair Value
Equity securities	46,965	40,924
Preferred stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	11,448	7,755
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities	377	65
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities	0	(125)
Fair Value
Equity securities	11,825	7,695
U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	19,348	37,446
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	1,052	1,536
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(48)	(3)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	20,352	38,979
U.S. Treasury \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	13,416	19,068
Fair Value
Total	14,448	20,475
U.S. Treasury \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	5,932	18,378
Fair Value
Total	5,904	18,504
Federal agencies
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	1,945	98
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	7	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	1,952	98
States and political subdivision bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	193,017	172,617
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	4,516	4,961
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(609)	(169)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	196,924	177,409
Foreign government
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	31,383	6,194
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	31	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(352)	(658)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	31,062	5,536
Corporate bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	1,375,336	839,436
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	22,224	36,525
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(47,902)	(8,699)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	1,349,658	867,262
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	419,293	459,596
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	6,254	11,132
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(978)	(92)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	424,569	470,636
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	135,134	79,579
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	720	1,602
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(3,649)	(189)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	132,205	80,992
Asset-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities		5,461
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities		0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities		(91)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities		$ 5,370
Structured securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	205,024
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	15
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(4,347)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities	$ 200,692

Investments - Debt Securities M

Investments - Debt Securities Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 28,447
Due after one year through five years	279,979
Due after five years through ten years	1,141,864
Due after ten years	375,763
Mortgage-backed securities	554,427
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,380,480
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	28,031
Due after one year through five years	280,623
Due after five years through ten years	1,124,801
Due after ten years	367,185
Mortgage-backed securities	556,774
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,357,414
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	28,272
Due after one year through five years	244,834
Due after five years through ten years	1,031,918
Due after ten years	330,244
Mortgage-backed securities	501,143
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,136,411
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	27,853
Due after one year through five years	246,342
Due after five years through ten years	1,017,146
Due after ten years	321,985
Mortgage-backed securities	505,119
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,118,445
Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	175
Due after one year through five years	35,145
Due after five years through ten years	109,946
Due after ten years	45,519
Mortgage-backed securities	53,284
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	244,069
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	178
Due after one year through five years	34,281
Due after five years through ten years	107,655
Due after ten years	45,200
Mortgage-backed securities	51,655
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	$ 238,969

Investments - Investment Income

Investments - Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	$ 69,773	$ 52,471	$ 34,011
Investment expense	(3,529)	(2,629)	(2,927)
Repurchase Agreements interest expense	(213)	(236)	(276)
Net investment income	75,340	52,426	30,808
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	66,429	50,627	30,808
Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	8,911	1,799	0
Cash and short term investments
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	186	114	14
Equity securities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	277	349	0
Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	69,310	52,008	33,936
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	0	0	61
Other investments
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	9,309	2,820	$ 0
ACP Re
Net Investment Income
Interest income, related party	$ 8,701	$ 2,601

Investments - Realized Gains an

Investments - Realized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	$ 180,412	$ 218,496	$ 296,391
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	(15,247)	(2,244)	(2,869)
Gross Gains	8,250	185	8,865
Gross Losses	(18,557)	(3,077)	(10,534)
Net Gains (Losses)	(10,307)	(2,892)	(1,669)
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	7,005	185
Gross Losses	(17,658)	(3,077)
Net Gains (Losses)	(10,653)	(2,892)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	1,245	0
Gross Losses	(899)	0
Net Gains (Losses)	346	0
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	5	34
Gross Losses	(1,608)	(613)
Net Gains (Losses)	(1,603)	(579)
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Gross Gains	8,245	151	8,865
Gross Losses	(1,702)	(220)	(7,665)
Net Gains (Losses)	$ 6,543	$ (69)	$ 1,200

Investments - Unrealized Gains

Investments - Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Deferred income tax	$ (10,185)	$ 13,787	$ 2,598
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	(18,915)	25,681	7,060
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(15,634)	24,998	7,060
Change for the year in net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax	(44,596)	17,938	(25,414)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Change for the year in net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax	(40,632)	17,938	(25,414)
Non-controlling Interest
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	3,281	(683)	0
Change for the year in net unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax	(3,964)	0	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	(15,634)	24,998	7,060
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	(3,281)	683	0
Common Stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments before taxes	(6,391)	(6,345)	0
Preferred stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments before taxes	377	(60)	(652)
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments before taxes	(23,066)	45,855	10,310
Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments before taxes	$ (20)	$ 18	$ 0

Investments - Gross Unrealized

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 1,092,393	$ 232,998
12 Months or More	41,148	38,786
Total	1,133,541	271,784
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(54,490)	(14,010)
12 Months or More	(10,355)	(3,365)
Total	$ (64,845)	$ (17,375)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	383	186
12 Months or More \| security	61	22
Number of securities with gross unrealized loss \| security	444	208
Available For Sale Securities Unrealized Losses Having Loss Of Twenty Percent Or More	$ 8,466
Twenty Percent Of Amortized Cost or Cost	20.00%
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ 15,247	$ 2,244	$ 2,869
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	988,188	142,313
12 Months or More	28,691	38,786
Total	1,016,879	181,099
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(50,599)	(12,899)
12 Months or More	(8,227)	(3,365)
Total	$ (58,826)	$ (16,264)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	284	97
12 Months or More \| security	34	22
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 104,205	$ 90,685
12 Months or More	12,457	0
Total	116,662	90,685
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(3,891)	(1,111)
12 Months or More	(2,128)	0
Total	$ (6,019)	$ (1,111)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	99	89
12 Months or More \| security	27	0
Common Stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 39,490	$ 33,717
12 Months or More	130	0
Total	39,620	33,717
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(6,932)	(7,349)
12 Months or More	(28)	0
Total	$ (6,960)	$ (7,349)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	5	3
12 Months or More \| security	2	0
Preferred stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months		$ 0
12 Months or More		4,878
Total		4,878
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months		0
12 Months or More		(125)
Total		$ (125)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security		0
12 Months or More \| security		1
U.S. Treasury
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 7,141	$ 6,343
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	7,141	6,343
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(48)	(3)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (48)	$ (3)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	5	5
12 Months or More \| security	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 17,674	$ 16,320
12 Months or More	4,878	8,341
Total	22,552	24,661
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(501)	(92)
12 Months or More	(108)	(77)
Total	$ (609)	$ (169)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	22	39
12 Months or More \| security	10	8
Foreign government
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 21,322	$ 5,536
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	21,322	5,536
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(352)	(658)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (352)	$ (658)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	4	1
12 Months or More \| security	0	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 684,613	$ 116,880
12 Months or More	32,121	23,592
Total	716,734	140,472
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(37,919)	(5,594)
12 Months or More	(9,983)	(3,105)
Total	$ (47,902)	$ (8,699)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	229	108
12 Months or More \| security	38	10
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 102,889	$ 15,598
12 Months or More	1,655	1,975
Total	104,544	17,573
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(919)	(34)
12 Months or More	(59)	(58)
Total	$ (978)	$ (92)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	23	17
12 Months or More \| security	9	3
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 66,222	$ 33,735
12 Months or More	2,364	0
Total	68,586	33,735
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(3,472)	(189)
12 Months or More	(177)	0
Total	$ (3,649)	$ (189)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	30	10
12 Months or More \| security	2	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	$ 153,042
12 Months or More	0
Total	153,042
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(4,347)
12 Months or More	0
Total	$ (4,347)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months \| security	65
12 Months or More \| security	0

Investments - Credit Quality of

Investments - Credit Quality of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 2,445,284	$ 1,655,451
Total	2,416,204	1,694,901
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,199,714	1,430,578
Total	2,175,661	1,469,345
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	245,570	224,873
Total	240,543	225,556
Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,146,357	1,383,309
Total	$ 2,128,695	$ 1,428,421
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 245,571	$ 224,873
Total	$ 240,544	$ 225,556
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Treasury \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 13,416	$ 19,068
Total	$ 14,448	$ 20,475
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	0.70%	1.40%
U.S. Treasury \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 5,932	$ 18,378
Total	$ 5,904	$ 18,504
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	2.50%	8.20%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 343,128	$ 359,424
Total	$ 348,073	$ 370,058
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	16.40%	25.90%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 39,724	$ 24,956
Total	$ 38,888	$ 25,027
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	16.20%	11.10%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 379,560	$ 275,905
Total	$ 383,888	$ 282,443
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	18.00%	19.80%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 36,866	$ 0
Total	$ 36,934	$ 0
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	15.40%	0.00%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 501,409	$ 300,789
Total	$ 508,884	$ 318,955
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	23.90%	22.30%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 50,612	$ 99,754
Total	$ 50,153	$ 100,412
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	20.80%	44.50%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 634,250	$ 328,594
Total	$ 623,742	$ 335,745
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	29.30%	23.50%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 82,417	$ 48,440
Total	$ 80,322	$ 48,486
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	33.40%	21.50%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 274,594	$ 99,529
Total	$ 249,660	$ 100,745
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	11.70%	7.10%
Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 30,020	$ 33,345
Total	$ 28,343	$ 33,127
Percentage Of Fixed Maturity and Preferred Securities	11.70%	14.70%

Investments - Investment Qualit

Investments - Investment Quality Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 2,416,204	$ 1,694,901
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	2,175,661	1,469,345
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	240,543	225,556
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 1,349,658	$ 867,262
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate Debt Securities \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 1,206,442	$ 762,822
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	89.40%	88.30%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 143,216	$ 104,440
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	10.60%	11.70%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.40%	1.40%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.40%	1.40%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	6.70%	6.00%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	6.10%	6.00%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.60%	0.00%
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	37.00%	38.50%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	33.90%	34.00%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	3.10%	4.50%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	48.40%	43.70%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	42.70%	38.60%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	5.70%	5.10%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	7.50%	10.40%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	6.30%	8.30%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	1.20%	2.10%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Financial Institutions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 524,250	$ 376,236
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	38.80%	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 Minus, and AA Plus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	2.80%	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	21.20%	26.90%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Financial Institutions \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	12.70%	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	2.10%	2.50%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Industrials
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 757,907	$ 427,592
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	56.20%	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 Minus, and AA Plus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	3.90%	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	15.40%	9.40%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Industrials \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, 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	4.60%	5.90%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Utilities And Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 67,501	$ 63,434
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	5.00%	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	0.40%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Utilities And Other \| Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus 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	0.40%	2.20%
Corporate Debt Securities \| Utilities And Other \| Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	3.40%	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	0.80%	2.00%

Investments - Restricted Cash a

Investments - Restricted Cash and Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 13,776	$ 7,937
Restricted investments - fixed maturities at fair value	40,174	56,049
Total restricted cash and investments	$ 53,950	$ 63,986

Investments - Other (Details)

Investments - Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Investments - Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	$ 52,484	$ 46,804
Repurchase Agreements, interest expense	213	236	$ 276
Securities for reverse repurchase agreements	0	0
Reverse repurchase agreements, interest income amount	$ 0	$ 0	$ 61
Minimum
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, interest rate	0.80%	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	$ 55,394	$ 49,456

Investments Investments - Contr

Investments Investments - Contractual Maturity Information Regarding Repurchase Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	$ 52,484	$ 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	52,484
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	52,484
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	52,484
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 Instr87

