National General (NTTNP) 10-K 23 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Statement - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 13, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
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	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,040,542,731
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		106,502,250

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 3,061,799	$ 2,357,414
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,578	58,790
Short-term investments	15,674	3,527
Total investments	3,548,449	2,667,710
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $7,405 and $8,393)	220,299	225,930
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $969 and $0)	65,601	56,347
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $2,957 and $2,347)	27,471	20,402
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $10,264 and $62,306) (Exchanges - $60,978 and $56,194)	1,158,108	758,633
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $31,043 and $23,803)	220,922	160,531
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $26,782 and $42,774) (Exchanges - $42,192 and $39,085)	880,797	833,176
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $69,685 and $61,730)	156,970	128,343
Notes receivable from related party	126,298	125,057
Due from affiliate (Exchanges - $0 and $12,060)	2,002	41,536
Deferred tax asset (Exchanges - $(19,095) and $0)	46,207	0
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $4,117 and $332)	114,504	42,931
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $11,025 and $4,825)	467,720	348,898
Goodwill	155,290	112,414
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $88 and $393)	54,343	41,484
Total assets	7,244,981	5,563,392
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $137,075 and $132,392)	2,265,072	1,755,624
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $163,326 and $146,186)	1,635,625	1,192,499
Unearned service contract and other revenue	14,201	12,504
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $33,419 and $31,923) (Exchanges - $19,839 and $14,357)	93,824	69,172
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $29,271 and $51,755) (Exchanges - $6,803 and $19,845)	341,977	284,902
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0	52,484
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $0 and $32,724)	0	12,247
Income tax payable (Exchanges $557 and $0)	9,077	5,593
Debt (Exchanges owed to related party - $0 and $45,476)	752,001	491,537
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $46,500 and $38,105)	207,700	150,190
Total liabilities	5,319,477	4,026,752
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 106,428,092 shares - 2016; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 105,554,331 shares - 2015	1,064	1,056
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,000 shares - 2016; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,365,000 shares - 2015. Aggregate liquidation preference $420,000 - 2016, $220,000 - 2015	420,000	220,000
Additional paid-in capital	914,706	900,114
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,320)	(3,780)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	15,030	(15,634)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	12,710	(19,414)
Retained earnings	545,106	412,044
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders' Equity	1,893,586	1,513,800
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $31,675 and $22,619)	31,918	22,840
Total stockholders’ equity	1,925,504	1,536,640
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	7,244,981	5,563,392
NGHC
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,755,454	2,063,051
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,578	57,216
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value (amortized cost $32,698 and $0)	38,677	0
Equity securities, trading, at fair value (cost $28,176 and $0)	30,133	0
Short-term investments	15,674	1,528
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	265,688	234,948
Other investments	106,900	13,031
Securities pledged (amortized cost $0 and $54,955)	0	55,394
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $10,264 and $62,306) (Exchanges - $60,978 and $56,194)	1,097,130	702,439
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $26,782 and $42,774) (Exchanges - $42,192 and $39,085)	838,605	794,091
Deferred tax asset (Exchanges - $(19,095) and $0)	65,302	20,477
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $4,117 and $332)	110,387	42,599
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $137,075 and $132,392)	2,127,997	1,623,232
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $29,271 and $51,755) (Exchanges - $6,803 and $19,845)	335,174	265,057
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $46,500 and $38,105)	161,200	112,085
Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	306,345	238,969
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	1,574
Short-term investments	0	1,999
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $7,405 and $8,393)	7,405	8,393
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $969 and $0)	969	0
Accrued investment income (Exchanges - $2,957 and $2,347)	2,957	2,347
Premiums and other receivables, net (Related parties $10,264 and $62,306) (Exchanges - $60,978 and $56,194)	60,978	56,194
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $31,043 and $23,803)	31,043	23,803
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $26,782 and $42,774) (Exchanges - $42,192 and $39,085)	42,192	39,085
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $69,685 and $61,730)	69,685	61,730
Due from affiliate (Exchanges - $0 and $12,060)	0	12,060
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $4,117 and $332)	4,117	332
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $11,025 and $4,825)	11,025	4,825
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $88 and $393)	88	393
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $137,075 and $132,392)	137,075	132,392
Unearned premiums (Exchanges - $163,326 and $146,186)	163,326	146,186
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $33,419 and $31,923) (Exchanges - $19,839 and $14,357)	19,839	14,357
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $29,271 and $51,755) (Exchanges - $6,803 and $19,845)	6,803	19,845
Deferred tax liability (Exchanges - $0 and $32,724)	19,095	32,724
Income tax payable (Exchanges $557 and $0)	557	0
Debt (Exchanges owed to related party - $0 and $45,476)	0	45,476
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $46,500 and $38,105)	46,500	38,105
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $31,675 and $22,619)	$ 31,675	$ 22,619

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 3,040,062	$ 2,380,480
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	22,854	64,804
Cash and cash equivalents	220,299	225,930
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	65,601	56,347
Accrued investment income	27,471	20,402
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,158,108	758,633
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	880,797	833,176
Deferred acquisition costs	220,922	160,531
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	156,970	128,343
Due from affiliate	2,002	41,536
Deferred tax asset	46,207	0
Premises and equipment, net	114,504	42,931
Intangible assets, net	467,720	348,898
Prepaid and other assets	54,343	41,484
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,265,072	1,755,624
Unearned premiums	1,635,625	1,192,499
Reinsurance payable	93,824	69,172
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	341,977	284,902
Deferred tax liability	0	(12,247)
Income tax payable	9,077	5,593
Debt	752,001	491,537
Other liabilities	207,700	150,190
Non-controlling interest	$ 31,918	$ 22,840
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, issued	106,428,092	105,554,331
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	106,428,092	105,554,331
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	2,565,000	2,365,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	2,565,000	2,365,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$ 420,000	$ 220,000
Related party transactions
Premiums and other receivables, net	10,264	62,306
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	26,782	42,774
Reinsurance payable	33,419	31,923
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	29,271	51,755
NGHC
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	2,739,045	2,081,456
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	22,854	63,303
Fixed maturities, trading, amortized cost	32,698	0
Equity Securities, trading, cost	28,176	0
Securities pledged, cost	0	54,955
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,097,130	702,439
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	838,605	794,091
Deferred tax asset	65,302	20,477
Premises and equipment, net	110,387	42,599
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,127,997	1,623,232
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	335,174	265,057
Other liabilities	161,200	112,085
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	301,017	244,069
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	0	1,501
Cash and cash equivalents	7,405	8,393
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	969	0
Accrued investment income	2,957	2,347
Premiums and other receivables, net	60,978	56,194
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	42,192	39,085
Deferred acquisition costs	31,043	23,803
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	42,192	39,085
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	69,685	61,730
Due from affiliate	0	12,060
Premises and equipment, net	4,117	332
Intangible assets, net	11,025	4,825
Prepaid and other assets	88	393
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	137,075	132,392
Unearned premiums	163,326	146,186
Reinsurance payable	19,839	14,357
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,803	19,845
Deferred tax liability	(19,095)	(32,724)
Income tax payable	557	0
Debt	0	45,476
Other liabilities	46,500	38,105
Non-controlling interest	$ 31,675	$ 22,619

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Premium income:
Gross premium written	$ 3,499,508	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107
Ceded premiums	(428,202)	(403,502)	(265,083)
Net premium written	3,071,306	2,186,246	1,870,024
Change in unearned premium	(77,525)	(56,436)	(236,804)
Net earned premium	2,993,781	2,129,810	1,633,220
Ceding commission income	45,600	43,790	12,430
Service and fee income	380,817	273,548	168,571
Net investment income	99,586	75,340	52,426
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments:
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	(22,102)	(15,247)	(2,244)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	25,956	4,940	(648)
Other net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	3,854	(10,307)	(2,892)
Bargain purchase gain and other revenue (expense)	26,458	(788)	(1,660)
Total revenues	3,550,096	2,511,393	1,862,095
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense	1,958,545	1,381,641	1,053,065
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	497,158	405,930	315,089
General and administrative expenses	844,114	530,347	348,762
Interest expense	40,180	28,885	17,736
Total expenses	3,339,997	2,346,803	1,734,652
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	210,099	164,590	127,443
Provision for income taxes	42,616	18,956	23,876
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	167,483	145,634	103,567
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	25,401	10,643	1,180
Net income	192,884	156,277	104,747
Less: Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(20,668)	(14,025)	(2,504)
Net income attributable to NGHC	172,216	142,252	102,243
Dividends on preferred stock	(24,333)	(14,025)	(2,291)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$ 147,883	$ 128,227	$ 99,952
Earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per share (usd per share)	$ 1.40	$ 1.31	$ 1.09
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share)	1.37	1.27	1.07
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.14	$ 0.09	$ 0.05
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	105,951,752	98,241,904	91,499,122
Diluted (in shares)	108,278,318	100,723,936	93,515,417

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income	$ 192,884	$ 156,277	$ 104,747
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,460	1,026	(5,171)
Gross unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of $14,117, $(27,621) and $10,059 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	26,218	(51,296)	18,681
Reclassification adjustments for investment gain/loss included in net income:
Other-than-temporary impairment loss, net of tax of $7,736, $5,336 and $785 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	14,366	9,911	1,459
Other net realized and unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of $(4,558), $(1,729) and $(818) in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(8,466)	(3,211)	(1,520)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	33,578	(43,570)	13,449
Comprehensive income	226,462	112,707	118,196
Less: Comprehensive (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	(22,122)	(10,061)	(3,186)
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$ 204,340	$ 102,646	$ 115,010

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax on unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities	$ 14,117	$ (27,621)	$ 10,059
Tax on other-than-temporary impairment loss	7,736	5,336	785
Tax on reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the period	$ (4,558)	$ (1,729)	$ (818)

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Series A Preferred Stock	Series B Preferred Stock	Series C Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries A Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries B Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries C Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in CapitalSeries A Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-in CapitalSeries B Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-in CapitalSeries C Preferred Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Non-controlling Interest
Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013					79,731,800
Common stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013					$ 797
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013						0
Preferred stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013						$ 0
Total stockholders' equity, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 642,867									$ 437,006				$ 7,425	$ 197,552	$ 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)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	17,938													17,938
Reciprocal Exchanges’ equity on date of consolidation	11,165															11,165
Capital contributions	74,215									74,215
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)					13,570,000		2,200,000
Issuance of stock, amount	177,833	$ 53,164			$ 136		$ 55,000			177,697	$ (1,836)
Common stock dividends	(4,672)														(4,672)
Preferred stock dividends	(2,291)														(2,291)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares (in shares)					125,582
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	796				$ 1					795
Stock-based compensation	2,859									2,859
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014					93,427,382
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014					$ 934
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014						2,200,000
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014						$ 55,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,073,450									690,736				20,192	292,832	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
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(44,596)													(40,632)		(3,964)
Change in non-controlling interest	(977)															(977)
Capital contributions	0
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)					11,500,000			165,000
Issuance of stock, amount	210,642		$ 159,552		$ 115			$ 165,000		210,527		$ (5,448)
Common stock dividends	(9,015)														(9,015)
Preferred stock dividends	(14,025)														(14,025)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares (in shares)					626,949
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	(1,631)				$ 7					(1,638)
Stock-based compensation	$ 5,937									5,937
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	105,554,331				105,554,331
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015					$ 1,056
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	2,365,000					2,365,000
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015						$ 220,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,536,640									900,114				(19,414)	412,044	22,840
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect adjustment of change in accounting principle	(22,619)															(22,619)
Net income	192,884														172,216	20,668
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	1,460													1,460
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	32,118													30,664		1,454
Reciprocal Exchanges’ equity on date of consolidation	9,575															9,575
Return of capital	(150)									(150)
Issuance of common stock for acquisition (in shares)					272,609
Issuance of common stock for acquisition	6,058				$ 2					6,056
Capital contributions	0
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)									200,000
Issuance of stock, amount				$ 193,518					$ 200,000				$ (6,482)
Common stock dividends	(14,821)														(14,821)
Preferred stock dividends	(24,333)														(24,333)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares (in shares)					601,152
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	5,140				$ 6					5,134
Stock-based compensation	8,221									8,221
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	$ 1,813									1,813
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	106,428,092				106,428,092
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016					$ 1,064
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	2,565,000					2,565,000
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016						$ 420,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,925,504									$ 914,706				$ 12,710	$ 545,106	$ 31,918

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 192,884	$ 156,277	$ 104,747
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and goodwill impairment	95,109	49,628	43,905
Net amortization of premium/discount on fixed maturities and debt, net	1,096	2,327	6,370
Stock-compensation expense	8,221	5,937	2,859
Bad debt expense	35,356	23,810	29,133
Bargain purchase gain and other gains on property disposals, net	(24,084)	0	(271)
Net realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments	(3,854)	10,307	2,892
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of dividends	(23,650)	(8,113)	(1,180)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	725	278	(1,655)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	(8,627)	(5,649)	(2,591)
Premiums and other receivables	(126,081)	45,340	(236,128)
Deferred acquisition costs	(83,670)	(34,532)	(65,626)
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	(26,677)	79,343	78,578
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(17,611)	(25,582)	13,095
Prepaid expenses and other assets	18,602	27,177	(33,663)
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	189,021	23,004	133,531
Unearned premiums	95,217	79,731	212,577
Unearned service contract and other revenue	1,697	(1,553)	1,208
Reinsurance payable	22,962	(42,469)	(17,147)
Accounts payable	(44,960)	(99,049)	148,456
Income tax payable	4,280	(25,306)	30,116
Deferred tax liability	(33,133)	(34,677)	(65,507)
Other liabilities	42,591	89,835	5,032
Net cash provided by operating activities	315,414	316,064	388,731
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	(686,095)	(1,310,560)	(746,338)
Proceeds from sale and maturity of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	672,691	530,325	344,707
Purchases of equity securities, available-for-sale	(32,170)	(11,824)	(45,970)
Proceeds from sale of equity securities, available-for-sale	119,003	3,951	2,829
Purchases of trading investments	(95,026)	0	0
Proceeds from sale and maturity of trading investments	62,104	0	0
Purchases of short-term investments	(177,628)	(84,939)	0
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	165,075	91,952	0
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	(17,061)	(68,975)	(21,647)
Distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries	10,158	0	0
Purchases of other investments	(180,323)	(10,477)	(14,604)
Proceeds from sale of other investments	7,556	0	0
Notes receivable from related party	0	0	(125,000)
Purchases of premises and equipment	(34,640)	(22,669)	(15,307)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment	0	0	1,046
Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash	(269,965)	162,569	(36,200)
Decrease in cash due to deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	(8,393)	0	0
Increase in cash due to consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	2,673	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(462,041)	(720,647)	(656,484)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	(52,484)	5,680	(62,825)
Securities sold, not yet purchased	5,013	0	0
Proceeds from debt	50,000	195,400	245,077
Repayments of debt and return of capital	(18,150)	(631)	(84,427)
Issuance of common stock, net (fees $0 - 2016, $7,858 - 2015 and $12,146 - 2014)	4,942	210,642	177,833
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $6,482- 2016, $5,448 - 2015 and $1,836 - 2014)	193,518	159,552	53,164
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(13,773)	(7,719)	(3,600)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	(20,583)	(10,931)	(1,260)
Exercises of stock options	5,140	2,595	796
Excess tax benefits on shared-based payments arrangements	1,813	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	155,436	554,588	324,758
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(5,186)	(343)	1,787
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	3,623	149,662	58,792
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of the year	282,277	132,615	73,823
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the year	285,900	282,277	132,615
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	41,646	77,000	54,031
Cash paid for interest	32,679	21,222	17,144
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unsettled investment security purchases	20,936	16,670	0
Common stock issued for acquisition	1,116	0	0
Promissory note issued for acquisition	178,894	0	0
Decrease in non-controlling interest due to deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	22,619	0	0
Increase in non-controlling interest due to consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	9,575	0	0
Non-cash capital contributions	0	0	74,215
Common Stock
Dividends Payable
Accrued stock dividends	4,226	3,167	1,870
Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable
Accrued stock dividends	$ 7,875	$ 4,125	$ 1,031

Consolidated Statements of Cas9

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock
Cost of issuance of stock	$ 0	$ 7,858	$ 12,146
Preferred Stock
Cost of issuance of stock	$ 6,482	$ 5,448	$ 1,836

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, motorcycle, lender-placed, supplemental health 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
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 , and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 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. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the consolidated financial statements exclude the accounts and operations of the Reciprocal Exchanges, from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, as these entities did not meet the criteria for consolidation under GAAP: “ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” during that period but met the criteria on March 31, 2016. The Company adopted “ASU 2015-02” using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2016, as a result, periods prior to the adoption were not impacted by the deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company does not own the Reciprocal Exchanges but is paid a fee to manage 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 goodwill impairment; 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 premiums receivable 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 period 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. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents balances relate primarily to deposits in certain states in order to conduct business and certain third-party agreements. The Company also utilizes trust accounts to collateralize business with its reinsurance counterparties. The prior year presentation of restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows has been adjusted to retrospectively apply the guidance in ASC 2016-18, as indicated below. Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs include commissions, premium taxes, payments to affinity partners, promotional fees, and other direct sales costs that 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 The ceding commissions the Company receives cover a portion of its capitalized direct acquisition costs and a portion of other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent recovery of capitalized direct acquisition costs are recorded as a reduction of capitalized unamortized deferred acquisition costs and the net amount is charged to expense in proportion to net premium revenue recognized. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are recognized in the income statement over the insurance contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided and classified as a reduction of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received, but not yet earned, that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are classified as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. 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 general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Investments The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities,” which requires that equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and all investments in debt securities to be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities. In accordance with ASC 320, the Company has classified certain fixed maturities and equity securities as available for sale and trading , with the exception of the Company’s equity and cost method investments. 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 quoted market prices or a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. The Company also classified certain fixed maturities and equity securities as trading, and reclassified certain available-for-sale securities to trading securities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are reported in earnings. 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. Quarterly, the Company’s Investment Committee (“Committee”) evaluates each security that has an unrealized loss as of the end of the subject reporting period for other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”). The Company generally considers an investment to be impaired when it has been in a significant unrealized loss position for over 18 months. In addition, the Committee uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to review the Company's investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of the Company’s investments. The criteria the Committee primarily considers 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $22,102 , $15,247 and $2,244 , respectively. Based on guidance in FASB ASC 320-10-65, 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 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. In 2016, the Company classified certain fixed maturities and equity securities as trading, and reclassified certain available-for-sale securities to trading securities. Fixed maturities and equity securities classified as trading securities are generally held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movement. Trading securities are stated at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are included in the net realized gain or loss on investment in the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had the following major types of investments: (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 consisted of money market funds. (ii) Fixed maturities and equity securities, available-for-sale - 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) Fixed maturities and equity securities, trading - Fixed maturities and equity securities classified as trading are carried at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are reported in the net realized gain or loss on investments in earnings. (iv) Mortgage and structured securities - For mortgage and structured 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, available-for-sale in the consolidated balance sheets. (v) 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. 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 which are short-term in nature 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 statements 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 $45,997 , $38,263 and $31,198 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 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 shares of common stock outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options and restricted stock units 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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” for additional information). 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, 2016 and 2015 , 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, see Note 13, “Reinsurance” for additional information about concentration of credit risk. 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. Foreign Currency Transactions For operations where the functional currency is a foreign currency, the functional currency assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and the related translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The functional currency of the Company and many of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. For these companies, the Company remeasures 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 processing fees related to policy cancellation, policy reinstatement and insufficient 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