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 08, 2015	Aug. 18, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	May. 23, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Percentage of investments priced by service	100.00%
Notes payable	$ 491,537			$ 299,082
7.625% Notes \| Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate on debt	7.625%
Notes payable			$ 100,000
7.625% Notes \| Senior Notes \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Current fair value of notes	$ 98,240
6.75% Notes \| Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes payable						$ 250,000
6.75% Notes \| Senior Notes \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Current fair value of notes	$ 350,000			276,014
Additional 6.75% Notes \| Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes payable		$ 100,000
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	$ 4,979			4,982
Libor Plus Four Point Zero Five Percent Notes \| Surplus Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Notes payable					$ 5,000
Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes \| Surplus Notes \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Current fair value of notes	50,300			42,000
Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd.
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Deferred purchase price	4,081
Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Deferred purchase price	4,500
ACP Re \| Affiliated Entity \| Tower International
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Deferred purchase price	$ 16,071			$ 23,499

Fair Value of Financial Instr88

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	$ 2,416,204	$ 1,694,901
Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	2,419,731	1,705,441
Contingent payments	24,652	23,499
Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	69,269	45,514
Contingent payments	0	0
Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	2,350,462	1,625,538
Contingent payments	0	0
Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	0	34,389
Contingent payments	24,652	23,499
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	46,965	40,924
Common Stock \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	46,965	40,924
Common Stock \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	46,965	6,535
Common Stock \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	0	0
Common Stock \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	0	34,389
Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	11,825	7,695
Preferred stock \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	11,825	7,695
Preferred stock \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	0	0
Preferred stock \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	11,825	7,695
Preferred stock \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	0	0
U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	20,352	38,979
U.S. Treasury \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	20,352	38,979
U.S. Treasury \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	20,352	38,979
U.S. Treasury \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
U.S. Treasury \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,952	98
Federal agencies \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,952	98
Federal agencies \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,952	0
Federal agencies \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	98
Federal agencies \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	196,924	177,409
States and political subdivision bonds \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	196,924	177,409
States and political subdivision bonds \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	196,924	177,409
States and political subdivision bonds \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	31,062	5,536
Foreign government \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	31,062	5,536
Foreign government \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Foreign government \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	31,062	5,536
Foreign government \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,349,658	867,262
Corporate bonds \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,349,658	867,262
Corporate bonds \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Corporate bonds \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	1,349,658	867,262
Corporate bonds \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	424,569	470,636
Residential mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	424,569	470,636
Residential mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	424,569	470,636
Residential mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	132,205	80,992
Commercial mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	132,205	80,992
Commercial mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	132,205	80,992
Commercial mortgage-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	200,692
Structured securities \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	200,692
Structured securities \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0
Structured securities \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	200,692
Structured securities \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities		5,370
Asset-backed securities \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities		5,370
Asset-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities		0
Asset-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities		5,370
Asset-backed securities \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities		0
Short-term Investments \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	3,527	10,540
Short-term Investments \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
Short-term Investments \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	3,527	10,540
Short-term Investments \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities	0	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	57,216	45,802
Fixed maturities	2,063,051	1,374,087
Total assets	2,175,661	1,469,345
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	2,177,189	1,469,395
Contingent payments	24,652	23,499
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	61,413	45,514
Contingent payments	0	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	2,115,776	1,389,492
Contingent payments	0	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	0	34,389
Contingent payments	24,652	23,499
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	14,448	20,475
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities	1,574	2,817
Fixed maturities	238,969	222,739
Total assets	240,543	225,556
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	242,542	236,046
Contingent payments	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring \| Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	7,856	0
Contingent payments	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring \| Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	234,686	236,046
Contingent payments	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Recurring \| Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	0	0
Contingent payments	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	$ 5,904	$ 18,504

Fair Value of Financial Instr89

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 0	$ 34,389	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,526	(7,328)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	41,717
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net	(36,915)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	24,652	23,499	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	2,357	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	8,581	26,100
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements)	(9,785)	(2,601)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net	0	0
Contingent payments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	24,652	23,499	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	2,357	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	8,581	26,100
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements)	(9,785)	(2,601)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net	0	0
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0	34,389	$ 0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,526	(7,328)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	0	41,717
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements)	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net	$ (36,915)	$ 0

Equity Investments in Unconso90

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)ft²	Jul. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Additional required capital to keep life settlement policies in-force					50.00%
Rent expense					$ 14,310	$ 12,131	$ 11,958
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 10,643	$ 1,180	1,274
LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%
Investment discount rate					7.50%
Effective discount rate (EDR)					13.70%	14.00%
800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 1,720	$ 2,140
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ (420)	(737)	(558)
East Ninth & Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 4,139	4,079
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 60	70	(57)
800 Superior NMTC investment Fund II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					24.50%
Minimum \| LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate (EDR)					12.50%
Maximum \| LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate (EDR)					17.50%
ACP Re \| Illinois Center Building, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership		$ 21,486
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation		15.00%
NA Advisors GP LLC \| North Dearborn Building Company, L.P.
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%
NA Advisors GP LLC \| Illinois Center Building, L.P.
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%
800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Area of office lease space (sqft) \| ft²								134,000
Term of lease								15 years
Rent expense					$ 2,655	2,243	2,143
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. \| AMTCH
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired	50.00%
800 Superior, LLC \| Building
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Cost of building				$ 7,500
VIE, Not primary beneficiary \| LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Contribution amount to acquire equity investment					565	18,056	35,391
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					153,661	146,089	126,186	$ 66,484
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries					8,930	1,847	1,900
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions					$ 1,923	$ 0	$ 0
VIE, Not primary beneficiary \| Tiger
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired									50.00%
VIE, Not primary beneficiary \| AMTCH
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Contribution amount to acquire equity investment	$ 12,136
Equity interest percentage acquired	50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 22,411
Difference between equity interest and consideration paid	$ 10,275
Affiliated Entity \| North Dearborn Building Company, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					45.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 9,862
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries					756
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions					$ 607
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests			$ 9,714
Affiliated Entity \| 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 10,559
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 28
Affiliated Entity \| Illinois Center Building, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity interest percentage acquired					37.50%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 55,007
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ 1,292
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests		$ 53,715
Affiliated Entity \| Building \| 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Cost of building		$ 21,000

Equity Investments in Unconso91

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Investment Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investment
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries		$ 10,643	$ 1,180	$ 1,274
VIE, Not primary beneficiary \| LSC Entities
Equity Method Investment
Beginning balance		146,089	126,186	66,484
Distributions		(1,923)	0	0
Contributions		565	18,056	35,391
Acquisition of interest		0	0	22,411
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries		8,930	1,847	1,900
Change in equity method investments		7,572	19,903	59,702
Ending balance		$ 153,661	$ 146,089	$ 126,186
VIE, Not primary beneficiary \| AMTCH
Equity Method Investment
Contributions	$ 12,136
Ending balance	$ 22,411

Equity Investments in Unconso92

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Balance Sheet (Details) - VIE, Not primary beneficiary - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$ 264,001	$ 264,517	$ 233,024
Total assets	334,026	318,598	270,758
Total liabilities	26,704	26,420	18,387
Members' equity	307,322	292,178	252,371
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 153,661	$ 146,089	$ 126,186		$ 66,484
AMTCH
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
NGHC's 50% ownership interest				$ 22,411

Equity Investments in Unconso93

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 10,643	$ 1,180	$ 1,274
VIE, Not primary beneficiary \| LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Revenue, net of commission	66,435	50,447	7,828
Total expenses	48,575	46,753	4,029
Net income (loss)	17,860	3,694	3,799
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 8,930	$ 1,847	$ 1,900

Equity Investments in Unconso94

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Fair Value Quantitative Information (Details) - LSC Entities - $ / policy $ / policy in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Average age of insured	81 years 2 months	81 years 1 month
Average life expectancy, months	114 months	121 months
Average face amount per policy	6,564	6,624
Effective discount rate	13.70%	14.00%
Investment discount rate	7.50%
Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate	12.50%
Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate	17.50%

Equity Investments in Unconso95

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts (Details) - LSC Entities $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts
2,016	$ 54,540
2,017	53,002
2,018	41,409
2,019	41,385
2,020	38,627
Thereafter	487,107
Total	$ 716,070

Equity Investments in Unconso96

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Increase (Decrease) in Carrying Value of Investment in Life Insurance Policies (Details) - LSC Entities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Change in life expectancy plus 4 months	$ (37,697)	$ (34,686)
Change in life expectancy minus 4 months	40,997	36,486
Change in discount rate plus 1%	(26,558)	(22,705)
Change in discount rate minus 1%	$ 29,644	$ 25,456

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 23, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 15, 2014USD ($)company	Jul. 01, 2014USD ($)state	Jun. 27, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 16, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Business Acquisition
Gross premium written									$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107	$ 1,338,755
Service and fee income									273,548	168,571	127,541
Goodwill additions									59,116	19,522	$ 31,597
LPI Business
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible	$ 19,726
Gross premium written									126,570
Service and fee income									8,584
Intangible assets	61,645
Purchase price of acquired interest	95,726
Assurant Health
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible	7,288
Gross premium written									55,693
Service and fee income									17,881
Intangible assets	10,493
Purchase price of acquired interest	14,000
Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd.
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible		$ 0
Purchase price of acquired interest		48,000
Goodwill additions		$ 14,600
Contingent payments									4,081
Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible			$ 4,555
Purchase price of acquired interest			15,000
Goodwill additions			$ 4,555
Contingent payments									4,500
Management Companies
Business Acquisition
Intangible assets				$ 144,700
Number of management companies acquired \| company				2
Purchase price of acquired interest				$ 7,500
Agent Alliance Insurance Company
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible					$ 0
Intangible assets					900
Purchase price of acquired interest					$ 17,343
Number of states licensed as a surplus carrier \| state					30
Percent of ACP Re auto reinsurance					100.00%
Imperial
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible						$ 0
Intangible assets						15,100
Purchase price of acquired interest						$ 20,000
Personal Express
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible							$ 0
Intangible assets							2,700
Purchase price of acquired interest							$ 21,496
Anticemex Reinsurance S.A.
Business Acquisition
Goodwill expected to be deductible								$ 0
Intangible assets								132
Purchase price of acquired interest								$ 62,973
Equity interest percentage acquired								100.00%
ACP Re \| Affiliated Entity \| Tower International
Business Acquisition
Contingent payments				$ 26,100
Term of contingent payments				3 years
Contingent payments as a percent of gross written premiums				3.00%
Percentage of voting interests acquired				100.00%
ACP Re \| Affiliated Entity \| Tower International
Business Acquisition
Contingent payments									$ 16,071	$ 23,499
Term of contingent payments									3 years
Contingent payments as a percent of gross written premiums									3.00%
ACP Re \| Maximum \| Affiliated Entity \| Tower International
Business Acquisition
Contingent payments				$ 30,000
Agent/Customer relationships \| LPI Business
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 50,000
Acquired Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life	15 years
Proprietary technology \| LPI Business
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 10,000
Acquired Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life	10 years
Other Intangible Assets \| LPI Business
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 1,645
Acquired Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life	7 years
Renewal rights \| Management Companies
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				$ 26,100
Acquired Finite-lived intangible assets, weighted average useful life				7 years
Management contracts \| Management Companies
Business Acquisition
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired				$ 118,600

Acquisitions - Assets and Liabi

Acquisitions - Assets and Liabilities Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2015	Sep. 15, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Jan. 16, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition
Additional paid-in capital							$ 900,114	$ 690,736
Goodwill							$ 112,414	$ 70,764	$ 70,351	$ 40,199
LPI Business
Business Acquisition
Cash and invested assets	$ 290,262
Receivables	129,878
Premises and equipment	1,752
Intangible assets	61,645
Other assets	1,538
Total Assets	485,075
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	102,913
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	60,335
Unearned premium	245,827
Total liabilities	409,075
Net assets purchased	76,000
Purchase price	95,726
Goodwill	19,726
Assurant Health
Business Acquisition
Cash and invested assets	43,448
Receivables	18,645
Intangible assets	10,493
Total Assets	72,586
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	66,344
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	281
Unearned premium	2,505
Deferred tax liability	3,887
Other liabilities	678
Total liabilities	73,695
Net assets purchased	(1,109)
Purchase price	14,000
Goodwill	$ 15,109
Management Companies
Business Acquisition
Cash		$ 70
Receivables		3,010
Intangible assets		144,700
Total Assets		147,780
Due to related party		26,100
Deferred tax liability		39,965
Total liabilities		66,065
Net assets purchased		81,715
Purchase price		7,500
Additional paid-in capital		$ 74,215
Agent Alliance Insurance Company
Business Acquisition
Cash and invested assets			$ 15,535
Accrued interest			138
Receivables			992
Reinsurance recoverable			6,966
Prepaid reinsurance			1,608
Intangible assets			900
Goodwill			1,005
Income tax receivable			84
Total Assets			27,228
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves			6,867
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			323
Unearned premium			1,608
Reinsurance payable			397
Notes payable			350
Deferred tax liability			340
Total liabilities			9,885
Net assets purchased			17,343
Purchase price			$ 17,343
Imperial
Business Acquisition
Cash and invested assets				$ 61,011
Accrued interest				484
Receivables				37,348
Reinsurance recoverable				13,445
Prepaid reinsurance				36,203
Premises and equipment				1,893
Intangible assets				15,100
Income tax receivable				104
Other assets				214
Total Assets				165,802
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves				42,796
Accounts payable and accrued expenses				17,253
Unearned premium				50,178
Reinsurance payable				29,223
Notes payable				8,916
Total liabilities				148,366
Net assets purchased				17,436
Purchase price				20,000
Goodwill				$ 2,564
Personal Express
Business Acquisition
Cash and invested assets					$ 28,725
Receivables					2,915
Intangible assets					2,700
Deferred tax asset					119
Other assets					729
Total Assets					35,188
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves					4,472
Accounts payable and accrued expenses					3,186
Unearned premium					8,352
Reinsurance payable					816
Total liabilities					16,826
Net assets purchased					18,362
Purchase price					21,496
Goodwill					$ 3,134
Anticemex Reinsurance S.A.
Business Acquisition
Cash and invested assets						$ 6,393
Prepaid reinsurance						1
Intangible assets						132
Loan receivable						62,973
Total Assets						69,499
Accounts payable and accrued expenses						20
Deferred tax liability						19,123
Total liabilities						19,143
Net assets purchased						50,356
Purchase price						62,973
Goodwill						$ 12,617

Goodwill and Intangible Asset99

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Composition of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill	$ 112,414	$ 70,764	$ 70,351	$ 40,199
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	45,275	34,132
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	165,133
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	506,587	353,733
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	461,312	319,601
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	8,200	8,200
Accumulated Amortization	6,744	5,737
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 1,456	$ 2,463
Useful Life	5 years	5 years
Loss reserve discount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 15,089	$ 12,451
Accumulated Amortization	12,779	12,071
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 2,310	$ 380
Useful Life	7 years	7 years
Agent/Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 148,419	$ 43,652
Accumulated Amortization	18,562	9,602
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	129,857	34,050
Affinity partners
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	800	800
Accumulated Amortization	436	363
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 364	$ 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
Accumulated Amortization		2,468
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total		$ 6,033
Useful Life		1 year
Renewal rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 26,100	$ 26,100
Accumulated Amortization	6,375	1,474
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 19,725	$ 24,626
Useful Life	7 years	7 years
Proprietary technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 11,800
Accumulated Amortization	379
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	11,421
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	44,700	$ 31,663
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	163,408
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	501,187	339,831
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	456,487	308,168
Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	575	2,469
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	1,725
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	5,400	13,902
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	$ 4,825	$ 11,433
Minimum \| Agent/Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	11 years	11 years
Minimum \| Proprietary technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	3 years
Maximum \| Agent/Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	17 years	17 years
Maximum \| Proprietary technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	10 years
Management contracts
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 118,600	$ 118,600
State licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 65,165	$ 62,165

Goodwill and Intangible Asse100

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Entity Information
2,016	$ 20,864
2,017	19,313
2,018	14,816
2,019	13,828
2,020	12,069
Thereafter	84,243
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	165,133
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
2,016	20,634
2,017	19,083
2,018	14,586
2,019	13,598
2,020	11,839
Thereafter	83,668
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	163,408
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
2,016	230
2,017	230
2,018	230
2,019	230
2,020	230
Thereafter	575
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 1,725

Goodwill and Intangible Asse101

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 70,764	$ 70,351	$ 40,199
Goodwill additions	59,116	19,522	31,597
Foreign currency adjustments		(3,317)
Impairment	(17,466)	(15,792)	(1,445)
Goodwill, ending balance	112,414	70,764	70,351
Property and Casualty
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	30,082	32,798	28,074
Goodwill additions	39,455	6,703	6,169
Foreign currency adjustments		0
Impairment	(11,222)	(9,419)	(1,445)
Goodwill, ending balance	58,315	30,082	32,798
Accident and Health
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	40,682	37,553	12,125
Goodwill additions	19,661	12,819	25,428
Foreign currency adjustments		(3,317)
Impairment	(6,244)	(6,373)	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 54,099	$ 40,682	$ 37,553

Goodwill and Intangible Asse102

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 41,650
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease)	100,061
Amortization of intangible assets	20,389	$ 13,791	$ 6,420
Impairment of intangible assets	574	812
Goodwill impairment loss	17,466	15,792	1,445
Goodwill, Gross	151,800	92,684
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	39,386	21,920
Goodwill	112,414	70,764	$ 70,351	$ 40,199
Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets	4,380	2,468
Luxembourg reinsurance subsidiaries
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill	$ 8,434	$ 25,900

Premiums and Other Receivabl103

Premiums and Other Receivables, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Premiums receivable (Related parties - $46,565 and $153,654)	$ 652,400	$ 543,574
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Related parties - $15,715 and $13,459)	64,056	59,318
Commission receivables	20,337	14,234
Investment receivables	0	19,072
Other receivables (Related parties - $26 and $1,021)	35,273	20,973
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(13,433)	(9,728)
Total premiums and other receivables, net	758,633	647,443
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Total premiums and other receivables, net	702,439	589,205
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Total premiums and other receivables, net	56,194	58,238
Related party transactions
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Premiums receivable (Related parties - $46,565 and $153,654)	46,565	153,654
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Related parties - $15,715 and $13,459)	15,715	13,459
Other receivables (Related parties - $26 and $1,021)	26	1,021
Total premiums and other receivables, net	$ 62,306	$ 168,134

Premises and Equipment, Net (De

Premises and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	$ 110,204	$ 81,581
Accumulated Depreciation	67,273	50,998
Net Value	42,931	30,583
Depreciation and amortization expense	12,065	14,457	$ 13,685
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	2,935	287
Net Value	2,935	287
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	11,390	4,013
Accumulated Depreciation	313	208
Net Value	11,077	3,805
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	7,343	4,505
Accumulated Depreciation	1,529	228
Net Value	5,814	4,277
Furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	3,656	581
Accumulated Depreciation	1,303	133
Net Value	2,353	448
Hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	84,880	70,104
Accumulated Depreciation	64,128	50,429
Net Value	20,752	19,675
Work-in-process systems and software
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost		2,091
Accumulated Depreciation		0
Net Value		2,091
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	109,479
Accumulated Depreciation	66,880
Net Value	42,599
Reciprocal Exchanges
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	725
Accumulated Depreciation	393
Net Value	$ 332	$ 0

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current expense (benefit)
Federal	$ 53,959	$ 87,270	$ 18,446
Foreign	0	0	0
Total current tax expense	53,959	87,270	18,446
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal	(7,909)	(42,157)	(5,519)
Foreign	(27,094)	(21,237)	(1,787)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	(35,003)	(63,394)	(7,306)
Provision for income taxes	18,956	23,876	$ 11,140
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Current expense (benefit)
Federal	55,018	86,250
Foreign	0	0
Total current tax expense	55,018	86,250
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal	(3,019)	(42,301)
Foreign	(27,094)	(21,237)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	(30,113)	(63,538)
Provision for income taxes	24,905	22,712
Reciprocal Exchanges
Current expense (benefit)
Federal	(1,059)	1,020
Foreign	0	0
Total current tax expense	(1,059)	1,020
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal	(4,890)	144
Foreign	0	0
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	(4,890)	144
Provision for income taxes	$ (5,949)	$ 1,164

Income Taxes - Domestic and For

Income Taxes - Domestic and Foreign Components of Income Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Entity Information
Domestic	$ 233,652	$ 198,818	$ 33,873
Foreign	(69,062)	(71,375)	18,384
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	164,590	127,443	$ 52,257
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Domestic	225,708	195,148
Foreign	(69,062)	(71,375)
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	156,646	123,773
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Domestic	7,944	3,670
Foreign	0	0
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 7,944	$ 3,670