Reciprocal Exchanges

Reciprocal Exchanges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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. Effective March 31, 2016 , a subsidiary of the Company, purchased from subsidiaries of ACP Re Ltd. (“ACP Re”), a related party, the surplus notes that were issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges when they were originally capitalized. The purchase price of $88,900 was based on an independent third-party valuation of the fair market value of the surplus notes. 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. Under ASU 2015-02, as a result of the Company’s purchase of the surplus notes effective March 31, 2016 , the Company determined that it holds a variable interest in each of the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company would absorb more than an insignificant amount of the Reciprocal Exchanges expected losses or residual returns through its ownership of the surplus notes. In addition, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, earns fees from the Reciprocal Exchanges that are variable interests. Each of the Reciprocal Exchanges qualifies as a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) because they do not have sufficient equity to finance their operations without the surplus notes. 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 Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary that holds surplus notes, would absorb more than an insignificant amount of expected losses or residual returns of the Reciprocal Exchanges. Accordingly, the Company consolidates these Reciprocal Exchanges as of March 31, 2016 and for the periods thereafter, and eliminates all intercompany balances and transactions with the Company. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-02 on January 1, 2016, the Company consolidated the Reciprocal Exchanges under the previous guidance. Upon adoption of ASU 2015-02, on January 1, 2016, and before the purchase of the surplus notes, the Company did not meet the requirements for consolidation as it did not hold a variable interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges. Therefore, the operations of the Reciprocal Exchanges for the period from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The following table presents the opening balance sheet of the Reciprocal Exchanges as of March 31, 2016 : March 2016 Assets: Cash and investments $ 258,274 Accrued investment income 2,658 Premiums and other receivables, net 52,922 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 43,401 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 59,706 Income tax receivable 300 Due from affiliate 11,703 Premises and equipment, net 2,386 Intangible assets, net 32,638 Prepaid and other assets 187 Total assets 464,175 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 137,093 Unearned premiums 143,194 Reinsurance payable 11,982 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 6,972 Deferred tax liability 28,909 Debt 88,900 Other liabilities 37,550 Total liabilities 454,600 Stockholders’ equity: Non-controlling interest 9,575 Total stockholders’ equity 9,575 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 464,175 The consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges at March 31, 2016 was treated as a business combination with the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interest recognized at fair value at the date of consolidation. The Company has no ownership in the Reciprocal Exchanges. Therefore, the difference between the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired represents the fair value of non-controlling interest acquired. The non-controlling interest decreased by $5,193 from March 31, 2016 to December 31, 2016 . The decrease in non-controlling interest was related to a $5,193 increase in the deferred tax liability related to the surplus notes and interest. When the surplus notes were purchased by the Company, the notes were restated to their fair values. Based upon this restatement, the deferred tax liabilities were adjusted under the purchase accounting to reflect the restated fair values of the surplus notes. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $167,010 , $146,455 and $20,555 , respectively. 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 year ended 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 years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company earned service and fee income from the Reciprocal Exchanges in the amounts of $43,406 , $39,792 and $9,901 , respectively. Such amounts are eliminated in the Company’s consolidated earnings, except for $9,590 of service and fee income included in the year ended December 31, 2016 , for the period in which the Company and the Reciprocal Exchanges did not meet requirements for consolidation.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments (a) Available-for-Sale Securities The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value on available-for-sale securities were as follows: December 31, 2016 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,405 $ 937 $ (494 ) $ 45,848 Federal agencies 739 — (26 ) 713 States and political subdivision bonds 460,089 3,625 (11,403 ) 452,311 Foreign government 60,025 — (3,226 ) 56,799 Corporate bonds 1,580,918 43,322 (13,338 ) 1,610,902 Residential mortgage-backed securities 450,997 4,305 (5,982 ) 449,320 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 107,546 1,521 (1,724 ) 107,343 Structured securities 334,343 4,656 (436 ) 338,563 Total fixed maturities 3,040,062 58,366 (36,629 ) 3,061,799 Equity securities: Common stock 21,274 7,050 (308 ) 28,016 Preferred stock 1,580 17 (35 ) 1,562 Total equity securities 22,854 7,067 (343 ) 29,578 Total $ 3,062,916 $ 65,433 $ (36,972 ) $ 3,091,377 NGHC $ 2,761,899 $ 58,180 $ (35,047 ) $ 2,785,032 Reciprocal Exchanges 301,017 7,253 (1,925 ) 306,345 Total $ 3,062,916 $ 65,433 $ (36,972 ) $ 3,091,377 December 31, 2015 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value Fixed maturities and securities pledged: 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 fixed maturities and securities pledged 2,380,480 34,819 (57,885 ) 2,357,414 Equity securities: Common stock 53,356 569 (6,960 ) 46,965 Preferred stock 11,448 377 — 11,825 Total equity securities 64,804 946 (6,960 ) 58,790 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 As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had no other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in AOCI related to available-for-sale fixed maturities. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available for sale during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were $566,097 , $180,412 and $218,496 , respectively. The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities held as of December 31, 2016 , 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, 2016 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 26,947 $ 27,141 $ 2,455 $ 2,457 $ 29,402 $ 29,598 Due after one year through five years 584,788 596,809 58,740 61,391 643,528 658,200 Due after five years through ten years 1,253,465 1,257,714 179,654 182,356 1,433,119 1,440,070 Due after ten years 341,099 342,481 34,371 34,787 375,470 377,268 Mortgage-backed securities 532,746 531,309 25,797 25,354 558,543 556,663 Total $ 2,739,045 $ 2,755,454 $ 301,017 $ 306,345 $ 3,040,062 $ 3,061,799 (b) Gross Unrealized Losses The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available for sale, by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2016 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 37,436 $ (494 ) 24 $ — $ — — $ 37,436 $ (494 ) Federal agencies 419 (26 ) 3 — — — 419 (26 ) States and political subdivision bonds 318,946 (11,236 ) 387 2,956 (167 ) 6 321,902 (11,403 ) Foreign government 48,156 (3,226 ) 6 — — — 48,156 (3,226 ) Corporate bonds 495,443 (12,376 ) 292 33,112 (962 ) 21 528,555 (13,338 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 262,269 (5,894 ) 212 2,141 (88 ) 4 264,410 (5,982 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 51,120 (1,002 ) 27 4,890 (722 ) 3 56,010 (1,724 ) Structured securities 54,361 (243 ) 43 17,908 (193 ) 10 72,269 (436 ) Equity securities: Common stock 3,198 (308 ) 5 — — — 3,198 (308 ) Preferred stock 1,298 (35 ) 2 — — — 1,298 (35 ) Total $ 1,272,646 $ (34,840 ) 1,001 $ 61,007 $ (2,132 ) 44 $ 1,333,653 $ (36,972 ) NGHC $ 1,190,788 $ (33,382 ) 963 $ 51,813 $ (1,665 ) 28 $ 1,242,601 $ (35,047 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 81,858 (1,458 ) 38 9,194 (467 ) 16 91,052 (1,925 ) Total $ 1,272,646 $ (34,840 ) 1,001 $ 61,007 $ (2,132 ) 44 $ 1,333,653 $ (36,972 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2015 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities: 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 ) Equity securities: Common stock 39,490 (6,932 ) 5 130 (28 ) 2 39,620 (6,960 ) 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 ) There were 1,045 and 444 securities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, that account for the gross unrealized loss, none of which are deemed by the Company to be other-than-temporary impairments. Significant factors influencing the Company’s determination that none of these securities were OTTI included the length of time and/or magnitude of unrealized losses in relation to cost, the nature of the investment, the current financial condition of the issuer and its future prospects, the ability to recover to cost in the near term, 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, 2016 and 2015 , of the $2,132 and $10,355 , respectively, of unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, none and $8,466 , respectively, of those unrealized losses were related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 20% of its amortized cost or cost. The unrealized losses for securities greater than 20% 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. The Company reviewed its investments at December 31, 2016 , and determined that no additional OTTI existed in the gross unrealized holding losses other than certain fixed maturities and equity securities, that were in a loss position, for which the Company had the intention to sell before it can recover its cost basis. The impairments for these securities are equal to the difference between its amortized cost or cost and its fair value, and were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Fixed maturities - Corporate bonds $ 7,238 $ 12,027 $ 2,244 Equity securities - Common stock 14,864 3,220 — Total OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ 22,102 $ 15,247 $ 2,244 NGHC $ 22,102 $ 15,247 $ 2,244 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ 22,102 $ 15,247 $ 2,244 The Company regularly monitors its investments that have fair values less than cost or amortized cost for signs of other-than-temporary impairment, an assessment that requires significant management judgment regarding the evidence known. Such judgments could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could negatively impact the amounts reported. Among the factors that management considers for fixed maturity securities are the financial condition of the issuer including receipt of scheduled principal and interest cash flows, and intent to sell, including if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery. When a fixed maturity has been determined to have an other-than-temporary impairment and the Company does not have the intention to sell, the impairment charge is separated into an amount representing the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings as a realized loss, and the amount related to non-credit factors, which is recognized in AOCI. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in AOCI. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 , the Company did not recognize any impairment charges due to non-credit factors for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI. The Company considers different factors to determine the amount of projected future cash flows and discounting methods for corporate bonds and residential and commercial mortgage-backed or structured securities. For corporate bond securities, the split between the credit and non-credit losses is driven principally by assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected future cash flows. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition. For residential and commercial mortgage-backed and structured securities, cash flow estimates, including prepayment assumptions, are based on data from widely accepted third-party data sources or internal estimates. In addition to prepayment assumptions, cash flow estimates vary based on assumptions regarding the underlying collateral including default rates, recoveries and changes in value. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company’s best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity security prior to impairment at the balance sheet date. The discounted cash flows become the new amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. Among the factors that management considers for equity securities and other invested assets are the length of time and/or the significance of decline below cost, the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities through their recovery periods, the current financial condition of the issuer and its future business prospects, and the ability of the market value to recover to cost in the near term. When an equity security or other invested asset has been determined to have a decline in fair value that is other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the security is adjusted to fair value. This results in a charge to earnings as a realized loss, which is not reversed for subsequent recoveries in fair value. Future increases or decreases in fair value, if not other-than-temporary, are included in AOCI. (c) Unrealized Gains and Losses Unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available for sale as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Net unrealized gain (loss) on fixed maturities $ 21,737 $ (23,066 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on common stock 6,742 (6,391 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on preferred stock (18 ) 377 Net unrealized loss on other — (20 ) Deferred income tax (9,968 ) 10,185 Unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 18,493 $ (18,915 ) NGHC $ 15,030 $ (15,634 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 3,463 (3,281 ) Unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax 18,493 (18,915 ) Non-controlling interest (3,463 ) 3,281 NGHC unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 15,030 $ (15,634 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 NGHC change in unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 30,664 $ (40,632 ) Non-controlling interest change in unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 1,454 $ (3,964 ) (d) Trading Securities The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value on trading securities were as follows: December 31, 2016 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Fixed maturities: Corporate bonds $ 32,698 $ 5,979 $ — $ 38,677 Equity securities: Common stock 28,176 5,172 (3,215 ) 30,133 Total $ 60,874 $ 11,151 $ (3,215 ) $ 68,810 NGHC $ 60,874 $ 11,151 $ (3,215 ) $ 68,810 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total $ 60,874 $ 11,151 $ (3,215 ) $ 68,810 Proceeds from sales of trading securities were $62,104 during the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company reclassified certain available-for-sale securities to trading securities for the purpose of buying and selling them in the near term and benefit from the change in market prices or spreads. (e) Investment Income The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest income Cash and short-term investments $ 5,223 $ 186 $ 114 Fixed maturities 96,755 69,310 52,008 Equity securities 1,901 277 349 Investment income 103,879 69,773 52,471 Investment expenses (11,898 ) (3,529 ) (2,629 ) Repurchase agreements interest expense (485 ) (213 ) (236 ) Other income (1) 8,090 9,309 2,820 Net Investment Income $ 99,586 $ 75,340 $ 52,426 NGHC $ 90,870 $ 66,429 $ 50,627 Reciprocal Exchanges 8,716 8,911 1,799 Net Investment Income $ 99,586 $ 75,340 $ 52,426 (1 ) Includes interest income of approximately $7,593 , $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. (See Note 18, “Related Party Transactions” for additional information). (f) Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. The tables below indicate impairment write-downs on investments, realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company reclassified $34,147 available-for-sale securities to trading securities with $4,849 gross gains and $3,586 gross losses from AOCI to earnings. December 31, 2016 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ — $ (22,102 ) $ (22,102 ) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale 34,577 (10,090 ) 24,487 Equity securities, available-for-sale 6,410 (19,137 ) (12,727 ) Fixed maturities, trading 12,571 (713 ) 11,858 Equity securities, trading 9,687 (7,349 ) 2,338 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 63,245 $ (59,391 ) $ 3,854 NGHC $ 62,715 $ (59,376 ) $ 3,339 Reciprocal Exchanges 530 (15 ) 515 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 63,245 $ (59,391 ) $ 3,854 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ — $ (15,247 ) $ (15,247 ) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale 8,245 (1,702 ) 6,543 Equity securities, available-for-sale 5 (1,608 ) (1,603 ) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) NGHC $ 7,005 $ (17,658 ) $ (10,653 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 1,245 (899 ) 346 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ — $ (2,244 ) $ (2,244 ) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale 151 (220 ) (69 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale 34 (613 ) (579 ) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) NGHC $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) (g) Credit Quality of Investments The tables below summarize the credit quality of the Company’s fixed maturities, securities pledged and preferred securities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 2016 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 $ 39,471 $ 39,918 1.4 % $ 5,934 $ 5,930 1.9 % AAA 251,549 246,040 8.8 % 7,526 7,436 2.4 % AA, AA+, AA- 820,762 815,294 29.2 % 33,096 33,728 11.0 % A, A+, A- 740,280 747,765 26.7 % 87,734 88,761 29.0 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 693,039 705,319 25.2 % 148,968 151,644 49.5 % BB+ and lower 228,222 241,357 8.7 % 17,759 18,846 6.2 % Total $ 2,773,323 $ 2,795,693 100.0 % $ 301,017 $ 306,345 100.0 % 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 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of the Company’s corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . December 31, 2016 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions 0.1 % 1.7 % 21.7 % 11.8 % 3.0 % $ 631,595 38.3 % Industrials — % 3.4 % 17.7 % 27.6 % 6.3 % 906,950 55.0 % Utilities/Other 0.8 % 0.2 % 1.3 % 3.6 % 0.8 % 111,034 6.7 % Total 0.9 % 5.3 % 40.7 % 43.0 % 10.1 % $ 1,649,579 100.0 % NGHC 0.9 % 4.8 % 35.6 % 34.4 % 9.2 % $ 1,400,239 84.9 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % 0.5 % 5.1 % 8.6 % 0.9 % 249,340 15.1 % Total 0.9 % 5.3 % 40.7 % 43.0 % 10.1 % $ 1,649,579 100.0 % 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 % (h) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted 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 Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 220,299 $ 225,930 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 65,601 56,347 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flow $ 285,900 $ 282,277 The fair values of the Company’s restricted investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 State deposits, at fair value $ 73,731 $ 40,174 Restricted investments to trusts, at fair value 366,306 407,849 Total $ 440,037 $ 448,023 (i) Short-term Investments and Other Investments The Company had short-term investments of $15,674 and $3,527 , as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Short-term investments consisted of money market funds; these money market funds were rated by Standard & Poor’s as AAA. The table below summarizes the composition of other investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 : December 31, 2016 2015 Limited partnerships, equity method $ 64,444 $ 5,691 Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost 21,178 — Investments, at cost or amortized cost 11,851 7,340 Investments, at fair value 9,427 — Total $ 106,900 $ 13,031 The Company’s other investments consisted primarily of limited partnerships, investments in residential and commercial real estate debt funds, preferred securities and certificates of deposit. The Company believes its exposure to risk associated with these investments is generally limited to the investment carrying amounts. The increase from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 was to diversify the Company’s alternative investment portfolio.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 utilizes a pricing service (“pricing services”) to estimate fair value measurements for all its fixed maturities and equity securities. The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value of financial instruments held as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . U.S. Treasury and Federal Agencies ‑ Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury. 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. government securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. States and Political Subdivision Bonds ‑ Comprised of bonds and auction rate securities issued by U.S. states and municipal entities or agencies. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, these are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company also holds certain municipal bonds that finance economic development, infrastructure and environmental projects which do not have an active market. These bonds are valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Foreign Government ‑ Comprised of bonds issued by foreign governments. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, these are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company also holds certain foreign government bonds that are valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Corporate Bonds ‑ Comprised of bonds issued by corporations, public and privately placed. The fair values of short-term corporate bonds are priced 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. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, these are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company also holds certain structured notes and term loans that do not have an active market. These bonds are valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Mortgage and Structured Securities ‑ Comprised of commercial and residential mortgage-backed and structured securities. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, contractual cash flows, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral performance and credit spreads, these are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company also holds certain mortgage and structured securities valued based on non-binding broker quotes received from brokers who are familiar with the investments and where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable, these are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 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 classified 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 classified the value of these equity securities as Level 2. From time to time, the Company also holds certain equity securities that are issued by privately-held entities 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 bonds are valued based on non-binding broker quotes where the inputs have not been corroborated to be market observable and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Other Investments, at fair value - Comprised of the Company’s rights to receive the Excess Servicing Spread (“ESS”) related to servicing rights. The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach to estimate their fair value. The key inputs used in the estimation of ESS include prepayment speed and discount rate. Changes in the fair value of the ESS are reported in earnings. The Company classified the fair value estimates of ESS as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Debt - The amount reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the debt. (See Note 16, “Debt” for additional information). The Company’s 7.625% Notes are publicly traded and classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s 6.75% Notes, the Credit Agreement, the Imperial Surplus Notes, the Century-National Promissory Note and the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes are not publicly traded and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2016 , the fair values of the Company’s 6.75% Notes, the Century-National Promissory Note and the Credit Agreement were determined using analytical procedures on similar publicly traded corporate bonds and loans, and were valued using the discounted cash flow method of the income approach. The cash flows were discounted at a market yield, calculated using the risk-free rate plus a credit spread. As of December 31, 2015 , the fair value of the Company’s 6.75% Notes was determined using the direct transaction method of the market approach. The Company executed an arm’s length private market transaction in the fourth quarter of 2015 which provided reasonably supportable indication of its fair value. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the fair values of the Company’s Imperial Surplus Notes were valued using the Black-Derman-Toy interest rate lattice model. As of December 31, 2016 , management believes that the fair value estimates of the Company’s recent assumed Subordinated Debentures and SPCIC Surplus Notes approximate its carrying value. Effective March 31, 2016, the Company purchased the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes from ACP Re for an aggregate amount of approximately $88,900 . The purchase price was based on an independent third-party valuation of the fair market value of the surplus notes. At December 31, 2016 , the surplus notes receivable and surplus notes payable are eliminated upon consolidation. (See Note 3, “Reciprocal Exchanges” for additional information). The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value estimates of debt not carried at fair value: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value 7.625% Notes $ 96,669 $ 100,160 $ 96,583 $ 98,240 6.75% Notes 345,135 360,865 344,478 350,000 Subordinated Debentures 72,168 72,168 — — Imperial Surplus Notes 5,000 4,986 5,000 4,979 SPCIC Surplus Notes 4,000 4,000 — — Credit Agreement 50,000 53,925 — — Century-National Promissory Note 178,894 178,778 — — Other 135 135 — — Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes — — 45,476 50,300 Total $ 752,001 $ 775,017 $ 491,537 $ 503,519 Contingent payments - The fair value of contingent payments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2016 , contingent payments of $2,677 were valued based on estimated earnings and projected payouts. As of December 31, 2015 , contingent payments of $16,071 were valued using discounted cash flows and $8,581 were valued based on estimated earnings and projected payouts. In accordance with ASC 820, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: December 31, 2016 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Available-for-sale securities: Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,848 $ — $ — $ 45,848 Federal agencies 713 — — 713 States and political subdivision bonds — 447,579 4,732 452,311 Foreign government — 54,889 1,910 56,799 Corporate bonds — 1,577,290 33,612 1,610,902 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 441,897 7,423 449,320 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 102,494 4,849 107,343 Structured securities — 329,508 9,055 338,563 Total fixed maturities 46,561 2,953,657 61,581 3,061,799 Equity securities: Common stock 21,719 — 6,297 28,016 Preferred stock — 1,562 — 1,562 Total equity securities 21,719 1,562 6,297 29,578 Total available-for-sale securities 68,280 2,955,219 67,878 3,091,377 Trading securities: Fixed maturities - Corporate bonds — 36,245 2,432 38,677 Equity securities - Common stock 30,133 — — 30,133 Total trading securities 30,133 36,245 2,432 68,810 Short-term investments 15,674 — — 15,674 Other investments — — 9,427 9,427 Total assets $ 114,087 $ 2,991,464 $ 79,737 $ 3,185,288 NGHC $ 108,157 $ 2,691,049 $ 79,737 $ 2,878,943 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,930 300,415 — 306,345 Total assets $ 114,087 $ 2,991,464 $ 79,737 $ 3,185,288 Liabilities Contingent payments $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 NGHC $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 December 31, 2015 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Available-for-sale securities: Fixed maturities and securities pledged: 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 Total fixed maturities and securities pledged 22,304 2,335,110 — 2,357,414 Equity securities: Common stock 46,965 — — 46,965 Preferred stock — 11,825 — 11,825 Total equity securities 46,965 11,825 — 58,790 Total available-for-sale securities 69,269 2,346,935 — 2,416,204 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 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, 2016 and 2015 : Balance as of Net income/loss Other comprehensive Purchases and Payments, sales and Net transfers Balance as of December 31, 2016 States and political subdivision bonds $ — $ — $ — $ 4,732 $ — $ — $ 4,732 Foreign government — — — — — 1,910 1,910 Corporate bonds — — — 33,612 — 2,432 36,044 Residential mortgage-backed securities — — — 7,423 — — 7,423 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — — — — — 4,849 4,849 Structured securities — — — 6,304 — 2,751 9,055 Common stock — — — — — 6,297 6,297 Other investments — — — 9,427 — — 9,427 Total assets $ — $ — $ — $ 61,498 $ — $ 18,239 $ 79,737 Contingent payments $ 24,652 $ (2,957 ) $ — $ — $ (19,018 ) $ — $ 2,677 Total liabilities $ 24,652 $ (2,957 ) $ — $ — $ (19,018 ) $ — $ 2,677 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 There have not been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2016 . During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company transferred $18,239 out of Level 2 into Level 3 due to changes in broker quotes where the inputs had not been corroborated to be market observable resulting in the securities being classified as Level 3. 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. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels at 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, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Goodwill is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 11, “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 investment income 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 and securities sold but not yet repurchased, at market value, 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
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries	Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries LSC Entities The Company has a 50% ownership interest in each of three entities (collectively, the “LSC Entities”) formed for the purpose of acquiring life settlement contracts, with AmTrust owning the remaining 50% . The LSC Entities are: Tiger Capital LLC (“Tiger”); AMT Capital Alpha, LLC (“AMT Alpha”); and AMT Capital Holdings, S.A. (“AMTCH”). 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. The 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 following tables present the investment activity in the LSC Entities. Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 Distributions — (1,923 ) — Contributions 11,500 565 18,056 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 20,831 8,930 1,847 Change in equity method investments 32,331 7,572 19,903 Balance at end of year $ 185,992 $ 153,661 $ 146,089 The following tables summarize total assets, total liabilities and members’ equity as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 and the results of operations for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . As of December 31, Condensed balance sheet data 2016 2015 2014 Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value $ 356,856 $ 264,001 $ 264,517 Total assets 392,538 334,026 318,598 Total liabilities 20,554 26,704 26,420 Members’ equity 371,984 307,322 292,178 NGHC’s 50% ownership interest $ 185,992 $ 153,661 $ 146,089 Year Ended December 31, Condensed results of operations 2016 2015 2014 Revenue, net of commission $ 49,298 $ 66,435 $ 50,447 Total expenses 7,636 48,575 46,753 Net income $ 41,662 $ 17,860 $ 3,694 NGHC’s 50% ownership interest $ 20,831 $ 8,930 $ 1,847 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 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, 2016 and 2015 and, only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Average age of insured 82.8 years 81.2 years Average life expectancy, months (1) 107 114 Average face amount per policy $ 6,572 $ 6,564 Effective discount rate (2) 12.4 % 13.7 % (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 10.0% and 15.0% 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, 2015 to December 31, 2016 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, 2016 and 2015 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: December 31, 2016 $ (44,207 ) $ 43,492 December 31, 2015 $ (37,697 ) $ 40,997 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: December 31, 2016 $ (29,881 ) $ 33,155 December 31, 2015 $ (26,558 ) $ 29,644 (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, 2016 . 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 2017 $ 61,518 2018 49,683 2019 50,396 2020 46,632 2021 43,223 Thereafter 503,818 Total $ 755,270 Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships 800 Superior, LLC 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. The entity is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Additionally, in 2012, the Company entered into an office lease with 800 Superior, LLC. The lease period is for 15 years and the Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $2,733 , $2,655 and $2,243 in rent for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1,479 and $1,720 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(241) , $(420) , and $(737) , respectively. East Ninth & Superior, LLC 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. The entity is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company’s equity interest in East Ninth & Superior as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $4,189 and $4,139 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $50 , $60 , and $70 , respectively. North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. 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 the Karfunkel family 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, 2016 and 2015 was $12,694 and $9,862 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $1,032 and $756 , respectively. The Company made contributions or received (distributions) of $1,800 and $(607) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC In August 2015, the Company formed 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC with AmTrust, for the purposes of acquiring an office building in Dallas, Texas. The cost of the building was approximately $21,000 . AmTrust has been appointed managing member of 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company and AmTrust each have a 50% ownership interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The entity is considered to be a VIE, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC using the equity method of accounting. Additionally, in March 2016 , the Company entered into a lease agreement with 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The lease period is for 12 years and the Company paid 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC $1,385 in rent for the year ended December 31, 2016 . The Company’s equity interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $900 and $10,559 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $499 and $28 , respectively. The Company received (returns of capital) or made contributions of $(10,158) and $10,531 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Illinois Center Building, L.P. 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, 2016 and 2015 was $60,435 and $55,007 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $3,553 and $1,292 , respectively. The Company made contributions of $3,750 and received distributions of $(1,875) for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Direct General On November 1, 2016 , the Company completed the acquisition of Elara Holdings, Inc. (the “Acquired Company”), a Delaware corporation and parent company of Direct General Corporation, a Tennessee based property and casualty insurance company (“Direct General”). Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the Company purchased all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Acquired Company in a reverse subsidiary merger transaction. The purchase price was an aggregate cash payment of $162,013 . Direct General net assets purchased of approximately $169,140 exceeded the cash paid by the Company of approximately $162,013 , and, as a result, the Company recorded $7,127 bargain purchase gain in earnings. This acquisition adds a direct distribution channel to the Company's core nonstandard auto business and expands the Company's presence in this product line in the Southeast. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: November 2016 Assets: Cash and invested assets $ 298,789 Premiums receivable 232,035 Reinsurance recoverable 356 Income tax receivable 295 Deferred tax asset 28,315 Premises and equipment 27,292 Intangible assets 66,659 Other assets 28,327 Total assets 682,068 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 162,863 Unearned premiums 220,433 Reinsurance payable 1,618 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 34,330 Debt 90,447 Other liabilities 3,237 Total liabilities 512,928 Net assets purchased 169,140 Purchase price 162,013 Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings $ 7,127 The intangible assets related to the acquisition of Direct General were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. The intangible assets acquired consisted of state licenses of $13,000 with an indefinite life, trademarks of $34,000 , agent relationships of $8,000 , value in policies in force of $7,319 , loss reserve discount of $3,600 and non-compete agreements of $740 , with weighted average amortization lives of 11 , 2 , 1 , 9 and 15 years , respectively. The Company is in the process of completing the opening balance sheet for the acquisition, and is currently reviewing the intangible assets and loss reserves third-party valuation report and finalization of tax allocations. The Company anticipates completing its acquisition accounting no later than October 2017 . As a result of the acquisition of Direct General, the Company recorded $60,130 of gross premium written and $17,520 of service and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company On October 6, 2016 , in a special meeting of the members of Standard Mutual Insurance Company, an Illinois based property and casualty insurance underwriter (“SMIC”), the members approved, among other matters, the conversion of SMIC from a mutual company to a stock company named Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“SPCIC”). The transaction was “sponsored” by the Company. The Company offered the right to subscribe for shares of its common stock at a discount to SMIC members, directors and officers. The Company received subscriptions of approximately $4,942 . The Company sold the shares at a purchase price of $18.1237 per share, which represented an 18.4507% discount to the volume-weighted average trading price of a share of its common stock, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, for the 10-trading day period ending October 5, 2016 , which was $22.2242 . On October 7, 2016 , the Company completed the acquisition and delivered 272,609 shares of its common stock, which represented the number of shares sold in the offering, and recorded approximately $6,058 in shareholders’ equity. SPCIC net assets purchased of approximately $22,123 exceeded the subscriptions received by the Company of approximately $4,942 , and, as a result, the Company recorded $17,181 bargain purchase gain in earnings. This acquisition expands the Company's homeowners and package products in Illinois and Indiana. The Company is in the process of completing the opening balance sheet for the acquisition, and is currently reviewing the intangible assets and loss reserves third-party valuation report and finalization of tax allocations. The Company anticipates completing its acquisition accounting no later than September 2017 . Century-National On June 1, 2016 , the Company closed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Century-National Insurance Company, a California domiciled property and casualty insurance company (“Century-National”), and Western General Agency, Inc., a California corporation, from Kramer-Wilson Company, Inc. (“Western General”). The purchase price for the transaction was approximately $322,694 . The purchase price includes an upfront cash payment of approximately $143,800 with the remaining balance of $178,894 in the form of a promissory note, payable over a period of two years . (See Note 16, “Debt - Century-National Promissory Note” for additional information). Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company will re-estimate Century National’s closing statutory reserves as of the 2nd anniversary of the closing date of the acquisition. If the closing date booked statutory reserves exceed the re-estimated statutory reserves, the Company will pay the seller the excess. If the re-estimated statutory reserves exceed the closing date booked statutory reserves, the seller will pay the Company the excess. This acquisition expands the Company's standard and preferred product offering in both homeowners and personal auto. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: June 2016 Assets: Cash and invested assets $ 413,343 Accrued interest 3,531 Premiums and other receivables 68,410 Reinsurance recoverable 12,904 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 12,723 Premises and equipment 5,216 Intangible assets 71,008 Deferred tax asset 12,100 Other assets 1,426 Total assets 600,661 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 132,912 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 17,900 Unearned premiums 113,608 Reinsurance payable 6,308 Other Liabilities 7,239 Total liabilities 277,967 Net assets purchased $ 322,694 The intangible assets related to the acquisition of Century-National and Western General were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. The intangible assets acquired consisted of $8,000 of state licenses with an indefinite life, agent relationships of $38,000 , value in policies in force of $18,485 , leases of $5,523 and trademarks of $1,000 , with weighted average amortization lives of 15 , 1 , 13 and 5 years , respectively. The Company is in the process of completing the opening balance sheet for the acquisition, and is currently reviewing the intangible assets and loss reserves third-party valuation report and finalization of tax allocations. The Company anticipates completing its acquisition accounting no later than May 2017 . As a result of the acquisition of Century-National and Western General, the Company recorded $139,965 of gross premium written and $4,471 of service and fee income for the year ended December 31, 2016 . LPI Business 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, including certain of QBE’s affiliates engaged in the lender-placed insurance business (“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 purchase price was an aggregate cash payment of $95,726 . 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 $ 293,473 Premiums receivable 101,357 Premises and equipment 1,540 Intangible assets 61,645 Other assets 1,013 Total assets 459,028 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 104,123 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 69,056 Unearned premiums 245,827 Total liabilities 419,006 Net assets purchased 40,022 Purchase price 95,726 Goodwill recorded $ 55,704 The goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of the LPI Business were assigned to the Property and Casualty segment. Goodwill of $48,204 is deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets acquired consisted of agent relationships of $50,000 , proprietary technology of $10,000 and other intangibles of $1,645 , with weighted average amortization lives of 15 , 10 and 7 years , respectively. The increase in goodwill of $35,978 from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 was related to the increase in the provisional amounts recorded for cash and invested assets, unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and accounts payable and accrued expenses, and the decrease in premiums receivable, premises and equipment, and other assets, since the initial accounting was in the process of being completed. As a result of the acquisition of the LPI Business, the Company recorded approximately $376,058 and $126,570 of gross premium written for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively; and $33,746 and $8,584 of service and fee income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Assurant Health 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 Corporation, a proprietary small group sales channel (the “Assurant Transaction”). 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 Premiums receivable 16,440 Intangible assets 10,493 Total assets 70,381 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 74,671 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 281 Unearned premiums 2,505 Deferred tax liability 3,887 Other liabilities 678 Total liabilities 82,022 Net assets purchased (11,641 ) Purchase price 14,000 Goodwill recorded $ 25,641 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 $12,275 is deductible for tax purposes. The increase in goodwill of $10,532 from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 was related to the decrease in the provisional amounts recorded for premiums receivable and an increase in unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, since the initial accounting was in the process of being completed. As a result of the acquisition of certain business lines and assets from Assurant Health, the Company recorded approximately $189,440 and $55,693 of gross premium written for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively; and $55,030 and $17,881 of service and fee income related for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The goodwill associated with the Company’s acquisitions relates to the additional benefits (i.e., expected cash flow or earnings, customer relationships) of the acquisition in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired. No individual acquisition or acquisitions in the aggregate were materially significant that required any pro forma financial information during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 .

Premiums and Other Receivables,

Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Premiums and Other Receivables, Net	Premiums and Other Receivables, Net Premiums and other receivables, net at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Premiums receivable (Related parties - $0 and $46,565) $ 998,761 $ 652,400 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses 67,439 64,056 Commission receivables 32,736 20,337 Investment receivables 12,198 — Other receivables (Related parties - $0 and $26) 63,193 35,273 Allowance for uncollectible amounts (16,219 ) (13,433 ) Total $ 1,158,108 $ 758,633 NGHC $ 1,097,130 $ 702,439 Reciprocal Exchanges 60,978 56,194 Total $ 1,158,108 $ 758,633

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of the year $ 160,531 $ 125,999 $ 60,112 Additions 495,195 368,515 270,204 Reductions (1) (23,803 ) — — Amortization (411,001 ) (333,983 ) (204,317 ) Change in DAC 60,391 34,532 65,887 Balance, end of the year $ 220,922 $ 160,531 $ 125,999 NGHC $ 189,879 $ 136,728 $ 121,514 Reciprocal Exchanges 31,043 23,803 4,485 Balance, end of the year $ 220,922 $ 160,531 $ 125,999 (1) DAC reductions relate to the deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges at January 1, 2016. (See Note 3, “Reciprocal Exchanges” for additional information).

Premises and Equipment, Net

Premises and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises and Equipment, Net	Premises and Equipment, Net The composition of premises and equipment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 3,336 $ — $ 3,336 Buildings 20,362 842 19,520 Leasehold improvements 23,453 2,348 21,105 Furniture and equipment 11,472 2,084 9,388 Hardware and software 141,669 80,514 61,155 Total $ 200,292 $ 85,788 $ 114,504 NGHC $ 194,419 $ 84,032 $ 110,387 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,873 1,756 4,117 Total $ 200,292 $ 85,788 $ 114,504 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 At December 31, 2016 , assets recorded under capital leases, included in buildings, hardware and software were $30,055 of cost, less accumulated depreciation of $578 . At December 31, 2015 , the Company had no assets under capital leases. Depreciation and amortization expense related to premises and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $19,485 , $12,065 and $14,457 , respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 trademarks and customer and producer relationships. Management contracts and insurance company licenses are considered indefinite life intangible assets subject to annual impairment testing. The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Agent/Customer relationships $ 190,446 $ 35,618 $ 154,828 2 - 15 years Value in policies in force 59,198 36,555 22,643 1 year Renewal rights 42,716 13,484 29,232 3 - 7 years Trademarks 36,300 783 35,517 5 - 11 years Loss reserve discount 16,999 12,670 4,329 6 - 10 years Proprietary technology 11,800 1,893 9,907 3 - 10 years Leases 5,523 246 5,277 13 years Affinity partners 800 508 292 11 years Non-compete agreements 740 8 732 15 years Management contracts 118,600 — 118,600 indefinite life State licenses 86,363 — 86,363 indefinite life Goodwill 155,290 — 155,290 indefinite life Total $ 724,775 $ 101,765 $ 623,010 NGHC $ 692,137 $ 80,152 $ 611,985 Reciprocal Exchanges 32,638 21,613 11,025 Total $ 724,775 $ 101,765 $ 623,010 December 31, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Value Useful Life Agent/Customer relationships $ 148,419 $ 18,562 $ 129,857 11 - 17 years Renewal rights 26,100 6,375 19,725 7 years Loss reserve discount 15,089 12,779 2,310 7 years Proprietary technology 11,800 379 11,421 3 - 10 years Trademarks 8,200 6,744 1,456 5 years Affinity partners 800 436 364 11 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 The increase in goodwill of $42,876 from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 , was related to adjustments to provisional amounts recorded to the LPI Business and to the Assurant Transaction. The increase in intangible assets before accumulated amortization of $175,312 from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 , was primarily related to the Direct General, SPCIC and Century-National acquisitions and to the Reciprocal Exchanges consolidation at March 31, 2016. (See Note 3, “Reciprocal Exchanges” and Note 7, “Acquisitions” for additional information). 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company amortized approximately $70,387 , $20,389 , and $13,791 , respectively, related to its intangible assets with a finite life subject to amortization, which included amortization relating to intangibles owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $21,613 , $4,380 and $2,468 , respectively. Included in the Company’s amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , is an impairment charge of $4,606 , $574 and $812 , respectively, related to certain agent and customer relationships. Included also in the Company’s amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , is an impairment charge of $432 , $0 and $0 , respectively, related to indefinite-life state licenses. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is: Year ending NGHC Reciprocal Total 2017 $ 59,497 $ 7,340 $ 66,837 2018 32,657 180 32,837 2019 25,982 180 26,162 2020 20,548 180 20,728 2021 18,384 45 18,429 Thereafter 97,764 — 97,764 $ 254,832 $ 7,925 $ 262,757 The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Property and Casualty Accident and Health Total Balance as of January 1, 2015 Goodwill $ 45,629 $ 47,055 $ 92,684 Accumulated impairment loss (15,547 ) (6,373 ) (21,920 ) Balance as of January 1, 2015, net $ 30,082 $ 40,682 $ 70,764 Additions 39,455 19,661 59,116 Impairment loss (11,222 ) (6,244 ) (17,466 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 Goodwill 85,084 66,716 151,800 Accumulated impairment loss (26,769 ) (12,617 ) (39,386 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015, net $ 58,315 $ 54,099 $ 112,414 Additions 39,106 10,396 49,502 Impairment loss (3,552 ) (3,074 ) (6,626 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 Goodwill 124,190 77,112 201,302 Accumulated impairment loss (30,321 ) (15,691 ) (46,012 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016, net $ 93,869 $ 61,421 $ 155,290 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. The Company’s Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries are a component of the property and casualty segment. For the Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries, 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. 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 Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries, 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 the Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries’ carrying value exceeded its fair value. The Company performed a Step 2 impairment test and recorded impairment losses for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , approximately $4,882 and $8,434 , respectively, of the Company’s goodwill balance was related to the Luxembourg reinsurer subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company recorded non-cash goodwill impairments for its reporting units of $6,626 , $17,466 and $15,792 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , there were no other circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustme

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves The unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense reserves 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 losses 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. The table below shows the activity of loss reserves on a gross and net of reinsurance basis for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , reflecting changes in losses incurred and paid losses: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year $ 1,479,953 $ 143,279 $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,259,241 $ — $ 1,259,241 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the year (793,508 ) (583 ) (794,091 ) (39,085 ) (833,176 ) (888,215 ) (23,583 ) (911,798 ) (950,828 ) — (950,828 ) Net balance at beginning of the year 686,445 142,696 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 — 308,413 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,597,132 290,057 1,887,189 57,818 1,945,007 1,265,702 100,255 1,365,957 1,008,406 25,382 1,033,788 Prior year 5,125 9,310 14,435 (897 ) 13,538 18,378 (2,694 ) 15,684 17,941 1,336 19,277 Total incurred 1,602,257 299,367 1,901,624 56,921 1,958,545 1,284,080 97,561 1,381,641 1,026,347 26,718 1,053,065 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (974,402 ) (181,957 ) (1,156,359 ) (35,771 ) (1,192,130 ) (835,854 ) (37,018 ) (872,872 ) (645,826 ) (20,715 ) (666,541 ) Prior year (497,993 ) (84,824 ) (582,817 ) (19,958 ) (602,775 ) (347,912 ) (55,501 ) (403,413 ) (187,010 ) (12,429 ) (199,439 ) Total paid (1,472,395 ) (266,781 ) (1,739,176 ) (55,729 ) (1,794,905 ) (1,183,766 ) (92,519 ) (1,276,285 ) (832,836 ) (33,144 ) (865,980 ) Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve 292,412 9,682 302,094 384 302,478 169,257 — 169,257 66,066 94,691 160,757 Effect of foreign exchange rates — (4,291 ) (4,291 ) — (4,291 ) (2,520 ) — (2,520 ) (5,900 ) — (5,900 ) Net balance at end of the year 1,108,719 180,673 1,289,392 94,883 1,384,275 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the year 827,672 10,933 838,605 42,192 880,797 794,091 39,085 833,176 888,215 23,583 911,798 Gross balance at end of the year $ 1,936,391 $ 191,606 $ 2,127,997 $ 137,075 $ 2,265,072 $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 Gross unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense reserves at December 31, 2016 increased by $509,448 from December 31, 2015 , primarily reflecting increases due to the Direct General, SPCIC and Century-National acquisitions, increased organic growth within our Property and Casualty segment (“P&C”), and the increase in incurred-but-not-reported claims in our Accident and Health segment (“A&H”). Gross unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense reserves at December 31, 2015 increased by $193,471 from December 31, 2014 , primarily reflecting increases due to the Quota Share Runoff, the Imperial acquisition, the consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges, the LPI Business acquisition, the Assurant Transaction and loss experience in the Company’s domestic stop loss programs. Prior year loss development, net of reinsurance Prior year development is based upon numerous estimates by line of business and accident year. No additional premiums or return premiums have been accrued as a result of the prior year effects. 2016. Loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2016 included $13,538 unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves ( $14,435 excluding $897 of favorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges), driven by $9,310 of unfavorable development in the A&H segment that was primarily driven by unfavorable development in the domestic stop loss, short-term medical and European A&H policies, and driven by unfavorable development of $5,125 in the P&C segment primarily driven by higher than expected development in private passenger auto bodily injury coverage; while partially offset by $897 of favorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges. 2015. Loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $15,684 of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves ( $18,378 excluding $2,694 of favorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges), primarily caused by $17,185 of unfavorable development in the A&H segment predominantly with respect to business subject to the Company’s European group life and health reinsurance agreement and $1,193 of unfavorable development in the P&C segment predominantly with respect to higher than expected loss emergence from commercial auto liability combined single limit insurance policies. 2014. Loss and LAE for the year ended December 31, 2014 included $19,277 of unfavorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves ( $17,941 excluding $1,336 of unfavorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges), primarily caused by loss emergence attributable to the A&H segment, including $6,790 as a result of a loss portfolio transfer where we assumed business previously placed by the Company’s European group life and health insurance and $6,000 related to our domestic stop loss business, and the remaining $5,151 related to higher than expected P&C losses attributable to claims for private passenger automobile bodily injury liability and personal injury protection. Short-duration contracts The following is information by segment about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2016 , net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities (“IBNR”) plus expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred claims amounts. The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended prior to December 31, 2016 , is presented as unaudited supplementary information. Property and Casualty Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (unaudited) 2010 $ 1,400,368 $ 1,389,062 $ 1,388,408 $ 1,388,293 $ 1,386,309 $ 1,388,245 $ 1,388,436 $ 777 637,092 2011 1,306,397 1,301,325 1,301,294 1,301,949 1,301,227 1,300,868 6,088 643,910 2012 1,295,045 1,295,036 1,296,493 1,295,458 1,300,677 6,857 653,948 2013 1,175,590 1,180,827 1,181,268 1,188,736 11,025 610,636 2014 1,550,697 1,546,329 1,550,697 28,253 652,876 2015 1,721,372 1,731,696 76,329 684,743 2016 1,909,730 416,938 648,890 Total (A) $ 10,370,840 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (unaudited) 2010 $ 886,725 $ 1,227,516 $ 1,309,288 $ 1,349,335 $ 1,369,261 $ 1,382,010 $ 1,385,596 2011 822,316 1,152,053 1,236,052 1,266,446 1,284,848 1,291,960 2012 811,546 1,163,987 1,232,759 1,268,877 1,287,299 2013 770,666 1,049,326 1,122,327 1,161,896 2014 972,489 1,367,765 1,469,822 2015 1,097,124 1,543,499 2016 1,170,671 Total (B) $ 9,310,743 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance (C) 5,402 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves, net of reinsurance (A) - (B) + (C) $ 1,065,499 Accident and Health Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (unaudited) 2010 $ 20,906 $ 21,671 $ 23,428 $ 24,083 $ 25,102 $ 26,402 $ 26,012 $ 98 22,906 2011 19,675 25,580 26,124 27,721 30,067 29,192 38 24,523 2012 21,026 27,828 30,845 34,438 33,533 180 27,538 2013 46,005 57,023 60,398 61,847 773 56,051 2014 80,361 88,287 90,943 2,068 95,152 2015 211,620 226,327 7,180 264,651 2016 245,014 89,650 229,532 Total (A) $ 712,868 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (unaudited) 2010 $ 11,311 $ 17,742 $ 20,508 $ 22,528 $ 23,701 $ 24,263 $ 24,503 2011 11,569 21,224 24,012 26,008 27,137 27,552 2012 13,678 23,053 27,110 29,235 30,239 2013 27,652 49,038 53,904 56,251 2014 46,668 78,132 82,725 2015 140,220 208,364 2016 147,674 Total (B) $ 577,308 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance (C) 2,026 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves, net of reinsurance (A) - (B) + (C) $ 137,586 Reciprocal Exchanges Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (unaudited) 2010 $ 129,745 $ 121,572 $ 118,892 $ 118,038 $ 118,826 $ 117,721 $ 117,601 $ 86 23,266 2011 113,072 102,758 101,991 103,110 105,097 104,877 — 23,769 2012 95,875 94,360 95,417 94,549 96,615 1,057 24,741 2013 89,696 90,787 90,902 95,198 3,258 19,349 2014 95,602 93,121 97,361 4,312 20,808 2015 86,901 73,032 6,813 20,222 2016 73,727 16,950 10,955 Total (A) $ 658,411 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (unaudited) 2010 $ 68,343 $ 88,105 $ 98,233 $ 109,052 $ 113,581 $ 115,248 $ 115,749 2011 65,605 77,869 87,816 94,687 100,258 103,258 2012 48,414 73,958 82,780 88,530 92,174 2013 48,611 71,741 77,760 85,617 2014 53,796 75,068 81,974 2015 43,969 56,816 2016 41,073 Total (B) $ 576,661 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance (C) 1,528 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves, net of reinsurance (A) - (B) + (C) $ 83,278 The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is as follows: December 31, 2016 Net outstanding liabilities: Property and Casualty (1) $ 1,065,499 Accident and Health (excluding DE captive subsidiaries) (2) 137,586 Accident and Health - DE captive subsidiaries (2) 4,759 Reciprocal Exchanges (excluding commercial book) (3) 83,278 Reciprocal Exchanges - commercial book (3) 1,264 Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses 1,292,386 Reinsurance recoverable: Property and Casualty (1)(4) 827,672 Accident and Health (excluding DE captive subsidiaries) (2) 9,155 Reciprocal Exchanges (excluding commercial book) (3) 39,078 Reciprocal Exchanges - commercial book (3) 1,201 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses 877,106 Insurance lines other than short-duration 19,403 Unallocated claims adjustment expenses 60,091 Other (5) 16,086 Subtotal 95,580 Gross reserve for claims and claim adjustment expenses $ 2,265,072 (1) For acquired business, the development tables above for the Property and Casualty segment assume no historical change in ultimates in years prior to the year that the Company first acquired the business. (2) The development tables above for the Accident and Health segment exclude the Company’s Delaware captive subsidiaries due to impracticability of obtaining complete historical information. The Delaware captive subsidiaries are comprised of three legal entities (AIBD Insurance Company IC, Distributors Insurance Company PPC and Professional Service Captive Corporation IC) which were acquired by the Company in 2012. (3) The development tables above for the Reciprocal Exchanges exclude small commercial book of business in runoff previously underwritten by Mountain Valley Indemnity Company. (4) Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses for the Property and Casualty segment primarily include $663,943 from MCCA and $100,470 from NCRF. See Note 13, “Reinsurance” for additional information. (5) Includes forward looking reserves for certain short-duration Accident and Health insurance contracts provisionally assigned to the most current accident year and therefore not included in the loss development tables above (i.e., seasonality reserves generally applied to an insurance product that has a level annual premium and an expectation that claim costs will increase over the policy year). Methodology for Estimating Incurred-But-Not-Reported Reserves Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves represent management's estimate of the ultimate liability for claims that have been reported and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported as of the balance sheet date. Because the establishment of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves is a process involving estimates and judgment, currently estimated reserves may change. The Company reflects changes to the reserves in the results of operations for the period during which the estimates are changed. Incurred-but-not-reported reserve estimates are generally calculated by first projecting the ultimate cost of all claims that have occurred and then subtracting reported losses and loss expenses. Reported losses include cumulative paid losses and loss expenses plus case reserves. Therefore, the IBNR also includes provision for expected development on reported claims. The Company’s internal actuarial analysis of the historical data provides the factors the Company uses in its actuarial analysis in estimating our loss and LAE reserves. These factors are implicit measures over time of claims reported, average case incurred amounts, case development, severity and payment patterns. However, these factors cannot be directly used as they do not take into consideration changes in business mix, claims management, regulatory issues, medical trends, and other subjective factors. We generally use a combination of actuarial factors and subjective assumptions in the development of up to seven of the following actuarial methodologies: • Paid Development Method - uses historical, cumulative paid losses by accident year and develops those actual losses to estimated ultimate losses based upon the assumption that each accident year will develop to estimated ultimate cost in a manner that is analogous to prior years. • Paid Generalized Cape Cod Method - combines the Paid Development Method with the expected loss method, where the expected loss ratios are estimated from exposure and claims experience weighted across multiple accident periods. The selected expected loss ratio for a given accident year is derived by giving some weight to all of the accident years in the experience history rather than treating each accident year independently. • Paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method - a combination of the Paid Development Method and the Expected Loss Method, the Paid Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method estimates ultimate losses by adding actual paid losses and projected future unpaid losses. The amounts produced are then added to cumulative paid losses to produce the final estimates of ultimate incurred losses. • Incurred Development Method - uses historical, cumulative incurred losses by accident year and develops those actual losses to estimated ultimate losses based upon the assumption that each accident year will develop to estimated ultimate cost in a manner that is analogous to prior years. • Incurred Generalized Cape Cod Method - combines the Incurred Development Method with the expected loss method, where the expected loss ratios are estimated from exposure and claims experience weighted across multiple accident periods. The selected expected loss ratio for a given accident year is derived by giving some weight to all of the accident years in the experience history rather than treating each accident year independently. • Incurred Bornhuetter - Ferguson Method - a combination of the Incurred Development Method and the Expected Loss Method, the Incurred Bornhuetter-Ferguson Method estimates ultimate losses by adding actual incurred losses and projected future unreported losses. The amounts produced are then added to cumulative incurred losses to produce an estimate of ultimate incurred losses. • Expected Loss Method - utilizes an expected ultimate loss ratio based on historical experience adjusted for trends multiplied by earned premium to project ultimate losses. For each method, losses are projected to the ultimate amount to be paid. The Company then analyzes the results and may emphasize or deemphasize some or all of the outcomes to reflect actuarial judgment regarding their reasonableness in relation to supplementary information and operational and industry changes. These outcomes are then aggregated to produce a single selected point estimate that is the basis for the internal actuary’s point estimate for loss reserves. Methodology for Determining Cumulative Number of Reported Claims When the Company is notified of an incident of potential liability that may lead to demand for payment(s), a claim file is created. Methods used to summarize claim counts have not changed significantly over the time periods reported in the tables above. The methodology of counting claims for each of the Company’s segments may be summarized as follows: Property and Casualty The Company’s P&C claims are counted by claim number assigned to each claimant per insured event. However, if an insured event occurs and demand for payment is made with respect to more than one coverage (e.g., an automobile claim arising from the same incident demanding separate payment for liability and physical damage), there would be one claim counted for each coverage for which a demand for payment was made. Claims closed without payment are included in the cumulative number of reported P&C claims. Accident and Health The Company’s A&H claims are counted by claim number assigned to each claimant per illness, injury or death, regardless of number of services rendered for each incident. Entitlement to certain disability benefits (on business produced for the Company by Euro Accident) is subject to satisfying all of the Social Insurance requirements of Sweden. Claims closed without payment are not included in the cumulative number of reported A&H claims. Reciprocal Exchanges The Company’s Reciprocal Exchanges claims are counted by claim number assigned to each claimant per insured event. However, if an insured event occurs and demand for payment is made with respect to more than one statutory annual statement line of business (e.g., an automobile claim arising from the same incident demanding separate payment for liability and physical damage), there would be one claim counted for each line of business for which a demand for payment was made. Claims closed without payment are not included in the cumulative number of reported Reciprocal Exchanges claims. The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2016 . Average Annual Percentage Payout of Accident Year Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (unaudited) Property and Casualty 63.0 % 25.7 % 6.0 % 2.8 % 1.3 % 0.6 % 0.4 % Accident and Health (excluding DE captive subsidiaries) 48.8 % 30.8 % 7.8 % 5.5 % 3.7 % 1.7 % 0.9 % Reciprocal Exchanges 57.5 % 17.5 % 9.0 % 7.5 % 4.1 % 1.8 % 1.0 %