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	$ 29,226	$ 26,687
Unearned premiums	74,935	56,739
Bad debt	4,268	3,302
Investments	760	0
Depreciation	1,725	982
Contingent commissions	10,529	9,102
Loss reserve discounting	8,637	8,543
Suspended Subpart F losses	7,364	34,309
Net operating loss carryforwards	21,067	18,201
Capital loss carryforwards	1,241	1,309
Partnership activity	0	706
Impairments	6,137	786
Goodwill	968	539
Unearned revenue	6,540	2,662
Unrealized capital losses	10,185	0
Foreign translation	2,035	0
APIC stock compensation	1,808	2,204
Alternative minimum tax credits	611	1,723
Other	1,001	2,736
Gross deferred tax assets	189,037	170,530
Less: Valuation allowance	(17,295)	(21,518)
Total deferred tax assets	171,742	149,012
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	56,024	44,355
Investments items	255	1,730
Intangible assets	74,276	72,175
Premises and equipment	4,759	4,759
Statutory equalization reserves	13,778	40,872
Unrealized capital gains	0	16,104
Surplus note interest	34,491	36,074
Other	406	478
Gross deferred tax liabilities	183,989	216,547
Deferred tax liability, net	12,247	67,535
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	27,675	24,772
Unearned premiums	68,902	50,128
Bad debt	3,692	3,212
Investments	760	0
Depreciation	1,725	982
Contingent commissions	10,529	9,102
Loss reserve discounting	7,244	7,310
Suspended Subpart F losses	7,364	34,309
Net operating loss carryforwards	3,309	3,042
Capital loss carryforwards	1,241	1,247
Partnership activity	0	706
Impairments	6,122	786
Goodwill	968	539
Unearned revenue	6,540	2,662
Unrealized capital losses	8,418	0
Foreign translation	2,035	0
APIC stock compensation	1,808	2,204
Alternative minimum tax credits	0	1,112
Other	897	2,174
Gross deferred tax assets	159,229	144,287
Less: Valuation allowance	0	0
Total deferred tax assets	159,229	144,287
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	47,931	42,830
Investments items	0	1,366
Intangible assets	71,878	69,267
Premises and equipment	4,759	4,759
Statutory equalization reserves	13,778	40,872
Unrealized capital gains	0	13,848
Surplus note interest	0	0
Other	406	478
Gross deferred tax liabilities	138,752	173,420
Deferred tax assets, net	(20,477)
Deferred tax liability, net		29,133
Reciprocal Exchanges
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	1,551	1,915
Unearned premiums	6,033	6,611
Bad debt	576	90
Investments	0	0
Depreciation	0	0
Contingent commissions	0	0
Loss reserve discounting	1,393	1,233
Suspended Subpart F losses	0	0
Net operating loss carryforwards	17,758	15,159
Capital loss carryforwards	0	62
Partnership activity	0	0
Impairments	15	0
Goodwill	0	0
Unearned revenue	0	0
Unrealized capital losses	1,767	0
Foreign translation	0	0
APIC stock compensation	0	0
Alternative minimum tax credits	611	611
Other	104	562
Gross deferred tax assets	29,808	26,243
Less: Valuation allowance	(17,295)	(21,518)
Total deferred tax assets	12,513	4,725
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	8,093	1,525
Investments items	255	364
Intangible assets	2,398	2,908
Premises and equipment	0	0
Statutory equalization reserves	0	0
Unrealized capital gains	0	2,256
Surplus note interest	34,491	36,074
Other	0	0
Gross deferred tax liabilities	45,237	43,127
Deferred tax liability, net	$ 32,724	$ 38,402	$ 39,238

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Entity Information
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 164,590	$ 127,443	$ 52,257
Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed expected tax expense	$ 57,606	$ 44,606	$ 18,290
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Tax-exempt interest	(1,519)	(1,064)	(903)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment	336	273	129
Exempt foreign income	(11,393)	(4,304)	(4,201)
Equity method income	3,726
Goodwill impairment	6,113	5,527	413
Statutory equalization reserves	(27,094)	(21,237)	(1,787)
State tax	1,754	2,453	3,309
Change in valuation allowance	(4,025)
Return to provision			(2,479)
Other permanent items	$ (6,548)	$ (2,378)	$ (1,631)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Tax-exempt interest, Tax Rate	(0.92%)	(0.83%)	(1.73%)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment, Tax Rate	0.20%	0.21%	0.25%
Exempt foreign income, Tax Rate	(6.92%)	(3.38%)	(8.04%)
Equity method income , Tax Rate	2.26%
Goodwill impairment, Tax Rate	3.71%	4.34%	0.79%
Statutory equalization reserves, Tax Rate	(16.46%)	(16.66%)	(3.42%)
State tax, Tax Rate	1.07%	1.92%	6.33%
Change in valuation allowance, Tax Rate	(2.45%)
Return to provision, Tax Rate			(4.74%)
Other permanent items, Tax Rate	(3.97%)	(1.86%)	(3.12%)
Provision for income taxes	$ 18,956	$ 23,876	$ 11,140
Total income tax reported, Tax Rate	11.52%	18.74%	21.32%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 156,646	$ 123,773
Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%
Computed expected tax expense	$ 54,826	$ 43,321
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Tax-exempt interest	(1,354)	(978)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment	336	273
Exempt foreign income	(11,393)	(4,304)
Equity method income	3,726
Goodwill impairment	6,113	5,527
Statutory equalization reserves	(27,094)	(21,237)
State tax	1,754	2,453
Change in valuation allowance	0
Other permanent items	(2,009)	(2,343)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	24,905	22,712
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 7,944	$ 3,670
Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%
Computed expected tax expense	$ 2,780	$ 1,285
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Tax-exempt interest	(165)	(86)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment	0	0
Exempt foreign income	0	0
Equity method income	0
Goodwill impairment	0	0
Statutory equalization reserves	0	0
State tax	0	0
Change in valuation allowance	(4,025)
Other permanent items	(4,539)	(35)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ (5,949)	$ 1,164

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure
Unutilized equalization reserves	$ 45,927	$ 134,975
Deferred tax liabilities associated to unutilized equalization reserves	13,778	40,872
Tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	$ 27,094	$ 21,237	$ 1,787
Reduction in effective tax rate	16.46%	16.66%	3.42%
Net prior year adjustment			$ 2,479
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 0	$ 0	0
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 23,637	$ 9,966	$ 8,417
Federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign Tax Authority \| Luxembourg Inland Revenue \| LUXEMBOURG
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred tax liabilities associated to unutilized equalization reserves	13,778	40,493
Tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	$ (27,094)	$ (21,237)	$ 1,787
Reduction in effective tax rate	(16.46%)	(16.66%)	3.42%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Income Tax Disclosure
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 9,453	$ 8,693	$ 9,517
Deferred tax liabilities associated to unutilized equalization reserves	13,778	40,872
Tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	$ 27,094	$ 21,237
Federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%
National Health Insurance Company
Income Tax Disclosure
Net prior year adjustment			$ 2,011

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsu

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums:
Direct, Written	$ 2,234,976	$ 1,558,612	$ 1,315,162
Direct, Earned	2,052,880	1,496,709	1,325,251
Assumed, Written	354,772	576,495	23,593
Assumed, Earned	454,851	414,410	25,870
Total Gross Premiums, Written	2,589,748	2,135,107	1,338,755
Premiums Earned, Gross	2,507,731	1,911,119	1,351,121
Ceded premiums	(403,502)	(265,083)	(659,439)
Ceded, Earned	(377,921)	(277,899)	(663,055)
Net premium written	2,186,246	1,870,024	679,316
Net earned premium	2,129,810	1,633,220	688,066
Loss and LAE expense:
Loss and LAE expense, Assumed	283,568	229,013	14,154
Loss and LAE expense, Ceded	254,924	211,433	$ 442,251
Reinsurance Liabilities [Abstract]
Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves, Assumed	252,661	106,568
Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves, Ceded	833,176	911,798
Unearned premiums, Assumed	309,202	160,984
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	$ 128,343	$ 102,761

Reinsurance - Narrative (Detail

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2015	Jul. 01, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2017
Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention	$ 450,000
Retention amount	50,000
Casualty Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention	45,000
Retention amount	5,000
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention	355,000
Retention amount	20,000
MCCA \| Medical Insurance
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention				$ 545
MCCA \| Automobile Insurance
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention		$ 480	$ 460		$ 500	$ 530
MCCA \| Automobile Insurance \| Forecast
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention							$ 545
MCCA \| Minimum \| Medical Insurance
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Retention amount				250
MCCA \| Maximum \| Medical Insurance
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Retention amount				$ 545
Texas and Louisiana \| Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Retention amount	$ 35,000

Reinsurance - Premiums and Loss

Reinsurance - Premiums and Loss Ceded and Reinsurance Recoverables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effects of Reinsurance
Ceded earned premiums	$ 377,921	$ 277,899	$ 663,055
Ceded Loss and LAE	254,924	211,433	442,251
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	833,176	911,798	950,828	$ 991,447
NCRF
Effects of Reinsurance
Ceded earned premiums	158,613	151,744	138,473
Ceded Loss and LAE	144,350	130,265	111,185
Reinsurance Recoverables on Paid Losses	26,228	22,050
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	86,941	84,152
MCCA
Effects of Reinsurance
Ceded earned premiums	12,146	12,968	12,882
Ceded Loss and LAE	15,482	12,529	$ 9,037
Reinsurance Recoverables on Paid Losses	6,986	8,482
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 656,904	$ 689,202

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Recov

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 833,176	$ 911,798		$ 950,828	$ 991,447
MCCA
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	656,904	689,202
NCRF
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	86,941	84,152
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	794,091	888,215		950,828
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| MCCA
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	656,904	689,202
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| NCRF
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	86,941	84,152
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Maiden Insurance Company
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	21,075	44,205
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| ACP Re
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	12,645	26,523
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	8,430	17,682
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	8,096	26,451
Reciprocal Exchanges
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 39,085	$ 23,583	$ 19,137	$ 0

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014
Other Liabilities
Bank overdrafts	$ 57,971	$ 29,265
Advance premiums	9,242	8,046
Deferred revenue	65,186	11,354
Premium and other taxes and assessments	17,791	3,159
Total	150,190	51,824
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Other Liabilities
Total	112,085	46,114
Reciprocal Exchanges
Other Liabilities
Total	$ 38,105	$ 5,710	$ 4,506

Accounts Payable and Accrued115

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 284,902	$ 207,121
Unrelated third parties
Accounts Payable
Escheats payable	10,982	8,720
Accrued expenses related to employees	30,224	16,029
Accounts payable related to commissions	36,160	6,824
Premiums payable	0	3,324
Information technology payable	16,570	1,190
Payable to carrier	34,460	0
Deferred purchase price	8,581	15,325
Dividends payable	7,292	2,901
Marketing accruals	4,918	1,153
Refundable tax credits	0	3,360
Loss reserve fair value	1,785	4,013
Investments payable	16,670	33,517
Interest Payable	10,907	3,834
Other	54,598	38,835
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	233,147	139,025
Related party transactions
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable related to commissions	0	30,229
Information technology payable	16,622	1,312
License fee payable	12,905	9,148
Printing fee payable	3,892	3,100
Renewal rights	16,071	23,499
Other	2,265	808
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	51,755	68,096
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	265,057	189,430
Reciprocal Exchanges
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 19,845	$ 17,691	$ 10,120

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 08, 2015	Aug. 18, 2015	Jun. 27, 2014	May. 30, 2014	May. 23, 2014
Debt Instrument
Proceeds from notes payable	$ 195,400	$ 245,077	$ 69,463
Notes payable	$ 491,537	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	1,162	$ 1,254
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 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
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
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.30%
Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 0	12,142
Senior Notes \| 7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	7.625%
Proceeds from notes payable	$ 96,550
Notes payable					$ 100,000
Interest expense associated with debt	$ 2,967
Senior Notes \| 7.625% Notes \| Minimum \| Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio
Debt Instrument
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	0.35
Senior Notes \| 7.625% Notes \| Maximum \| Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio
Debt Instrument
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	1
Senior Notes \| 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes payable								$ 250,000
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs		245,000
Interest expense associated with debt	$ 18,428	10,218
Senior Notes \| 6.75% Notes \| Minimum \| Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio
Debt Instrument
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	0.35
Senior Notes \| 6.75% Notes \| Maximum \| Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio
Debt Instrument
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	1
Senior Notes \| Additional 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes payable				$ 100,000
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs	$ 98,850
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	$ 220	110
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	$ 4,656	5,724
Interest expense due to change in present value	$ (2,023)	$ 3,774