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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) or are fully collateralized 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Premium: Direct $ 2,962,798 $ 2,716,713 $ 2,234,976 $ 2,052,880 $ 1,558,612 $ 1,496,709 Assumed 536,710 687,829 354,772 454,851 576,495 414,410 Total Gross Premium 3,499,508 3,404,542 2,589,748 2,507,731 2,135,107 1,911,119 Ceded (428,202 ) (410,761 ) (403,502 ) (377,921 ) (265,083 ) (277,899 ) Net Premium $ 3,071,306 $ 2,993,781 $ 2,186,246 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,870,024 $ 1,633,220 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE $ 409,046 $ 463,603 $ 283,568 $ 254,924 $ 229,013 $ 211,433 As of December 31, 2016 2015 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves $ 217,522 $ 880,797 $ 252,661 $ 833,176 Unearned premiums 166,339 156,970 309,202 128,343 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 2016. 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Ceded earned premiums $ 9,404 $ 12,146 $ 12,968 Ceded Loss and LAE 26,510 15,482 12,529 Reinsurance recoverables from MCCA as of December 31, 2016 , and 2015 are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2015 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 7,969 $ 6,986 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 663,943 656,904 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Ceded earned premiums $ 165,491 $ 158,613 $ 151,744 Ceded Loss and LAE 173,926 144,350 130,265 Reinsurance recoverables from NCRF as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2015 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 29,274 $ 26,228 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 100,470 86,941 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. 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, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2015 MCCA $ 663,943 $ 656,904 NCRF 100,470 86,941 Maiden Insurance Company 12,995 21,075 ACP Re 7,797 12,645 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 5,197 8,430 Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total 48,203 8,096 Subtotal $ 838,605 $ 794,091 Reciprocal Exchanges 42,192 39,085 Total $ 880,797 $ 833,176 The Company 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, 2016, 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 property catastrophe program provides a total of $355,000 in coverage in excess of a $20,000 retention, with one reinstatement. As of May 1, 2016, the Company’s new reinsurance property catastrophe excess of loss program went into effect protecting the Company against catastrophic events and other large losses. The property catastrophe program provides a total of $475,000 in coverage in excess of a $50,000 retention, with one reinstatement. Included in this coverage is a Florida Hurricane Catastrophic Fund (“FHCF”) cover of $52,200 in excess of $16,300 with no reinstatement. The casualty program provides $45,000 in coverage in excess of a $5,000 retention. The Company pays a premium as consideration for ceding the risk.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Ex

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Accounts payable related to commissions $ 59,609 $ 36,160 Accrued expenses related to employees 42,549 30,224 Payable to carrier 38,839 34,460 Information technology payable 24,417 16,570 Investments payable 20,936 16,670 Escheats payable 12,887 10,982 Dividends payable 12,101 7,292 Premiums payable 11,385 — Interest payable 8,144 10,907 Funds held for reinsurance 4,986 — Marketing accruals 4,065 4,918 Contingent payments 2,677 8,581 Loss reserve premium 2,433 1,785 Other 67,678 54,598 Subtotal $ 312,706 $ 233,147 Related Parties: License fee payable $ 13,601 $ 12,905 Information technology payable 11,600 16,622 Printing fee payable 2,406 3,892 Contingent payments — 16,071 Other 1,664 2,265 Subtotal $ 29,271 $ 51,755 Total $ 341,977 $ 284,902 NGHC $ 335,174 $ 265,057 Reciprocal Exchanges 6,803 19,845 Total $ 341,977 $ 284,902

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Current expense (benefit) Federal $ 70,511 $ 857 $ 71,368 $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 Foreign 5,119 — 5,119 — — — — — — Total current tax expense (benefit) $ 75,630 $ 857 $ 76,487 $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 Deferred tax expense (benefit) Federal $ (4,195 ) $ (10,648 ) $ (14,843 ) $ (3,019 ) $ (4,890 ) $ (7,909 ) $ (42,301 ) $ 144 $ (42,157 ) Foreign (19,028 ) — (19,028 ) (27,094 ) — (27,094 ) (21,237 ) — (21,237 ) Total deferred tax expense (benefit) $ (23,223 ) $ (10,648 ) $ (33,871 ) $ (30,113 ) $ (4,890 ) $ (35,003 ) $ (63,538 ) $ 144 $ (63,394 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 52,407 $ (9,791 ) $ 42,616 $ 24,905 $ (5,949 ) $ 18,956 $ 22,712 $ 1,164 $ 23,876 The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Domestic $ 181,156 $ 10,764 $ 191,920 $ 225,708 $ 7,944 $ 233,652 $ 195,148 $ 3,670 $ 198,818 Foreign 18,179 — 18,179 (69,062 ) — (69,062 ) (71,375 ) — (71,375 ) Total $ 199,335 $ 10,764 $ 210,099 $ 156,646 $ 7,944 $ 164,590 $ 123,773 $ 3,670 $ 127,443 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, 2016 2015 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 36,518 $ 13,216 $ 49,734 $ 27,675 $ 1,551 $ 29,226 Unearned premiums 96,981 6,659 103,640 68,902 6,033 74,935 Bad debt 6,228 366 6,594 3,692 576 4,268 Investments 799 — 799 760 — 760 Depreciation 6,083 — 6,083 1,725 — 1,725 Contingent commissions 12,547 — 12,547 10,529 — 10,529 Loss reserve discount 11,782 1,396 13,178 7,244 1,393 8,637 Suspended Subpart F losses 6,683 — 6,683 7,364 — 7,364 Net operating loss carryforwards 22,833 5,655 28,488 3,309 17,758 21,067 Capital loss carryforwards 2,401 — 2,401 1,241 — 1,241 Policy acquisition costs 1,237 — 1,237 — — — Special estimated tax payments 2,072 — 2,072 — — — Impairments 16,313 — 16,313 6,122 15 6,137 Goodwill 1,701 — 1,701 968 — 968 Unearned revenue 7,974 — 7,974 6,540 — 6,540 Unrealized capital losses — — — 8,418 1,767 10,185 Foreign translation 1,249 — 1,249 2,035 — 2,035 Stock-based compensation 4,171 — 4,171 1,808 — 1,808 Alternative minimum tax credits — 611 611 — 611 611 Other 6,384 — 6,384 897 104 1,001 Gross deferred tax assets 243,956 27,903 271,859 159,229 29,808 189,037 Less: Valuation allowance — (7,135 ) (7,135 ) — (17,295 ) (17,295 ) Total deferred tax assets 243,956 20,768 264,724 159,229 12,513 171,742 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs 65,943 10,555 76,498 47,931 8,093 56,024 Investments items — 353 353 — 255 255 Intangible assets 91,336 3,748 95,084 71,878 2,398 74,276 Depreciation — 767 767 — — — Premises and equipment 4,520 — 4,520 4,759 — 4,759 Statutory equalization reserves 8,319 — 8,319 13,778 — 13,778 Unrealized capital gains 8,103 1,865 9,968 — — — Surplus note interest — 22,575 22,575 — 34,491 34,491 Gain on settlement of debt 356 — 356 — — — Other 77 — 77 406 — 406 Gross deferred tax liabilities 178,654 39,863 218,517 138,752 45,237 183,989 Deferred tax (asset) liability, net $ (65,302 ) $ 19,095 $ (46,207 ) $ (20,477 ) $ 32,724 $ 12,247 Excluding the Reciprocal Exchanges, there were no deferred tax asset valuation allowances at December 31, 2016 and 2015 . In assessing the reliability 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 had a partial valuation allowance and a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and no tax benefit from consolidated pre-tax losses generated for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was recognized. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , for the Adirondack Insurance Exchange consolidated group (“ADIEX”), positive evidence of a multi-year history of taxable income plus expected future income supported the full release of its valuation allowance in the amount of $12,341 . For the year ended December 31, 2016 , for the New Jersey Skylands Insurance Association consolidated group (“NJSIA”), negative evidence in the form of a multi-year history of net operating losses for tax purposes plus expected break-even or minimal taxable income in future years supported the determination that the realized net deferred tax asset should be fully reserved. For NJSIA, at December 31, 2016 , in considering the need for the full valuation allowance, the Company concluded that retaining a deferred tax liability of $2,579 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. 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign affiliates were approximately $72,585 , $34,257 and $18,443 , respectively. 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 had net operating carryforwards of $65,237 , $9,453 and $8,693 available for tax purposes for the years December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The net operating loss carryforwards expire between December 31, 2029 and December 31, 2036. 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, 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 199,335 $ 10,764 $ 210,099 Tax rate 35.00 % 35.00 % 35.00 % Computed “expected” tax expense $ 69,767 $ 3,767 $ 73,534 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (3,212 ) (149 ) (3,361 ) (1.60 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 397 — 397 0.19 Exempt foreign income (13,416 ) — (13,416 ) (6.39 ) Equity method income 8,890 — 8,890 4.23 Goodwill impairment 2,319 — 2,319 1.10 Statutory equalization reserves (5,898 ) — (5,898 ) (2.81 ) State tax 4,824 — 4,824 2.30 Change in valuation allowance — (13,403 ) (13,403 ) (6.38 ) Bargain purchase gain (8,508 ) — (8,508 ) (4.05 ) Other permanent items (2,756 ) (6 ) (2,762 ) (1.31 ) Total income tax reported $ 52,407 $ (9,791 ) $ 42,616 20.28 % 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 % The Company owns a number of Luxembourg licensed reinsurers. These entities 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 statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under 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, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had approximately $27,730 and $45,927 of unutilized equalization reserves and an associated deferred tax liability of approximately $8,319 and $13,778 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , income tax expense included a tax benefit of $5,898 , $27,094 , and $21,237 , 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 2.81% , 16.46% and 16.66% for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2016 and 2015 . No interest or penalties have been recorded by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . 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. Including the Reciprocal Exchanges, the Company’s subsidiaries are currently open to audit by the IRS for the year ended December 31, 2013, and years thereafter for Federal tax purposes. Including the Reciprocal Exchanges, for state and local tax purposes, the Company is open to audit for tax years ended December 31, 2012 forward, depending on jurisdiction.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $7,625 and $2,967 , 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, 2016 . 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 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , was $23,625 , $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, 2016 . Subordinated Debentures The Company’s subsidiary, Direct General Corporation, has established two special purpose trusts for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The proceeds from such issuances, together with the proceeds of the related issuances of common securities of the trusts, were invested by the trusts in junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company (the “Subordinated Debentures”). The Company does not consolidate such special purpose trusts, as the Company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary. The equity investment, totaling $2,168 as of December 31, 2016 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, represents the Company’s ownership of common securities issued by the trusts. The debentures require interest-only payments to be made on a quarterly basis, with principal due at maturity. Debentures principal amounts of $41,238 and $30,930 mature on 2035 and 2037, respectively, and bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.40% and LIBOR plus 4.25% , respectively. The Subordinated Debentures are redeemable by the Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount. Interest expense on the Subordinated Debentures for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $546 . 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , was $240 , $220 and $110 , respectively. SPCIC-related Debt The Company’s subsidiary, Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company, is the issuer of $4,000 principal amount of Surplus Notes due 2033 (“SPCIC Surplus Notes”). The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.15% , payable quarterly. The notes are redeemable by the Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount. Interest expense on the SPCIC Surplus Notes for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $51 . Revolving Credit Agreement On January 25, 2016 , the Company entered into a $225,000 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, and the various lending institutions party thereto. The credit facility is a revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $112,500 and an expansion feature not to exceed $50,000 . Proceeds of borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of January 25, 2020 . 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. 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 . Eurodollar borrowings under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect. 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 0.30% as of December 31, 2016 ). On May 31, 2016 , the Company borrowed $50,000 under the Credit Agreement, Eurodollar borrowings was elected for interest rate. Interest payments are due the last day of the interest period in intervals of three months duration, commencing on the date of such borrowing. The borrowing bears interest at the adjusted LIBOR rate which was 3.5625% as of December 31, 2016 . Interest expense on the Credit Agreement for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $945 . The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2016 . Century-National Promissory Note On June 1, 2016 , in connection with the closing of the Company’s acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Century-National and Western General, the Company issued a promissory note (“Century-National Promissory Note”) in the approximate amount of $178,894 to the seller to fund a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition. The Century-National Promissory Note is unsecured and has a two -year term. Principal on the Century-National Promissory Note is payable in two equal installments of approximately $89,447 on June 1, 2017 and 2018 , respectively. Interest on the outstanding principal balance of the Century-National Promissory Note accrues at an annual rate of 4.4% and is payable in arrears on each of the two payment dates. The Century-National Promissory Note may be prepaid at any time, without penalty. The Century-National Promissory Note contains a cross-acceleration provision that is triggered in the event that payment under the Company’s Credit Agreement is accelerated and such acceleration is not revoked, rescinded or withdrawn within 30 days of such acceleration. The Century-National Promissory Note also contains customary events of default. Interest expense on the Century-National Promissory Note for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $4,615 . (See Note 7, “Acquisitions” for additional information). Maturities of the Company’s debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2016 are as follows: December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total 7.625% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 6.75% Notes — — — — — 350,000 350,000 Subordinated Debentures — — — — — 72,168 72,168 Imperial Surplus Notes — — — — — 5,000 5,000 SPCIC Surplus Notes — — — — — 4,000 4,000 Credit Agreement — — — 50,000 — — 50,000 Century-National Promissory Note 89,447 89,447 — — — — 178,894 Other 135 — — — — — 135 Total principal amount of debt $ 89,582 $ 89,447 $ — $ 50,000 $ — $ 531,168 $ 760,197 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (8,196 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 752,001 As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had no outstanding letters of credit.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities Other liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Book overdrafts $ 86,237 $ 57,971 Deferred revenue 63,211 65,186 Premium and other taxes and assessments 35,343 17,791 Advance premiums 16,298 9,242 Securities sold, not yet purchased 5,013 — Deferred rent expense 1,598 — Total $ 207,700 $ 150,190 NGHC $ 161,200 $ 112,085 Reciprocal Exchanges 46,500 38,105 Total $ 207,700 $ 150,190

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The 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 the Company and AII Insurance Management Limited, a subsidiary of AmTrust (“AIIM”), 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 0.0375% 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 $3,436 , $2,384 and $1,916 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there was a payable to AIIM related to these services in the amount of $926 and $1,909 , 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 (“Management Corp”). 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 the Company 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 variable cost per item processed. The Company recorded expenses and related to the Master Services Agreement of $51,446 , $36,742 and $27,072 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there was a payable related to the services received under this agreement in the amount of $27,693 and $30,122 , respectively. Reinsurance Agreement 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 income of 25% of the associated ceded premiums. Each party may terminate the agreement by providing 90 days written notice. The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses $ 1,083 $ 829 Commission Receivable 139 107 Reinsurance Payable 533 395 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Ceded Premiums $ 2,184 $ 1,504 $ 1,317 Ceding Commission Income 443 470 369 Ceded Losses and LAE 1,293 814 811 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 terminated the NGHC Quota Share agreement and stopped ceding 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: December 31, 2016 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses Commission Receivable Reinsurance Payable ACP Re $ 12,411 $ — $ 10,685 Maiden Insurance Company 16,823 — 15,957 Technology Insurance Company 6,729 — 6,383 Total $ 35,963 $ — $ 33,025 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses Commission Receivable Reinsurance Payable ACP Re $ 17,298 $ — $ 9,025 Maiden Insurance Company 28,830 — 15,041 Technology Insurance Company 11,532 — 6,016 Total $ 57,660 $ — $ 30,082 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Ceded Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (1,661 ) $ 5,642 Maiden Insurance Company — (2,767 ) 9,403 Technology Insurance Company — (1,107 ) 3,761 Total $ — $ (5,535 ) $ 18,806 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ceded Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (1,226 ) $ 3,657 Maiden Insurance Company — (2,057 ) 6,109 Technology Insurance Company — (804 ) 2,425 Total $ — $ (4,087 ) $ 12,191 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Ceded Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 12,850 $ 3,703 $ 11,486 Maiden Insurance Company 21,416 6,115 19,130 Technology Insurance Company 8,567 2,455 7,671 Total $ 42,833 $ 12,273 $ 38,287 Included in ceding commission income was $0 , $0 and $5,076 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, which represented recovery of successful acquisition cost of the reinsured contracts. These amounts have been netted against acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. 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 $801 and $13,298 , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 and $18,677 and $30,797 , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . LSC Entities, Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships The Company has formed the LSC Entities, limited liability companies and limited partnerships with related parties. For further discussion see Note 6, “Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries.” Agreements with ACP Re and Affiliated Entities In connection with the acquisition of Tower Group International, Ltd. (“Tower”) by ACP Re in 2014, the Company and ACP Re entered into various agreements. In July 2016, Tower’s ten statutory insurance companies (collectively, the “Tower Companies”) merged into CastlePoint National Insurance Company (“CNIC”), with CNIC as the surviving entity, in connection with a conservation plan developed by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of California (“Conservation Plan”) for CNIC. In September 2016, the Conservation Plan was approved and effective September 20, 2016, the following agreements terminated: (a) the $250,000 Stop-Loss Reinsurance Agreement, dated September 15, 2014, among National General Re, Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company (“NG Re Ltd.”), and AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd., an affiliate of the Company (“AIIL”), as reinsurers, and CastlePoint Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“CP Re”), a subsidiary of ACP Re, (b) the Stop-Loss Retrocession Contract among AIIL, NG Re and ACP Re, and (c) the Personal Lines Administrative Services Agreement among Management Corp., a subsidiary of the Company, CP Re and Tower Group’s U.S. insurance companies. The Tower Companies are no longer considered a related party. 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 required the Company to pay ACP Re a 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 were subject to a maximum of $30,000 , in the aggregate, over the three -year period. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the fair values of the remaining ACP Re Contingent Payments were $0 and $16,071 , 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 the Tower Companies, pursuant to which Integon National reinsured 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 was 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 part of the Conservation Plan the net receivable due from Tower was settled. As of December 31, 2015 , there was a net receivable due from the Tower Companies of $46,565 . As a result of the PL Reinsurance Agreement and the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement and before the Conservation Plan, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company assumed $14,714 , $144,497 and $439,578 , respectively, of premium from the Tower Companies and recorded $3,248 , $38,550 and $110,490 , respectively, of assumed commission expense. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company earned premium of $52,985 , $248,544 and $284,480 , respectively, under these reinsurance agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses of $44,694 , $159,814 and $154,577 , respectively, under these reinsurance agreements. PL MGA Agreement NGIM produced and managed 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 were reinsured by Integon National pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. The Tower Companies paid 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 were netted out of the ceding commission payable by Integon National to the Tower Companies pursuant to the PL Reinsurance Agreement. Before the Conservation Plan, the Company recorded $1,471 , $12,428 and $8,826 , respectively, of commission income for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 as a result of the PL MGA Agreement. PL Administrative Services Agreement Management Corp., a subsidiary of the Company, the Tower Companies and an affiliated company, CP Re, entered into the Personal Lines LPTA Administrative Services Agreement (the “PL Administrative Agreement”), pursuant to which Management Corp. administered 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 reimbursed Management Corp. 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 Management Corp.’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 and before the Conservation Plan, the Company was reimbursed $68,471 , $3,379 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As part of the Conservation Plan the net receivable related to the PL Administrative Agreement was settled. As of December 31, 2015 , there was a receivable related to the PL Administrative Agreement of $11,795 . On September 20, 2016, the PL Administrative Agreement was terminated. Stop-Loss and Retrocession Agreements NG Re Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, along with AIIL, an affiliate of the Company, as reinsurers, entered into a $250,000 Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Agreement (the “Stop-Loss Agreement”) with CP Re. NG Re Ltd. and AIIL also entered into an Aggregate Stop Loss Retrocession Contract (the “Retrocession Agreement”) with ACP Re pursuant to which ACP Re was obligated to reinsure the full amount of any payments that NG Re Ltd. and AIIL were obligated to make to CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement. Pursuant to the Stop-Loss Agreement, each of NG Re Ltd. and AIIL provided, 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 was 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 exceeded 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 was to pay AIIL 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 AIIL to ACP Re pursuant to the Retrocession Agreement was $56,000 in the aggregate, less a ceding commission of 5.5% to be retained by NG Re Ltd. and AIIL. The Company recorded this reinsurance transaction under the deposit method of accounting. On September 20, 2016, the Stop-Loss Agreement and Retrocession Agreement were terminated. 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 AIIL 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. On July 28, 2016, the parties entered into a restatement agreement (the “Restatement Agreement”) to the ACP Re Credit Agreement. The parties to the Restatement Agreement agreed to restate the ACP Re Credit Agreement as a result of a $200,000 contribution (the “Contribution”) by the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (the “Trust”) and members of the Michael Karfunkel family to CNIC. The Contribution was made in connection with the Conservation Plan developed by the Commissioner of Insurance of the State of California for CNIC as successor by merger to the Tower Companies. The restated terms of the ACP Re Credit Agreement became effective on September 20, 2016. Under the restated terms, the borrower became ACP Re Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company owned by the Trust. The Trust will cause ACP Re Holdings, LLC to maintain assets having a value greater than 115% of the value of the then outstanding loan balance, and if there is a shortfall, the Trust will make a contribution to ACP Re Holdings, LLC of assets having a market value of at least the shortfall (the “Maintenance Covenant”). The amounts borrowed are secured by equity interests, cash and cash equivalents, other investments held by ACP Re Holdings, LLC and proceeds of the foregoing in an amount equal to the requirements of the Maintenance Covenant. The maturity date changed from September 15, 2021 to September 20, 2036. Interest on the outstanding principal balance of $250,000 changed from a fixed annual rate of 7% to a fixed annual rate of 3.7% , provided that up to 1.2% thereof may be paid in kind. Commencing on September 20, 2026, and for each year thereafter, two percent of the then outstanding principal balance of the loan (inclusive of any amounts previously paid in kind) is due and payable. A change of control of greater than 50% and an uncured breach of the Maintenance Covenant are included as events of default. The Company recorded interest income of approximately $7,593 , $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. At June 30, 2016 , based on the consolidated financial condition of ACP Re and the continued losses from its subsidiaries' legacy Tower book of business, management of the Company identified the loan for impairment evaluation. Management determined that it was probable for the Company to be unable to collect all the contractual principal and interest payments as scheduled in the original ACP Re Credit Agreement, deeming the loan impaired. While the loan was considered impaired at June 30, 2016 , the Restatement Agreement contains a Maintenance Covenant with a collateral interest which exceeded the $125,000 outstanding balance. As such, management determined no write down or reserve was needed for the carrying value of the loan at June 30, 2016 or December 31, 2016 . Interest income during the period the loan was impaired was $3,218 for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Management evaluates the loan for impairment on a quarterly basis, including the adequacy of our reserve position based on collateral levels maintained. The Company continues to accrue interest on the loan as all contractually required interest payments have been made in accordance with the terms of the ACP Re Credit Agreement. Surplus Notes of the Reciprocal Exchanges The Reciprocal Exchanges issued the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities. Principal and interest on the Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes are payable only with regulatory approval. Effective March 31, 2016 , the Company purchased the Reciprocal Exchanges' Surplus Notes from subsidiaries of ACP Re for an aggregate amount of approximately $88,900 . The purchase price was based on an independent third-party valuation of the fair market value of the surplus notes. At December 31, 2016 , the surplus notes receivable and the surplus notes payable are eliminated upon consolidation.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Lease Commitments The Company has various lease agreements for office space, store fronts and equipment. The Company is obligated under leases for office space and store fronts expiring at various dates through 2029. The office space and store fronts lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $24,772 , $14,310 and $12,131 , respectively. The Company’s future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2016 , for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: Year Ending December 31, Operating Leases Capital Leases Total 2017 $ 28,042 $ 3,687 $ 31,729 2018 23,874 4,787 28,661 2019 20,961 4,958 25,919 2020 16,890 5,134 22,024 2021 14,177 2,107 16,284 Thereafter 47,192 1,920 49,112 Total $ 151,136 $ 22,593 $ 173,729 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 bonuses, 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, 2017 $ 6,004 2018 2,947 2019 1,558 2020 29 2021 — Total $ 10,538

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Common Stock On February 19, 2014, the Company sold 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 August 18, 2015, the Company issued 11,500,000 shares of common stock in a public offering, including 1,500,000 shares issued pursuant to the underwriters’ over-allotment option. The common stock offering was priced to the public at $19.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $210,853 , after deducting underwriting discount, but before expenses. The cost of issuance of stock of approximately $7,858 was charged directly to additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company after underwriting discount, commissions and expenses were approximately $210,642 . On October 7, 2016 , the Company issued 272,609 shares of common stock in connection with the acquisition of SPCIC. (See Note 7, “Acquisitions” for additional information). Preferred Stock 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 July 7, 2016 , the Company completed a public offering of 8,000,000 of its depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C, $0.01 par value per share (the “Series C 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 C Preferred Stock represented thereby (including any dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights). Dividends on the Series C 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 October 15, 2016, from and including the date of original issuance. The Series C Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares is not redeemable prior to July 15, 2021 . After that date, the Company may redeem at its option, in whole or in part, the Series C 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 8,000,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 200,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock) were issued, including the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Net proceeds from this offering were $193,518 . The Company incurred approximately $6,482 in underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital.

Benefits Plan

Benefits Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 $5,251 , $3,729 and $2,265 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Statutory Financial Data, Risk-

Statutory Financial Data, Risk-Based Capital and Dividends Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Financial Data, Risk-Based Capital and Dividends Restrictions	Statutory Financial Data, Risk-Based Capital and Dividend Restrictions The Company’s insurance subsidiaries file financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices (“SAP”) prescribed or permitted by domestic or foreign insurance regulatory authorities. The differences between statutory financial statements and financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP vary between domestic and foreign jurisdictions. The principal differences relate to: (1) acquisition costs incurred in connection with acquiring new business which are charged to expense under SAP but under GAAP are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned; (2) limitation on net deferred tax assets created by the tax effects of temporary differences; (3) unpaid losses and loss expense, and unearned premium reserves are presented gross of reinsurance with a corresponding asset recorded; and (4) fixed maturity portfolios that are carried at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected directly in unassigned surplus, net of related deferred taxes. Risk-Based Capital Property and casualty insurance companies in the U.S. are subject to certain Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements as specified by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Under such requirements, the amount of statutory capital and surplus maintained by a property and casualty insurance company is to be determined on various risk factors. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the statutory capital and surplus of all of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S. exceeded the RBC requirements. For NG Re Ltd., the required statutory capital and surplus amount (known as the “Target Capital Level”), by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”), is equal to 1.2 times the enhanced capital requirement based on a level of risk based capital. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company maintained the minimum capital required by the BMA. Statutory Financial Data Statutory capital and surplus as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , and statutory net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , as per the annual financial statements of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries as of December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2016 Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 23,437 $ (312 ) National General Insurance Company 25,319 995 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 6,690 141 Integon National Insurance Company 594,437 50,408 MIC General Insurance Corporation 17,261 250 National General Assurance Company 17,019 177 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 6,354 64 New South Insurance Company 7,860 119 Integon General Insurance Corporation 6,461 (253 ) National General Insurance Online, Inc. 11,339 53 National Health Insurance Company 12,048 2,957 National General Premier Insurance Company 16,428 247 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 25,629 2,775 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 49,966 895 Century-National Insurance Company 248,029 10,425 Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company 22,684 45 Direct General Insurance Company 112,980 1,887 Direct General Insurance Company of Louisiana 10,619 187 Direct General Insurance Company of Mississippi 11,757 465 Direct General Life Insurance Company 15,115 3,302 Direct Insurance Company 23,548 372 Direct National Insurance Company 5,482 (1,109 ) National General Re Ltd. 718,528 14,052 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 25,294 308 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 27,040 3,306 December 31, 2015 Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 37,316 $ (2,195 ) National General Insurance Company 26,294 378 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 6,769 324 Integon National Insurance Company 448,339 (9,995 ) MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,042 (52 ) National General Assurance Company 16,819 130 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 6,269 120 New South Insurance Company 7,632 203 Integon General Insurance Corporation 6,305 493 National General Insurance Online, Inc. 11,340 218 National Health Insurance Company 13,796 893 National General Premier Insurance Company 16,155 667 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 40,572 3,021 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,103 544 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 48,811 387 National General Re Ltd. 601,276 163,872 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 32,922 925 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 28,770 7,346 December 31, 2014 Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 32,879 $ 18 National General Insurance Company 27,923 527 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 9,324 (66 ) Integon National Insurance Company 332,405 11,397 MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,800 50 National General Assurance Company 17,490 195 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 11,453 135 New South Insurance Company 6,890 321 Integon General Insurance Corporation 11,310 353 National General Insurance Online, Inc. 10,878 (53 ) National Health Insurance Company 11,536 1,169 National General Premier Insurance Company 15,520 789 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 41,018 178 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,013 1,502 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 16,464 (147 ) National General Re Ltd. 442,400 54,688 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 14,638 402 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 15,000 (354 ) Reciprocal Exchanges The Reciprocal Exchanges prepare their statutory basis financial statements in accordance with SAP . For the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Reciprocal Exchanges had combined SAP net income (loss) of $23,884 , $23,346 and $(3,646) , respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Reciprocal Exchanges had combined statutory capital and surplus of $149,288 and $119,330 , respectively. The Reciprocal Exchanges are required to maintain minimum capital and surplus in accordance with regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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 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 $397,125 and $360,070 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , there were $29,500 , $23,751 and $12,000 of dividends and return of capital paid by the insurance subsidiaries to their parent company or the Company, respectively. The Company obtained permission from the states of domicile before the dividends were paid.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 , approximately 1,458,772 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. No options were granted for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . The fair value for stock options was estimated at the date of grant with the following assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2014 : 2014 Low-End High End Expected price volatility 27.00 % 35.00 % Risk-free interest rate 1.74 % 2.26 % Weighted average expected life (in years) 5.50 7.00 Forfeiture rate 10.00 % 10.00 % Dividend rate 0.40 % 0.40 % Expected Price Volatility - this is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. 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. Weighted Average Expected Life - 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 canceled 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 4,123,809 $ 9.31 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 Granted — — — — 195,000 17.63 Exercised (522,967 ) 8.81 (584,296 ) 6.31 (125,582 ) 6.43 Forfeited (17,172 ) 7.52 (30,759 ) 8.26 (17,188 ) 7.52 Withheld (1) — — (371,729 ) 6.97 — — Outstanding at end of year 3,583,670 $ 9.29 4,123,809 $ 9.31 5,110,593 $ 8.88 (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the options granted in 2014 was $6.76 . The Company had approximately $6,041 and $9,069 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , all option grants outstanding had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 5.9 and 6.8 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , options exercisable had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 5.9 and 6.7 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there were approximately 3,028,989 and 2,686,762 exercisable shares with a weighted-average exercise price of $9.01 and $8.31 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $6,533 , $7,973 and $1,325 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $56,248 and $52,261 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $48,406 and $36,396 , respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $5,140 , $2,595 and $796 during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The excess tax benefit from award exercises was approximately $1,813 , $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. A summary of the Company’s RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted Non-vested at beginning of year 362,674 $ 19.16 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — Granted 348,292 20.11 216,910 20.34 330,555 17.45 Vested (78,185 ) 14.05 (42,653 ) 17.31 — — Forfeited (21,022 ) 14.28 (115,551 ) 17.57 (3,000 ) 18.02 Withheld (1) (43,787 ) 14.05 (23,587 ) 17.30 — — Non-vested at end of year 567,972 $ 16.64 362,674 $ 19.16 327,555 $ 17.44 (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability. Compensation expense for all share-based compensation under ASC 718-10-30 was $8,221 , $5,937 and $2,859 during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income attributable to NGHC $ 172,216 $ 142,252 $ 102,243 Less: Dividends on preferred stock (24,333 ) (14,025 ) (2,291 ) Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 147,883 $ 128,227 $ 99,952 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 105,951,752 98,241,904 91,499,122 Potentially dilutive securities: Share options 1,891,083 2,119,358 1,868,171 Restricted stock units 435,483 362,674 148,124 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 108,278,318 100,723,936 93,515,417 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.40 $ 1.31 $ 1.09 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.37 $ 1.27 $ 1.07 As of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 1,556,441 , 2,432,421 and 2,674,014 share options, respectively, were excluded from diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 the Company’s 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 the Company from the Reciprocal Exchanges for underwriting, investment management and other services as service and fee income for the Company. The effects of these transactions between the Company and the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation to derive consolidated net income. The following tables summarize the results of operations of the Company’s operating segments: Year Ended December 31, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 3,035,498 $ 464,010 $ — $ 3,499,508 Ceded premiums (382,860 ) (45,342 ) — (428,202 ) Net premium written 2,652,638 418,668 — 3,071,306 Change in unearned premium (73,284 ) (4,241 ) — (77,525 ) Net earned premium 2,579,354 414,427 — 2,993,781 Ceding commission income 44,269 1,331 — 45,600 Service and fee income 241,881 138,936 — 380,817 Total underwriting revenues 2,865,504 554,694 — 3,420,198 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,659,178 299,367 — 1,958,545 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 394,428 102,730 — 497,158 General and administrative expenses 712,707 131,407 — 844,114 Total underwriting expenses 2,766,313 533,504 — 3,299,817 Underwriting income 99,191 21,190 — 120,381 Net investment income — — 99,586 99,586 Net realized and unrealized gain on investments — — 3,854 3,854 Bargain purchase gain and other revenue — — 26,458 26,458 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 25,401 25,401 Interest expense — — (40,180 ) (40,180 ) Provision for income taxes — — (42,616 ) (42,616 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (20,668 ) (20,668 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 99,191 $ 21,190 $ 51,835 $ 172,216 NGHC $ 91,152 $ 21,190 $ 59,874 $ 172,216 Reciprocal Exchanges 8,039 — (8,039 ) — Net income attributable to NGHC $ 99,191 $ 21,190 $ 51,835 $ 172,216 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 revenues 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 and unrealized loss on investments — — (10,307 ) (10,307 ) Other 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 (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 revenues 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 and unrealized loss on investments — — (2,892 ) (2,892 ) Other 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 (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 ) $ 12,533 $ 102,243 Reciprocal Exchanges 7,595 — (7,595 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 115,570 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 102,243 The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company’s operating segments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 : December 31, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,008,407 $ 149,701 $ — $ 1,158,108 Deferred acquisition costs 207,597 13,325 — 220,922 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 869,864 10,933 — 880,797 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 156,970 — — 156,970 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 524,981 98,029 — 623,010 Prepaid and other assets 28,077 25,854 412 54,343 Corporate and other assets — — 4,150,831 4,150,831 Total assets $ 2,795,896 $ 297,842 $ 4,151,243 $ 7,244,981 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 Prepaid and other assets 19,914 17,504 4,066 41,484 Corporate and other assets — — 3,179,913 3,179,913 Total assets $ 2,185,495 $ 193,918 $ 3,183,979 $ 5,563,392 The following tables show an analysis of the Company’s gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 3,155,003 $ 241,540 $ 3,396,543 $ 2,217,844 $ 283,582 $ 2,501,426 Gross premium written - Europe 102,965 — 102,965 88,322 — 88,322 Total $ 3,257,968 $ 241,540 $ 3,499,508 $ 2,306,166 $ 283,582 $ 2,589,748 Net premium written - North America $ 1,700,810 $ 120,548 $ 1,821,358 $ 922,386 $ 126,091 $ 1,048,477 Net premium written - Bermuda 1,124,084 — 1,124,084 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 Net premium written - Europe 125,864 — 125,864 128,322 — 128,322 Total $ 2,950,758 $ 120,548 $ 3,071,306 $ 2,060,155 $ 126,091 $ 2,186,246 Net earned premium - North America $ 1,638,871 $ 110,395 $ 1,749,266 $ 862,034 $ 134,709 $ 996,743 Net earned premium - Bermuda 1,124,084 — 1,124,084 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 Net earned premium - Europe 120,431 — 120,431 123,620 — 123,620 Total $ 2,883,386 $ 110,395 $ 2,993,781 $ 1,995,101 $ 134,709 $ 2,129,810 Year Ended December 31, 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,965,942 $ 70,042 $ 2,035,984 Gross premium written - Europe 99,123 — 99,123 Total $ 2,065,065 $ 70,042 $ 2,135,107 Net premium written - North America $ 927,760 $ 53,076 $ 980,836 Net premium written - Bermuda 750,065 — 750,065 Net premium written - Europe 139,123 — 139,123 Total $ 1,816,948 $ 53,076 $ 1,870,024 Net earned premium - North America $ 715,906 $ 47,622 $ 763,528 Net earned premium - Bermuda 750,065 — 750,065 Net earned premium - Europe 119,627 — 119,627 Total $ 1,585,598 $ 47,622 $ 1,633,220 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, Gross Premium Written 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,548,365 $ 1,240,224 $ 1,241,575 Homeowners 410,565 327,299 366,997 RV/Packaged 165,919 154,929 153,553 Commercial Auto 257,075 187,686 146,124 Lender-placed insurance 376,058 126,570 — Other 35,976 17,536 16,417 Property and Casualty $ 2,793,958 $ 2,054,244 $ 1,924,666 Accident and Health 464,010 251,922 140,399 NGHC Total $ 3,257,968 $ 2,306,166 $ 2,065,065 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 73,680 $ 88,494 $ 32,436 Homeowners 161,510 187,424 33,028 Other 6,350 7,664 4,578 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 241,540 $ 283,582 $ 70,042 Total $ 3,499,508 $ 2,589,748 $ 2,135,107 Year Ended December 31, Net Premium Written 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,380,125 $ 1,070,852 $ 1,047,795 Homeowners 369,810 309,775 333,586 RV/Packaged 165,025 153,501 148,456 Commercial Auto 234,101 170,720 132,002 Lender-placed insurance 363,896 125,693 — Other 19,133 13,661 15,107 Property and Casualty $ 2,532,090 $ 1,844,202 $ 1,676,946 Accident and Health 418,668 215,953 140,002 NGHC Total $ 2,950,758 $ 2,060,155 $ 1,816,948 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 44,661 $ 50,686 $ 32,075 Homeowners 71,367 67,796 17,127 Other 4,520 7,609 3,874 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 120,548 $ 126,091 $ 53,076 Total $ 3,071,306 $ 2,186,246 $ 1,870,024 Year Ended December 31, Net Earned Premium 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,292,563 $ 1,054,529 $ 979,082 Homeowners 353,228 286,920 204,285 RV/Packaged 158,256 150,290 147,587 Commercial Auto 217,919 154,565 118,759 Lender-placed insurance 422,645 123,274 — Other 24,348 14,222 15,409 Property and Casualty $ 2,468,959 $ 1,783,800 $ 1,465,122 Accident and Health 414,427 211,301 120,476 NGHC Total $ 2,883,386 $ 1,995,101 $ 1,585,598 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 42,225 $ 74,477 $ 28,405 Homeowners 61,748 54,565 15,779 Other 6,422 5,667 3,438 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 110,395 $ 134,709 $ 47,622 Total $ 2,993,781 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,633,220