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 18, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	May. 23, 2014
Maturities of Debt
2,016	$ 0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	500,476
Total principal amount of debt	500,476
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount	(8,939)
Notes payable	491,537		$ 299,082
Senior Notes \| 7.625% Notes
Maturities of Debt
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
Notes payable		$ 100,000
Senior Notes \| 6.75% Notes
Maturities of Debt
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	350,000
Total principal amount of debt	350,000
Notes payable					$ 250,000
Surplus Notes \| Imperial Surplus Notes
Maturities of Debt
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
Notes payable				$ 5,000
Surplus Notes \| Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
Maturities of Debt
2,016	0
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	45,476
Total principal amount of debt	$ 45,476

Related Party Transactions - Na

Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 15, 2014USD ($)company	Jan. 02, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Mar. 22, 2012	Mar. 02, 2010	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012ft²	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 22, 2014USD ($)
Related Party Transaction
Rent expense												$ 14,310	$ 12,131	$ 11,958
Ceding commission income												43,790	12,430	87,100
Assumed premiums												354,772	576,495	23,593
Earned premiums												454,851	414,410	25,870
Loss and loss adjustment expense												1,381,641	1,053,065	462,124
Long-term Debt											$ 500,476	500,476
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries												$ 10,643	$ 1,180	$ 1,274
Federal tax rate												35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Number of Community Development Entities									2
Surplus Notes \| Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
Related Party Transaction
Long-term Debt											$ 45,476	$ 45,476
Eight Hundred Superior, LLC Investment Funds \| Ohio State and Local Governments
Related Party Transaction
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt									$ 8,000
Eight Hundred Superior, LLC Investment Funds \| Ohio State and Local Governments \| 800 Superior NMTC investment Fund I
Related Party Transaction
Debt Instrument, Term									15 years
Related party transaction, rate									1.70%
Eight Hundred Superior, LLC Investment Funds \| Ohio State and Local Governments \| 800 Superior NMTC investment Fund II
Related Party Transaction
Debt Instrument, Term									15 years
Related party transaction, rate									1.70%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Related Party Transaction
Federal tax rate												35.00%	35.00%
National General Holding Corporation (NGHC) And AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Percentage Of Benefits Derived From Tax Credits									49.00%
Key Community Development Corporation (KCDC)
Related Party Transaction
Percentage Of Benefits Derived From Tax Credits									51.00%
800 Superior, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired											50.00%	50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries											$ 1,720	$ 1,720	$ 2,140
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries												$ (420)	(737)	$ (558)
800 Superior NMTC investment Fund II
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired											24.50%	24.50%
East Ninth & Superior, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired											50.00%	50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries											$ 4,139	$ 4,139	4,079
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries												60	70	(57)
Maximum
Related Party Transaction
Federal tax rate									39.00%
Two Community Development Entities \| Eight Hundred Superior, LLC Investment Funds
Related Party Transaction
Proceeds from Related Party Debt									$ 19,400
NA Advisors GP LLC \| Illinois Center Building, L.P.
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%
NA Advisors GP LLC \| North Dearborn Building Company, L.P.
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%
ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Loans, Related Parties											125,000	125,000
Interest income, related party												8,701	2,601
ACP Re \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Surplus Notes \| Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes
Related Party Transaction
Long-term Debt											45,476	45,476	48,374
ACP Re \| Illinois Center Building, L.P.
Related Party Transaction
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership							$ 21,486
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation							15.00%
800 Superior, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Term of lease															15 years
Area of office lease space (sqft) \| ft²															134,000
Rent expense												2,655	2,243	2,143
PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Earned premiums												248,544	284,480
Loss and loss adjustment expense												159,814	154,577
PL MGA Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income												12,428	8,826
PL Administrative Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties											11,795	11,795	1,546
Reimbursement Revenue												$ 3,379	0
Loans \| 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%
Related party transactions \| Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests											$ 5,115
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%
Deferred purchase price	$ 26,100
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 \| Illinois Center Building, L.P.
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired											37.50%	37.50%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries											$ 55,007	$ 55,007
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries												$ 1,292
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests							$ 53,715
Affiliated Entity \| North Dearborn Building Company, L.P.
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired											45.00%	45.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries											$ 9,862	$ 9,862
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries												756
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions												$ 607
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests								$ 9,714
Affiliated Entity \| 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Equity interest percentage acquired											50.00%	50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries											$ 10,559	$ 10,559
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries												28
Affiliated Entity \| ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Assets held-in-trust											18,677	$ 18,677	31,044
Affiliated Entity \| ACP Re \| Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Term of contingent payments												3 years
Contingent payments												$ 9,785	2,601
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Undiscounted Liability											17,614	$ 17,614
Contingent payments as a percent of gross written premiums												3.00%
Deferred purchase price											16,071	$ 16,071	23,499
Affiliated Entity \| ACP Re \| Maximum \| Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Deferred purchase price	$ 30,000
Affiliated Entity \| Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Assets held-in-trust											30,797	$ 30,797	58,513
Affiliated Entity \| Asset Management Fee \| 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												$ 2,384	1,916	1,612
Payable related to management services											1,909	$ 1,909	564
Period allowed for party to cure breach of contract												30 days
Affiliated Entity \| Postage And Billing Services \| 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
Affiliated Entity \| Consulting And Marketing Services for Product Promotion \| Risk Services, LLC (RSL)
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance affiliates												$ 145	99	134
Due to (from) related parties											34	$ 34	31
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission				1.50%
Affiliated Entity \| License Fee For Policy Management System \| AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
License fee, percentage												1.25%
Affiliated Entity \| Master Services Agreement \| AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party												$ 36,742	27,072	22,598
Due to (from) related parties											$ 30,122	$ 30,122	13,621
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance \| 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
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance \| 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%
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance \| ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company \| Maximum
Related Party Transaction
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission						34.50%
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance \| ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company \| Minimum
Related Party Transaction
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission			30.00%			30.50%
Affiliated Entity \| Quota Share Agreement \| 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%
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance, Threshold To Increase Ceding Commission \| ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Threshold percentage of loss ratio											60.00%	60.00%
Affiliated Entity \| Reinsurance, Threshold To Decrease Ceding Commission \| ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Threshold percentage of loss ratio											64.50%	64.50%
Affiliated Entity \| Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income												$ 0	5,076	$ 86,514
Affiliated Entity \| PL Reinsurance Agreement \| Integon National \| Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of obligations reinsured	100.00%
Affiliated Entity \| PL Reinsurance Agreement \| Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Assumed premiums												144,497	439,578
Affiliated Entity \| PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties											$ 46,565	46,565	43,998
Affiliated Entity \| PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement \| Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission expense												38,550	110,490
Affiliated Entity \| PL MGA Agreement \| Integon National
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of gross written premiums collected	2.00%
Affiliated Entity \| PL MGA Agreement \| Tower International \| National General Insurance Marketing, Inc (NGIM)
Related Party Transaction
Commission as percentage of business written	10.00%
Affiliated Entity \| Welfare Benefit Plan \| AIBD Health Plan
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) related parties											5,418	5,418	5,377
Affiliated Entity \| Welfare Benefit Plan \| AIBD Health Plan Employer Trust
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) related parties											$ 2,950	$ 2,950	$ 605
Equity Method Investee \| National General Holding Corporation (NGHC), AmTrust, And Key Community Development Corporation (KCDC) \| 800 Superior, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Proceeds from Related Party Debt									$ 19,400
Building \| 800 Superior, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Cost of building										$ 7,500
Building \| Affiliated Entity \| 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Related Party Transaction
Cost of building							$ 21,000

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Reinsurance Treaties (Details) - Affiliated Entity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Percentage Participation	15.00%
Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Percentage Participation	25.00%
Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Percentage Participation	10.00%
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	$ 57,660	$ 101,723
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE \| ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	17,298	30,517
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE \| Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	28,830	50,861
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE \| Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	11,532	20,345
Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE \| Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	(45)	(3,987)
Recoverable (Payable) on Paid and Unpaid Losses and LAE \| AARC
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	829	706
Commission Receivable \| Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	0	0
Commission Receivable \| AARC
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	107	94
Premium Receivable (Payable) \| Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	0	(638)
Premium Receivable (Payable) \| AARC
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	(395)	(350)
Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums \| Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	69	17,843	$ 14,681
Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums \| AARC
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	(1,504)	(1,317)	(1,197)
Assumed (Ceded) Earned Premiums \| AAIC
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties			4,103
Commission Income (Expense) \| Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	212	(4,134)	(4,175)
Commission Income (Expense) \| AARC
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	470	369	390
Commission Income (Expense) \| AAIC
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties			(631)
Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE \| Wesco
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	(414)	14,852	8,556
Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE \| AARC
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	(814)	(811)	(750)
Assumed (Ceded) Losses and LAE \| AAIC
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties			2,445
Ceded Earned Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	0	42,833	499,848
Ceded Earned Premiums \| ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	0	12,850	149,954
Ceded Earned Premiums \| Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	0	21,416	249,924
Ceded Earned Premiums \| Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	0	8,567	99,970
Ceding Commission Income
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	(4,087)	12,273	156,348
Ceding Commission Income \| ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	(1,226)	3,703	46,943
Ceding Commission Income \| Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	(2,057)	6,115	78,224
Ceding Commission Income \| Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	(804)	2,455	31,181
Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	12,191	38,287	316,007
Ceded Losses and LAE \| ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	3,657	11,486	94,802
Ceded Losses and LAE \| Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	6,109	19,130	158,004
Ceded Losses and LAE \| Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Income (expense) from reinsurance treaties	2,425	7,671	$ 63,201
Ceding Commission Receivable
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	0	10
Ceding Commission Receivable \| ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	0	3
Ceding Commission Receivable \| Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	0	5
Ceding Commission Receivable \| Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	0	2
Ceded Premium Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	30,082	25,974
Ceded Premium Payable \| ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	9,025	7,792
Ceded Premium Payable \| Maiden Insurance Company
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	15,041	12,987
Ceded Premium Payable \| Technology Insurance Company, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due to (from) reinsurance treaties	$ 6,016	$ 5,195

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjus120

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year	$ 1,562,153	$ 1,259,241	$ 1,286,533
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	(833,176)	(911,798)	(950,828)		$ (991,447)
Net balance at	922,448	650,355	308,413		295,086
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	1,365,957	1,033,788	456,039
Prior year	15,684	19,277	6,085
Total incurred	1,381,641	1,053,065	462,124
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(872,872)	(666,541)	(265,907)
Prior year	(403,413)	(199,439)	(182,890)
Total paid	(1,276,285)	(865,980)	(448,797)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	169,257	160,757	0
Effect of foreign exchange rates	(2,520)	(5,900)	0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	(833,176)	(911,798)	(950,828)		$ (991,447)
Gross balance at end of year	1,755,624	1,562,153	1,259,241
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year	1,450,305	1,259,241
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	(794,091)	(888,215)	(950,828)
Net balance at	829,141	562,090	308,413
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	1,265,702	1,008,406
Prior year	18,378	17,941
Total incurred	1,284,080	1,026,347
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(835,854)	(645,826)
Prior year	(347,912)	(187,010)
Total paid	(1,183,766)	(832,836)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	169,257	66,066
Effect of foreign exchange rates	(2,520)	(5,900)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	(794,091)	(888,215)	(950,828)
Gross balance at end of year	1,623,232	1,450,305	1,259,241
Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of year	111,848	0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	(39,085)	(23,583)	0	$ (19,137)
Net balance at	93,307	88,265	0
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	100,255	25,382
Prior year	(2,694)	1,336
Total incurred	97,561	26,718
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(37,018)	(20,715)
Prior year	(55,501)	(12,429)
Total paid	(92,519)	(33,144)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	0	94,691
Effect of foreign exchange rates	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	(39,085)	(23,583)	0	$ (19,137)
Gross balance at end of year	$ 132,392	$ 111,848	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Lease Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)lease	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of leases \| lease	49
Lease expense	$ 14,310	$ 12,131	$ 11,958
Future minimum lease commitments:
2,016	16,147
2,017	15,744
2,018	14,758
2,019	13,860
2,020	10,565
Thereafter	32,227
Total	$ 103,301

Commitments and Contingencie122

Commitments and Contingencies - Employment Agreements (Details) - Employment Agreements $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Amounts payable under employment agreements:
2,016	$ 3,653
2,017	949
2,018	500
2,019	500
2,020	29
Total	$ 5,631

Commitments and Contingencie123

Commitments and Contingencies - Personal Lines Master Agreement (Details) - ACP Re - Affiliated Entity - Tower International - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 15, 2014
Related Party Transaction
Term of contingent payments	3 years
Contingent payments as a percent of gross written premiums	3.00%
Deferred purchase price	$ 16,071	$ 23,499
Contingent payments	$ 9,785	$ 2,601
Maximum
Related Party Transaction
Deferred purchase price			$ 30,000

Commitments and Contingencie124

Commitments and Contingencies - Contingent Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2015	Jan. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assigned Risk Solutions Ltd.
Purchase price	$ 48,000
Contingent payments			$ 4,081
Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC
Purchase price		$ 15,000
Contingent payments			4,500
ACP Re \| Affiliated Entity \| Tower International
Contingent payments			9,785	$ 2,601
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Undiscounted Liability			17,614
Contingent payments			$ 16,071	$ 23,499

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 18, 2015	Aug. 17, 2015	Apr. 06, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Jun. 25, 2014	Feb. 19, 2014	Jun. 06, 2013	Jun. 05, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Stock
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $5,448- 2015, $1,836 - 2014 and $0 - 2013)									$ 159,552	$ 53,164	$ 0
Common stock, par value									$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Percentage of capital initially required												25.00%
Preferred stock, par value									$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Undeclared cumulative dividends paid									$ 10,931	$ 1,260	12,202
Issuance of common stock, net (fees $7,858 - 2015, $12,146 - 2014 and $1,093 - 2013)						$ 177,833	$ 213,277		210,642	177,833	213,277
Issuance of stock											$ 213,277
Common Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares						13,570,000	21,850,000
Price per share						$ 14	$ 10.50
Cost of issuance of stock						$ 12,146	$ 1,093
Placement fee per share						$ 0.840
Issuance of stock									$ 210,642	$ 177,833
8.00% Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $5,448- 2015, $1,836 - 2014 and $0 - 2013)												$ 53,053
Issuance of stock, shares											53,054	53,054
Dividend rate on preferred stock												8.00%
Percentage of issued and outstanding stock after conversion of preferred stock												21.25%
7.50% Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $5,448- 2015, $1,836 - 2014 and $0 - 2013)					$ 53,164
Issuance of stock, shares					2,200,000
Dividend rate on preferred stock									7.50%
Liquidation preference per share					$ 25
FBR Capital Markets & Co. \| Common Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares							485,532
Price per share							$ 9.765
Common Stock
Class of Stock
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs	$ 7,858
Issuance of stock, shares	11,500,000								11,500,000	13,570,000	21,881,800
Common stock, par value	$ 19
Conversion of preferred stock, shares								1			12,295,430
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Splits								286.22
Cost of issuance of stock									$ 7,858	$ 12,146	$ 1,093
Issuance of common stock, net (fees $7,858 - 2015, $12,146 - 2014 and $1,093 - 2013)	$ 210,853
Issuance of stock	$ 210,642								$ 115	$ 136	$ 219
Preferred stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares									165,000	2,200,000
Conversion of preferred stock, shares											(53,054)
Cost of issuance of stock									$ 5,448	$ 1,836	$ 0
Issuance of stock									$ 165,000	$ 55,000
Preferred stock \| American Depository Shares
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares			600,000	6,000,000
Liquidation preference per share				$ 25
Preferred stock \| Noncumulative Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $5,448- 2015, $1,836 - 2014 and $0 - 2013)			$ 14,527	$ 145,275
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs			$ 473	$ 4,975
Issuance of stock, shares			15,000	150,000
Dividend rate on preferred stock				7.50%
Preferred stock, par value				$ 0.01
Liquidation preference per share				$ 1,000
Over-allotment option
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares		1,500,000

Benefits Plan (Details)

Benefits Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Benefits Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Contribution expense	$ 3,729	$ 2,265	$ 1,816

Statutory Financial Data (Detai

Statutory Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Statutory Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Integon Indemnity Corporation
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	$ 37,316	$ 32,879	$ 32,767
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	2,759	2,228	2,787
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	(2,195)	18	2,967
National General Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	26,294	27,923	25,800
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	450	261	370
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	378	527	4,498
Integon Preferred Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	6,769	9,324	8,394
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	126	173	127
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	324	(66)	1,482
Integon National Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	448,339	332,405	159,752
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	123,839	98,974	61,897
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	(9,995)	11,397	(33,202)
MIC General Insurance Corporation
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	19,042	19,800	20,234
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	451	222	369
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	(52)	50	1,086
National General Assurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	16,819	17,490	15,764
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	255	891	183
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	130	195	2,017
Integon Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	6,269	11,453	10,256
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	54	178	192
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	120	135	1,550
New South Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	7,632	6,890	15,621
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	71	101	288
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	203	321	4,091
Integon General Insurance Corporation
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	6,305	11,310	10,555
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	160	261	246
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	493	353	4,895
National General Insurance Company Online, Inc.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	11,340	10,878	9,939
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	67	106	49
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	218	(53)	1,294
National Health Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	13,796	11,536	10,340
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	746	161	698
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	893	1,169	(1,246)
Personal Express Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	16,155	15,520
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	167	65
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	667	789
Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	40,572	41,018
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	366	6,599
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	3,021	178
National Automotive Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	7,103	7,013
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	100	487
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	544	1,502
Agent Alliance Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	48,811	16,464
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	681	321
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	387	(147)
National General Re Ltd.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	601,276	442,400	133,088
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	298,795	112,810	40,389
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	163,872	54,688	$ 4,232
Reciprocal Exchanges
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	119,330	74,952
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	23,346	(3,646)
National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	32,922	14,638
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	26,491	2,500
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	925	402
National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	28,770	15,000
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	21,571	3,700
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	$ 7,346	$ (354)

Dividend Restrictions (Details)

Dividend Restrictions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dividend Restrictions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Dividends Payable
Limit of cash dividends to be paid set by statutory and regulatory restrictions	$ 360,070	$ 286,346
Parent Company \| Insurance Subsidiaries
Dividends Payable
Dividends and return of capital paid to parent company by insurance subsidiaries	23,751	12,000	$ 24,015
Parent Company \| Integon National Insurance Company
Dividends Payable
Capital contribution paid to subsidiary by parent company	$ 160,300	$ 141,566	54,105
National Health Insurance Company
Dividends Payable
Capital contribution from parent company			$ 3,000

Share-Based Compensation - Narr

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)plan$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of equity incentive plans \| plan	2
Weighted average grant date fair value \| $ / shares	$ 0	$ 6.76	$ 4.20
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 9,069	$ 5,999
Weighted average remaining life for options grants outstanding	6 years 10 months	7 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 8 months	7 years 6 months
Exercisable shares \| shares	2,686,762	2,347,412
Weighted-average exercise price of exercisable shares \| $ / shares	$ 8.31	$ 7.81
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 7,973	$ 1,325	$ 0
Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	52,261	49,727
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	36,396	20,736
Exercises of stock options	2,595	796	0
Excess tax benefit from award exercises	0	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	$ 5,937	$ 2,859	$ 2,727
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
Number of shares available \| shares	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 - Fair

Share-Based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Low-End
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Violatility	0.00%	27.00%	36.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.00%	1.74%	0.95%
Weighted average expected life in years	0 years	5 years 6 months	6 years 3 months
Forfeiture rate	0.00%	10.00%	19.00%
Dividend rate	0.00%	0.40%	0.00%
High End
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Violatility	0.00%	35.00%	39.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.00%	2.26%	2.27%
Weighted average expected life in years	0 years	7 years	6 years 6 months
Forfeiture rate	0.00%	10.00%	19.20%
Dividend rate	0.00%	0.40%	0.00%

Share-Based Compensation - Stoc

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares
Outstanding, beginning of year	5,110,593	5,058,363	2,339,601
Granted	0	195,000	2,990,353
Exercised	(584,296)	(125,582)	0
Forfeited	(30,759)	(17,188)	(271,591)
Withheld (1)	(371,729)	0	0
Outstanding, end of year	4,123,809	5,110,593	5,058,363
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)
Outstanding at beginning of year	$ 8.88	$ 8.48	$ 5.89
Granted	0	17.63	10.33
Exercised	6.31	6.43	0
Forfeited	8.26	7.52	6.69
Withheld (1)	6.97	0	0
Outstanding at end of year	$ 9.31	$ 8.88	$ 8.48

Share-Based Compensation - RSU

Share-Based Compensation - RSU Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
RSUs
Non-vested at beginning of period	327,555	0	0
Granted	216,910	330,555	0
Vested	(42,653)	0	0
Forfeited	(115,551)	(3,000)	0
Withheld (1)	(23,587)	0	0
Non-vested at end of period	362,674	327,555	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period	$ 17.44	$ 0	$ 0
Granted	20.34	17.45	0
Vested	17.31	0	0
Forfeited	17.57	18.02	0
Withheld (1)	17.30	0	0
Non-vested at end of period	$ 19.16	$ 17.44	$ 0

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - basic	$ 13,719	$ 38,988	$ 33,783	$ 41,737	$ 11,166	$ 32,060	$ 30,334	$ 26,392	$ 128,227	$ 99,952	$ 40,151
Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
Convertible preferred stock dividends									0	0	2,158
Net income attributable to common NGHC stockholders - diluted									$ 128,227	$ 99,952	$ 42,309
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic									98,241,904	91,499,122	65,017,579
Potentially dilutive securities:
Share options									2,119,358	1,868,171	1,495,315
Restricted stock units									362,674	148,124	0
Convertible preferred stock									0	0	5,288,719
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted									100,723,936	93,515,417	71,801,613
Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.39	$ 0.36	$ 0.45	$ 0.12	$ 0.34	$ 0.32	$ 0.31	$ 1.31	$ 1.09	$ 0.62
Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.38	$ 0.35	$ 0.43	$ 0.12	$ 0.33	$ 0.32	$ 0.30	$ 1.27	$ 1.07	$ 0.59
Share options excluded from diluted earnings per common share									2,432,421	2,674,014	3,643,552