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following tables summarize the Company’s quarterly financial data: 2016 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 775,957 $ 846,184 $ 896,776 $ 1,031,179 Total expenses 707,717 781,291 859,785 991,204 Provision for income taxes 18,083 14,551 8,805 1,177 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 6,682 7,356 2,953 8,410 Net income 56,839 57,698 31,139 47,208 Net income attributable to NGHC 56,827 48,470 28,130 38,789 Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders 52,702 44,345 19,922 30,914 Comprehensive income (loss) 80,787 104,425 55,159 (13,909 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 80,775 $ 88,660 $ 50,836 $ (15,931 ) Basic earnings per common share $ 0.50 $ 0.42 $ 0.19 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.49 $ 0.41 $ 0.18 $ 0.28 2015 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 557,695 $ 553,653 $ 590,039 $ 810,006 Total expenses 511,338 511,090 539,012 785,363 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 8,387 7,891 8,614 (5,936 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 4,958 1,654 2,288 1,743 Net income 42,928 36,326 44,701 32,322 Net income attributable to NGHC 42,768 38,527 43,113 17,844 Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders 41,737 33,783 38,988 13,719 Comprehensive income 57,120 13,797 31,798 9,992 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 55,259 $ 20,837 $ 30,566 $ (4,016 ) Basic earnings per common share $ 0.45 $ 0.36 $ 0.39 $ 0.13 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.43 $ 0.35 $ 0.38 $ 0.13 Due to changes in number of shares outstanding from quarter to quarter, the total earnings per share of the four quarters may not necessarily equal the earnings per share for the year.

Schedule I - Summary of Investm

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties	Schedule I NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (In Thousands) December 31, 2016 Cost (1) Value Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet Fixed Maturities: Bonds: U.S. government and government agencies and authorities $ 46,144 $ 46,561 $ 46,561 States, municipalities and political subdivisions 460,089 452,311 452,311 Foreign governments 60,025 56,799 56,799 Public utilities 79,191 81,681 81,681 All other corporate bonds (2) 2,427,311 2,463,124 2,463,124 Certificates of deposit 21,178 21,178 21,178 Total Fixed Maturities 3,093,938 3,121,654 3,121,654 Equity Securities: Common stock: Public utilities, banks, trust and insurance companies 6,593 8,729 8,729 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 42,857 49,420 49,420 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 1,580 1,562 1,562 Total Equity Securities 51,030 59,711 59,711 Other Investments (3) 85,722 85,722 85,722 Other Short-term Investments (3) 15,674 15,674 15,674 Total Investments (other than investments in related parties) $ 3,246,364 $ 3,282,761 $ 3,282,761 (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
	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	Schedule II 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, 2016 2015 Assets Investments: Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $36,132 and $229,405) $ 36,717 $ 230,952 Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 4,189 4,139 Equity investment in consolidated subsidiaries 2,528,481 1,782,748 Total investments 2,569,387 2,017,839 Cash and cash equivalents 23,609 16,642 Accrued investment income 234 858 Due from affiliates 27,088 1,843 Premiums and other receivables, net 552 445 Deferred tax asset 8,345 7,992 Income tax receivable — 19,931 Prepaid and other assets 412 — Total Assets $ 2,629,627 $ 2,065,550 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 22,179 $ 35,365 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value — 52,484 Income tax payable 11,246 — Debt 670,698 441,061 Total Liabilities $ 704,123 $ 528,910 Stockholders' Equity: Total Stockholders' Equity $ 1,925,504 $ 1,536,640 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 2,629,627 $ 2,065,550 See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income: Investment income $ 8,777 $ 3,813 $ 3,416 Net realized gain (loss) on investments 793 (534 ) (2,489 ) Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated subsidiaries and partially-owned companies 235,817 160,396 112,850 Total income 245,387 163,675 113,777 Expenses: Interest expense 38,817 24,065 11,753 Other (income) expense, net (4,246 ) 321 273 Total expenses 34,571 24,386 12,026 Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes 210,816 139,289 101,751 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 17,932 (16,988 ) (2,996 ) Net income 192,884 156,277 104,747 Less: Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest (20,668 ) (14,025 ) (2,504 ) Net income attributable to NGHC 172,216 142,252 102,243 Dividends on preferred stock (24,333 ) (14,025 ) (2,291 ) Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 147,883 $ 128,227 $ 99,952 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Changes in: Foreign currency translation adjustment $ 1,460 $ 1,026 $ (5,171 ) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 32,118 (44,596 ) 18,620 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 33,578 (43,570 ) 13,449 Comprehensive income 226,462 112,707 118,196 Less: Comprehensive (income) attributable to non-controlling interest (22,122 ) (10,061 ) (3,186 ) Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC $ 204,340 $ 102,646 $ 115,010 See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — PARENT COMPANY ONLY (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 192,884 $ 156,277 $ 104,747 Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Net amortization of premium (discount) on fixed maturities 1,008 (296 ) 2,596 Stock-compensation expense 8,221 5,937 2,859 Other net realized (gain) loss on investments (793 ) 534 2,489 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (247,457 ) (213,288 ) (118,870 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment — (139 ) (1,655 ) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accrued interest 624 (111 ) 25 Other assets (519 ) (445 ) — Due to/from affiliates (25,245 ) (11,109 ) 25,533 Deferred tax asset (15 ) 1,187 (19,537 ) Income tax receivable/payable 31,177 (26,548 ) 6,754 Other liabilities (17,998 ) (4,869 ) 28,714 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (58,113 ) (92,870 ) 33,655 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of fixed maturities (478,502 ) (569,632 ) (102,191 ) Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities 672,323 355,576 173,804 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries (297,164 ) (275,598 ) (517,953 ) Purchase of other investments — (4,139 ) — Net cash used in investing activities (103,343 ) (493,793 ) (446,340 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net (52,484 ) 52,484 — Proceeds from debt 50,000 195,400 245,077 Repayments of debt and return of capital (150 ) — (59,200 ) Issuances of common and preferred stock, net of fees 198,460 370,194 230,997 Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders (34,356 ) (18,650 ) (4,860 ) Exercises of stock options 5,140 2,595 796 Excess tax benefits on shared-based payments arrangements 1,813 — — Net cash provided by financing activities 168,423 602,023 412,810 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 6,967 15,360 125 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year 16,642 1,282 1,157 Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year $ 23,609 $ 16,642 $ 1,282 See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements. Schedule II NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT NOTES — PARENT COMPANY ONLY 1. Basis of Presentation In the parent-company-only financial statements, the Company’s investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. The Company’s share of net income of its unconsolidated subsidiaries is included in consolidated income using the equity method. The parent-company-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 2. Dividends For information relating to cash dividends paid to the registrant or the Company by its consolidated subsidiaries and investees accounted for by the equity method. See Note 22, “Statutory Financial Data, Risk-Based Capital and Dividend Restrictions” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Schedule III - Supplementary In

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	Schedule III NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, Segment Deferred Unpaid Unearned Net Earned Premium Net Loss and Deferred Other Net 2016 Property and casualty $ 207,597 $ 2,073,466 $ 1,613,213 $ 2,579,354 $ — $ 1,659,178 $ 365,802 $ 28,626 $ 2,652,638 Accident and health 13,325 191,606 22,412 414,427 — 299,367 45,199 57,531 418,668 Corporate and other — — — — 99,586 — — — — Total $ 220,922 $ 2,265,072 $ 1,635,625 $ 2,993,781 $ 99,586 $ 1,958,545 $ 411,001 $ 86,157 $ 3,071,306 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

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	Schedule IV NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. REINSURANCE (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Assumed Other Companies Net Amount Percent of Amount Assumed to Net 2016 Premiums $ 2,716,713 $ (410,761 ) $ 687,829 $ 2,993,781 23.0 % 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 %

Schedule V - Valuation and Qual

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule V NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, Additions Description Balance at beginning of the year Charge (Benefit) to costs and expenses Charge to other accounts Additions (Deductions) Balance at end of the year 2016 Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 13,433 $ 35,356 $ — $ (32,570 ) $ 16,219 Valuation allowance for deferred taxes 17,295 (10,910 ) — 750 7,135 2015 Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 9,728 $ 23,810 $ — $ (20,105 ) $ 13,433 Valuation allowance for deferred taxes 21,518 (4,223 ) — — 17,295 2014 Allowance for uncollectible accounts $ 6,064 $ 29,133 $ — $ (25,469 ) $ 9,728 Valuation allowance for deferred taxes — — — 21,518 21,518

Schedule VI - Supplemental Info

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	Schedule VI NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY-CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS (In Thousands) Losses and Loss Adjustment Paid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Year Ended December 31, Current Year Prior Years 2016 $ 1,945,007 $ 13,538 $ 1,794,905 2015 $ 1,365,957 $ 15,684 $ 1,276,285 2014 $ 1,033,788 $ 19,277 $ 865,980

Significant Accounting Polici42

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 , and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 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. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the consolidated financial statements exclude the accounts and operations of the Reciprocal Exchanges, from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, as these entities did not meet the criteria for consolidation under GAAP: “ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” during that period but met the criteria on March 31, 2016. The Company adopted “ASU 2015-02” using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2016, as a result, periods prior to the adoption were not impacted by the deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges. The Company does not own the Reciprocal Exchanges but is paid a fee to manage 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 goodwill impairment; 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	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	Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies.
Premiums Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Net premiums receivable 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 period 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.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents balances relate primarily to deposits in certain states in order to conduct business and certain third-party agreements. The Company also utilizes trust accounts to collateralize business with its reinsurance counterparties. The prior year presentation of restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows has been adjusted to retrospectively apply the guidance in ASC 2016-18, as indicated below.
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 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 The ceding commissions the Company receives cover a portion of its capitalized direct acquisition costs and a portion of other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent recovery of capitalized direct acquisition costs are recorded as a reduction of capitalized unamortized deferred acquisition costs and the net amount is charged to expense in proportion to net premium revenue recognized. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are recognized in the income statement over the insurance contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided and classified as a reduction of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received, but not yet earned, that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are classified as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
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 general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Investments	Investments The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities,” which requires that equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and all investments in debt securities to be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities. In accordance with ASC 320, the Company has classified certain fixed maturities and equity securities as available for sale and trading , with the exception of the Company’s equity and cost method investments. 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 quoted market prices or a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. The Company also classified certain fixed maturities and equity securities as trading, and reclassified certain available-for-sale securities to trading securities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are reported in earnings. 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. Quarterly, the Company’s Investment Committee (“Committee”) evaluates each security that has an unrealized loss as of the end of the subject reporting period for other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”). The Company generally considers an investment to be impaired when it has been in a significant unrealized loss position for over 18 months. In addition, the Committee uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to review the Company's investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of the Company’s investments. The criteria the Committee primarily considers 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $22,102 , $15,247 and $2,244 , respectively. Based on guidance in FASB ASC 320-10-65, 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 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. In 2016, the Company classified certain fixed maturities and equity securities as trading, and reclassified certain available-for-sale securities to trading securities. Fixed maturities and equity securities classified as trading securities are generally held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movement. Trading securities are stated at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are included in the net realized gain or loss on investment in the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had the following major types of investments: (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 consisted of money market funds. (ii) Fixed maturities and equity securities, available-for-sale - 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) Fixed maturities and equity securities, trading - Fixed maturities and equity securities classified as trading are carried at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are reported in the net realized gain or loss on investments in earnings. (iv) Mortgage and structured securities - For mortgage and structured 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, available-for-sale in the consolidated balance sheets. (v) 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.
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 which are short-term in nature 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 statements 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 $45,997 , $38,263 and $31,198 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 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 shares of common stock outstanding during the period adjusted for the dilutive impact of share options and restricted stock units 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.
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. 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 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.
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.
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” for additional information). 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, 2016 and 2015 , 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, see Note 13, “Reinsurance” for additional information about concentration of credit risk. 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.
Foreign Currency Transactions	Foreign Currency Transactions For operations where the functional currency is a foreign currency, the functional currency assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and the related translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The functional currency of the Company and many of its subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. For these companies, the Company remeasures 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 insufficient 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. Insufficient 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 canceled. A policy reinstatement fee is recognized when the customer’s policy is reinstated. An insufficient 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. The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Commission revenue $ 110,343 $ 58,807 $ 52,597 General agent fees 73,484 76,855 45,637 Group health administrative fees 69,689 29,622 4,358 Installment fees 43,460 32,404 30,323 Finance and processing fees 36,498 52,865 13,569 Late payment fees 20,226 12,210 11,658 Lender service fees 16,910 4,364 — Other 10,207 6,421 10,429 Total $ 380,817 $ 273,548 $ 168,571
Recent Accounting Standards	Recent Accounting Literature Recent Accounting Standards, Adopted 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. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 on January 1, 2016 required the Company to evaluate whether its VIEs met the amended criteria for consolidation at the earliest date of involvement unless certain reconsideration events existed. The Reciprocal Exchanges were evaluated based on the facts and circumstances that existed in September 2014 when the Company acquired the managing entities for the Reciprocal Exchanges. As a result of the evaluation, the Company was not required to consolidate the Reciprocal Exchanges as of January 1, 2016 (the Reciprocal Exchanges had previously been included in the Company’s consolidated results). The Company adopted ASU 2015-02 using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative effect adjustment as of January 1, 2016. The total NGHC stockholders’ equity was not affected by this change. On March 31, 2016, the Company purchased the surplus notes representing the obligation of the Reciprocal Exchanges from a related party for consideration of $88,900 . (See Note 3, “Reciprocal Exchanges” for additional information). The Company has significant economic interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges due to its ownership of the surplus notes. In addition, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, earns fees from the Reciprocal Exchanges that are variable interests. 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 Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary that holds the surplus notes, would absorb more than an insignificant amount of expected losses or residual returns of the Reciprocal Exchanges. Therefore, the Company was required to consolidate the Reciprocal Exchanges at March 31, 2016. 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 Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-07 was limited to disclosure requirements and did not have an 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 Company adopted the updated guidance for the annual period ending December 31, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2015-09 was limited to disclosure requirements and did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. See Note 12, “Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves” for required disclosures regarding short-duration insurance contracts. 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 adopted ASU 2015-16 on January 1, 2016 and the effects of adoption were limited to disclosures relating to adjustments for acquisitions to provisional amounts when identified during the measurement period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The adoption of ASU 2015-16 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control,” an update to ASU 2015-02. The FASB issued this update to amend the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a VIE should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the reporting entity that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE and, therefore, consolidates the VIE. A reporting entity has an indirect interest in a VIE if it has a direct interest in a related party that, in turn, has a direct interest in the VIE. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-17 which resulted in the requirement to retrospectively apply the updated guidance to all relevant prior periods beginning with the fiscal year in which the amendments in ASU 2015-02 initially were applied. The adoption of ASU 2016-17 did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in ASU 2016-18 are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company elected to early adopt the updated guidance resulting in the application of its requirements to all applicable periods presented. The adoption of this guidance did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity, other than the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business.” The FASB issued this update to provide a screen to determine when integrated set of assets and activities (collectively referred to as a “set”) are not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. This screen reduces the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated. If the screen is not met, the amendments in this update (1) require that to be considered a business, a set must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and (2) remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The amendments provide a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present. The framework includes two sets of criteria to consider that depend on whether a set has outputs. Although outputs are not required for a set to be a business, outputs generally are a key element of a business; therefore, the FASB has developed more stringent criteria for sets without outputs. Public business entities should apply the amendments in this update to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted prospectively for transactions for which the acquisition date occurs before the issuance date or effective date of the amendments, only when the transaction has not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. The Company elected to early adopt the updated guidance resulting in the application of its requirements to all applicable transactions occurring after September 30, 2016. Recent Accounting Standards, 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 its scope, the guidance will be applicable to the Company’s service and fee income not specifically exempted from the guidance. The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity 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 currently records equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had $4,371 and $(3,909) , respectively, of net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax, for equity securities, available-for-sale, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). 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 in the early stages of evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity and disclosures. The Company expects the adoption will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements, primarily to the consolidated balance sheets by recognizing a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability and related disclosures, due to the addition of operating leases previously accounted for as off-balance sheet transactions. However, the Company is currently unable to quantify the impact of adopting this guidance. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting” as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The amendments in ASU 2016-07 eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. In addition, the amendments in ASU 2016-07 require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The amendments in ASU 2016-07 are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-07 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations,” which improves the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations by providing clarifications to practitioners. The effective date and transition requirement for ASU 2016-08 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2014-09 as noted above. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity and disclosures; and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The areas for simplification in ASU 2016-09 involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Specifically, the amendments require: (1) all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity also should recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period; (2) excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity; (3) an entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest (current GAAP) or account for forfeitures when they occur; (4) the threshold to qualify for equity classification permits withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions; and (5) cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. The amendments in ASU 2016-09 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, and forfeitures, should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement should be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. The Company will adopt this updated guidance as required in the first quarter of 2017. The Company expects the application of this guidance to result in increased volatility within its effective tax rate as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards are dependent on the Company’s stock price at the date the awards vest and may be material. The Company will reflect excess tax benefits or deficiencies using the prospective method in its consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We do not anticipate changing our estimated forfeiture rate. The Company does not expect any impact due to changes in permitted withholding levels to qualify for equity treatment. The Company does not expect any retrospective impact of adopting ASU 2016-09. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” which sought to address certain issues identified in the guidance on identifying performance obligation and licensing by reducing the potential for diversity in practice at initial application and the cost and complexity of applying the guidance in Topic 606 both at transition and on an ongoing basis. The effective date and transition requirement for ASU 2016-10 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2014-09 as noted above. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity and disclosures; and is currently unable to estimate the impact of adopting this guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients,” which sought to address certain issues identified in the guidance by reducing the potential for diversity in practice

Significant Accounting Polici43

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 3,336 $ — $ 3,336 Buildings 20,362 842 19,520 Leasehold improvements 23,453 2,348 21,105 Furniture and equipment 11,472 2,084 9,388 Hardware and software 141,669 80,514 61,155 Total $ 200,292 $ 85,788 $ 114,504 NGHC $ 194,419 $ 84,032 $ 110,387 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,873 1,756 4,117 Total $ 200,292 $ 85,788 $ 114,504 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
Schedule of Service and Fee Income	The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Commission revenue $ 110,343 $ 58,807 $ 52,597 General agent fees 73,484 76,855 45,637 Group health administrative fees 69,689 29,622 4,358 Installment fees 43,460 32,404 30,323 Finance and processing fees 36,498 52,865 13,569 Late payment fees 20,226 12,210 11,658 Lender service fees 16,910 4,364 — Other 10,207 6,421 10,429 Total $ 380,817 $ 273,548 $ 168,571

Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)

Reciprocal Exchanges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 : March 2016 Assets: Cash and investments $ 258,274 Accrued investment income 2,658 Premiums and other receivables, net 52,922 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 43,401 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 59,706 Income tax receivable 300 Due from affiliate 11,703 Premises and equipment, net 2,386 Intangible assets, net 32,638 Prepaid and other assets 187 Total assets 464,175 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 137,093 Unearned premiums 143,194 Reinsurance payable 11,982 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 6,972 Deferred tax liability 28,909 Debt 88,900 Other liabilities 37,550 Total liabilities 454,600 Stockholders’ equity: Non-controlling interest 9,575 Total stockholders’ equity 9,575 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 464,175

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Securities	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value on available-for-sale securities were as follows: December 31, 2016 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,405 $ 937 $ (494 ) $ 45,848 Federal agencies 739 — (26 ) 713 States and political subdivision bonds 460,089 3,625 (11,403 ) 452,311 Foreign government 60,025 — (3,226 ) 56,799 Corporate bonds 1,580,918 43,322 (13,338 ) 1,610,902 Residential mortgage-backed securities 450,997 4,305 (5,982 ) 449,320 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 107,546 1,521 (1,724 ) 107,343 Structured securities 334,343 4,656 (436 ) 338,563 Total fixed maturities 3,040,062 58,366 (36,629 ) 3,061,799 Equity securities: Common stock 21,274 7,050 (308 ) 28,016 Preferred stock 1,580 17 (35 ) 1,562 Total equity securities 22,854 7,067 (343 ) 29,578 Total $ 3,062,916 $ 65,433 $ (36,972 ) $ 3,091,377 NGHC $ 2,761,899 $ 58,180 $ (35,047 ) $ 2,785,032 Reciprocal Exchanges 301,017 7,253 (1,925 ) 306,345 Total $ 3,062,916 $ 65,433 $ (36,972 ) $ 3,091,377 December 31, 2015 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Value Fixed maturities and securities pledged: 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 fixed maturities and securities pledged 2,380,480 34,819 (57,885 ) 2,357,414 Equity securities: Common stock 53,356 569 (6,960 ) 46,965 Preferred stock 11,448 377 — 11,825 Total equity securities 64,804 946 (6,960 ) 58,790 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 As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had no other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in AOCI related to available-for-sale fixed maturities. Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available for sale during the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 were $566,097 , $180,412 and $218,496 , respectively.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities held as of December 31, 2016 , 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, 2016 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 26,947 $ 27,141 $ 2,455 $ 2,457 $ 29,402 $ 29,598 Due after one year through five years 584,788 596,809 58,740 61,391 643,528 658,200 Due after five years through ten years 1,253,465 1,257,714 179,654 182,356 1,433,119 1,440,070 Due after ten years 341,099 342,481 34,371 34,787 375,470 377,268 Mortgage-backed securities 532,746 531,309 25,797 25,354 558,543 556,663 Total $ 2,739,045 $ 2,755,454 $ 301,017 $ 306,345 $ 3,040,062 $ 3,061,799
Gross Unrealized Losses	The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available for sale, by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2016 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 37,436 $ (494 ) 24 $ — $ — — $ 37,436 $ (494 ) Federal agencies 419 (26 ) 3 — — — 419 (26 ) States and political subdivision bonds 318,946 (11,236 ) 387 2,956 (167 ) 6 321,902 (11,403 ) Foreign government 48,156 (3,226 ) 6 — — — 48,156 (3,226 ) Corporate bonds 495,443 (12,376 ) 292 33,112 (962 ) 21 528,555 (13,338 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 262,269 (5,894 ) 212 2,141 (88 ) 4 264,410 (5,982 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 51,120 (1,002 ) 27 4,890 (722 ) 3 56,010 (1,724 ) Structured securities 54,361 (243 ) 43 17,908 (193 ) 10 72,269 (436 ) Equity securities: Common stock 3,198 (308 ) 5 — — — 3,198 (308 ) Preferred stock 1,298 (35 ) 2 — — — 1,298 (35 ) Total $ 1,272,646 $ (34,840 ) 1,001 $ 61,007 $ (2,132 ) 44 $ 1,333,653 $ (36,972 ) NGHC $ 1,190,788 $ (33,382 ) 963 $ 51,813 $ (1,665 ) 28 $ 1,242,601 $ (35,047 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 81,858 (1,458 ) 38 9,194 (467 ) 16 91,052 (1,925 ) Total $ 1,272,646 $ (34,840 ) 1,001 $ 61,007 $ (2,132 ) 44 $ 1,333,653 $ (36,972 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2015 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities: 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 ) Equity securities: Common stock 39,490 (6,932 ) 5 130 (28 ) 2 39,620 (6,960 ) 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 )
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings	The Company reviewed its investments at December 31, 2016 , and determined that no additional OTTI existed in the gross unrealized holding losses other than certain fixed maturities and equity securities, that were in a loss position, for which the Company had the intention to sell before it can recover its cost basis. The impairments for these securities are equal to the difference between its amortized cost or cost and its fair value, and were as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Fixed maturities - Corporate bonds $ 7,238 $ 12,027 $ 2,244 Equity securities - Common stock 14,864 3,220 — Total OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ 22,102 $ 15,247 $ 2,244 NGHC $ 22,102 $ 15,247 $ 2,244 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Total OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ 22,102 $ 15,247 $ 2,244
Unrealized Gains and Losses	Unrealized gains and losses on investments classified as available for sale as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Net unrealized gain (loss) on fixed maturities $ 21,737 $ (23,066 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on common stock 6,742 (6,391 ) Net unrealized gain (loss) on preferred stock (18 ) 377 Net unrealized loss on other — (20 ) Deferred income tax (9,968 ) 10,185 Unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 18,493 $ (18,915 ) NGHC $ 15,030 $ (15,634 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 3,463 (3,281 ) Unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax 18,493 (18,915 ) Non-controlling interest (3,463 ) 3,281 NGHC unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 15,030 $ (15,634 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 NGHC change in unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 30,664 $ (40,632 ) Non-controlling interest change in unrealized gains (losses), net of deferred income tax $ 1,454 $ (3,964 )
Trading Securities	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value on trading securities were as follows: December 31, 2016 Cost or Gross Gross Fair Fixed maturities: Corporate bonds $ 32,698 $ 5,979 $ — $ 38,677 Equity securities: Common stock 28,176 5,172 (3,215 ) 30,133 Total $ 60,874 $ 11,151 $ (3,215 ) $ 68,810 NGHC $ 60,874 $ 11,151 $ (3,215 ) $ 68,810 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total $ 60,874 $ 11,151 $ (3,215 ) $ 68,810 Proceeds from sales of trading securities were $62,104 during the year ended December 31, 2016 .
Investment Income	The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest income Cash and short-term investments $ 5,223 $ 186 $ 114 Fixed maturities 96,755 69,310 52,008 Equity securities 1,901 277 349 Investment income 103,879 69,773 52,471 Investment expenses (11,898 ) (3,529 ) (2,629 ) Repurchase agreements interest expense (485 ) (213 ) (236 ) Other income (1) 8,090 9,309 2,820 Net Investment Income $ 99,586 $ 75,340 $ 52,426 NGHC $ 90,870 $ 66,429 $ 50,627 Reciprocal Exchanges 8,716 8,911 1,799 Net Investment Income $ 99,586 $ 75,340 $ 52,426 (1 ) Includes interest income of approximately $7,593 , $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. (See Note 18, “Related Party Transactions” for additional information).
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses	The tables below indicate impairment write-downs on investments, realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, and realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . For the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company reclassified $34,147 available-for-sale securities to trading securities with $4,849 gross gains and $3,586 gross losses from AOCI to earnings. December 31, 2016 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ — $ (22,102 ) $ (22,102 ) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale 34,577 (10,090 ) 24,487 Equity securities, available-for-sale 6,410 (19,137 ) (12,727 ) Fixed maturities, trading 12,571 (713 ) 11,858 Equity securities, trading 9,687 (7,349 ) 2,338 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 63,245 $ (59,391 ) $ 3,854 NGHC $ 62,715 $ (59,376 ) $ 3,339 Reciprocal Exchanges 530 (15 ) 515 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 63,245 $ (59,391 ) $ 3,854 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ — $ (15,247 ) $ (15,247 ) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale 8,245 (1,702 ) 6,543 Equity securities, available-for-sale 5 (1,608 ) (1,603 ) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) NGHC $ 7,005 $ (17,658 ) $ (10,653 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 1,245 (899 ) 346 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 8,250 $ (18,557 ) $ (10,307 ) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) OTTI loss recognized in earnings $ — $ (2,244 ) $ (2,244 ) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale 151 (220 ) (69 ) Equity securities, available-for-sale 34 (613 ) (579 ) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) NGHC $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 ) Reciprocal Exchanges — — — Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments $ 185 $ (3,077 ) $ (2,892 )
Credit Quality of Investments	The tables below summarize the credit quality of the Company’s fixed maturities, securities pledged and preferred securities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 2016 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 $ 39,471 $ 39,918 1.4 % $ 5,934 $ 5,930 1.9 % AAA 251,549 246,040 8.8 % 7,526 7,436 2.4 % AA, AA+, AA- 820,762 815,294 29.2 % 33,096 33,728 11.0 % A, A+, A- 740,280 747,765 26.7 % 87,734 88,761 29.0 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 693,039 705,319 25.2 % 148,968 151,644 49.5 % BB+ and lower 228,222 241,357 8.7 % 17,759 18,846 6.2 % Total $ 2,773,323 $ 2,795,693 100.0 % $ 301,017 $ 306,345 100.0 % 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 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of the Company’s corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . December 31, 2016 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions 0.1 % 1.7 % 21.7 % 11.8 % 3.0 % $ 631,595 38.3 % Industrials — % 3.4 % 17.7 % 27.6 % 6.3 % 906,950 55.0 % Utilities/Other 0.8 % 0.2 % 1.3 % 3.6 % 0.8 % 111,034 6.7 % Total 0.9 % 5.3 % 40.7 % 43.0 % 10.1 % $ 1,649,579 100.0 % NGHC 0.9 % 4.8 % 35.6 % 34.4 % 9.2 % $ 1,400,239 84.9 % Reciprocal Exchanges — % 0.5 % 5.1 % 8.6 % 0.9 % 249,340 15.1 % Total 0.9 % 5.3 % 40.7 % 43.0 % 10.1 % $ 1,649,579 100.0 % 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 %
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Investments	The Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 220,299 $ 225,930 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 65,601 56,347 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flow $ 285,900 $ 282,277 The fair values of the Company’s restricted investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 State deposits, at fair value $ 73,731 $ 40,174 Restricted investments to trusts, at fair value 366,306 407,849 Total $ 440,037 $ 448,023
Other Investments	The table below summarizes the composition of other investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 : December 31, 2016 2015 Limited partnerships, equity method $ 64,444 $ 5,691 Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost 21,178 — Investments, at cost or amortized cost 11,851 7,340 Investments, at fair value 9,427 — Total $ 106,900 $ 13,031

Fair Value of Financial Instr46

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments	The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value estimates of debt not carried at fair value: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value 7.625% Notes $ 96,669 $ 100,160 $ 96,583 $ 98,240 6.75% Notes 345,135 360,865 344,478 350,000 Subordinated Debentures 72,168 72,168 — — Imperial Surplus Notes 5,000 4,986 5,000 4,979 SPCIC Surplus Notes 4,000 4,000 — — Credit Agreement 50,000 53,925 — — Century-National Promissory Note 178,894 178,778 — — Other 135 135 — — Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes — — 45,476 50,300 Total $ 752,001 $ 775,017 $ 491,537 $ 503,519
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, 2016 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Available-for-sale securities: Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,848 $ — $ — $ 45,848 Federal agencies 713 — — 713 States and political subdivision bonds — 447,579 4,732 452,311 Foreign government — 54,889 1,910 56,799 Corporate bonds — 1,577,290 33,612 1,610,902 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 441,897 7,423 449,320 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 102,494 4,849 107,343 Structured securities — 329,508 9,055 338,563 Total fixed maturities 46,561 2,953,657 61,581 3,061,799 Equity securities: Common stock 21,719 — 6,297 28,016 Preferred stock — 1,562 — 1,562 Total equity securities 21,719 1,562 6,297 29,578 Total available-for-sale securities 68,280 2,955,219 67,878 3,091,377 Trading securities: Fixed maturities - Corporate bonds — 36,245 2,432 38,677 Equity securities - Common stock 30,133 — — 30,133 Total trading securities 30,133 36,245 2,432 68,810 Short-term investments 15,674 — — 15,674 Other investments — — 9,427 9,427 Total assets $ 114,087 $ 2,991,464 $ 79,737 $ 3,185,288 NGHC $ 108,157 $ 2,691,049 $ 79,737 $ 2,878,943 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,930 300,415 — 306,345 Total assets $ 114,087 $ 2,991,464 $ 79,737 $ 3,185,288 Liabilities Contingent payments $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 NGHC $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 Reciprocal Exchanges — — — — Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 2,677 $ 2,677 December 31, 2015 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Available-for-sale securities: Fixed maturities and securities pledged: 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 Total fixed maturities and securities pledged 22,304 2,335,110 — 2,357,414 Equity securities: Common stock 46,965 — — 46,965 Preferred stock — 11,825 — 11,825 Total equity securities 46,965 11,825 — 58,790 Total available-for-sale securities 69,269 2,346,935 — 2,416,204 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
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, 2016 and 2015 : Balance as of Net income/loss Other comprehensive Purchases and Payments, sales and Net transfers Balance as of December 31, 2016 States and political subdivision bonds $ — $ — $ — $ 4,732 $ — $ — $ 4,732 Foreign government — — — — — 1,910 1,910 Corporate bonds — — — 33,612 — 2,432 36,044 Residential mortgage-backed securities — — — 7,423 — — 7,423 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — — — — — 4,849 4,849 Structured securities — — — 6,304 — 2,751 9,055 Common stock — — — — — 6,297 6,297 Other investments — — — 9,427 — — 9,427 Total assets $ — $ — $ — $ 61,498 $ — $ 18,239 $ 79,737 Contingent payments $ 24,652 $ (2,957 ) $ — $ — $ (19,018 ) $ — $ 2,677 Total liabilities $ 24,652 $ (2,957 ) $ — $ — $ (19,018 ) $ — $ 2,677 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