Segment Information - Revenues

Segment Information - Revenues of Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of business segments \| segment	2
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107	$ 1,338,755
Ceded premiums	(403,502)	(265,083)	(659,439)
Net premium written	2,186,246	1,870,024	679,316
Change in unearned premium	(56,436)	(236,804)	8,750
Net earned premium	2,129,810	1,633,220	688,066
Ceding commission income	43,790	12,430	87,100
Service and fee income	273,548	168,571	127,541
Total underwriting revenue	2,447,148	1,814,221	902,707
Loss and loss adjustment expense	1,381,641	1,053,065	462,124
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	405,930	315,089	134,887
General and administrative expenses	530,347	348,762	280,552
Total underwriting expenses	2,317,918	1,716,916	877,563
Underwriting income (loss)	129,230	97,305	25,144
Net investment income	75,340	52,426	30,808
Net realized loss on investments	(10,307)	(2,892)	(1,669)
Other revenue (expense)	(788)	(1,660)	16
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	10,643	1,180	1,274
Interest expense	(28,885)	(17,736)	(2,042)
Provision for income taxes	(18,956)	(23,876)	(11,140)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(14,025)	(2,504)	(82)
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	142,252	102,243	42,309
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,337,826	1,994,708	1,305,254
Ceded premiums	(367,533)	(264,686)	(659,154)
Net premium written	1,970,293	1,730,022	646,100
Change in unearned premium	(51,784)	(217,278)	8,749
Net earned premium	1,918,509	1,512,744	654,849
Ceding commission income	42,699	12,430	87,100
Service and fee income	174,738	110,114	82,752
Total underwriting revenue	2,135,946	1,635,288	824,701
Loss and loss adjustment expense	1,210,319	967,176	435,989
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	339,931	260,397	110,509
General and administrative expenses	448,236	292,145	252,345
Total underwriting expenses	1,998,486	1,519,718	798,843
Underwriting income (loss)	137,460	115,570	25,858
Net investment income	0	0	0
Net realized loss on investments	0	0	0
Other revenue (expense)	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	0
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	137,460	115,570	25,858
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	251,922	140,399	33,501
Ceded premiums	(35,969)	(397)	(285)
Net premium written	215,953	140,002	33,216
Change in unearned premium	(4,652)	(19,526)	1
Net earned premium	211,301	120,476	33,217
Ceding commission income	1,091	0	0
Service and fee income	98,810	58,457	44,789
Total underwriting revenue	311,202	178,933	78,006
Loss and loss adjustment expense	171,322	85,889	26,135
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	65,999	54,692	24,378
General and administrative expenses	82,111	56,617	28,207
Total underwriting expenses	319,432	197,198	78,720
Underwriting income (loss)	(8,230)	(18,265)	(714)
Net investment income	0	0	0
Net realized loss on investments	0	0	0
Other revenue (expense)	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	0
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	(8,230)	(18,265)	(714)
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	0	0	0
Ceded premiums	0	0	0
Net premium written	0	0	0
Change in unearned premium	0	0	0
Net earned premium	0	0	0
Ceding commission income	0	0	0
Service and fee income	0	0	0
Total underwriting revenue	0	0	0
Loss and loss adjustment expense	0	0	0
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	0	0	0
Total underwriting expenses	0	0	0
Underwriting income (loss)	0	0	0
Net investment income	75,340	52,426	30,808
Net realized loss on investments	(10,307)	(2,892)	(1,669)
Other revenue (expense)	(788)	(1,660)	16
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	10,643	1,180	1,274
Interest expense	(28,885)	(17,736)	(2,042)
Provision for income taxes	(18,956)	(23,876)	(11,140)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(14,025)	(2,504)	(82)
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	13,022	4,938	17,165
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,306,166	2,065,065	1,338,755
Net premium written	2,060,155	1,816,948	679,316
Net earned premium	1,995,101	1,585,598	688,066
Service and fee income	39,792	9,901
Net investment income	66,429	50,627	30,808
Provision for income taxes	(24,905)	(22,712)
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	142,252	94,648
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,054,244	1,924,666	1,305,254
Net premium written	1,844,202	1,676,946	646,100
Net earned premium	1,783,800	1,465,122	654,849
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	134,117	107,975
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,240,224	1,241,575	1,016,728
Net premium written	1,070,852	1,047,795	487,311
Net earned premium	1,054,529	979,082	502,160
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	327,299	366,997	1,389
Net premium written	309,775	333,586	1,389
Net earned premium	286,920	204,285	444
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	154,929	153,553	158,300
Net premium written	153,501	148,456	88,553
Net earned premium	150,290	147,587	88,494
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	187,686	146,124	116,774
Net premium written	170,720	132,002	61,163
Net earned premium	154,565	118,759	54,913
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	17,536	16,417	12,063
Net premium written	13,661	15,107	7,684
Net earned premium	14,222	15,409	8,838
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	251,922	140,399	33,501
Net premium written	215,953	140,002	33,216
Net earned premium	211,301	120,476	33,217
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	(8,230)	(18,265)
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	16,365	4,938
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	283,582	70,042
Net premium written	126,091	53,076
Net earned premium	134,709	47,622
Net investment income	8,911	1,799	0
Provision for income taxes	5,949	(1,164)
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	0	7,595
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	283,582	70,042	0
Net premium written	126,091	53,076	0
Net earned premium	134,709	47,622	0
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	3,343	7,595
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	88,494	32,436	0
Net premium written	50,686	32,075	0
Net earned premium	74,477	28,405	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	168,015	33,028	0
Net premium written	58,012	17,127	0
Net earned premium	45,354	15,779	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	27,073	4,578	0
Net premium written	17,393	3,874	0
Net earned premium	14,878	3,438	$ 0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)	$ (3,343)	$ 0

Segment Information - Long Live

Segment Information - Long Lived Assets and Total Assets of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	$ 758,633	$ 647,443
Deferred acquisition costs	160,531	125,999
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	833,176	911,798	$ 950,828	$ 991,447
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	128,343	102,761
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	461,312	319,601
Corporate and other assets	3,221,397	2,217,114
Total assets	5,563,392	4,324,716
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	684,857	576,980
Deferred acquisition costs	153,767	119,167
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	832,593	911,790
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	128,343	102,761
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	366,021	260,739
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	2,165,581	1,971,437
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	73,776	70,463
Deferred acquisition costs	6,764	6,832
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	583	8
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	95,291	58,862
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	176,414	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	3,221,397	2,217,114
Total assets	$ 3,221,397	$ 2,217,114

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107	$ 1,338,755
Net premium written	2,186,246	1,870,024	679,316
Net earned premium	2,129,810	1,633,220	688,066
North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,501,426	2,035,984	1,338,755
Net premium written	1,048,477	980,836	382,358
Net earned premium	996,743	763,528	391,108
Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,009,447	750,065	267,263
Net earned premium	1,009,447	750,065	267,263
Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	88,322	99,123	0
Net premium written	128,322	139,123	29,695
Net earned premium	123,620	119,627	29,695
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,306,166	2,065,065	1,338,755
Net premium written	2,060,155	1,816,948	679,316
Net earned premium	1,995,101	1,585,598	$ 688,066
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,217,844	1,965,942
Net premium written	922,386	927,760
Net earned premium	862,034	715,906
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,009,447	750,065
Net earned premium	1,009,447	750,065
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	88,322	99,123
Net premium written	128,322	139,123
Net earned premium	123,620	119,627
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	283,582	70,042
Net premium written	126,091	53,076
Net earned premium	134,709	47,622
Reciprocal Exchanges \| North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	283,582	70,042
Net premium written	126,091	53,076
Net earned premium	134,709	47,622
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	0	0
Net earned premium	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges \| Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	0	0
Net premium written	0	0
Net earned premium	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information - Gross Pre

Segment Information - Gross Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107	$ 1,338,755
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,306,166	2,065,065	1,338,755
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	283,582	70,042
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,337,826	1,994,708	1,305,254
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,054,244	1,924,666	1,305,254
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,240,224	1,241,575	1,016,728
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	327,299	366,997	1,389
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	154,929	153,553	158,300
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	187,686	146,124	116,774
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	126,570	0	0
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	17,536	16,417	12,063
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	283,582	70,042	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	88,494	32,436	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	168,015	33,028	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	27,073	4,578	0
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	251,922	140,399	33,501
Accident and Health \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 251,922	$ 140,399	$ 33,501

Segment Information - Net Premi

Segment Information - Net Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 2,186,246	$ 1,870,024	$ 679,316
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	2,060,155	1,816,948	679,316
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	126,091	53,076
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,970,293	1,730,022	646,100
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,844,202	1,676,946	646,100
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,070,852	1,047,795	487,311
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	309,775	333,586	1,389
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	153,501	148,456	88,553
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	170,720	132,002	61,163
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	125,693	0	0
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	13,661	15,107	7,684
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	126,091	53,076	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	50,686	32,075	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	58,012	17,127	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	17,393	3,874	0
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	215,953	140,002	33,216
Accident and Health \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 215,953	$ 140,002	$ 33,216

Segment Information - Net Earne

Segment Information - Net Earned Premium (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 2,129,810	$ 1,633,220	$ 688,066
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	1,995,101	1,585,598	688,066
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	134,709	47,622
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	1,918,509	1,512,744	654,849
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	1,783,800	1,465,122	654,849
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	1,054,529	979,082	502,160
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	286,920	204,285	444
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	150,290	147,587	88,494
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	154,565	118,759	54,913
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	123,274	0	0
Property and Casualty \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	14,222	15,409	8,838
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	134,709	47,622	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	74,477	28,405	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	45,354	15,779	0
Property and Casualty \| Reciprocal Exchanges \| Property and Casualty Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	14,878	3,438	0
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	211,301	120,476	33,217
Accident and Health \| NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 211,301	$ 120,476	$ 33,217

Condensed Quarterly Financia140

Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total revenues	$ 810,006	$ 590,039	$ 553,653	$ 557,695	$ 513,553	$ 496,463	$ 442,930	$ 409,149	$ 2,511,393	$ 1,862,095	$ 931,862
Net income	32,322	44,701	36,326	42,928	15,477	32,550	30,296	26,424	156,277	104,747	42,391
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	13,719	38,988	33,783	41,737	11,166	32,060	30,334	26,392	128,227	99,952	40,151
Comprehensive income (loss) - attributable to NGHC shareholders	$ (4,016)	$ 30,566	$ 20,837	$ 55,259	$ 11,517	$ 22,330	$ 46,597	$ 34,566	$ 102,646	$ 115,010	$ 17,260
Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.39	$ 0.36	$ 0.45	$ 0.12	$ 0.34	$ 0.32	$ 0.31	$ 1.31	$ 1.09	$ 0.62
Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.13	$ 0.38	$ 0.35	$ 0.43	$ 0.12	$ 0.33	$ 0.32	$ 0.30	$ 1.27	$ 1.07	$ 0.59

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 25, 2020	Jan. 22, 2016	Jan. 25, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	May. 30, 2014
Century-National Insurance Company \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Premium		$ 50,000
Deposit into an escrow account		$ 10,000
JPMorgan Chase, N.A. \| Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event
Credit agreement maximum borrowing capacity					$ 135,000
JPMorgan Chase, N.A. \| Revolving credit facility \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event
Credit agreement maximum borrowing capacity			$ 225,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Jan. 25, 2020
Minimum \| JPMorgan Chase, N.A. \| Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity				$ 10,000
Minimum \| JPMorgan Chase, N.A. \| Revolving credit facility \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			25,000
Maximum \| JPMorgan Chase, N.A. \| Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity				$ 50,000
Maximum \| JPMorgan Chase, N.A. \| Revolving credit facility \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			$ 50,000