Equity Investments in Unconso47

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries (Tables) - LSC Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investment Information	The following tables present the investment activity in the LSC Entities. Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 153,661 $ 146,089 $ 126,186 Distributions — (1,923 ) — Contributions 11,500 565 18,056 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 20,831 8,930 1,847 Change in equity method investments 32,331 7,572 19,903 Balance at end of year $ 185,992 $ 153,661 $ 146,089 The following tables summarize total assets, total liabilities and members’ equity as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 and the results of operations for the Company’s unconsolidated equity method investment in the LSC Entities for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . As of December 31, Condensed balance sheet data 2016 2015 2014 Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value $ 356,856 $ 264,001 $ 264,517 Total assets 392,538 334,026 318,598 Total liabilities 20,554 26,704 26,420 Members’ equity 371,984 307,322 292,178 NGHC’s 50% ownership interest $ 185,992 $ 153,661 $ 146,089 Year Ended December 31, Condensed results of operations 2016 2015 2014 Revenue, net of commission $ 49,298 $ 66,435 $ 50,447 Total expenses 7,636 48,575 46,753 Net income $ 41,662 $ 17,860 $ 3,694 NGHC’s 50% ownership interest $ 20,831 $ 8,930 $ 1,847
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables were held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: December 31, 2016 $ (44,207 ) $ 43,492 December 31, 2015 $ (37,697 ) $ 40,997 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: December 31, 2016 $ (29,881 ) $ 33,155 December 31, 2015 $ (26,558 ) $ 29,644 (1) Discount rate is a present value calculation that considers legal risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and is a component of EDR. The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and, only includes data for policies to which the LSC Entities assigned value at those dates: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Average age of insured 82.8 years 81.2 years Average life expectancy, months (1) 107 114 Average face amount per policy $ 6,572 $ 6,564 Effective discount rate (2) 12.4 % 13.7 % (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 10.0% and 15.0% 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, 2015 to December 31, 2016 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk.
Schedule Of Premiums To Be Paid To Keep Existing Life Insurance Policies In Force	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, 2016 . 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 2017 $ 61,518 2018 49,683 2019 50,396 2020 46,632 2021 43,223 Thereafter 503,818 Total $ 755,270

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Direct General Corporation
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: November 2016 Assets: Cash and invested assets $ 298,789 Premiums receivable 232,035 Reinsurance recoverable 356 Income tax receivable 295 Deferred tax asset 28,315 Premises and equipment 27,292 Intangible assets 66,659 Other assets 28,327 Total assets 682,068 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 162,863 Unearned premiums 220,433 Reinsurance payable 1,618 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 34,330 Debt 90,447 Other liabilities 3,237 Total liabilities 512,928 Net assets purchased 169,140 Purchase price 162,013 Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings $ 7,127
Century-National Insurance Company
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 2016 Assets: Cash and invested assets $ 413,343 Accrued interest 3,531 Premiums and other receivables 68,410 Reinsurance recoverable 12,904 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 12,723 Premises and equipment 5,216 Intangible assets 71,008 Deferred tax asset 12,100 Other assets 1,426 Total assets 600,661 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 132,912 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 17,900 Unearned premiums 113,608 Reinsurance payable 6,308 Other Liabilities 7,239 Total liabilities 277,967 Net assets purchased $ 322,694
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 $ 293,473 Premiums receivable 101,357 Premises and equipment 1,540 Intangible assets 61,645 Other assets 1,013 Total assets 459,028 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 104,123 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 69,056 Unearned premiums 245,827 Total liabilities 419,006 Net assets purchased 40,022 Purchase price 95,726 Goodwill recorded $ 55,704
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 Premiums receivable 16,440 Intangible assets 10,493 Total assets 70,381 Liabilities: Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves 74,671 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 281 Unearned premiums 2,505 Deferred tax liability 3,887 Other liabilities 678 Total liabilities 82,022 Net assets purchased (11,641 ) Purchase price 14,000 Goodwill recorded $ 25,641

Premiums and Other Receivable49

Premiums and Other Receivables, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule Of Premiums And Other Receivables, Net	Premiums and other receivables, net at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Premiums receivable (Related parties - $0 and $46,565) $ 998,761 $ 652,400 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses 67,439 64,056 Commission receivables 32,736 20,337 Investment receivables 12,198 — Other receivables (Related parties - $0 and $26) 63,193 35,273 Allowance for uncollectible amounts (16,219 ) (13,433 ) Total $ 1,158,108 $ 758,633 NGHC $ 1,097,130 $ 702,439 Reciprocal Exchanges 60,978 56,194 Total $ 1,158,108 $ 758,633

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Disclosures [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of the year $ 160,531 $ 125,999 $ 60,112 Additions 495,195 368,515 270,204 Reductions (1) (23,803 ) — — Amortization (411,001 ) (333,983 ) (204,317 ) Change in DAC 60,391 34,532 65,887 Balance, end of the year $ 220,922 $ 160,531 $ 125,999 NGHC $ 189,879 $ 136,728 $ 121,514 Reciprocal Exchanges 31,043 23,803 4,485 Balance, end of the year $ 220,922 $ 160,531 $ 125,999 (1) DAC reductions relate to the deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges at January 1, 2016. (See Note 3, “Reciprocal Exchanges” for additional information).

Premises and Equipment, Net (Ta

Premises and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 Cost Accumulated Depreciation Net Value Land $ 3,336 $ — $ 3,336 Buildings 20,362 842 19,520 Leasehold improvements 23,453 2,348 21,105 Furniture and equipment 11,472 2,084 9,388 Hardware and software 141,669 80,514 61,155 Total $ 200,292 $ 85,788 $ 114,504 NGHC $ 194,419 $ 84,032 $ 110,387 Reciprocal Exchanges 5,873 1,756 4,117 Total $ 200,292 $ 85,788 $ 114,504 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

Goodwill and Intangible Asset52

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The composition of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Agent/Customer relationships $ 190,446 $ 35,618 $ 154,828 2 - 15 years Value in policies in force 59,198 36,555 22,643 1 year Renewal rights 42,716 13,484 29,232 3 - 7 years Trademarks 36,300 783 35,517 5 - 11 years Loss reserve discount 16,999 12,670 4,329 6 - 10 years Proprietary technology 11,800 1,893 9,907 3 - 10 years Leases 5,523 246 5,277 13 years Affinity partners 800 508 292 11 years Non-compete agreements 740 8 732 15 years Management contracts 118,600 — 118,600 indefinite life State licenses 86,363 — 86,363 indefinite life Goodwill 155,290 — 155,290 indefinite life Total $ 724,775 $ 101,765 $ 623,010 NGHC $ 692,137 $ 80,152 $ 611,985 Reciprocal Exchanges 32,638 21,613 11,025 Total $ 724,775 $ 101,765 $ 623,010 December 31, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Value Useful Life Agent/Customer relationships $ 148,419 $ 18,562 $ 129,857 11 - 17 years Renewal rights 26,100 6,375 19,725 7 years Loss reserve discount 15,089 12,779 2,310 7 years Proprietary technology 11,800 379 11,421 3 - 10 years Trademarks 8,200 6,744 1,456 5 years Affinity partners 800 436 364 11 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
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter is: Year ending NGHC Reciprocal Total 2017 $ 59,497 $ 7,340 $ 66,837 2018 32,657 180 32,837 2019 25,982 180 26,162 2020 20,548 180 20,728 2021 18,384 45 18,429 Thereafter 97,764 — 97,764 $ 254,832 $ 7,925 $ 262,757
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Property and Casualty Accident and Health Total Balance as of January 1, 2015 Goodwill $ 45,629 $ 47,055 $ 92,684 Accumulated impairment loss (15,547 ) (6,373 ) (21,920 ) Balance as of January 1, 2015, net $ 30,082 $ 40,682 $ 70,764 Additions 39,455 19,661 59,116 Impairment loss (11,222 ) (6,244 ) (17,466 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 Goodwill 85,084 66,716 151,800 Accumulated impairment loss (26,769 ) (12,617 ) (39,386 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015, net $ 58,315 $ 54,099 $ 112,414 Additions 39,106 10,396 49,502 Impairment loss (3,552 ) (3,074 ) (6,626 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 Goodwill 124,190 77,112 201,302 Accumulated impairment loss (30,321 ) (15,691 ) (46,012 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016, net $ 93,869 $ 61,421 $ 155,290

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust53

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses	The table below shows the activity of loss reserves on a gross and net of reinsurance basis for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , reflecting changes in losses incurred and paid losses: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Accident and Health NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year $ 1,479,953 $ 143,279 $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153 $ 1,259,241 $ — $ 1,259,241 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the year (793,508 ) (583 ) (794,091 ) (39,085 ) (833,176 ) (888,215 ) (23,583 ) (911,798 ) (950,828 ) — (950,828 ) Net balance at beginning of the year 686,445 142,696 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 308,413 — 308,413 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,597,132 290,057 1,887,189 57,818 1,945,007 1,265,702 100,255 1,365,957 1,008,406 25,382 1,033,788 Prior year 5,125 9,310 14,435 (897 ) 13,538 18,378 (2,694 ) 15,684 17,941 1,336 19,277 Total incurred 1,602,257 299,367 1,901,624 56,921 1,958,545 1,284,080 97,561 1,381,641 1,026,347 26,718 1,053,065 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (974,402 ) (181,957 ) (1,156,359 ) (35,771 ) (1,192,130 ) (835,854 ) (37,018 ) (872,872 ) (645,826 ) (20,715 ) (666,541 ) Prior year (497,993 ) (84,824 ) (582,817 ) (19,958 ) (602,775 ) (347,912 ) (55,501 ) (403,413 ) (187,010 ) (12,429 ) (199,439 ) Total paid (1,472,395 ) (266,781 ) (1,739,176 ) (55,729 ) (1,794,905 ) (1,183,766 ) (92,519 ) (1,276,285 ) (832,836 ) (33,144 ) (865,980 ) Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve 292,412 9,682 302,094 384 302,478 169,257 — 169,257 66,066 94,691 160,757 Effect of foreign exchange rates — (4,291 ) (4,291 ) — (4,291 ) (2,520 ) — (2,520 ) (5,900 ) — (5,900 ) Net balance at end of the year 1,108,719 180,673 1,289,392 94,883 1,384,275 829,141 93,307 922,448 562,090 88,265 650,355 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the year 827,672 10,933 838,605 42,192 880,797 794,091 39,085 833,176 888,215 23,583 911,798 Gross balance at end of the year $ 1,936,391 $ 191,606 $ 2,127,997 $ 137,075 $ 2,265,072 $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 $ 1,450,305 $ 111,848 $ 1,562,153
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Claims Development	The following is information by segment about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2016 , net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities (“IBNR”) plus expected development on reported claims included within the net incurred claims amounts. The information about incurred and paid claims development for the years ended prior to December 31, 2016 , is presented as unaudited supplementary information. Property and Casualty Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (unaudited) 2010 $ 1,400,368 $ 1,389,062 $ 1,388,408 $ 1,388,293 $ 1,386,309 $ 1,388,245 $ 1,388,436 $ 777 637,092 2011 1,306,397 1,301,325 1,301,294 1,301,949 1,301,227 1,300,868 6,088 643,910 2012 1,295,045 1,295,036 1,296,493 1,295,458 1,300,677 6,857 653,948 2013 1,175,590 1,180,827 1,181,268 1,188,736 11,025 610,636 2014 1,550,697 1,546,329 1,550,697 28,253 652,876 2015 1,721,372 1,731,696 76,329 684,743 2016 1,909,730 416,938 648,890 Total (A) $ 10,370,840 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (unaudited) 2010 $ 886,725 $ 1,227,516 $ 1,309,288 $ 1,349,335 $ 1,369,261 $ 1,382,010 $ 1,385,596 2011 822,316 1,152,053 1,236,052 1,266,446 1,284,848 1,291,960 2012 811,546 1,163,987 1,232,759 1,268,877 1,287,299 2013 770,666 1,049,326 1,122,327 1,161,896 2014 972,489 1,367,765 1,469,822 2015 1,097,124 1,543,499 2016 1,170,671 Total (B) $ 9,310,743 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance (C) 5,402 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves, net of reinsurance (A) - (B) + (C) $ 1,065,499 Accident and Health Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (unaudited) 2010 $ 20,906 $ 21,671 $ 23,428 $ 24,083 $ 25,102 $ 26,402 $ 26,012 $ 98 22,906 2011 19,675 25,580 26,124 27,721 30,067 29,192 38 24,523 2012 21,026 27,828 30,845 34,438 33,533 180 27,538 2013 46,005 57,023 60,398 61,847 773 56,051 2014 80,361 88,287 90,943 2,068 95,152 2015 211,620 226,327 7,180 264,651 2016 245,014 89,650 229,532 Total (A) $ 712,868 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (unaudited) 2010 $ 11,311 $ 17,742 $ 20,508 $ 22,528 $ 23,701 $ 24,263 $ 24,503 2011 11,569 21,224 24,012 26,008 27,137 27,552 2012 13,678 23,053 27,110 29,235 30,239 2013 27,652 49,038 53,904 56,251 2014 46,668 78,132 82,725 2015 140,220 208,364 2016 147,674 Total (B) $ 577,308 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance (C) 2,026 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves, net of reinsurance (A) - (B) + (C) $ 137,586 Reciprocal Exchanges Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2016 Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims Cumulative Number of Reported Claims (unaudited) 2010 $ 129,745 $ 121,572 $ 118,892 $ 118,038 $ 118,826 $ 117,721 $ 117,601 $ 86 23,266 2011 113,072 102,758 101,991 103,110 105,097 104,877 — 23,769 2012 95,875 94,360 95,417 94,549 96,615 1,057 24,741 2013 89,696 90,787 90,902 95,198 3,258 19,349 2014 95,602 93,121 97,361 4,312 20,808 2015 86,901 73,032 6,813 20,222 2016 73,727 16,950 10,955 Total (A) $ 658,411 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Year Ended December 31, Accident Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (unaudited) 2010 $ 68,343 $ 88,105 $ 98,233 $ 109,052 $ 113,581 $ 115,248 $ 115,749 2011 65,605 77,869 87,816 94,687 100,258 103,258 2012 48,414 73,958 82,780 88,530 92,174 2013 48,611 71,741 77,760 85,617 2014 53,796 75,068 81,974 2015 43,969 56,816 2016 41,073 Total (B) $ 576,661 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance (C) 1,528 Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves, net of reinsurance (A) - (B) + (C) $ 83,278
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability	The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is as follows: December 31, 2016 Net outstanding liabilities: Property and Casualty (1) $ 1,065,499 Accident and Health (excluding DE captive subsidiaries) (2) 137,586 Accident and Health - DE captive subsidiaries (2) 4,759 Reciprocal Exchanges (excluding commercial book) (3) 83,278 Reciprocal Exchanges - commercial book (3) 1,264 Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses 1,292,386 Reinsurance recoverable: Property and Casualty (1)(4) 827,672 Accident and Health (excluding DE captive subsidiaries) (2) 9,155 Reciprocal Exchanges (excluding commercial book) (3) 39,078 Reciprocal Exchanges - commercial book (3) 1,201 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses 877,106 Insurance lines other than short-duration 19,403 Unallocated claims adjustment expenses 60,091 Other (5) 16,086 Subtotal 95,580 Gross reserve for claims and claim adjustment expenses $ 2,265,072 (1) For acquired business, the development tables above for the Property and Casualty segment assume no historical change in ultimates in years prior to the year that the Company first acquired the business. (2) The development tables above for the Accident and Health segment exclude the Company’s Delaware captive subsidiaries due to impracticability of obtaining complete historical information. The Delaware captive subsidiaries are comprised of three legal entities (AIBD Insurance Company IC, Distributors Insurance Company PPC and Professional Service Captive Corporation IC) which were acquired by the Company in 2012. (3) The development tables above for the Reciprocal Exchanges exclude small commercial book of business in runoff previously underwritten by Mountain Valley Indemnity Company. (4) Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses for the Property and Casualty segment primarily include $663,943 from MCCA and $100,470 from NCRF. See Note 13, “Reinsurance” for additional information. (5) Includes forward looking reserves for certain short-duration Accident and Health insurance contracts provisionally assigned to the most current accident year and therefore not included in the loss development tables above (i.e., seasonality reserves generally applied to an insurance product that has a level annual premium and an expectation that claim costs will increase over the policy year).

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Premium: Direct $ 2,962,798 $ 2,716,713 $ 2,234,976 $ 2,052,880 $ 1,558,612 $ 1,496,709 Assumed 536,710 687,829 354,772 454,851 576,495 414,410 Total Gross Premium 3,499,508 3,404,542 2,589,748 2,507,731 2,135,107 1,911,119 Ceded (428,202 ) (410,761 ) (403,502 ) (377,921 ) (265,083 ) (277,899 ) Net Premium $ 3,071,306 $ 2,993,781 $ 2,186,246 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,870,024 $ 1,633,220 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE $ 409,046 $ 463,603 $ 283,568 $ 254,924 $ 229,013 $ 211,433 As of December 31, 2016 2015 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves $ 217,522 $ 880,797 $ 252,661 $ 833,176 Unearned premiums 166,339 156,970 309,202 128,343
Ceded Credit Risk	Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2015 MCCA $ 663,943 $ 656,904 NCRF 100,470 86,941 Maiden Insurance Company 12,995 21,075 ACP Re 7,797 12,645 Technology Insurance Company, Inc. 5,197 8,430 Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total 48,203 8,096 Subtotal $ 838,605 $ 794,091 Reciprocal Exchanges 42,192 39,085 Total $ 880,797 $ 833,176
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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Ceded earned premiums $ 9,404 $ 12,146 $ 12,968 Ceded Loss and LAE 26,510 15,482 12,529
Ceded Credit Risk	Reinsurance recoverables from MCCA as of December 31, 2016 , and 2015 are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2015 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 7,969 $ 6,986 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 663,943 656,904
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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Ceded earned premiums $ 165,491 $ 158,613 $ 151,744 Ceded Loss and LAE 173,926 144,350 130,265
Ceded Credit Risk	Reinsurance recoverables from NCRF as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: As of December 31, 2016 2015 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 29,274 $ 26,228 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 100,470 86,941

Accounts Payable and Accrued 55

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Accounts payable related to commissions $ 59,609 $ 36,160 Accrued expenses related to employees 42,549 30,224 Payable to carrier 38,839 34,460 Information technology payable 24,417 16,570 Investments payable 20,936 16,670 Escheats payable 12,887 10,982 Dividends payable 12,101 7,292 Premiums payable 11,385 — Interest payable 8,144 10,907 Funds held for reinsurance 4,986 — Marketing accruals 4,065 4,918 Contingent payments 2,677 8,581 Loss reserve premium 2,433 1,785 Other 67,678 54,598 Subtotal $ 312,706 $ 233,147 Related Parties: License fee payable $ 13,601 $ 12,905 Information technology payable 11,600 16,622 Printing fee payable 2,406 3,892 Contingent payments — 16,071 Other 1,664 2,265 Subtotal $ 29,271 $ 51,755 Total $ 341,977 $ 284,902 NGHC $ 335,174 $ 265,057 Reciprocal Exchanges 6,803 19,845 Total $ 341,977 $ 284,902

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Current expense (benefit) Federal $ 70,511 $ 857 $ 71,368 $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 Foreign 5,119 — 5,119 — — — — — — Total current tax expense (benefit) $ 75,630 $ 857 $ 76,487 $ 55,018 $ (1,059 ) $ 53,959 $ 86,250 $ 1,020 $ 87,270 Deferred tax expense (benefit) Federal $ (4,195 ) $ (10,648 ) $ (14,843 ) $ (3,019 ) $ (4,890 ) $ (7,909 ) $ (42,301 ) $ 144 $ (42,157 ) Foreign (19,028 ) — (19,028 ) (27,094 ) — (27,094 ) (21,237 ) — (21,237 ) Total deferred tax expense (benefit) $ (23,223 ) $ (10,648 ) $ (33,871 ) $ (30,113 ) $ (4,890 ) $ (35,003 ) $ (63,538 ) $ 144 $ (63,394 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 52,407 $ (9,791 ) $ 42,616 $ 24,905 $ (5,949 ) $ 18,956 $ 22,712 $ 1,164 $ 23,876
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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Domestic $ 181,156 $ 10,764 $ 191,920 $ 225,708 $ 7,944 $ 233,652 $ 195,148 $ 3,670 $ 198,818 Foreign 18,179 — 18,179 (69,062 ) — (69,062 ) (71,375 ) — (71,375 ) Total $ 199,335 $ 10,764 $ 210,099 $ 156,646 $ 7,944 $ 164,590 $ 123,773 $ 3,670 $ 127,443
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, 2016 2015 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 36,518 $ 13,216 $ 49,734 $ 27,675 $ 1,551 $ 29,226 Unearned premiums 96,981 6,659 103,640 68,902 6,033 74,935 Bad debt 6,228 366 6,594 3,692 576 4,268 Investments 799 — 799 760 — 760 Depreciation 6,083 — 6,083 1,725 — 1,725 Contingent commissions 12,547 — 12,547 10,529 — 10,529 Loss reserve discount 11,782 1,396 13,178 7,244 1,393 8,637 Suspended Subpart F losses 6,683 — 6,683 7,364 — 7,364 Net operating loss carryforwards 22,833 5,655 28,488 3,309 17,758 21,067 Capital loss carryforwards 2,401 — 2,401 1,241 — 1,241 Policy acquisition costs 1,237 — 1,237 — — — Special estimated tax payments 2,072 — 2,072 — — — Impairments 16,313 — 16,313 6,122 15 6,137 Goodwill 1,701 — 1,701 968 — 968 Unearned revenue 7,974 — 7,974 6,540 — 6,540 Unrealized capital losses — — — 8,418 1,767 10,185 Foreign translation 1,249 — 1,249 2,035 — 2,035 Stock-based compensation 4,171 — 4,171 1,808 — 1,808 Alternative minimum tax credits — 611 611 — 611 611 Other 6,384 — 6,384 897 104 1,001 Gross deferred tax assets 243,956 27,903 271,859 159,229 29,808 189,037 Less: Valuation allowance — (7,135 ) (7,135 ) — (17,295 ) (17,295 ) Total deferred tax assets 243,956 20,768 264,724 159,229 12,513 171,742 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs 65,943 10,555 76,498 47,931 8,093 56,024 Investments items — 353 353 — 255 255 Intangible assets 91,336 3,748 95,084 71,878 2,398 74,276 Depreciation — 767 767 — — — Premises and equipment 4,520 — 4,520 4,759 — 4,759 Statutory equalization reserves 8,319 — 8,319 13,778 — 13,778 Unrealized capital gains 8,103 1,865 9,968 — — — Surplus note interest — 22,575 22,575 — 34,491 34,491 Gain on settlement of debt 356 — 356 — — — Other 77 — 77 406 — 406 Gross deferred tax liabilities 178,654 39,863 218,517 138,752 45,237 183,989 Deferred tax (asset) liability, net $ (65,302 ) $ 19,095 $ (46,207 ) $ (20,477 ) $ 32,724 $ 12,247
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, 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Tax Rate Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 199,335 $ 10,764 $ 210,099 Tax rate 35.00 % 35.00 % 35.00 % Computed “expected” tax expense $ 69,767 $ 3,767 $ 73,534 35.00 % Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from: Tax-exempt interest (3,212 ) (149 ) (3,361 ) (1.60 ) Non-deductible meals and entertainment 397 — 397 0.19 Exempt foreign income (13,416 ) — (13,416 ) (6.39 ) Equity method income 8,890 — 8,890 4.23 Goodwill impairment 2,319 — 2,319 1.10 Statutory equalization reserves (5,898 ) — (5,898 ) (2.81 ) State tax 4,824 — 4,824 2.30 Change in valuation allowance — (13,403 ) (13,403 ) (6.38 ) Bargain purchase gain (8,508 ) — (8,508 ) (4.05 ) Other permanent items (2,756 ) (6 ) (2,762 ) (1.31 ) Total income tax reported $ 52,407 $ (9,791 ) $ 42,616 20.28 % 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 %

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of the Company’s debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2016 are as follows: December 31, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total 7.625% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100,000 $ 100,000 6.75% Notes — — — — — 350,000 350,000 Subordinated Debentures — — — — — 72,168 72,168 Imperial Surplus Notes — — — — — 5,000 5,000 SPCIC Surplus Notes — — — — — 4,000 4,000 Credit Agreement — — — 50,000 — — 50,000 Century-National Promissory Note 89,447 89,447 — — — — 178,894 Other 135 — — — — — 135 Total principal amount of debt $ 89,582 $ 89,447 $ — $ 50,000 $ — $ 531,168 $ 760,197 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (8,196 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 752,001

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: December 31, 2016 2015 Book overdrafts $ 86,237 $ 57,971 Deferred revenue 63,211 65,186 Premium and other taxes and assessments 35,343 17,791 Advance premiums 16,298 9,242 Securities sold, not yet purchased 5,013 — Deferred rent expense 1,598 — Total $ 207,700 $ 150,190 NGHC $ 161,200 $ 112,085 Reciprocal Exchanges 46,500 38,105 Total $ 207,700 $ 150,190

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
AARC
Related Party Transaction
Schedule of Reinsurance Treaties	The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses $ 1,083 $ 829 Commission Receivable 139 107 Reinsurance Payable 533 395 Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Ceded Premiums $ 2,184 $ 1,504 $ 1,317 Ceding Commission Income 443 470 369 Ceded Losses and LAE 1,293 814 811
Quota Share Agreement
Related Party Transaction
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% The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: December 31, 2016 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses Commission Receivable Reinsurance Payable ACP Re $ 12,411 $ — $ 10,685 Maiden Insurance Company 16,823 — 15,957 Technology Insurance Company 6,729 — 6,383 Total $ 35,963 $ — $ 33,025 December 31, 2015 Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses Commission Receivable Reinsurance Payable ACP Re $ 17,298 $ — $ 9,025 Maiden Insurance Company 28,830 — 15,041 Technology Insurance Company 11,532 — 6,016 Total $ 57,660 $ — $ 30,082 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Ceded Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (1,661 ) $ 5,642 Maiden Insurance Company — (2,767 ) 9,403 Technology Insurance Company — (1,107 ) 3,761 Total $ — $ (5,535 ) $ 18,806 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ceded Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ (1,226 ) $ 3,657 Maiden Insurance Company — (2,057 ) 6,109 Technology Insurance Company — (804 ) 2,425 Total $ — $ (4,087 ) $ 12,191 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Ceded Premiums Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ 12,850 $ 3,703 $ 11,486 Maiden Insurance Company 21,416 6,115 19,130 Technology Insurance Company 8,567 2,455 7,671 Total $ 42,833 $ 12,273 $ 38,287

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Leases	The Company’s future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2016 , for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: Year Ending December 31, Operating Leases Capital Leases Total 2017 $ 28,042 $ 3,687 $ 31,729 2018 23,874 4,787 28,661 2019 20,961 4,958 25,919 2020 16,890 5,134 22,024 2021 14,177 2,107 16,284 Thereafter 47,192 1,920 49,112 Total $ 151,136 $ 22,593 $ 173,729
Schedule of Amounts Payable under Employment Agreements	The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain individuals. The employment agreements provide for bonuses, 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, 2017 $ 6,004 2018 2,947 2019 1,558 2020 29 2021 — Total $ 10,538

Statutory Financial Data, Ris61

Statutory Financial Data, Risk-Based Capital and Dividends Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	Statutory capital and surplus as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , and statutory net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , as per the annual financial statements of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries as of December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2016 Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 23,437 $ (312 ) National General Insurance Company 25,319 995 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 6,690 141 Integon National Insurance Company 594,437 50,408 MIC General Insurance Corporation 17,261 250 National General Assurance Company 17,019 177 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 6,354 64 New South Insurance Company 7,860 119 Integon General Insurance Corporation 6,461 (253 ) National General Insurance Online, Inc. 11,339 53 National Health Insurance Company 12,048 2,957 National General Premier Insurance Company 16,428 247 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 25,629 2,775 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 49,966 895 Century-National Insurance Company 248,029 10,425 Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company 22,684 45 Direct General Insurance Company 112,980 1,887 Direct General Insurance Company of Louisiana 10,619 187 Direct General Insurance Company of Mississippi 11,757 465 Direct General Life Insurance Company 15,115 3,302 Direct Insurance Company 23,548 372 Direct National Insurance Company 5,482 (1,109 ) National General Re Ltd. 718,528 14,052 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 25,294 308 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 27,040 3,306 December 31, 2015 Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 37,316 $ (2,195 ) National General Insurance Company 26,294 378 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 6,769 324 Integon National Insurance Company 448,339 (9,995 ) MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,042 (52 ) National General Assurance Company 16,819 130 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 6,269 120 New South Insurance Company 7,632 203 Integon General Insurance Corporation 6,305 493 National General Insurance Online, Inc. 11,340 218 National Health Insurance Company 13,796 893 National General Premier Insurance Company 16,155 667 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 40,572 3,021 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,103 544 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 48,811 387 National General Re Ltd. 601,276 163,872 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 32,922 925 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 28,770 7,346 December 31, 2014 Statutory Capital and Surplus Statutory Net Income (Loss) Integon Indemnity Corporation $ 32,879 $ 18 National General Insurance Company 27,923 527 Integon Preferred Insurance Company 9,324 (66 ) Integon National Insurance Company 332,405 11,397 MIC General Insurance Corporation 19,800 50 National General Assurance Company 17,490 195 Integon Casualty Insurance Company 11,453 135 New South Insurance Company 6,890 321 Integon General Insurance Corporation 11,310 353 National General Insurance Online, Inc. 10,878 (53 ) National Health Insurance Company 11,536 1,169 National General Premier Insurance Company 15,520 789 Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company 41,018 178 National Automotive Insurance Company 7,013 1,502 Agent Alliance Insurance Company 16,464 (147 ) National General Re Ltd. 442,400 54,688 National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A. 14,638 402 National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A. 15,000 (354 )

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 year ended December 31, 2014 : 2014 Low-End High End Expected price volatility 27.00 % 35.00 % Risk-free interest rate 1.74 % 2.26 % Weighted average expected life (in years) 5.50 7.00 Forfeiture rate 10.00 % 10.00 % Dividend rate 0.40 % 0.40 %
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 4,123,809 $ 9.31 5,110,593 $ 8.88 5,058,363 $ 8.48 Granted — — — — 195,000 17.63 Exercised (522,967 ) 8.81 (584,296 ) 6.31 (125,582 ) 6.43 Forfeited (17,172 ) 7.52 (30,759 ) 8.26 (17,188 ) 7.52 Withheld (1) — — (371,729 ) 6.97 — — Outstanding at end of year 3,583,670 $ 9.29 4,123,809 $ 9.31 5,110,593 $ 8.88 (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	A summary of the Company’s RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 is shown below: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted RSUs Weighted Non-vested at beginning of year 362,674 $ 19.16 327,555 $ 17.44 — $ — Granted 348,292 20.11 216,910 20.34 330,555 17.45 Vested (78,185 ) 14.05 (42,653 ) 17.31 — — Forfeited (21,022 ) 14.28 (115,551 ) 17.57 (3,000 ) 18.02 Withheld (1) (43,787 ) 14.05 (23,587 ) 17.30 — — Non-vested at end of year 567,972 $ 16.64 362,674 $ 19.16 327,555 $ 17.44 (1) Represents shares withheld by the Company to satisfy income tax withholding liability.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income attributable to NGHC $ 172,216 $ 142,252 $ 102,243 Less: Dividends on preferred stock (24,333 ) (14,025 ) (2,291 ) Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 147,883 $ 128,227 $ 99,952 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 105,951,752 98,241,904 91,499,122 Potentially dilutive securities: Share options 1,891,083 2,119,358 1,868,171 Restricted stock units 435,483 362,674 148,124 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 108,278,318 100,723,936 93,515,417 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.40 $ 1.31 $ 1.09 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 1.37 $ 1.27 $ 1.07