Schedule I - Summary of Inve142

Schedule I - Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Investments, excluding Equity Investments In Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	$ 2,461,842
Value	2,432,762
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	2,432,762
Total Fixed Maturities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	2,380,480
Value	2,357,414
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	2,357,414
U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	21,293
Value	22,304
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	22,304
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	193,017
Value	196,924
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	196,924
Foreign governments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	31,383
Value	31,062
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	31,062
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	71,244
Value	62,222
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	62,222
Convertibles and bonds with warrants attached
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	0
Value	0
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	0
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	2,063,543
Value	2,044,902
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	2,044,902
Certificate of deposits
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	0
Value	0
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	0
Redeemable preferred stock
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	0
Value	0
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	0
Total Equity Securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	64,804
Value	58,790
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	58,790
Pubic utilities, banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	244
Value	255
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	255
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	53,112
Value	46,710
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	46,710
Nonredeemable preferred stocks
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	11,448
Value	11,825
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	11,825
Other Investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	13,031
Value	13,031
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	13,031
Other Short-term Investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost	3,527
Value	3,527
Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet	$ 3,527

Schedule II - Condensed Fina143

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments:
Total investments	$ 2,667,710	$ 1,866,105
Accrued investment income	20,402	14,451
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $62,306 and $168,134) (Exchanges - $56,194 and $58,238)	758,633	647,443
Cash and cash equivalents	282,277	132,615	$ 73,823	$ 39,937
Income tax receivable	300	0
Due from affiliate	41,536	5,129
Total assets	5,563,392	4,324,716
Due to affiliate	0	1,552
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	52,484	46,804
Notes payable	491,537	299,082
Income tax payable	5,593	30,591
Other liabilities	150,190	51,824
Total liabilities	4,026,752	3,251,266
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,427,382 shares - 2014; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 79,731,800 shares - 2013	1,056	934
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,200,000 shares - 2014; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 0 shares - 2013	220,000	55,000
Additional paid-in capital	900,114	690,736
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(19,414)	20,192
Retained earnings	412,044	292,832
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity	1,513,800	1,059,694
Non-controlling interest	22,840	13,756
Total stockholders’ equity	1,536,640	1,073,450	642,867	413,042
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,563,392	4,324,716
Parent Company
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	230,952	15,844
Other investments	4,139	0
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	1,782,748	1,339,161
Total investments	2,017,839	1,355,005
Accrued investment income	858	163
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $62,306 and $168,134) (Exchanges - $56,194 and $58,238)	445	0
Cash and cash equivalents	16,642	1,282	$ 1,157	$ 401
Deferred tax asset	7,992	9,575
Income tax receivable	19,931	0
Due from affiliate	1,843	0
Total assets	2,065,550	1,366,025
Due to affiliate	0	9,266
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	52,484	0
Notes payable	441,061	245,077
Income tax payable	0	6,616
Other liabilities	35,365	31,616
Total liabilities	528,910	292,575
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 93,427,382 shares - 2014; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 79,731,800 shares - 2013	1,056	934
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,200,000 shares - 2014; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 0 shares - 2013	220,000	55,000
Additional paid-in capital	900,114	690,736
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(19,414)	20,192
Retained earnings	412,044	292,832
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity	1,513,800	1,059,694
Non-controlling interest	22,840	13,756
Total stockholders’ equity	1,536,640	1,073,450
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,065,550	$ 1,366,025

Schedule II - Condensed Fina144

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only Parenthetical (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, issued	105,554,331	93,427,382
Common stock, outstanding	105,554,331	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
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$ 220,000	$ 55,000
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 229,405	$ 15,427

Schedule II - Condensed Fina145

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statements of Comprehensive Income - Parent Company Only (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income:
Investment income (loss)									$ 75,340	$ 52,426	$ 30,808
Other net realized gain (loss) on investments									4,940	(648)	1,200
Other-than-temporary impairment loss									(15,247)	(2,244)	(2,869)
Total revenues	$ 810,006	$ 590,039	$ 553,653	$ 557,695	$ 513,553	$ 496,463	$ 442,930	$ 409,149	2,511,393	1,862,095	931,862
Interest expense									28,885	17,736	2,042
Expenses:
Total expenses									2,346,803	1,734,652	879,605
Net income	32,322	44,701	36,326	42,928	15,477	32,550	30,296	26,424	156,277	104,747	42,391
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)									142,252	102,243	42,309
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest									(14,025)	(2,504)	(82)
Dividends on preferred stock									(14,025)	(2,291)	(2,158)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	13,719	38,988	33,783	41,737	11,166	32,060	30,334	26,392	128,227	99,952	40,151
Foreign currency translation adjustment									1,026	(5,171)	365
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax									(44,596)	17,938	(25,414)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(43,570)	13,449	(25,049)
Comprehensive income									112,707	118,196	17,342
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									(10,061)	(3,186)	(82)
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$ (4,016)	$ 30,566	$ 20,837	$ 55,259	$ 11,517	$ 22,330	$ 46,597	$ 34,566	102,646	115,010	17,260
Parent Company
Income:
Investment income (loss)									3,813	3,416	1,842
Other net realized gain (loss) on investments									(534)	(2,489)	(2,830)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss									0	0	(2,869)
Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated subsidiaries and partially-owned companies									160,396	112,850	46,826
Total revenues									163,675	113,777	42,969
Interest expense									24,065	11,753	1,916
Expenses:
Federal income tax benefit									(16,988)	(2,996)	(1,981)
Other									321	273	643
Total expenses									7,398	9,030	578
Net income									156,277	104,747	42,391
Net income attributable to National General Holdings Corp. (NGHC)									142,252	102,243	42,309
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest									(14,025)	(2,504)	(82)
Dividends on preferred stock									(14,025)	(2,291)	(2,158)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders									128,227	99,952	40,151
Foreign currency translation adjustment									1,026	(5,171)	365
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax									(44,596)	18,620	(25,414)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(43,570)	13,449	(25,049)
Comprehensive income									112,707	118,196	17,342
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									(10,061)	(3,186)	(82)
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC									$ 102,646	$ 115,010	$ 17,260

Schedule II - Condensed Fina146

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statements of Cash Flows - Parent Company Only (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income	$ 142,252	$ 102,243	$ 42,309
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(10,643)	(1,180)	(1,274)
Net amortization of discount on fixed maturities	5,008	2,596	3,870
Realized capital losses on sale of investments	(4,940)	648	(1,200)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	15,247	2,244	2,869
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	278	(1,655)	365
Stock compensation expenses	5,937	2,859	2,727
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest	(5,649)	(2,591)	(245)
Deferred tax asset	(34,677)	(65,507)	(10,712)
Other liabilities	89,835	5,032	(18,966)
Net cash provided by operating activities	316,064	388,731	10,503
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities	(1,310,560)	(746,338)	(439,673)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities	530,325	344,707	296,391
Purchases of other investments	(10,477)	(14,604)	(2,193)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	(68,975)	(21,647)	(47,729)
Net cash used in investing activities	(720,647)	(656,484)	(153,311)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	5,680	(62,825)	22,885
Exercises of stock options	2,595	796	0
Notes payable repayments	(631)	(84,427)	(58,435)
Proceeds from notes payable	195,400	245,077	69,463
Net cash provided by financing activities	554,588	324,758	176,694
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	149,662	58,792	33,886
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year	132,615	73,823	39,937
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year	282,277	132,615	73,823
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income	142,252	102,243	42,309
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(199,263)	(116,366)	(46,744)
Net amortization of discount on fixed maturities	(296)	2,596	(62)
Realized capital losses on sale of investments	534	2,489	2,830
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	0	0	2,869
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(139)	(1,655)	0
Stock compensation expenses	5,937	2,859	2,727
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest	(111)	25	(188)
Other assets	(445)	0	0
Due/to from affiliates	(11,109)	25,533	(25,986)
Deferred tax asset	1,187	(19,537)	(448)
Income tax receivable	(26,548)	6,754	(138)
Other liabilities	(4,869)	28,714	867
Net cash provided by operating activities	(92,870)	33,655	(21,964)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities	(569,632)	(102,191)	(200,587)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities	355,576	173,804	102,279
Purchases of other investments	(4,139)	0	0
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	(275,598)	(517,953)	(89,583)
Net cash used in investing activities	(493,793)	(446,340)	(187,891)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	52,484	0	0
Proceeds from issuances of common and preferred stock	370,194	230,997	213,277
Exercises of stock options	2,595	796	0
Notes payable repayments	0	(59,200)	(57,570)
Proceeds from notes payable	195,400	245,077	68,700
Dividends paid	(18,650)	(4,860)	(13,796)
Net cash provided by financing activities	602,023	412,810	210,611
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	15,360	125	756
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year	1,282	1,157	401
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year	$ 16,642	$ 1,282	$ 1,157

Schedule III - Supplementary147

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 160,531	$ 125,999	$ 60,112
Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	1,755,624	1,562,153	1,259,241
Unearned Premiums	1,192,499	864,436	476,232
Net Earned Premium	2,129,810	1,633,220	688,066
Net Investment Income	75,340	52,426	30,808
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred	1,381,641	1,053,065	462,124
Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization	333,983	204,317	65,119
Other Operating Expenses	71,947	110,772	69,768
Net Written Premium	2,186,246	1,870,024	679,316
Property and Casualty
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	153,767	119,167	59,048
Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	1,612,346	1,521,134	1,253,516
Unearned Premiums	1,172,516	851,875	476,220
Net Earned Premium	1,918,509	1,512,744	654,849
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred	1,210,319	967,176	435,989
Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization	302,126	171,693	64,694
Other Operating Expenses	37,805	88,704	45,815
Net Written Premium	1,970,293	1,730,022	646,100
Accident and Health
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	6,764	6,832	1,064
Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	143,278	41,019	5,725
Unearned Premiums	19,983	12,561	12
Net Earned Premium	211,301	120,476	33,217
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred	171,322	85,889	26,135
Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization	31,857	32,624	425
Other Operating Expenses	34,142	22,068	23,953
Net Written Premium	215,953	140,002	33,216
Corporate and Other
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	0	0	0
Unearned Premiums	0	0	0
Net Earned Premium	0	0	0
Net Investment Income	75,340	52,426	30,808
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred	0	0	0
Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization	0	0	0
Other Operating Expenses	0	0	0
Net Written Premium	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Deta

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums:
Gross Amount	$ 2,052,880	$ 1,496,709	$ 1,325,251
Ceded, Earned	(377,921)	(277,899)	(663,055)
Assumed, Earned	454,851	414,410	25,870
Net earned premium	$ 2,129,810	$ 1,633,220	$ 688,066
Percent of Amount Assumed to Net	21.40%	25.40%	3.80%

Schedule V - Valuation and Q149

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance for uncollectible accounts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of the year	$ 9,728	$ 6,064	$ 6,573
Charged to costs and expenses	23,810	29,133	22,484
Charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	(20,105)	(25,469)	(22,993)
Balance at end of the year	$ 13,433	$ 9,728	$ 6,064

Schedule VI - Supplemental I150

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Current Year	$ 1,365,957	$ 1,033,788	$ 456,039
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	15,684	19,277	6,085
Paid Losses and Adjustment Expenses	$ 1,276,285	$ 865,980	$ 448,797