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables summarize the results of operations of the Company’s operating segments: Year Ended December 31, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 3,035,498 $ 464,010 $ — $ 3,499,508 Ceded premiums (382,860 ) (45,342 ) — (428,202 ) Net premium written 2,652,638 418,668 — 3,071,306 Change in unearned premium (73,284 ) (4,241 ) — (77,525 ) Net earned premium 2,579,354 414,427 — 2,993,781 Ceding commission income 44,269 1,331 — 45,600 Service and fee income 241,881 138,936 — 380,817 Total underwriting revenues 2,865,504 554,694 — 3,420,198 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,659,178 299,367 — 1,958,545 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 394,428 102,730 — 497,158 General and administrative expenses 712,707 131,407 — 844,114 Total underwriting expenses 2,766,313 533,504 — 3,299,817 Underwriting income 99,191 21,190 — 120,381 Net investment income — — 99,586 99,586 Net realized and unrealized gain on investments — — 3,854 3,854 Bargain purchase gain and other revenue — — 26,458 26,458 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries — — 25,401 25,401 Interest expense — — (40,180 ) (40,180 ) Provision for income taxes — — (42,616 ) (42,616 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (20,668 ) (20,668 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 99,191 $ 21,190 $ 51,835 $ 172,216 NGHC $ 91,152 $ 21,190 $ 59,874 $ 172,216 Reciprocal Exchanges 8,039 — (8,039 ) — Net income attributable to NGHC $ 99,191 $ 21,190 $ 51,835 $ 172,216 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 revenues 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 and unrealized loss on investments — — (10,307 ) (10,307 ) Other 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 (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 revenues 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 and unrealized loss on investments — — (2,892 ) (2,892 ) Other 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 (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 ) $ 12,533 $ 102,243 Reciprocal Exchanges 7,595 — (7,595 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 115,570 $ (18,265 ) $ 4,938 $ 102,243 The following tables summarize the financial position of the Company’s operating segments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 : December 31, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,008,407 $ 149,701 $ — $ 1,158,108 Deferred acquisition costs 207,597 13,325 — 220,922 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 869,864 10,933 — 880,797 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 156,970 — — 156,970 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 524,981 98,029 — 623,010 Prepaid and other assets 28,077 25,854 412 54,343 Corporate and other assets — — 4,150,831 4,150,831 Total assets $ 2,795,896 $ 297,842 $ 4,151,243 $ 7,244,981 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 Prepaid and other assets 19,914 17,504 4,066 41,484 Corporate and other assets — — 3,179,913 3,179,913 Total assets $ 2,185,495 $ 193,918 $ 3,183,979 $ 5,563,392
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	The following tables show an analysis of the Company’s gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 3,155,003 $ 241,540 $ 3,396,543 $ 2,217,844 $ 283,582 $ 2,501,426 Gross premium written - Europe 102,965 — 102,965 88,322 — 88,322 Total $ 3,257,968 $ 241,540 $ 3,499,508 $ 2,306,166 $ 283,582 $ 2,589,748 Net premium written - North America $ 1,700,810 $ 120,548 $ 1,821,358 $ 922,386 $ 126,091 $ 1,048,477 Net premium written - Bermuda 1,124,084 — 1,124,084 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 Net premium written - Europe 125,864 — 125,864 128,322 — 128,322 Total $ 2,950,758 $ 120,548 $ 3,071,306 $ 2,060,155 $ 126,091 $ 2,186,246 Net earned premium - North America $ 1,638,871 $ 110,395 $ 1,749,266 $ 862,034 $ 134,709 $ 996,743 Net earned premium - Bermuda 1,124,084 — 1,124,084 1,009,447 — 1,009,447 Net earned premium - Europe 120,431 — 120,431 123,620 — 123,620 Total $ 2,883,386 $ 110,395 $ 2,993,781 $ 1,995,101 $ 134,709 $ 2,129,810 Year Ended December 31, 2014 NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,965,942 $ 70,042 $ 2,035,984 Gross premium written - Europe 99,123 — 99,123 Total $ 2,065,065 $ 70,042 $ 2,135,107 Net premium written - North America $ 927,760 $ 53,076 $ 980,836 Net premium written - Bermuda 750,065 — 750,065 Net premium written - Europe 139,123 — 139,123 Total $ 1,816,948 $ 53,076 $ 1,870,024 Net earned premium - North America $ 715,906 $ 47,622 $ 763,528 Net earned premium - Bermuda 750,065 — 750,065 Net earned premium - Europe 119,627 — 119,627 Total $ 1,585,598 $ 47,622 $ 1,633,220
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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : Year Ended December 31, Gross Premium Written 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,548,365 $ 1,240,224 $ 1,241,575 Homeowners 410,565 327,299 366,997 RV/Packaged 165,919 154,929 153,553 Commercial Auto 257,075 187,686 146,124 Lender-placed insurance 376,058 126,570 — Other 35,976 17,536 16,417 Property and Casualty $ 2,793,958 $ 2,054,244 $ 1,924,666 Accident and Health 464,010 251,922 140,399 NGHC Total $ 3,257,968 $ 2,306,166 $ 2,065,065 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 73,680 $ 88,494 $ 32,436 Homeowners 161,510 187,424 33,028 Other 6,350 7,664 4,578 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 241,540 $ 283,582 $ 70,042 Total $ 3,499,508 $ 2,589,748 $ 2,135,107 Year Ended December 31, Net Premium Written 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,380,125 $ 1,070,852 $ 1,047,795 Homeowners 369,810 309,775 333,586 RV/Packaged 165,025 153,501 148,456 Commercial Auto 234,101 170,720 132,002 Lender-placed insurance 363,896 125,693 — Other 19,133 13,661 15,107 Property and Casualty $ 2,532,090 $ 1,844,202 $ 1,676,946 Accident and Health 418,668 215,953 140,002 NGHC Total $ 2,950,758 $ 2,060,155 $ 1,816,948 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 44,661 $ 50,686 $ 32,075 Homeowners 71,367 67,796 17,127 Other 4,520 7,609 3,874 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 120,548 $ 126,091 $ 53,076 Total $ 3,071,306 $ 2,186,246 $ 1,870,024 Year Ended December 31, Net Earned Premium 2016 2015 2014 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 1,292,563 $ 1,054,529 $ 979,082 Homeowners 353,228 286,920 204,285 RV/Packaged 158,256 150,290 147,587 Commercial Auto 217,919 154,565 118,759 Lender-placed insurance 422,645 123,274 — Other 24,348 14,222 15,409 Property and Casualty $ 2,468,959 $ 1,783,800 $ 1,465,122 Accident and Health 414,427 211,301 120,476 NGHC Total $ 2,883,386 $ 1,995,101 $ 1,585,598 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 42,225 $ 74,477 $ 28,405 Homeowners 61,748 54,565 15,779 Other 6,422 5,667 3,438 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 110,395 $ 134,709 $ 47,622 Total $ 2,993,781 $ 2,129,810 $ 1,633,220

Selected Quarterly Financial 65

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Information	The following tables summarize the Company’s quarterly financial data: 2016 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 775,957 $ 846,184 $ 896,776 $ 1,031,179 Total expenses 707,717 781,291 859,785 991,204 Provision for income taxes 18,083 14,551 8,805 1,177 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 6,682 7,356 2,953 8,410 Net income 56,839 57,698 31,139 47,208 Net income attributable to NGHC 56,827 48,470 28,130 38,789 Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders 52,702 44,345 19,922 30,914 Comprehensive income (loss) 80,787 104,425 55,159 (13,909 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 80,775 $ 88,660 $ 50,836 $ (15,931 ) Basic earnings per common share $ 0.50 $ 0.42 $ 0.19 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.49 $ 0.41 $ 0.18 $ 0.28 2015 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Total revenues $ 557,695 $ 553,653 $ 590,039 $ 810,006 Total expenses 511,338 511,090 539,012 785,363 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 8,387 7,891 8,614 (5,936 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 4,958 1,654 2,288 1,743 Net income 42,928 36,326 44,701 32,322 Net income attributable to NGHC 42,768 38,527 43,113 17,844 Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders 41,737 33,783 38,988 13,719 Comprehensive income 57,120 13,797 31,798 9,992 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NGHC $ 55,259 $ 20,837 $ 30,566 $ (4,016 ) Basic earnings per common share $ 0.45 $ 0.36 $ 0.39 $ 0.13 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.43 $ 0.35 $ 0.38 $ 0.13 Due to changes in number of shares outstanding from quarter to quarter, the total earnings per share of the four quarters may not necessarily equal the earnings per share for the year.

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016state
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of states in which the Company is licensed to operate	50

Significant Accounting Polici67

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure
Premium receivables, period for recognition, minimum	6 months
Premium receivables, period for recognition, maximum	12 months
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ 22,102	$ 15,247	$ 2,244
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred tax liabilities, unutilized statutory equalization reserves, percent	30.00%

Significant Accounting Polici68

Significant Accounting Policies (Advertising Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Advertising Costs [Abstract]
Advertising Costs	$ 45,997	$ 38,263	$ 31,198

Significant Accounting Polici69

Significant Accounting Policies (Premises and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 Polici70

Significant Accounting Policies (Service and Fee Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Commission revenue	$ 110,343	$ 58,807	$ 52,597
General agent fees	73,484	76,855	45,637
Group health administrative fees	69,689	29,622	4,358
Installment fees	43,460	32,404	30,323
Finance and processing fees	36,498	52,865	13,569
Late payment fees	20,226	12,210	11,658
Lender service fees	16,910	4,364	0
Other	10,207	6,421	10,429
Total	$ 380,817	$ 273,548	$ 168,571

Significant Accounting Polici71

Significant Accounting Policies (New Accounting Pronouncement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle
Payments to acquire notes receivable		$ 0	$ 0	$ 125,000
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax		12,710	(19,414)
Equity securities
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax		4,371	$ (3,909)
Surplus Notes | Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle
Payments to acquire notes receivable	$ 88,900	$ 88,900

Reciprocal Exchanges Balance Sh

Reciprocal Exchanges Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Accrued investment income	$ 27,471		$ 20,402
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,158,108		758,633
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	156,970		128,343
Due from affiliate	2,002		41,536
Premises and equipment, net	114,504		42,931
Intangible assets, net	467,720		348,898
Prepaid and other assets	54,343		41,484
Total assets	7,244,981		5,563,392
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,265,072		1,755,624	$ 1,562,153	$ 1,259,241
Unearned premiums	1,635,625		1,192,499
Reinsurance payable	93,824		69,172
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	341,977		284,902
Deferred tax liability	0		12,247
Debt	752,001		491,537
Other liabilities	207,700		150,190
Total liabilities	5,319,477		4,026,752
Stockholders’ equity:
Non-controlling interest	31,918		22,840
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	7,244,981		5,563,392
Reciprocal Exchanges
ASSETS
Cash and investments		$ 258,274
Accrued investment income	2,957	2,658	2,347
Premiums and other receivables, net	60,978	52,922	56,194
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	42,192	43,401	39,085
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	69,685	59,706	61,730
Income tax receivable		300
Due from affiliate	0	11,703	12,060
Premises and equipment, net	4,117	2,386	332
Intangible assets, net	11,025	32,638	4,825
Prepaid and other assets	88	187	393
Total assets		464,175
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	137,075	137,093	132,392	$ 111,848	$ 0
Unearned premiums	163,326	143,194	146,186
Reinsurance payable	19,839	11,982	14,357
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,803	6,972	19,845
Deferred tax liability	19,095	28,909	32,724
Debt	0	88,900	45,476
Other liabilities	46,500	37,550	38,105
Total liabilities		454,600
Stockholders’ equity:
Non-controlling interest	$ 31,675	9,575	$ 22,619
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$ 464,175

Reciprocal Exchanges (Details)

Reciprocal Exchanges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Entity
Payments to acquire notes receivable										$ 0	$ 0	$ 125,000
Change in non-controlling interest											(977)
Total revenues		$ 1,031,179	$ 896,776	$ 846,184	$ 775,957	$ 810,006	$ 590,039	$ 553,653	$ 557,695	3,550,096	2,511,393	1,862,095
Total expenses		991,204	859,785	781,291	707,717	785,363	539,012	511,090	511,338	3,339,997	2,346,803	1,734,652
Net income		$ 47,208	$ 31,139	$ 57,698	56,839	$ 32,322	$ 44,701	$ 36,326	$ 42,928	192,884	156,277	104,747
Service and fee income										380,817	273,548	168,571
Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes
Entity
Payments to acquire notes receivable	$ 88,900									88,900
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity
Change in non-controlling interest										5,193
Total revenues										167,010	203,492	54,347
Total expenses										146,455	189,599	51,841
Net income										20,555	13,893	2,506
NGHC
Entity
Service and fee income					$ 9,590					$ 43,406	$ 39,792	$ 9,901

Investments - Available-for-sal

Investments - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	$ 3,040,062	$ 2,380,480
Equity securities	22,854	64,804
Total	3,062,916	2,445,284
Total, net of securities pledged		2,390,329
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	58,366	34,819
Equity securities, Accumulated gross unrealized gains	7,067	946
Total	65,433	35,765
Total, net of securities pledged		35,326
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(36,629)	(57,885)
Total	(36,972)	(64,845)
Equity securities, gross unrealized losses	(343)	(6,960)
Total, net of securities pledged		(64,845)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	3,061,799	2,357,414
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,578	58,790
Fair Value	3,091,377	2,416,204
Total, net of securities pledged		2,360,810
U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	45,405	19,348
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	937	1,052
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(494)	(48)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	45,848	20,352
Federal agencies
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	739	1,945
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	0	7
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(26)	0
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	713	1,952
States and political subdivision bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	460,089	193,017
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	3,625	4,516
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(11,403)	(609)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	452,311	196,924
Foreign government
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	60,025	31,383
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	0	31
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(3,226)	(352)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	56,799	31,062
Corporate bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	1,580,918	1,375,336
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	43,322	22,224
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(13,338)	(47,902)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,610,902	1,349,658
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	450,997	419,293
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	4,305	6,254
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(5,982)	(978)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	449,320	424,569
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	107,546	135,134
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	1,521	720
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(1,724)	(3,649)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	107,343	132,205
Structured securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	334,343	205,024
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized gains	4,656	15
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities, Gross unrealized losses	(436)	(4,347)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	338,563	200,692
Common stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	21,274	53,356
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities, Accumulated gross unrealized gains	7,050	569
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities, gross unrealized losses	(308)	(6,960)
Fair Value
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	28,016	46,965
Preferred stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	1,580	11,448
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities, Accumulated gross unrealized gains	17	377
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities, gross unrealized losses	(35)	0
Fair Value
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,562	11,825
NGHC
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	2,739,045	2,081,456
Equity securities	22,854	63,303
Total	2,761,899	2,199,714
Securities pledged	0	54,955
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	58,180	34,773
Securities pledged		439
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(35,047)	(58,826)
Securities pledged		0
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,755,454	2,063,051
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,578	57,216
Fair Value	2,785,032	2,175,661
Securities pledged	0	55,394
NGHC | U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	39,471	13,416
Fair Value
Fair Value	39,918	14,448
Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	301,017	244,069
Equity securities	0	1,501
Total	301,017	245,570
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	7,253	992
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(1,925)	(6,019)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	306,345	238,969
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	1,574
Fair Value	306,345	240,543
Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	5,934	5,932
Fair Value
Fair Value	$ 5,930	$ 5,904

Investments - (Details)

Investments - (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$ 566,097	$ 180,412	$ 218,496
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in AOCI	$ 0	$ 0	0
Number of securities with gross unrealized loss | security	1,045	444
Unrealized losses, 12 Months or More	$ 2,132	$ 10,355
Available For Sale Securities Unrealized Losses Having Loss Of Twenty Percent Or More	$ 0	8,466
Twenty Percent Of Amortized Cost or Cost	20.00%
Proceeds from sales of trading securities	$ 62,104
Reclassification from Available-for-Sale to Trading Securities	20,936	16,670	$ 0
Available-for-sale Securities, Transfers to Trading, Gross Gains	4,849
Available-for-sale Securities, Transfers to Trading, Gross Losses	3,586
Short-term investments	15,674	$ 3,527
Trading Securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Reclassification from Available-for-Sale to Trading Securities	$ 34,147

Investments - Debt Securities M

Investments - Debt Securities Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 29,402
Due after one year through five years	643,528
Due after five years through ten years	1,433,119
Due after ten years	375,470
Mortgage-backed securities	558,543
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	3,040,062
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	29,598
Due after one year through five years	658,200
Due after five years through ten years	1,440,070
Due after ten years	377,268
Mortgage-backed securities	556,663
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	3,061,799
NGHC
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	26,947
Due after one year through five years	584,788
Due after five years through ten years	1,253,465
Due after ten years	341,099
Mortgage-backed securities	532,746
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,739,045
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	27,141
Due after one year through five years	596,809
Due after five years through ten years	1,257,714
Due after ten years	342,481
Mortgage-backed securities	531,309
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,755,454
Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	2,455
Due after one year through five years	58,740
Due after five years through ten years	179,654
Due after ten years	34,371
Mortgage-backed securities	25,797
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	301,017
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	2,457
Due after one year through five years	61,391
Due after five years through ten years	182,356
Due after ten years	34,787
Mortgage-backed securities	25,354
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	$ 306,345

Investments - Gross Unrealized

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 1,272,646	$ 1,092,393
12 Months or More	61,007	41,148
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(34,840)	(54,490)
12 Months or More	$ (2,132)	$ (10,355)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	1,001	383
12 Months or More | security	44	61
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 1,333,653	$ 1,133,541
Total, Unrealized Losses	(36,972)	(64,845)
NGHC
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	1,190,788	988,188
12 Months or More	51,813	28,691
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(33,382)	(50,599)
12 Months or More	$ (1,665)	$ (8,227)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	963	284
12 Months or More | security	28	34
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 1,242,601	$ 1,016,879
Total, Unrealized Losses	(35,047)	(58,826)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	81,858	104,205
12 Months or More	9,194	12,457
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(1,458)	(3,891)
12 Months or More	$ (467)	$ (2,128)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	38	99
12 Months or More | security	16	27
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 91,052	$ 116,662
Total, Unrealized Losses	(1,925)	(6,019)
U.S. Treasury
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	37,436	7,141
12 Months or More	0	0
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(494)	(48)
12 Months or More	$ 0	$ 0
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	24	5
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 37,436	$ 7,141
Total, Unrealized Losses	(494)	(48)
Federal agencies
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	419
12 Months or More	0
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(26)
12 Months or More	$ 0
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	3
12 Months or More | security	0
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 419
Total, Unrealized Losses	(26)
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	318,946	17,674
12 Months or More	2,956	4,878
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(11,236)	(501)
12 Months or More	$ (167)	$ (108)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	387	22
12 Months or More | security	6	10
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 321,902	$ 22,552
Total, Unrealized Losses	(11,403)	(609)
Foreign government
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	48,156	21,322
12 Months or More	0	0
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(3,226)	(352)
12 Months or More	$ 0	$ 0
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	6	4
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 48,156	$ 21,322
Total, Unrealized Losses	(3,226)	(352)
Corporate bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	495,443	684,613
12 Months or More	33,112	32,121
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(12,376)	(37,919)
12 Months or More	$ (962)	$ (9,983)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	292	229
12 Months or More | security	21	38
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 528,555	$ 716,734
Total, Unrealized Losses	(13,338)	(47,902)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	262,269	102,889
12 Months or More	2,141	1,655
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(5,894)	(919)
12 Months or More	$ (88)	$ (59)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	212	23
12 Months or More | security	4	9
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 264,410	$ 104,544
Total, Unrealized Losses	(5,982)	(978)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	51,120	66,222
12 Months or More	4,890	2,364
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(1,002)	(3,472)
12 Months or More	$ (722)	$ (177)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	27	30
12 Months or More | security	3	2
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 56,010	$ 68,586
Total, Unrealized Losses	(1,724)	(3,649)
Structured securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	54,361	153,042
12 Months or More	17,908	0
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(243)	(4,347)
12 Months or More	$ (193)	$ 0
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	43	65
12 Months or More | security	10	0
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 72,269	$ 153,042
Total, Unrealized Losses	(436)	(4,347)
Common Stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	3,198	39,490
12 Months or More	0	130
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(308)	(6,932)
12 Months or More	$ 0	$ (28)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	5	5
12 Months or More | security	0	2
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 3,198	$ 39,620
Total, Unrealized Losses	(308)	$ (6,960)
Preferred stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	1,298
12 Months or More	0
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(35)
12 Months or More	$ 0
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	2
12 Months or More | security	0
Total, Fair Market Value	$ 1,298
Total, Unrealized Losses	$ (35)

Investments Investments - Other

Investments Investments - Other than Temporary Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings
Change in net unrealized gains (loss), net of deferred income tax	$ 32,118	$ (44,596)	$ 17,938
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	22,102	15,247	2,244
Corporate bonds
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	7,238	12,027	2,244
Common Stock
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	14,864	3,220	0
NGHC
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings
Change in net unrealized gains (loss), net of deferred income tax	30,664	(40,632)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	22,102	15,247	2,244
Reciprocal Exchanges
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings
Change in net unrealized gains (loss), net of deferred income tax	1,454	(3,964)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Unrealized Gains

Investments - Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized Gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	$ 18,493	$ (18,915)
Change in net unrealized gains (loss), net of deferred income tax	32,118	(44,596)	$ 17,938
Non-controlling Interest
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized Gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	(3,463)	3,281
Change in net unrealized gains (loss), net of deferred income tax	1,454	(3,964)
NGHC
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized Gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	15,030	(15,634)
Change in net unrealized gains (loss), net of deferred income tax	30,664	(40,632)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Net unrealized Gain (loss), net of deferred income tax	3,463	(3,281)
Change in net unrealized gains (loss), net of deferred income tax	1,454	(3,964)
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, gross	21,737	(23,066)
Common Stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, gross	6,742	(6,391)
Preferred stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, gross	(18)	377
Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, gross	0	(20)
Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Deferred income tax	$ (9,968)	$ 10,185

Investments Investments - Tradi

Investments Investments - Trading Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets
Trading securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 60,874
Trading securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11,151
Trading Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	3,215
Total trading securities	68,810
Corporate bonds
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets
Fixed maturities, cost	32,698
Trading securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,979
Trading Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Fixed maturities, fair value	38,677
Common Stock
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets
Equity securities, cost	28,176
Trading securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,172
Trading Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	3,215
Equity securities, fair value	30,133
NGHC
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets
Fixed maturities, cost	32,698	$ 0
Equity securities, cost	28,176	0
Trading securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	60,874
Trading securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11,151
Trading Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	3,215
Fixed maturities, fair value	38,677	0
Equity securities, fair value	30,133	$ 0
Total trading securities	68,810
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets
Trading securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	0
Trading securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Trading Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Total trading securities	$ 0

Investments - Investment Income

Investments - Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	$ 103,879	$ 69,773	$ 52,471
Investment expenses	(11,898)	(3,529)	(2,629)
Repurchase Agreements interest income (expense)	(485)	(213)	(236)
Other Income (1)	8,090	9,309	2,820
Net investment income	99,586	75,340	52,426
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re
Net Investment Income
Interest income, related party	7,593	8,701	2,601
NGHC
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	90,870	66,429	50,627
Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	8,716	8,911	1,799
Cash and short-term investments
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	5,223	186	114
Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	96,755	69,310	52,008
Equity securities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	$ 1,901	$ 277	$ 349

Investments - Net Realized and

Investments - Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ (22,102)	$ (15,247)	$ (2,244)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains		8,250	185
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses		(18,557)	(3,077)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Loss)		(10,307)	(2,892)
Other net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	3,854	(10,307)	(2,892)
NGHC
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	(22,102)	(15,247)	(2,244)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	0	0	0
Fixed maturities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	34,577	8,245	151
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	(10,090)	(1,702)	(220)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Loss)	24,487	6,543	(69)
Trading Securities, Gross Gain	12,571
Trading Securities, Gross Losses	(713)
Trading Securities, Gross Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)	11,858
Equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	6,410	5	34
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	(19,137)	(1,608)	(613)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Loss)	(12,727)	(1,603)	(579)
Trading Securities, Gross Gain	9,687
Trading Securities, Gross Losses	(7,349)
Trading Securities, Gross Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)	2,338
Fixed maturities and equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains		8,250	185
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses		(18,557)	(3,077)
Gross Gains on Investments	63,245
Gross Losses on Investments	(59,391)
Other net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	3,854	(10,307)	(2,892)
Fixed maturities and equity securities | NGHC
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains		7,005	185
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses		(17,658)	(3,077)
Gross Gains on Investments	62,715
Gross Losses on Investments	(59,376)
Other net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	3,339	(10,653)	(2,892)
Fixed maturities and equity securities | Reciprocal Exchanges
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains		1,245	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses		(899)	0
Gross Gains on Investments	530
Gross Losses on Investments	(15)
Other net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	$ 515	$ 346	$ 0

Investments - Credit Quality of

Investments - Credit Quality of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 3,062,916	$ 2,445,284
Fair Value	3,091,377	2,416,204
NGHC
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,761,899	2,199,714
Fair Value	2,785,032	2,175,661
NGHC | Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,773,323	2,146,357
Fair Value	$ 2,795,693	$ 2,128,695
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	100.00%	100.00%
NGHC | U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 39,471	$ 13,416
Fair Value	$ 39,918	$ 14,448
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	1.40%	0.70%
NGHC | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 251,549	$ 343,128
Fair Value	$ 246,040	$ 348,073
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	8.80%	16.40%
NGHC | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 820,762	$ 379,560
Fair Value	$ 815,294	$ 383,888
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	29.20%	18.00%
NGHC | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 740,280	$ 501,409
Fair Value	$ 747,765	$ 508,884
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	26.70%	23.90%
NGHC | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 693,039	$ 634,250
Fair Value	$ 705,319	$ 623,742
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	25.20%	29.30%
NGHC | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 228,222	$ 274,594
Fair Value	$ 241,357	$ 249,660
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	8.70%	11.70%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 301,017	$ 245,570
Fair Value	306,345	240,543
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	301,017	245,571
Fair Value	$ 306,345	$ 240,544
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	100.00%	100.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 5,934	$ 5,932
Fair Value	$ 5,930	$ 5,904
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	1.90%	2.50%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 7,526	$ 39,724
Fair Value	$ 7,436	$ 38,888
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	2.40%	16.20%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 33,096	$ 36,866
Fair Value	$ 33,728	$ 36,934
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	11.00%	15.40%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 87,734	$ 50,612
Fair Value	$ 88,761	$ 50,153
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	29.00%	20.80%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 148,968	$ 82,417
Fair Value	$ 151,644	$ 80,322
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	49.50%	33.40%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding U.S. Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 17,759	$ 30,020
Fair Value	$ 18,846	$ 28,343
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	6.20%	11.70%

Investments - Investment Qualit

Investments - Investment Quality Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 3,091,377	$ 2,416,204
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 1,649,579	$ 1,349,658
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.90%	0.40%
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	5.30%	6.70%
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	40.70%	37.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	43.00%	48.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	10.10%	7.50%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 631,595	$ 524,250
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	38.30%	38.80%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.10%	0.00%
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	1.70%	2.80%
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	21.70%	21.20%
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	11.80%	12.70%
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	3.00%	2.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 906,950	$ 757,907
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	55.00%	56.20%
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	3.40%	3.90%
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	17.70%	15.40%
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	27.60%	32.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	6.30%	4.60%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 111,034	$ 67,501
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	6.70%	5.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.80%	0.40%
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	0.20%	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	1.30%	0.40%
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	3.60%	3.40%
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%	0.80%
NGHC
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 2,785,032	$ 2,175,661
NGHC | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 1,400,239	$ 1,206,442
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	84.90%	89.40%
NGHC | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.90%	0.40%
NGHC | 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	4.80%	6.10%
NGHC | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	35.60%	33.90%
NGHC | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	34.40%	42.70%
NGHC | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	9.20%	6.30%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 306,345	$ 240,543
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 249,340	$ 143,216
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	15.10%	10.60%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.00%	0.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Minus, and AA Plus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.50%	0.60%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	5.10%	3.10%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	8.60%	5.70%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus And Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.90%	1.20%

Investments - Cash and Cash Equ

Investments - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 220,299	$ 225,930
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	65,601	56,347
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flow	285,900	282,277	$ 132,615	$ 73,823
State deposits, at fair value	73,731	40,174
Restricted investments to trusts, at fair value	366,306	407,849
Total	$ 440,037	$ 448,023

Investments Investments - Short

Investments Investments - Short-term Investments and Other Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
NGHC, Excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Investment
Other investments	$ 106,900	$ 13,031
Limited partnerships, equity method
Investment
Other investments	64,444	5,691
Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost
Investment
Other investments	21,178	0
Investments, at cost or amortized cost
Investment
Other investments	11,851	7,340
Investments, at fair value
Investment
Other investments	$ 9,427	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr87

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	$ 752,001	$ 491,537
Fair value	775,017	503,519
7.625% Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	96,669	96,583
7.625% Notes | Senior Notes | Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value	100,160	98,240
6.75% Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	345,135	344,478
6.75% Notes | Senior Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value	360,865	350,000
Subordinated Debentures | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	72,168	0
Fair value	72,168	0
Imperial Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	5,000	5,000
Imperial Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value	4,986	4,979
SPCIC Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	4,000	0
Fair value	4,000	0
Credit Agreement | Line of Credit
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	50,000	0
Credit Agreement | Line of Credit | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value	53,925	0
Century-National Promissory Note | Promissory Note
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	178,894	0
Century-National Promissory Note | Promissory Note | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value	178,778	0
Other
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	135	0
Fair value	135	0
Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	0	45,476
Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value	$ 0	$ 50,300

Fair Value of Financial Instr88

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 3,061,799	$ 2,357,414
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,578	58,790
Total available-for-sale securities	3,091,377	2,416,204
Total trading securities	68,810
Short-term investments	15,674	3,527
Contingent payments	2,677	8,581
Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	3,061,799	2,357,414
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,578	58,790
Total available-for-sale securities	3,091,377	2,416,204
Total trading securities	68,810
Total assets	3,185,288	2,419,731
Contingent payments	2,677	24,652
Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	46,561	22,304
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	21,719	46,965
Total available-for-sale securities	68,280	69,269
Total trading securities	30,133
Total assets	114,087	69,269
Contingent payments	0	0
Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,953,657	2,335,110
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,562	11,825
Total available-for-sale securities	2,955,219	2,346,935
Total trading securities	36,245
Total assets	2,991,464	2,350,462
Contingent payments	0	0
Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	61,581	0
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	6,297	0
Total available-for-sale securities	67,878	0
Total trading securities	2,432
Total assets	79,737	0
Contingent payments	2,677	24,652
U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	45,848	20,352
U.S. Treasury | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	45,848	20,352
U.S. Treasury | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	45,848	20,352
U.S. Treasury | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
U.S. Treasury | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	713	1,952
Federal agencies | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	713	1,952
Federal agencies | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	713	1,952
Federal agencies | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Federal agencies | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	452,311	196,924
States and political subdivision bonds | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	452,311	196,924
States and political subdivision bonds | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	447,579	196,924
States and political subdivision bonds | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	4,732	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	56,799	31,062
Foreign government | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	56,799	31,062
Foreign government | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Foreign government | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	54,889	31,062
Foreign government | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,910	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,610,902	1,349,658
Fixed maturities, fair value	38,677
Corporate bonds | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,610,902	1,349,658
Fixed maturities, fair value	38,677
Corporate bonds | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Fixed maturities, fair value	0
Corporate bonds | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,577,290	1,349,658
Fixed maturities, fair value	36,245
Corporate bonds | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	33,612	0
Fixed maturities, fair value	2,432
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	449,320	424,569
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	449,320	424,569
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	441,897	424,569
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	7,423	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	107,343	132,205
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	107,343	132,205
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	102,494	132,205
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	4,849	0
Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	338,563	200,692
Structured securities | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	338,563	200,692
Structured securities | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Structured securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	329,508	200,692
Structured securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	9,055	0
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	28,016	46,965
Equity securities, fair value	30,133
Common Stock | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	28,016	46,965
Equity securities, fair value	30,133
Common Stock | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	21,719	46,965
Equity securities, fair value	30,133
Common Stock | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Equity securities, fair value	0
Common Stock | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	6,297	0
Equity securities, fair value	0
Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,562	11,825
Preferred stock | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,562	11,825
Preferred stock | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Preferred stock | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,562	11,825
Preferred stock | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	0
Short-term investments | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	15,674	3,527
Short-term investments | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	15,674	0
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	0	3,527
Short-term investments | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	0	0
Other investments | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	9,427
Other investments | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	0
Other investments | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	0
Other investments | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	9,427
NGHC
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,755,454	2,063,051
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,578	57,216
Total available-for-sale securities	2,785,032	2,175,661
Fixed maturities, fair value	38,677	0
Equity securities, fair value	30,133	0
Total trading securities	68,810
Short-term investments	15,674	1,528
Other investments	106,900	13,031
NGHC | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	2,878,943	2,177,189
Contingent payments	2,677	24,652
NGHC | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	108,157	61,413
Contingent payments	0	0
NGHC | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	2,691,049	2,115,776
Contingent payments	0	0
NGHC | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	79,737	0
Contingent payments	2,677	24,652
NGHC | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total available-for-sale securities	39,918	14,448
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	306,345	238,969
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	1,574
Total available-for-sale securities	306,345	240,543
Total trading securities	0
Short-term investments	0	1,999
Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	306,345	242,542
Contingent payments	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	5,930	7,856
Contingent payments	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	300,415	234,686
Contingent payments	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 3 | Recurring
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 available-for-sale securities	$ 5,930	$ 5,904

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	$ 0	$ 34,389
Net income/loss	0	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0	2,526
Purchases and issuances	61,498	0
Payments, sales and settlements	0	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	18,239	(36,915)
Balance,end of period	79,737	0
Liabilities:
Balance, beginning of period	24,652	23,499
Net income/loss	(2,957)	2,357
Other comprehensive income/loss	0	0
Purchases and issuances	0	8,581
Payments, sales and settlements	(19,018)	(9,785)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance, end of period	2,677	24,652
Liability
Liabilities:
Balance, beginning of period	24,652	23,499
Net income/loss	(2,957)	2,357
Other comprehensive income/loss	0	0
Purchases and issuances	0	8,581
Payments, sales and settlements	(19,018)	(9,785)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Balance, end of period	2,677	24,652
States and political subdivision bonds
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0
Net income/loss	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0
Purchases and issuances	4,732
Payments, sales and settlements	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0
Balance,end of period	4,732	0
Foreign government
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0
Net income/loss	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0
Purchases and issuances	0
Payments, sales and settlements	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	1,910
Balance,end of period	1,910	0
Corporate bonds
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0
Net income/loss	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0
Purchases and issuances	33,612
Payments, sales and settlements	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	2,432
Balance,end of period	36,044	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0
Net income/loss	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0
Purchases and issuances	7,423
Payments, sales and settlements	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0
Balance,end of period	7,423	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0
Net income/loss	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0
Purchases and issuances	0
Payments, sales and settlements	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	4,849
Balance,end of period	4,849	0
Structured securities
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0
Net income/loss	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0
Purchases and issuances	6,304
Payments, sales and settlements	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	2,751
Balance,end of period	9,055	0
Common Stock
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0	34,389
Net income/loss	0	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0	2,526
Purchases and issuances	0	0
Payments, sales and settlements	0	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	6,297	(36,915)
Balance,end of period	6,297	0
Other investments
Assets:
Balance, beginning of period	0
Net income/loss	0
Other comprehensive income/loss	0
Purchases and issuances	9,427
Payments, sales and settlements	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0
Balance,end of period	$ 9,427	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr90

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Payments to acquire notes receivable		$ 0	$ 0	$ 125,000
Contingent payments		2,677	8,581
Transfers between level 1 and level 2		0	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3		18,239	(36,915)
Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3		$ 6,297	(36,915)
7.625% Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate on debt		7.625%
6.75% Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Interest rate on debt		6.75%
Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Payments to acquire notes receivable	$ 88,900	$ 88,900
Tower International | ACP Re | Affiliated Entity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Contingent payments		$ 0	$ 16,071

Equity Investments in Unconso91

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Investment Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investment
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	$ 25,401	$ 10,643	$ 1,180
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | LSC Entities
Equity Method Investment
Beginning balance				$ 153,661				$ 146,089	153,661	146,089	126,186
Distributions									0	(1,923)	0
Contributions									11,500	565	18,056
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									20,831	8,930	1,847
Change in equity method investments									32,331	7,572	19,903
Ending balance	$ 185,992				$ 153,661				$ 185,992	$ 153,661	$ 146,089

Equity Investments in Unconso92

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Balance Sheet (Details) - VIE, Not primary beneficiary - LSC Entities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Investments in life settlement contracts at fair value	$ 356,856	$ 264,001	$ 264,517
Total assets	392,538	334,026	318,598
Total liabilities	20,554	26,704	26,420
Members' equity	371,984	307,322	292,178
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 185,992	$ 153,661	$ 146,089	$ 126,186

Equity Investments in Unconso93

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
NGHC's 50% ownership interest	$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	$ 25,401	$ 10,643	$ 1,180
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Revenue, net of commission									49,298	66,435	50,447
Total expenses									7,636	48,575	46,753
Net income (loss)									41,662	17,860	3,694
NGHC's 50% ownership interest									$ 20,831	$ 8,930	$ 1,847

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Average age of insured	82 years 9 months	81 years 2 months
Average life expectancy, months	107 months	114 months
Average face amount per policy	6,572	6,564
Effective discount rate	12.40%	13.70%
Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate	10.00%
Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Effective discount rate	15.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Investment discount rate	7.50%

Equity Investments in Unconso95

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Increase (Decrease) in Carrying Value of Investment in Life Insurance Policies (Details) - LSC Entities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Change in life expectancy plus 4 months	$ (44,207)	$ (37,697)
Change in life expectancy minus 4 months	43,492	40,997
Change in discount rate plus 1%	(29,881)	(26,558)
Change in discount rate minus 1%	$ 33,155	$ 29,644

Equity Investments in Unconso96

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts (Details) - LSC Entities $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts
2,017	$ 61,518
2,018	49,683
2,019	50,396
2,020	46,632
2,021	43,223
Thereafter	503,818
Total	$ 755,270

Equity Investments in Unconso97

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - LSC Entities (Details) - LSC Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
VIE, Not primary beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Investment discount rate	7.50%
Additional required capital to keep life settlement policies in-force	50.00%
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%

Equity Investments in Unconso98

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - 800 Superior, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Rent expense										$ 24,772	$ 14,310	$ 12,131
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries		$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	$ 25,401	10,643	1,180
800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage		50.00%								50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries		$ 1,479				$ 1,720				$ 1,479	1,720
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries										(241)	(420)	(737)
800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Term of lease													15 years
Rent expense										$ 2,733	$ 2,655	$ 2,243
Affiliated Entity | 800 Superior, LLC | Building
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Approximate cost of building	$ 7,500

Equity Investments in Unconso99

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - East Ninth & Superior (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	$ 25,401	$ 10,643	$ 1,180
Affiliated Entity | East Ninth & Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%								50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 4,189				$ 4,139				$ 4,189	4,139
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 50	$ 60	$ 70
Affiliated Entity | Eight Hundred Superior NMTC investment Fund I
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	24.50%								24.50%

Equity Investments in Uncons100

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - North Dearborn (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries		$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	$ 25,401	$ 10,643	$ 1,180
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%
Affiliated Entity | North Dearborn Building Company, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests	$ 9,714
Ownership Percentage		45.00%								45.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries		$ 12,694				$ 9,862				$ 12,694	9,862
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries										1,032	756
Contributions										$ 1,800
Distributions											$ (607)

Equity Investments in Uncons101

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Rent expense											$ 24,772	$ 14,310	$ 12,131
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries			$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	$ 25,401	10,643	$ 1,180
Affiliated Entity | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage			50.00%								50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries			$ 900				$ 10,559				$ 900	10,559
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries											499	28
Distributions											(10,158)
Contributions												$ 10,531
Affiliated Entity | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | Building
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Approximate cost of building		$ 21,000
Affiliated Entity | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Term of lease	12 years
Rent expense											$ 1,385

Equity Investments in Uncons102

Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Illinois Center (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries		$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	$ 25,401	$ 10,643	$ 1,180
ACP Re Group, Inc. | 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 | 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%
Affiliated Entity | Illinois Center Building, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests	$ 53,715
Ownership percentage		37.50%								37.50%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries		$ 60,435				$ 55,007				$ 60,435	55,007
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries										3,553	$ 1,292
Distributions										(1,875)
Contributions										$ 3,750

Acquisitions - Assets and Liabi

Acquisitions - Assets and Liabilities Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2016	Jun. 01, 2016	Oct. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Liabilities:
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings				$ 24,084	$ 0	$ 271
Goodwill				$ 155,290	$ 112,414	$ 70,764
Direct General Corporation
Assets:
Cash and invested assets	$ 298,789
Premiums receivable	232,035
Reinsurance recoverable	356
Income tax receivable	295
Deferred tax asset	28,315
Premises and equipment	27,292
Intangible assets	66,659
Other assets	28,327
Total assets	682,068
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	162,863
Unearned premiums	220,433
Reinsurance payable	1,618
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	34,330
Debt	90,447
Other liabilities	3,237
Total liabilities	512,928
Net assets purchased	169,140
Purchase price	162,013
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings	$ 7,127
Century-National Insurance Company
Assets:
Cash and invested assets		$ 413,343
Accrued interest		3,531
Premiums receivable		68,410
Reinsurance recoverable		12,904
Deferred tax asset		12,100
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		12,723
Premises and equipment		5,216
Intangible assets		71,008
Other assets		1,426
Total assets		600,661
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves		132,912
Unearned premiums		113,608
Reinsurance payable		6,308
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		17,900
Other liabilities		7,239
Total liabilities		277,967
Net assets purchased		322,694
Purchase price		$ 322,694
LPI Business
Assets:
Cash and invested assets			$ 293,473
Premiums receivable			101,357
Premises and equipment			1,540
Intangible assets			61,645
Other assets			1,013
Total assets			459,028
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves			104,123
Unearned premiums			245,827
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			69,056
Total liabilities			419,006
Net assets purchased			40,022
Purchase price			95,726
Goodwill			55,704
Assurant Health
Assets:
Cash and invested assets			43,448
Premiums receivable			16,440
Intangible assets			10,493
Total assets			70,381
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves			74,671
Unearned premiums			2,505
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			281
Deferred tax liability			3,887
Other liabilities			678
Total liabilities			82,022
Net assets purchased			(11,641)
Purchase price			14,000
Goodwill			$ 25,641

Acquisitions - Direct General (

Acquisitions - Direct General (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings		$ 24,084	$ 0	$ 271
Gross premium written		3,499,508	2,589,748	2,135,107
Service and fee income		380,817	$ 273,548	$ 168,571
Direct General Corporation
Business Acquisition
Purchase price	$ 162,013
Net assets purchased	169,140
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings	7,127
Gross premium written		60,130
Service and fee income		$ 17,520
Direct General Corporation | State licenses
Business Acquisition
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired	13,000
Direct General Corporation | Trademarks
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 34,000
Weighted average amortization life	11 years
Direct General Corporation | Agent/Customer relationships
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 8,000
Weighted average amortization life	2 years
Direct General Corporation | Value in policies in force
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 7,319
Weighted average amortization life	1 year
Direct General Corporation | Loss reserve discount
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 3,600
Weighted average amortization life	9 years
Direct General Corporation | Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 740
Weighted average amortization life	15 years

Acquisitions - SPCIC (Details)

Acquisitions - SPCIC (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 07, 2016	Oct. 06, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings			$ 24,084	$ 0	$ 271
Issuance of common stock for acquisition			$ 6,058
Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Business Acquisition
Net assets purchased	$ 22,123
Received subscriptions	4,942
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings	$ 17,181
Share purchase price (in dollars per share)		$ 18.1237
Discount to the volume-weighted average trading price		18.4507%
Average price of a share 10-trading day period (in dollars per share)		$ 22.2242
Business acquisition, number of shares (in shares)	272,609

Acquisitions - Century-National

Acquisitions - Century-National (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition
Goodwill		$ 155,290	$ 112,414	$ 70,764
Gross premium written		3,499,508	2,589,748	2,135,107
Service and fee income		380,817	$ 273,548	$ 168,571
Century-National Insurance Company
Business Acquisition
Purchase price	$ 322,694
Upfront cash payment	143,800
Remaining balance in the form of promissory note	$ 178,894
Debt Instrument, Term	2 years
Gross premium written		139,965
Service and fee income		$ 4,471
Century-National Insurance Company | State licenses
Business Acquisition
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 8,000
Century-National Insurance Company | Agent/Customer relationships
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 38,000
Weighted average amortization life	15 years
Century-National Insurance Company | Value in policies in force
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 18,485
Weighted average amortization life	1 year
Century-National Insurance Company | Leases
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 5,523
Weighted average amortization life	13 years
Century-National Insurance Company | Trademarks
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 1,000
Weighted average amortization life	5 years

Acquisitions - LPI Business (De

Acquisitions - LPI Business (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition
Goodwill, period increase		$ 42,876
Gross premium written		3,499,508	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107
Service and fee income		380,817	273,548	$ 168,571
Lender-placed insurance
Business Acquisition
Purchase price	$ 95,726
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	48,204
Goodwill, period increase		35,978
Gross premium written		376,058	126,570
Service and fee income		$ 33,746	$ 8,584
Lender-placed insurance | Agent/Customer relationships
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 50,000
Weighted average amortization life	15 years
Lender-placed insurance | Property technology
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 10,000
Weighted average amortization life	10 years
Lender-placed insurance | Other Intangible Assets
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 1,645
Weighted average amortization life	7 years

Acquisitions - Assurant Health

Acquisitions - Assurant Health (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition
Goodwill, period increase		$ 42,876
Gross premium written		3,499,508	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107
Service and fee income		380,817	273,548	$ 168,571
Assurant Health
Business Acquisition
Purchase price	$ 14,000
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$ 12,275
Goodwill, period increase		10,532
Gross premium written		189,440	55,693
Service and fee income		$ 55,030	$ 17,881

Premiums and Other Receivabl109

Premiums and Other Receivables, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Premiums receivable (Related parties - $0 and $46,565)	$ 998,761		$ 652,400
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Related parties - $10,264 and $15,715)	67,439		64,056
Commission receivables	32,736		20,337
Investment receivables	12,198		0
Other receivables (Related parties - $0 and $26)	63,193		35,273
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(16,219)		(13,433)
Total premiums and other receivables, net	1,158,108		758,633
NGHC
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Total premiums and other receivables, net	1,097,130		702,439
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Total premiums and other receivables, net	60,978	$ 52,922	56,194
Related party transactions
Schedule of Premiums Receivable and Other Receivables
Premiums receivable (Related parties - $0 and $46,565)	0		46,565
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Related parties - $10,264 and $15,715)	10,264		15,715
Other receivables (Related parties - $0 and $26)	0		26
Total premiums and other receivables, net	$ 10,264		$ 62,306

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Det

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, beginning of the year	$ 160,531	$ 125,999	$ 60,112
Additions	495,195	368,515	270,204
Reductions (1)	(23,803)	0	0
Amortization	(411,001)	(333,983)	(204,317)
Change in DAC	60,391	34,532	65,887
Balance, end of the year	220,922	160,531	125,999
NGHC
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, beginning of the year	136,728	121,514
Balance, end of the year	189,879	136,728	121,514
Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, beginning of the year	23,803	4,485
Balance, end of the year	$ 31,043	$ 23,803	$ 4,485

Premises and Equipment, Net (De

Premises and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	$ 200,292	$ 110,204
Accumulated Depreciation	85,788	67,273
Net Value	114,504	42,931
Capital leased assets, gross	30,055
Capital leased assets, accumulated depreciation	578
Depreciation and amortization expense	19,485	12,065	$ 14,457
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	3,336	2,935
Net Value	3,336	2,935
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	20,362	11,390
Accumulated Depreciation	842	313
Net Value	19,520	11,077
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	23,453	7,343
Accumulated Depreciation	2,348	1,529
Net Value	21,105	5,814
Furniture and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	11,472	3,656
Accumulated Depreciation	2,084	1,303
Net Value	9,388	2,353
Hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	141,669	84,880
Accumulated Depreciation	80,514	64,128
Net Value	61,155	20,752
NGHC
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	194,419	109,479
Accumulated Depreciation	84,032	66,880
Net Value	110,387	42,599
Reciprocal Exchanges
Property, Plant and Equipment
Cost	5,873	725
Accumulated Depreciation	1,756	393
Net Value	$ 4,117	$ 332		$ 2,386

Goodwill and Intangible Asse112

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Composition of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill	$ 155,290	$ 112,414	$ 70,764
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	101,765	45,275
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	262,757
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	724,775	506,587
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	623,010	461,312
NGHC
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	80,152	44,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	254,832
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	692,137	501,187
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	611,985	456,487
Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Accumulated Amortization	21,613	575
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	7,925
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	32,638	5,400
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	11,025	4,825
Management contracts
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding Goodwill)	118,600	118,600
State licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding Goodwill)	86,363	65,165
Agent/Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	190,446	148,419
Accumulated Amortization	35,618	18,562
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 154,828	$ 129,857
Agent/Customer relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	2 years	11 years
Agent/Customer relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	15 years	17 years
Value in policies in force
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 59,198
Accumulated Amortization	36,555
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 22,643
Useful Life	1 year
Renewal rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 42,716	$ 26,100
Accumulated Amortization	13,484	6,375
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 29,232	$ 19,725
Useful Life		7 years
Renewal rights | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	3 years
Renewal rights | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	7 years
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 36,300	$ 8,200
Accumulated Amortization	783	6,744
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 35,517	$ 1,456
Useful Life		5 years
Trademarks | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	5 years
Trademarks | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	11 years
Loss reserve discount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 16,999	$ 15,089
Accumulated Amortization	12,670	12,779
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 4,329	$ 2,310
Useful Life		7 years
Loss reserve discount | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	6 years
Loss reserve discount | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	10 years
Proprietary technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 11,800	$ 11,800
Accumulated Amortization	1,893	379
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 9,907	$ 11,421
Proprietary technology | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	3 years	3 years
Proprietary technology | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 5,523
Accumulated Amortization	246
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 5,277
Useful Life	13 years
Affinity partners
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 800	$ 800
Accumulated Amortization	508	436
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 292	$ 364
Useful Life	11 years	11 years
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Balance	$ 740
Accumulated Amortization	8
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 732
Useful Life	15 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asse113

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Entity Information
2,017	$ 66,837
2,018	32,837
2,019	26,162
2,020	20,728
2,021	18,429
Thereafter	97,764
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	262,757
NGHC
Entity Information
2,017	59,497
2,018	32,657
2,019	25,982
2,020	20,548
2,021	18,384
Thereafter	97,764
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	254,832
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
2,017	7,340
2,018	180
2,019	180
2,020	180
2,021	45
Thereafter	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$ 7,925

Goodwill and Intangible Asse114

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 112,414	$ 70,764
Goodwill, acquired during period	49,502	59,116
Goodwill impairment	(6,626)	(17,466)	$ (15,792)
Goodwill	201,302	151,800	92,684
Accumulated impairment loss	(46,012)	(39,386)	(21,920)
Goodwill, ending balance	155,290	112,414	70,764
Property and Casualty
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	58,315	30,082
Goodwill, acquired during period	39,106	39,455
Goodwill impairment	(3,552)	(11,222)
Goodwill	124,190	85,084	45,629
Accumulated impairment loss	(30,321)	(26,769)	(15,547)
Goodwill, ending balance	93,869	58,315	30,082
Accident and Health
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	54,099	40,682
Goodwill, acquired during period	10,396	19,661
Goodwill impairment	(3,074)	(6,244)
Goodwill	77,112	66,716	47,055
Accumulated impairment loss	(15,691)	(12,617)	(6,373)
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 61,421	$ 54,099	$ 40,682

Goodwill and Intangible Asse115

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Intangible assests increase	$ 175,312
Amortization of intangible assets	70,387	$ 20,389	$ 13,791
Impairment of intangible assets, finite life	4,606	574	812
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	432	0	0
Goodwill	155,290	112,414	70,764
Goodwill increase	42,876
Goodwill impairment	6,626	17,466	15,792
Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets	21,613	4,380	$ 2,468
Luxembourg reinsurance subsidiaries
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill	$ 4,882	$ 8,434

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjus116

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves - Activity of Loss Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 880,797	$ 833,176	$ 911,798	$ 950,828
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year	1,755,624	1,562,153	1,259,241
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Net balance at beginning of the year	922,448	650,355	308,413
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	1,945,007	1,365,957	1,033,788
Prior year	13,538	15,684	19,277
Total incurred	1,958,545	1,381,641	1,053,065
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(1,192,130)	(872,872)	(666,541)
Prior year	(602,775)	(403,413)	(199,439)
Total paid	(1,794,905)	(1,276,285)	(865,980)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	302,478	169,257	160,757
Effect of foreign exchange rates	(4,291)	(2,520)	(5,900)
Net balance at end of the year	1,384,275	922,448	650,355
Gross balance at end of year	2,265,072	1,755,624	1,562,153
Property and Casualty
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	827,672	793,508
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year	1,479,953
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Net balance at beginning of the year	686,445
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	1,597,132
Prior year	5,125	1,193	5,151
Total incurred	1,602,257
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(974,402)
Prior year	(497,993)
Total paid	(1,472,395)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	292,412
Effect of foreign exchange rates	0
Net balance at end of the year	1,108,719	686,445
Gross balance at end of year	1,936,391	1,479,953
Accident and Health
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	10,933	583
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year	143,279
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Net balance at beginning of the year	142,696
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	290,057
Prior year	9,310	17,185	6,000
Total incurred	299,367
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(181,957)
Prior year	(84,824)
Total paid	(266,781)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	9,682
Effect of foreign exchange rates	(4,291)
Net balance at end of the year	180,673	142,696
Gross balance at end of year	191,606	143,279
NGHC
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	838,605	794,091	888,215	950,828
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year	1,623,232	1,450,305	1,259,241
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Net balance at beginning of the year	829,141	562,090	308,413
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	1,887,189	1,265,702	1,008,406
Prior year	14,435	18,378	17,941
Total incurred	1,901,624	1,284,080	1,026,347
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(1,156,359)	(835,854)	(645,826)
Prior year	(582,817)	(347,912)	(187,010)
Total paid	(1,739,176)	(1,183,766)	(832,836)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	302,094	169,257	66,066
Effect of foreign exchange rates	(4,291)	(2,520)	(5,900)
Net balance at end of the year	1,289,392	829,141	562,090
Gross balance at end of year	2,127,997	1,623,232	1,450,305
Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	42,192	39,085	23,583	$ 0
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the year	132,392	111,848	0
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Net balance at beginning of the year	93,307	88,265	0
Incurred losses and LAE related to:
Current year	57,818	100,255	25,382
Prior year	(897)	(2,694)	1,336
Total incurred	56,921	97,561	26,718
Paid losses and LAE related to:
Current year	(35,771)	(37,018)	(20,715)
Prior year	(19,958)	(55,501)	(12,429)
Total paid	(55,729)	(92,519)	(33,144)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve	384	0	94,691
Effect of foreign exchange rates	0	0	0
Net balance at end of the year	94,883	93,307	88,265
Gross balance at end of year	$ 137,075	$ 132,392	$ 111,848

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjus117

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Increase in gross unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense reserves	$ 509,448	$ 193,471
Loss and loss adjustment expense	(13,538)	(15,684)	$ (19,277)
NGHC
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Loss and loss adjustment expense	(14,435)	(18,378)	(17,941)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Loss and loss adjustment expense	897	2,694	(1,336)
Property and Casualty
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Loss and loss adjustment expense	(5,125)	(1,193)	(5,151)
Accident and Health
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Loss and loss adjustment expense	$ (9,310)	$ (17,185)	(6,000)
European group life and health
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Loss and loss adjustment expense			$ (6,790)

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjus118

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves - Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)claim	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)
Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 10,370,840
Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	712,868
Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	658,411
2010 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,388,436	$ 1,388,245	$ 1,386,309	$ 1,388,293	$ 1,388,408	$ 1,389,062	$ 1,400,368
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 777
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	637,092
2010 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 26,012	26,402	25,102	24,083	23,428	21,671	20,906
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 98
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	22,906
2010 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 117,601	117,721	118,826	118,038	118,892	121,572	$ 129,745
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 86
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	23,266
2011 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 1,300,868	1,301,227	1,301,949	1,301,294	1,301,325	1,306,397
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 6,088
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	643,910
2011 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 29,192	30,067	27,721	26,124	25,580	19,675
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 38
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	24,523
2011 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 104,877	105,097	103,110	101,991	102,758	$ 113,072
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 0
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	23,769
2012 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 1,300,677	1,295,458	1,296,493	1,295,036	1,295,045
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 6,857
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	653,948
2012 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 33,533	34,438	30,845	27,828	21,026
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 180
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	27,538
2012 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 96,615	94,549	95,417	94,360	$ 95,875
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 1,057
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	24,741
2013 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 1,188,736	1,181,268	1,180,827	1,175,590
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 11,025
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	610,636
2013 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 61,847	60,398	57,023	46,005
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 773
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	56,051
2013 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 95,198	90,902	90,787	$ 89,696
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 3,258
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	19,349
2014 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 1,550,697	1,546,329	1,550,697
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 28,253
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	652,876
2014 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 90,943	88,287	80,361
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 2,068
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	95,152
2014 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 97,361	93,121	$ 95,602
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 4,312
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	20,808
2015 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 1,731,696	1,721,372
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 76,329
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	684,743
2015 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 226,327	211,620
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 7,180
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	264,651
2015 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 73,032	$ 86,901
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 6,813
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	20,222
2016 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 1,909,730
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 416,938
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	648,890
2016 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 245,014
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 89,650
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	229,532
2016 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 73,727
Total of IBNR Plus Expected Development on Reported Claims	$ 16,950
Cumulative Number of Reported Claims | claim	10,955

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjus119

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves - Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Claims Development
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	$ 1,292,386
Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	9,310,743
Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance	5,402
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	1,065,499
Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	577,308
Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance	2,026
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	137,586
Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	576,661
Unpaid loss and allocated loss adjustment expense reserves before 2010, net of reinsurance	1,528
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	83,278
2010 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,385,596	$ 1,382,010	$ 1,369,261	$ 1,349,335	$ 1,309,288	$ 1,227,516	$ 886,725
2010 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	24,503	24,263	23,701	22,528	20,508	17,742	11,311
2010 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	115,749	115,248	113,581	109,052	98,233	88,105	$ 68,343
2011 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,291,960	1,284,848	1,266,446	1,236,052	1,152,053	822,316
2011 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	27,552	27,137	26,008	24,012	21,224	11,569
2011 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	103,258	100,258	94,687	87,816	77,869	$ 65,605
2012 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,287,299	1,268,877	1,232,759	1,163,987	811,546
2012 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	30,239	29,235	27,110	23,053	13,678
2012 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	92,174	88,530	82,780	73,958	$ 48,414
2013 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,161,896	1,122,327	1,049,326	770,666
2013 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	56,251	53,904	49,038	27,652
2013 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	85,617	77,760	71,741	$ 48,611
2014 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,469,822	1,367,765	972,489
2014 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	82,725	78,132	46,668
2014 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	81,974	75,068	$ 53,796
2015 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,543,499	1,097,124
2015 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	208,364	140,220
2015 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	56,816	$ 43,969
2016 | Property and Casualty
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	1,170,671
2016 | Accident and Health
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	147,674
2016 | Reciprocal Exchanges
Claims Development
Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance	$ 41,073

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjus120

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves - Reconciliation of Net Incurred and Paid Claims Development (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 880,797	$ 833,176	$ 911,798	$ 950,828
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	1,292,386
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	877,106
Insurance lines other than short-duration	19,403
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses	60,091
Other5	16,086
Subtotal	95,580
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,265,072	1,755,624	1,562,153	1,259,241
NGHC
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	838,605	794,091	888,215	950,828
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,127,997	1,623,232	$ 1,450,305	$ 1,259,241
MCCA | NGHC
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	663,943	656,904
NCRF | NGHC
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	100,470	$ 86,941
Property and Casualty
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	1,065,499
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	827,672
Accident and Health
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	137,586
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	9,155
Accident and Health - DE captive subsidiaries
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	4,759
Reciprocal Exchanges
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	83,278
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	39,078
Reciprocal Exchanges - commercial book
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability
Net reserve for claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	1,264
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses	$ 1,201

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjus121

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves Average Annual Percentage Payout of Accident Year Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016
Property and Casualty
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	63.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	25.70%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	6.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	2.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	1.30%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	0.60%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	0.40%
Accident and Health
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	48.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	30.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	7.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	5.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	3.70%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	1.70%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	0.90%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year One	57.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Two	17.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Three	9.00%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Four	7.50%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Five	4.10%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Six	1.80%
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Historical Claims Duration, Year Seven	1.00%

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsu

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums:
Direct, Written	$ 2,962,798	$ 2,234,976	$ 1,558,612
Direct, Earned	2,716,713	2,052,880	1,496,709
Assumed premiums written	536,710	354,772	576,495
Assumed, Earned	687,829	454,851	414,410
Total Gross Premiums, Written	3,499,508	2,589,748	2,135,107
Premiums Earned, Gross	3,404,542	2,507,731	1,911,119
Ceded premiums	(428,202)	(403,502)	(265,083)
Ceded, Earned	(410,761)	(377,921)	(277,899)
Net premium written	3,071,306	2,186,246	1,870,024
Net earned premium	2,993,781	2,129,810	1,633,220
Loss and LAE expense:
Loss and LAE expense, Assumed	409,046	283,568	229,013
Loss and LAE expense, Ceded	463,603	254,924	211,433
Reinsurance Liabilities [Abstract]
Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves, Assumed	217,522	252,661
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses (Related parties - $26,782 and $42,774) (Exchanges - $42,192 and $39,085)	880,797	833,176	$ 911,798	$ 950,828
Unearned premiums, Assumed	166,339	309,202
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	$ 156,970	$ 128,343

Reinsurance - Premiums and Loss

Reinsurance - Premiums and Loss Ceded and Reinsurance Recoverables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Effects of Reinsurance
Ceded earned premiums	$ 410,761	$ 377,921	$ 277,899
Ceded Loss and LAE	463,603	254,924	211,433
MCCA
Effects of Reinsurance
Ceded earned premiums	9,404	12,146	12,968
Ceded Loss and LAE	26,510	15,482	12,529
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	7,969	6,986
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	663,943	656,904
NCRF
Effects of Reinsurance
Ceded earned premiums	165,491	158,613	151,744
Ceded Loss and LAE	173,926	144,350	$ 130,265
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	29,274	26,228
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 100,470	$ 86,941

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Recov

Reinsurance - Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 880,797	$ 833,176	$ 911,798	$ 950,828
NGHC
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	838,605	794,091	888,215	950,828
NGHC | MCCA
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	663,943	656,904
NGHC | NCRF
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	100,470	86,941
NGHC | Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	12,995	21,075
NGHC | ACP Re
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	7,797	12,645
NGHC | Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	5,197	8,430
NGHC | Other reinsurers' balances - each less than 5% of total
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	48,203	8,096
Reciprocal Exchanges
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 42,192	$ 39,085	$ 23,583	$ 0

Reinsurance - Narrative (Detail

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2016	May 01, 2016	Jul. 01, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2017
Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention		$ 475,000
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
Florida | Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention		52,200
Retention amount		$ 16,300

Accounts Payable and Accrued126

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Payable
Contingent payments	$ 2,677		$ 8,581
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	341,977		284,902
Unrelated third parties
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable related to commissions	59,609		36,160
Accrued expenses related to employees	42,549		30,224
Payable to carrier	38,839		34,460
Information technology payable	24,417		16,570
Investments payable	20,936		16,670
Escheats payable	12,887		10,982
Dividends payable	12,101		7,292
Premiums payable	11,385		0
Interest payable	8,144		10,907
Funds held for reinsurance	4,986		0
Marketing accruals	4,065		4,918
Contingent payments	2,677		8,581
Loss reserve premium	2,433		1,785
Other	67,678		54,598
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	312,706		233,147
Related party transactions
Accounts Payable
License fee payable	13,601		12,905
Information technology payable	11,600		16,622
Printing fee payable	2,406		3,892
Contingent payments	0		16,071
Other	1,664		2,265
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	29,271		51,755
NGHC
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	335,174		265,057
Reciprocal Exchanges
Accounts Payable
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 6,803	$ 6,972	$ 19,845

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current expense (benefit)
Federal									$ 71,368	$ 53,959	$ 87,270
Foreign									5,119	0	0
Total current tax expense									76,487	53,959	87,270
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal									(14,843)	(7,909)	(42,157)
Foreign									(19,028)	(27,094)	(21,237)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)									(33,871)	(35,003)	(63,394)
Provision for income taxes	$ 1,177	$ 8,805	$ 14,551	$ 18,083	$ (5,936)	$ 8,614	$ 7,891	$ 8,387	42,616	18,956	23,876
NGHC
Current expense (benefit)
Federal									70,511	55,018	86,250
Foreign									5,119	0	0
Total current tax expense									75,630	55,018	86,250
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal									(4,195)	(3,019)	(42,301)
Foreign									(19,028)	(27,094)	(21,237)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)									(23,223)	(30,113)	(63,538)
Provision for income taxes									52,407	24,905	22,712
Reciprocal Exchanges
Current expense (benefit)
Federal									857	(1,059)	1,020
Foreign									0	0	0
Total current tax expense									857	(1,059)	1,020
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal									(10,648)	(4,890)	144
Foreign									0	0	0
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)									(10,648)	(4,890)	144
Provision for income taxes									$ (9,791)	$ (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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Entity Information
Domestic	$ 191,920	$ 233,652	$ 198,818
Foreign	18,179	(69,062)	(71,375)
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	210,099	164,590	127,443
NGHC
Entity Information
Domestic	181,156	225,708	195,148
Foreign	18,179	(69,062)	(71,375)
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	199,335	156,646	123,773
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Domestic	10,764	7,944	3,670
Foreign	0	0	0
Income before equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 10,764	$ 7,944	$ 3,670

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	$ 49,734		$ 29,226
Unearned premiums	103,640		74,935
Bad debt	6,594		4,268
Investments	799		760
Depreciation	6,083		1,725
Contingent commissions	12,547		10,529
Loss reserve discount	13,178		8,637
Suspended Subpart F losses	6,683		7,364
Net operating loss carryforwards	28,488		21,067
Capital loss carryforwards	2,401		1,241
Policy acquisition costs	1,237		0
Special estimated tax payments	2,072		0
Impairments	16,313		6,137
Goodwill	1,701		968
Unearned revenue	7,974		6,540
Unrealized capital losses	0		10,185
Foreign translation	1,249		2,035
Stock-based compensation	4,171		1,808
Alternative minimum tax credits	611		611
Other	6,384		1,001
Gross deferred tax assets	271,859		189,037
Less: Valuation allowance	(7,135)		(17,295)
Total deferred tax assets	264,724		171,742
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	76,498		56,024
Investments items	353		255
Intangible assets	95,084		74,276
Depreciation	767		0
Premises and equipment	4,520		4,759
Statutory equalization reserves	8,319		13,778
Unrealized capital gains	9,968		0
Surplus note interest	22,575		34,491
Gain on settlement of debt	356		0
Other	77		406
Gross deferred tax liabilities	218,517		183,989
Deferred tax asset	(46,207)		0
Deferred tax liability	0		12,247
NGHC
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	36,518		27,675
Unearned premiums	96,981		68,902
Bad debt	6,228		3,692
Investments	799		760
Depreciation	6,083		1,725
Contingent commissions	12,547		10,529
Loss reserve discount	11,782		7,244
Suspended Subpart F losses	6,683		7,364
Net operating loss carryforwards	22,833		3,309
Capital loss carryforwards	2,401		1,241
Policy acquisition costs	1,237		0
Special estimated tax payments	2,072		0
Impairments	16,313		6,122
Goodwill	1,701		968
Unearned revenue	7,974		6,540
Unrealized capital losses	0		8,418
Foreign translation	1,249		2,035
Stock-based compensation	4,171		1,808
Alternative minimum tax credits	0		0
Other	6,384		897
Gross deferred tax assets	243,956		159,229
Less: Valuation allowance	0		0
Total deferred tax assets	243,956		159,229
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	65,943		47,931
Investments items	0		0
Intangible assets	91,336		71,878
Depreciation	0		0
Premises and equipment	4,520		4,759
Statutory equalization reserves	8,319		13,778
Unrealized capital gains	8,103		0
Surplus note interest	0		0
Gain on settlement of debt	356		0
Other	77		406
Gross deferred tax liabilities	178,654		138,752
Deferred tax asset	(65,302)		(20,477)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	13,216		1,551
Unearned premiums	6,659		6,033
Bad debt	366		576
Investments	0		0
Depreciation	0		0
Contingent commissions	0		0
Loss reserve discount	1,396		1,393
Suspended Subpart F losses	0		0
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,655		17,758
Capital loss carryforwards	0		0
Policy acquisition costs	0		0
Special estimated tax payments	0		0
Impairments	0		15
Goodwill	0		0
Unearned revenue	0		0
Unrealized capital losses	0		1,767
Foreign translation	0		0
Stock-based compensation	0		0
Alternative minimum tax credits	611		611
Other	0		104
Gross deferred tax assets	27,903		29,808
Less: Valuation allowance	(7,135)		(17,295)
Total deferred tax assets	20,768		12,513
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	10,555		8,093
Investments items	353		255
Intangible assets	3,748		2,398
Depreciation	767		0
Premises and equipment	0		0
Statutory equalization reserves	0		0
Unrealized capital gains	1,865		0
Surplus note interest	22,575		34,491
Gain on settlement of debt	0		0
Other	0		0
Gross deferred tax liabilities	39,863		45,237
Deferred tax liability	$ 19,095	$ 28,909	$ 32,724

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Entity Information
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 210,099	$ 164,590	$ 127,443
Tax Rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed “expected” tax expense									$ 73,534	$ 57,606	$ 44,606
Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest									(3,361)	(1,519)	(1,064)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment									397	336	273
Exempt foreign income									(13,416)	(11,393)	(4,304)
Equity method income									8,890	3,726
Goodwill impairment									2,319	6,113	5,527
Statutory equalization reserves									(5,898)	(27,094)	(21,237)
State tax									4,824	1,754	2,453
Change in valuation allowance									(13,403)	(4,025)
Bargain purchase gain									(8,508)
Other permanent items									(2,762)	(6,548)	(2,378)
Provision for income taxes	$ 1,177	$ 8,805	$ 14,551	$ 18,083	$ (5,936)	$ 8,614	$ 7,891	$ 8,387	$ 42,616	$ 18,956	$ 23,876
Effective income tax rate reconciliation
Tax-exempt interest, Tax Rate									(1.60%)	(0.92%)	(0.83%)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment, Tax Rate									0.19%	0.20%	0.21%
Exempt foreign income, Tax Rate									(6.39%)	(6.92%)	(3.38%)
Equity method income , Tax Rate									4.23%	2.26%
Goodwill impairment, Tax Rate									1.10%	3.71%	4.34%
Statutory equalization reserves, Tax Rate									(2.81%)	(16.46%)	(16.66%)
State tax, Tax Rate									2.30%	1.07%	1.92%
Change in valuation allowance, Tax Rate									(6.38%)	(2.45%)
Bargain purchase gain, Tax Rate									(4.05%)
Other permanent items, Tax Rate									(1.31%)	(3.97%)	(1.86%)
Total income tax reported, Tax Rate									20.28%	11.52%	18.74%
NGHC
Entity Information
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 199,335	$ 156,646	$ 123,773
Tax Rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed “expected” tax expense									$ 69,767	$ 54,826	$ 43,321
Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest									(3,212)	(1,354)	(978)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment									397	336	273
Exempt foreign income									(13,416)	(11,393)	(4,304)
Equity method income									8,890	3,726
Goodwill impairment									2,319	6,113	5,527
Statutory equalization reserves									(5,898)	(27,094)	(21,237)
State tax									4,824	1,754	2,453
Change in valuation allowance									0	0
Bargain purchase gain									(8,508)
Other permanent items									(2,756)	(2,009)	(2,343)
Provision for income taxes									52,407	24,905	22,712
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 10,764	$ 7,944	$ 3,670
Tax Rate									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed “expected” tax expense									$ 3,767	$ 2,780	$ 1,285
Increase (decrease) in actual tax reported resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest									(149)	(165)	(86)
Non-deductible meals and entertainment									0	0	0
Exempt foreign income									0	0	0
Equity method income									0	0
Goodwill impairment									0	0	0
Statutory equalization reserves									0	0	0
State tax									0	0	0
Change in valuation allowance									(13,403)	(4,025)
Bargain purchase gain									0
Other permanent items									(6)	(4,539)	(35)
Provision for income taxes									$ (9,791)	$ (5,949)	$ 1,164

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 7,135	$ 17,295
Deferred tax liabilities, intangible assets	95,084	74,276
Deferred tax liability	0	12,247
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 72,585	$ 34,257	$ 18,443
Federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Unutilized equalization reserves	$ 27,730	$ 45,927
Deferred tax liabilities associated to unutilized equalization reserves	8,319	13,778
Tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	$ 5,898	$ 27,094	$ 21,237
Reduction in effective tax rate	2.81%	16.46%	16.66%
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate	$ 0	$ 0
Interest or penalties recorded	$ 0	0	$ 0
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred tax liabilities, unutilized statutory equalization reserves, percent	30.00%
Foreign Tax Authority | Luxembourg Inland Revenue | LUXEMBOURG
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred tax liabilities associated to unutilized equalization reserves	$ 8,319	13,778
Tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	$ (5,898)	$ 27,094	$ 21,237
Reduction in effective tax rate	(2.81%)	16.46%	16.66%
NGHC
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred tax liabilities, intangible assets	91,336	71,878
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 65,237	$ 9,453	$ 8,693
Federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax liabilities associated to unutilized equalization reserves	$ 8,319	$ 13,778
Tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	5,898	27,094	$ 21,237
Insurance Reserves, NJSIA
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred tax liabilities, intangible assets	2,579
Adirondack Insurance Exchange
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred tax asset, change in valuation allowance	(12,341)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Income Tax Disclosure
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	7,135	17,295
Deferred tax liabilities, intangible assets	3,748	2,398
Deferred Other Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0
Deferred tax liability	$ 19,095	$ 32,724		$ 28,909
Federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax liabilities associated to unutilized equalization reserves	$ 0	$ 0
Tax benefit attributable to reduction of deferred tax liability	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Debt - 7.625% Subordinated Note

Debt - 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055 (Details) - Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 18, 2015	May 23, 2014
7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	7.625%
Notes Payable				$ 100,000
Proceeds from debt		$ 96,550
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 7,625	2,967
7.625% Notes | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.35
7.625% Notes | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	1
6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes Payable					$ 250,000
Proceeds from debt			$ 245,000
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 23,625	$ 18,428	$ 10,218
6.75% Notes | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.35
6.75% Notes | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	1

Debt - 6.75% Notes due 2024 (De

Debt - 6.75% Notes due 2024 (Details) - Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 08, 2015	May 23, 2014
6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes Payable					$ 250,000
Proceeds from debt			$ 245,000
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 23,625	$ 18,428	$ 10,218
6.75% Notes | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.35
6.75% Notes | Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	1
Additional 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes Payable				$ 100,000
Proceeds from debt		$ 98,850

Debt - Subordinated Debentures

Debt - Subordinated Debentures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 01, 2016
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $41,238 due 2035
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable		$ 41,238
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $41,238 due 2035 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.40%
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $30,930 due 2037
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable		$ 30,930
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $30,930 due 2037 | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.25%
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	100.00%
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 546
Common Stock
Debt Instrument
Other investments	$ 2,168

Debt - Imperial-related Debt (D

Debt - Imperial-related Debt (Details) - Surplus Notes - Imperial Surplus Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable				$ 5,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	100.00%
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 240	$ 220	$ 110
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.05%

Debt - SPCIC-related Debt (Deta

Debt - SPCIC-related Debt (Details) - Surplus Notes - SPCIC Surplus Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 07, 2016
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable		$ 4,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	100.00%
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 51
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.15%

Debt - Revolving Credit Agreeme

Debt - Revolving Credit Agreement (Details) - Credit Agreement - JPMorgan Chase, N.A. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 25, 2016
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 225,000
Letter Of Credit Fronting Fee		0.125%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.30%
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$ 50,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End		3.5625%
Interest Expense, Debt		$ 945
Minimum
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			112,500
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.20%
Maximum
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			$ 50,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.30%
Failure To Pay Interest Or Fees
Debt Instrument
Number Of Days Failure to Pay Interest Or Fees		3 days
Federal Funds Purchased
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		federal funds
Alternate Base Rate Or LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%

Debt - Century-National Promiss

Debt - Century-National Promissory Note (Details) - Loans Payable - Century-National Promissory Note - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument
Loans Payable	$ 178,894
Debt Instrument, Term	2 years
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	$ 89,447
Interest rate on debt		4.40%
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Cross-Acceleration Provision Term	30 days
Interest Expense, Debt		$ 4,615

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Maturities of Debt
2,017	$ 89,582
2,018	89,447
2,019	0
2,020	50,000
2,021	0
Thereafter	531,168
Total principal amount of debt	760,197
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount	(8,196)
Carrying amount of debt	752,001	$ 491,537
Credit Agreement | JPMorgan Chase, N.A.
Maturities of Debt
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	50,000
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	50,000
Other
Maturities of Debt
2,017	135
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	135
Carrying amount of debt	135	0
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Maturities of Debt
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	100,000
Total principal amount of debt	100,000
Carrying amount of debt	96,669	96,583
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Maturities of Debt
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	350,000
Total principal amount of debt	350,000
Carrying amount of debt	345,135	344,478
Senior Notes | Subordinated Debentures
Maturities of Debt
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	72,168
Total principal amount of debt	72,168
Carrying amount of debt	72,168	0
Surplus Notes | Imperial Surplus Notes
Maturities of Debt
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	5,000
Total principal amount of debt	5,000
Carrying amount of debt	5,000	5,000
Surplus Notes | SPCIC Surplus Notes
Maturities of Debt
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	4,000
Total principal amount of debt	4,000
Carrying amount of debt	4,000	$ 0
Loans Payable | Century-National Promissory Note
Maturities of Debt
2,017	89,447
2,018	89,447
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	$ 178,894

Debt - Letters of Credit (Detai

Debt - Letters of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 0	$ 0

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities
Book overdrafts	$ 86,237		$ 57,971
Deferred revenue	63,211		65,186
Premium and other taxes and assessments	35,343		17,791
Advance premiums	16,298		9,242
Securities sold, not yet purchased	5,013		0
Deferred rent expense	1,598		0
Total	207,700		150,190
NGHC
Other Liabilities
Total	161,200		112,085
Reciprocal Exchanges
Other Liabilities
Total	$ 46,500	$ 37,550	$ 38,105

Related Party Transactions - As

Related Party Transactions - Asset Management Agreement (Details) - Affiliated Entity - Asset Management Fee - AAIM - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction
Asset management fee percentage, above threshold	0.0375%
Asset management fee, threshold to determine fee	$ 1,000,000
Asset management agreement, initial term agreement may not be terminated	1 year
Period allowed for party to cure breach of contract	30 days
Asset management costs	$ 3,436	$ 2,384	$ 1,916
Payable related to management services	$ 926	$ 1,909

Related Party Transactions - Ma

Related Party Transactions - Master Service Agreement (Details) - Affiliated Entity - AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Postage And Billing Services
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
License Fee For Policy Management System
Related Party Transaction
License fee, percentage	1.25%
Master Service Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from reinsurance affiliates	$ 51,446	$ 36,742	$ 27,072
Due from (to) related parties	$ (27,693)	$ (30,122)

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Reinsurance Agreement (Details) - Affiliated Entity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 22, 2012	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties		$ 35,963	$ 57,660
Commission Receivable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties		0	0
Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties		33,025	30,082
Ceded Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction		0	0	$ 42,833
Ceding Commission Income
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction		(5,535)	(4,087)	12,273
Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction		18,806	12,191	38,287
AARC | Reinsurance
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of business ceded	25.00%
Percentage of related losses ceded	25.00%
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	25.00%
Prior notice period required for written notification of termination	90 days
AARC | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties		1,083	829
AARC | Commission Receivable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties		139	107
AARC | Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) related parties		(533)	(395)
AARC | Ceded Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction		2,184	1,504	1,317
AARC | Ceding Commission Income
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction		(443)	(470)	(369)
AARC | Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction		$ (1,293)	$ (814)	$ (811)

Related Party Transactions - NG

Related Party Transactions - NGHC Quota Share Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 02, 2012	Mar. 02, 2010	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income			$ 45,600	$ 43,790	$ 12,430
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			35,963	57,660
Affiliated Entity | Commission Receivable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			0	0
Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			33,025	30,082
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			0	0	42,833
Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Income (Loss)
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			(5,535)	(4,087)	12,273
Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			18,806	12,191	38,287
Affiliated Entity | Recovery Of Acquisition Costs Of Reinsured Contracts
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income			$ 0	0	5,076
ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of business ceded			50.00%			50.00%
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	32.00%	32.50%
ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance | Maximum
Related Party Transaction
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission		34.50%
ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance | Minimum
Related Party Transaction
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	30.00%	30.50%
ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance, Threshold To Increase Ceding Commission
Related Party Transaction
Threshold percentage of loss ratio			60.00%
ACP Re Ltd., Maiden Insurance Company, and Technology Insurance Company | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance, Threshold To Decrease Ceding Commission
Related Party Transaction
Threshold percentage of loss ratio			64.50%
ACP Re | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Quota share percentage			15.00%
Assets held-in-trust			$ 801	18,677
ACP Re | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			12,411	17,298
ACP Re | Affiliated Entity | Commission Receivable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			0	0
ACP Re | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			10,685	9,025
ACP Re | Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			0	0	12,850
ACP Re | Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Income (Loss)
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			(1,661)	(1,226)	3,703
ACP Re | Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			$ 5,642	3,657	11,486
Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Quota share percentage			25.00%
Assets held-in-trust			$ 13,298	30,797
Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			16,823	28,830
Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden | Affiliated Entity | Commission Receivable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			0	0
Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			15,957	15,041
Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden | Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			0	0	21,416
Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden | Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Income (Loss)
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			(2,767)	(2,057)	6,115
Maiden Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Maiden | Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			$ 9,403	6,109	19,130
Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction
Quota share percentage			10.00%
Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			$ 6,729	11,532
Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust | Affiliated Entity | Commission Receivable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			0	0
Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust | Affiliated Entity | Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties			6,383	6,016
Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust | Affiliated Entity | Ceded Premiums
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			0	0	8,567
Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust | Affiliated Entity | Ceding Commission Income (Loss)
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			(1,107)	(804)	2,455
Technology Insurance Company, Inc., a subsidiary of AmTrust | Affiliated Entity | Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction			$ 3,761	$ 2,425	$ 7,671

Related Party Transactions - Ag

Related Party Transactions - Agreements with ACP Re and Affiliated Entities (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 28, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 15, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016company
Related Party Transaction
Contingent payments					$ 2,677	$ 8,581
Assumed premiums written					536,710	354,772	$ 576,495
Earned premiums					687,829	454,851	414,410
Loss and loss adjustment expense					1,958,545	1,381,641	1,053,065
Ceding commission income					45,600	43,790	12,430
Impaired financing receivable, interest income, accrual method					3,218
Payments to acquire notes receivable					0	0	125,000
ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Loans and leases receivable, related parties			$ 125,000
Michael Karfunkel Family
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	$ 200,000
PL MGA Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission income					1,471	12,428	8,826
PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Earned premiums					52,985	248,544	284,480
Loss and loss adjustment expense					44,694	159,814	154,577
PL Administrative Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Accounts receivable, related parties						11,795
Reimbursement revenue					68,471	3,379	0
Affiliated Entity | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Number of insurance companies | company								10
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Maintenance covenant, minimum collateral interest as percent of value of outstanding loan balance	115.00%
Percent of outstanding principal balance of loan due and payable annually after tenth anniversary	2.00%
Minimum percent of change in control included as events of default	50.00%
Affiliated Entity | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Financing principal amount, aggregate			125,000
Affiliated Entity | Tower International | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Aggregate stop loss reinsurance issued				$ 250,000	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 | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Interest income, related party					$ 7,593	8,701	2,601
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%
Contingent payments					$ 0	16,071
Affiliated Entity | ACP Re | Tower International | Maximum
Related Party Transaction
Contingent payments			$ 30,000
Affiliated Entity | PL Reinsurance Agreement | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Assumed premiums written					14,714	144,497	439,578
Affiliated Entity | PL Reinsurance Agreement | Integon National | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Concentration risk, percentage			100.00%
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 | PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Accounts receivable, related parties						46,565
Affiliated Entity | PL Reinsurance Agreement and Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement | Tower International
Related Party Transaction
Ceding commission expense					3,248	$ 38,550	$ 110,490
Affiliated Entity | Loans | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Interest rate on debt	3.70%		7.00%
Maximum percent of interest that may be paid in kind	1.20%
Reciprocal Exchanges’ Surplus Notes | Surplus Notes
Related Party Transaction
Payments to acquire notes receivable		$ 88,900			$ 88,900

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Lease Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease expense	$ 24,772	$ 14,310	$ 12,131
Operating Leases
2,017	28,042
2,018	23,874
2,019	20,961
2,020	16,890
2,021	14,177
Thereafter	47,192
Total	151,136
Capital Leases
2,017	3,687
2,018	4,787
2,019	4,958
2,020	5,134
2,021	2,107
Thereafter	1,920
Total	22,593
Total
2,017	31,729
2,018	28,661
2,019	25,919
2,020	22,024
2,021	16,284
Thereafter	49,112
Total	$ 173,729

Commitments and Contingencie148

Commitments and Contingencies - Employment Agreements (Details) - Employment Agreements $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Amounts payable under employment agreements:
2,017	$ 6,004
2,018	2,947
2,019	1,558
2,020	29
2,021	0
Total	$ 10,538

Common Stock (Details)

Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 06, 2016	Aug. 18, 2015	Feb. 19, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 4,942	$ 210,642	$ 177,833
Common Stock
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)	272,609	11,500,000	13,570,000		11,500,000	13,570,000
Share price		$ 19	$ 14
Sale of shares, private placement fee (per share)			$ 0.840
Stock issued, issuance costs		$ 7,858	$ 12,146
Proceeds from issuance of common stock before expenses		210,853
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		$ 210,642	$ 177,833
Common Stock | Over-Allotment Option
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)		1,500,000

Stockholders' Equity Series A P

Stockholders' Equity Series A Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees		$ 193,518	$ 159,552	$ 53,164
Preferred stock | Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)	2,200,000			2,200,000
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees	$ 53,164
Interest rate on preferred stock	7.50%
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$ 25

Stockholders' Equity Series B P

Stockholders' Equity Series B Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 07, 2016	Apr. 06, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock
Preferred stock, par value				$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees				$ 193,518	$ 159,552	$ 53,164
Preferred stock | American Depository Shares
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)	8,000,000	600,000	6,000,000
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$ 25		$ 25
Preferred stock | Series B Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)		15,000	150,000		165,000
Preferred stock, par value			$ 0.01
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees		$ 14,527	$ 145,275
Interest rate on preferred stock			7.50%
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)			$ 1,000
Underwriting discount, commissions and expenses on issuance of preferred stock		$ 473	$ 4,975

Stockholders' Equity Series C P

Stockholders' Equity Series C Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 07, 2016	Apr. 06, 2015	Mar. 27, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock
Preferred stock, par value				$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees				$ 193,518	$ 159,552	$ 53,164
Preferred stock | American Depository Shares
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)	8,000,000	600,000	6,000,000
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$ 25		$ 25
Preferred stock | Series C Preferred Stock
Class of Stock
Issuance of stock, shares (in shares)	200,000			200,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01
Issuance of preferred stock, net of fees	$ 193,518
Interest rate on preferred stock	7.50%
Liquidation Preference (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000
Underwriting discount, commissions and expenses on issuance of preferred stock	$ 6,482

Benefits Plan (Details)

Benefits Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Contribution expense	$ 5,251	$ 3,729	$ 2,265

Statutory Financial Data, Ri154

Statutory Financial Data, Risk-Based Capital and Dividends Restrictions - Statutory Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Integon Indemnity Corporation
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	$ 23,437	$ 37,316	$ 32,879
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	(312)	(2,195)	18
National General Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	25,319	26,294	27,923
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	995	378	527
Integon Preferred Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	6,690	6,769	9,324
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	141	324	(66)
Integon National Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	594,437	448,339	332,405
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	50,408	(9,995)	11,397
MIC General Insurance Corporation
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	17,261	19,042	19,800
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	250	(52)	50
National General Assurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	17,019	16,819	17,490
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	177	130	195
Integon Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	6,354	6,269	11,453
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	64	120	135
New South Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	7,860	7,632	6,890
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	119	203	321
Integon General Insurance Corporation
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	6,461	6,305	11,310
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	(253)	493	353
National General Insurance Online, Inc.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	11,339	11,340	10,878
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	53	218	(53)
National Health Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	12,048	13,796	11,536
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	2,957	893	1,169
National General Premier Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	16,428	16,155	15,520
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	247	667	789
Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	25,629	40,572	41,018
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	2,775	3,021	178
National Automotive Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus		7,103	7,013
Statutory Net Income (Loss)		544	1,502
Agent Alliance Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	49,966	48,811	16,464
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	895	387	(147)
Century-National Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	248,029
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	10,425
Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	22,684
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	45
Direct General Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	112,980
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	1,887
Direct General Insurance Company of Louisiana
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	10,619
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	187
Direct General Insurance Company of Mississippi
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	11,757
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	465
Direct General Life Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	15,115
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	3,302
Direct Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	23,548
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	372
Direct National Insurance Company
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	5,482
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	(1,109)
National General Re Ltd.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	718,528	601,276	442,400
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	14,052	163,872	54,688
National General Insurance Luxembourg, S.A.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	25,294	32,922	14,638
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	308	925	402
National General Life Insurance Europe, S.A.
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	27,040	28,770	15,000
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	3,306	7,346	(354)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Statutory Accounting Practices
Statutory Capital and Surplus	149,288	119,330
Statutory Net Income (Loss)	$ 23,884	$ 23,346	$ (3,646)

Statutory Financial Data, Ri155

Statutory Financial Data, Risk-Based Capital and Dividends Restrictions - Dividend Restrictions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments with Regulatory Approval	$ 397,125	$ 360,070
Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company	$ 29,500	$ 23,751	$ 12,000

Share-Based Compensation - Narr

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)plan$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of equity incentive plans | plan	2
Options granted in period (in shares) | shares	0	0	195,000
Granted | $ / shares			$ 6.76
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 6,041	$ 9,069
Weighted average remaining life for options grants outstanding	5 years 11 months	6 years 10 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 11 months	6 years 8 months
Exercisable shares | shares	3,028,989	2,686,762
Weighted-average exercise price of exercisable shares | $ / shares	$ 9.01	$ 8.31
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 6,533	$ 7,973	$ 1,325
Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	56,248	52,261
Intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	48,406	36,396
Exercises of stock options	5,140	2,595	796
Excess tax benefit from award exercises	1,813	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	$ 8,221	$ 5,937	$ 2,859
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Exercise period upon end of employment	30 days
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
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of shares authorized | shares	7,435,000
Number of shares available | shares	1,458,772

Share-Based Compensation - Fair

Share-Based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Low-End
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Expected price volatility	27.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.74%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	5 years 6 months
Forfeiture rate	10.00%
Dividend rate	0.40%
High End
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Expected price volatility	35.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.26%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	7 years
Forfeiture rate	10.00%
Dividend rate	0.40%

Share-Based Compensation - Stoc

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)	4,123,809	5,110,593	5,058,363
Granted (in shares)	0	0	195,000
Exercised (in shares)	(522,967)	(584,296)	(125,582)
Forfeited (in shares)	(17,172)	(30,759)	(17,188)
Withheld (in shares)	0	(371,729)	0
Outstanding, end of year (in shares)	3,583,670	4,123,809	5,110,593
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$ 9.31	$ 8.88	$ 8.48
Granted (in dollars per share)	0	0	17.63
Exercised (in dollars per share)	8.81	6.31	6.43
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	7.52	8.26	7.52
Withheld (in dollars per share)	0	6.97	0
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 9.29	$ 9.31	$ 8.88

Share-Based Compensation - RSU

Share-Based Compensation - RSU Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
RSUs
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)	362,674	327,555	0
Granted (in shares)	348,292	216,910	330,555
Vested (in shares)	(78,185)	(42,653)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(21,022)	(115,551)	(3,000)
Withheld (in shares)	(43,787)	(23,587)	0
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)	567,972	362,674	327,555
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.16	$ 17.44	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	20.11	20.34	17.45
Vested (in dollars per share)	14.05	17.31	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	14.28	17.57	18.02
Withheld (in dollars per share)	14.05	17.30	0
Non-vested at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 16.64	$ 19.16	$ 17.44

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Net income attributable to NGHC	$ 38,789	$ 28,130	$ 48,470	$ 56,827	$ 17,844	$ 43,113	$ 38,527	$ 42,768	$ 172,216	$ 142,252	$ 102,243
Dividends on preferred stock									(24,333)	(14,025)	(2,291)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$ 30,914	$ 19,922	$ 44,345	$ 52,702	$ 13,719	$ 38,988	$ 33,783	$ 41,737	$ 147,883	$ 128,227	$ 99,952
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic									105,951,752	98,241,904	91,499,122
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted (in shares)									108,278,318	100,723,936	93,515,417
Basic earnings per share (usd per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.19	$ 0.42	$ 0.50	$ 0.13	$ 0.39	$ 0.36	$ 0.45	$ 1.40	$ 1.31	$ 1.09
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.18	$ 0.41	$ 0.49	$ 0.13	$ 0.38	$ 0.35	$ 0.43	$ 1.37	$ 1.27	$ 1.07
Employee Stock Option
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Share options									1,891,083	2,119,358	1,868,171
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Restricted stock units									435,483	362,674	148,124

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share - Anti-dilutive (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,556,441	2,432,421	2,674,014

Segment Information - Revenues

Segment Information - Revenues of Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of business segments | segment									2
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									$ 3,499,508	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107
Ceded premiums									(428,202)	(403,502)	(265,083)
Net premium written									3,071,306	2,186,246	1,870,024
Change in unearned premium									(77,525)	(56,436)	(236,804)
Net earned premium									2,993,781	2,129,810	1,633,220
Ceding commission income									45,600	43,790	12,430
Service and fee income									380,817	273,548	168,571
Total underwriting revenue									3,420,198	2,447,148	1,814,221
Underwriting expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense									1,958,545	1,381,641	1,053,065
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses									497,158	405,930	315,089
General and administrative expenses									844,114	530,347	348,762
Total underwriting expenses									3,299,817	2,317,918	1,716,916
Underwriting income (loss)									120,381	129,230	97,305
Net investment income									99,586	75,340	52,426
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments									3,854	(10,307)	(2,892)
Bargain purchase gain and other revenue (expense)									26,458	(788)	(1,660)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 8,410	$ 2,953	$ 7,356	$ 6,682	$ 1,743	$ 2,288	$ 1,654	$ 4,958	25,401	10,643	1,180
Interest expense									(40,180)	(28,885)	(17,736)
Provision for income taxes	(1,177)	(8,805)	(14,551)	(18,083)	5,936	(8,614)	(7,891)	(8,387)	(42,616)	(18,956)	(23,876)
Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									(20,668)	(14,025)	(2,504)
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC	$ 38,789	$ 28,130	$ 48,470	56,827	$ 17,844	$ 43,113	$ 38,527	$ 42,768	172,216	142,252	102,243
Property and Casualty
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									3,035,498	2,337,826	1,994,708
Ceded premiums									(382,860)	(367,533)	(264,686)
Net premium written									2,652,638	1,970,293	1,730,022
Change in unearned premium									(73,284)	(51,784)	(217,278)
Net earned premium									2,579,354	1,918,509	1,512,744
Ceding commission income									44,269	42,699	12,430
Service and fee income									241,881	174,738	110,114
Total underwriting revenue									2,865,504	2,135,946	1,635,288
Underwriting expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense									1,659,178	1,210,319	967,176
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses									394,428	339,931	260,397
General and administrative expenses									712,707	448,236	292,145
Total underwriting expenses									2,766,313	1,998,486	1,519,718
Underwriting income (loss)									99,191	137,460	115,570
Net investment income									0	0	0
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments									0	0	0
Bargain purchase gain and 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 (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									99,191	137,460	115,570
Accident and Health
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									464,010	251,922	140,399
Ceded premiums									(45,342)	(35,969)	(397)
Net premium written									418,668	215,953	140,002
Change in unearned premium									(4,241)	(4,652)	(19,526)
Net earned premium									414,427	211,301	120,476
Ceding commission income									1,331	1,091	0
Service and fee income									138,936	98,810	58,457
Total underwriting revenue									554,694	311,202	178,933
Underwriting expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense									299,367	171,322	85,889
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses									102,730	65,999	54,692
General and administrative expenses									131,407	82,111	56,617
Total underwriting expenses									533,504	319,432	197,198
Underwriting income (loss)									21,190	(8,230)	(18,265)
Net investment income									0	0	0
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments									0	0	0
Bargain purchase gain and 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 (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									21,190	(8,230)	(18,265)
Corporate and Other
Underwriting revenue:
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
Underwriting expenses:
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									99,586	75,340	52,426
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments									3,854	(10,307)	(2,892)
Bargain purchase gain and other revenue (expense)									26,458	(788)	(1,660)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									25,401	10,643	1,180
Interest expense									(40,180)	(28,885)	(17,736)
Provision for income taxes									(42,616)	(18,956)	(23,876)
Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									(20,668)	(14,025)	(2,504)
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									51,835	13,022	4,938
NGHC
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									3,257,968	2,306,166	2,065,065
Net premium written									2,950,758	2,060,155	1,816,948
Net earned premium									2,883,386	1,995,101	1,585,598
Service and fee income				$ 9,590					43,406	39,792	9,901
Underwriting expenses:
Net investment income									90,870	66,429	50,627
Provision for income taxes									(52,407)	(24,905)	(22,712)
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									172,216	142,252	102,243
NGHC | Property and Casualty
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									2,793,958	2,054,244	1,924,666
Net premium written									2,532,090	1,844,202	1,676,946
Net earned premium									2,468,959	1,783,800	1,465,122
Underwriting expenses:
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									91,152	134,117	107,975
NGHC | Property and Casualty | Personal Auto
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									1,548,365	1,240,224	1,241,575
Net premium written									1,380,125	1,070,852	1,047,795
Net earned premium									1,292,563	1,054,529	979,082
NGHC | Property and Casualty | Homeowners
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									410,565	327,299	366,997
Net premium written									369,810	309,775	333,586
Net earned premium									353,228	286,920	204,285
NGHC | Property and Casualty | RV/Packaged
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									165,919	154,929	153,553
Net premium written									165,025	153,501	148,456
Net earned premium									158,256	150,290	147,587
NGHC | Property and Casualty | Commercial Auto
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									257,075	187,686	146,124
Net premium written									234,101	170,720	132,002
Net earned premium									217,919	154,565	118,759
NGHC | Property and Casualty | Other
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									35,976	17,536	16,417
Net premium written									19,133	13,661	15,107
Net earned premium									24,348	14,222	15,409
NGHC | Accident and Health
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									464,010	251,922	140,399
Net premium written									418,668	215,953	140,002
Net earned premium									414,427	211,301	120,476
Underwriting expenses:
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									21,190	(8,230)	(18,265)
NGHC | Corporate and Other
Underwriting expenses:
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									59,874	16,365	12,533
Reciprocal Exchanges
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									241,540	283,582	70,042
Net premium written									120,548	126,091	53,076
Net earned premium									110,395	134,709	47,622
Underwriting expenses:
Net investment income									8,716	8,911	1,799
Provision for income taxes									9,791	5,949	(1,164)
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									0	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									241,540	283,582	70,042
Net premium written									120,548	126,091	53,076
Net earned premium									110,395	134,709	47,622
Underwriting expenses:
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									8,039	3,343	7,595
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Personal Auto
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									73,680	88,494	32,436
Net premium written									44,661	50,686	32,075
Net earned premium									42,225	74,477	28,405
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Homeowners
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									161,510	187,424	33,028
Net premium written									71,367	67,796	17,127
Net earned premium									61,748	54,565	15,779
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty | Other
Underwriting revenue:
Gross premium written									6,350	7,664	4,578
Net premium written									4,520	7,609	3,874
Net earned premium									6,422	5,667	3,438
Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health
Underwriting expenses:
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									0	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate and Other
Underwriting expenses:
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									$ (8,039)	$ (3,343)	$ (7,595)

Segment Information - Long Live

Segment Information - Long Lived Assets and Total Assets of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	$ 1,158,108	$ 758,633
Deferred acquisition costs	220,922	160,531
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	880,797	833,176	$ 911,798	$ 950,828
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	156,970	128,343
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	623,010	461,312
Prepaid and other assets	54,343	41,484
Corporate and other assets	4,150,831	3,179,913
Total assets	7,244,981	5,563,392
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,008,407	684,857
Deferred acquisition costs	207,597	153,767
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	869,864	832,593
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	156,970	128,343
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	524,981	366,021
Prepaid and other assets	28,077	19,914
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	2,795,896	2,185,495
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	149,701	73,776
Deferred acquisition costs	13,325	6,764
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	10,933	583
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	98,029	95,291
Prepaid and other assets	25,854	17,504
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	297,842	193,918
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
Prepaid and other assets	412	4,066
Corporate and other assets	4,150,831	3,179,913
Total assets	$ 4,151,243	$ 3,183,979

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 3,499,508	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107
Net premium written	3,071,306	2,186,246	1,870,024
Net earned premium	2,993,781	2,129,810	1,633,220
North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,396,543	2,501,426	2,035,984
Net premium written	1,821,358	1,048,477	980,836
Net earned premium	1,749,266	996,743	763,528
Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,124,084	1,009,447	750,065
Net earned premium	1,124,084	1,009,447	750,065
Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	102,965	88,322	99,123
Net premium written	125,864	128,322	139,123
Net earned premium	120,431	123,620	119,627
NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,257,968	2,306,166	2,065,065
Net premium written	2,950,758	2,060,155	1,816,948
Net earned premium	2,883,386	1,995,101	1,585,598
NGHC | North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,155,003	2,217,844	1,965,942
Net premium written	1,700,810	922,386	927,760
Net earned premium	1,638,871	862,034	715,906
NGHC | Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,124,084	1,009,447	750,065
Net earned premium	1,124,084	1,009,447	750,065
NGHC | Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	102,965	88,322	99,123
Net premium written	125,864	128,322	139,123
Net earned premium	120,431	123,620	119,627
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	241,540	283,582	70,042
Net premium written	120,548	126,091	53,076
Net earned premium	110,395	134,709	47,622
Reciprocal Exchanges | North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	241,540	283,582	70,042
Net premium written	120,548	126,091	53,076
Net earned premium	110,395	134,709	47,622
Reciprocal Exchanges | Bermuda
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	0	0	0
Net earned premium	0	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	0	0	0
Net premium written	0	0	0
Net earned premium	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information - Gross Pre

Segment Information - Gross Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 3,499,508	$ 2,589,748	$ 2,135,107
NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,257,968	2,306,166	2,065,065
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	241,540	283,582	70,042
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,035,498	2,337,826	1,994,708
Property and Casualty | NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	2,793,958	2,054,244	1,924,666
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,548,365	1,240,224	1,241,575
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	410,565	327,299	366,997
Property and Casualty | NGHC | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	165,919	154,929	153,553
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	257,075	187,686	146,124
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	376,058	126,570	0
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	35,976	17,536	16,417
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	241,540	283,582	70,042
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	73,680	88,494	32,436
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	161,510	187,424	33,028
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	6,350	7,664	4,578
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	464,010	251,922	140,399
Accident and Health | NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 464,010	$ 251,922	$ 140,399

Segment Information - Net Premi

Segment Information - Net Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 3,071,306	$ 2,186,246	$ 1,870,024
NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	2,950,758	2,060,155	1,816,948
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	120,548	126,091	53,076
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	2,652,638	1,970,293	1,730,022
Property and Casualty | NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	2,532,090	1,844,202	1,676,946
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	1,380,125	1,070,852	1,047,795
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	369,810	309,775	333,586
Property and Casualty | NGHC | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	165,025	153,501	148,456
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	234,101	170,720	132,002
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	363,896	125,693	0
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	19,133	13,661	15,107
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	120,548	126,091	53,076
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	44,661	50,686	32,075
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	71,367	67,796	17,127
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	4,520	7,609	3,874
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	418,668	215,953	140,002
Accident and Health | NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 418,668	$ 215,953	$ 140,002

Segment Information - Net Earne

Segment Information - Net Earned Premium (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 2,993,781	$ 2,129,810	$ 1,633,220
NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	2,883,386	1,995,101	1,585,598
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	110,395	134,709	47,622
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	2,579,354	1,918,509	1,512,744
Property and Casualty | NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	2,468,959	1,783,800	1,465,122
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	1,292,563	1,054,529	979,082
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	353,228	286,920	204,285
Property and Casualty | NGHC | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	158,256	150,290	147,587
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Commercial Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	217,919	154,565	118,759
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	422,645	123,274	0
Property and Casualty | NGHC | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	24,348	14,222	15,409
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	110,395	134,709	47,622
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	42,225	74,477	28,405
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	61,748	54,565	15,779
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	6,422	5,667	3,438
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	414,427	211,301	120,476
Accident and Health | NGHC
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 414,427	$ 211,301	$ 120,476

Selected Quarterly Financial168

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 1,031,179	$ 896,776	$ 846,184	$ 775,957	$ 810,006	$ 590,039	$ 553,653	$ 557,695	$ 3,550,096	$ 2,511,393	$ 1,862,095
Total expenses	991,204	859,785	781,291	707,717	785,363	539,012	511,090	511,338	3,339,997	2,346,803	1,734,652
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,177	8,805	14,551	18,083	(5,936)	8,614	7,891	8,387	42,616	18,956	23,876
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	8,410	2,953	7,356	6,682	1,743	2,288	1,654	4,958	25,401	10,643	1,180
Net income	47,208	31,139	57,698	56,839	32,322	44,701	36,326	42,928	192,884	156,277	104,747
Net income attributable to NGHC	38,789	28,130	48,470	56,827	17,844	43,113	38,527	42,768	172,216	142,252	102,243
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	30,914	19,922	44,345	52,702	13,719	38,988	33,783	41,737	147,883	128,227	99,952
Comprehensive income (loss)	(13,909)	55,159	104,425	80,787	9,992	31,798	13,797	57,120	226,462	112,707	118,196
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NGHC	$ (15,931)	$ 50,836	$ 88,660	$ 80,775	$ (4,016)	$ 30,566	$ 20,837	$ 55,259	$ 204,340	$ 102,646	$ 115,010
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.29	$ 0.19	$ 0.42	$ 0.50	$ 0.13	$ 0.39	$ 0.36	$ 0.45	$ 1.40	$ 1.31	$ 1.09
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.28	$ 0.18	$ 0.41	$ 0.49	$ 0.13	$ 0.38	$ 0.35	$ 0.43	$ 1.37	$ 1.27	$ 1.07

Schedule I - Summary of Inve169

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Investments, excluding Equity Investments In Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	$ 3,246,364
Value	3,282,761
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	3,282,761
Total Fixed Maturities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	3,093,938
Value	3,121,654
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	3,121,654
U.S. government and government agencies and authorities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	46,144
Value	46,561
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	46,561
States and political subdivision bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	460,089
Value	452,311
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	452,311
Foreign governments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	60,025
Value	56,799
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	56,799
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	79,191
Value	81,681
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	81,681
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	2,427,311
Value	2,463,124
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	2,463,124
Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	21,178
Value	21,178
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	21,178
Total Equity Securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	51,030
Value	59,711
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	59,711
Pubic utilities, banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	6,593
Value	8,729
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	8,729
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	42,857
Value	49,420
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	49,420
Nonredeemable preferred stocks
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	1,580
Value	1,562
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,562
Other Investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	85,722
Value	85,722
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	85,722
Other Short-term Investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data
Cost1	15,674
Value	15,674
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$ 15,674

Schedule II - Condensed Fina170

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 3,061,799	$ 2,357,414
Total investments	3,548,449	2,667,710
Cash and cash equivalents	220,299	225,930
Accrued investment income	27,471	20,402
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,158,108	758,633
Deferred tax asset	46,207	0
Due from affiliate	2,002	41,536
Prepaid and other assets	54,343	41,484
Total assets	7,244,981	5,563,392
Liabilities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0	52,484
Income tax payable	9,077	5,593
Debt	752,001	491,537
Other liabilities	207,700	150,190
Total liabilities	5,319,477	4,026,752
Stockholders’ equity:
Total stockholders’ equity	1,925,504	1,536,640	$ 1,073,450	$ 642,867
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	7,244,981	5,563,392
Parent Company
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	36,717	230,952
Other investments	4,189	4,139
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,528,481	1,782,748
Total investments	2,569,387	2,017,839
Cash and cash equivalents	23,609	16,642	$ 1,282	$ 1,157
Accrued investment income	234	858
Premiums and other receivables, net	552	445
Deferred tax asset	8,345	7,992
Income tax receivable	0	19,931
Due from affiliate	27,088	1,843
Prepaid and other assets	412	0
Total assets	2,629,627	2,065,550
Liabilities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value	0	52,484
Income tax payable	11,246	0
Debt	670,698	441,061
Other liabilities	22,179	35,365
Total liabilities	704,123	528,910
Stockholders’ equity:
Total stockholders’ equity	1,925,504	1,536,640
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,629,627	$ 2,065,550

Schedule II - Condensed Fina171

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Balance Sheets - Parent Company Only Parenthetical (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 3,040,062	$ 2,380,480
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 36,132	$ 229,405

Schedule II - Condensed Fina172

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income:
Investment income									$ 99,586	$ 75,340	$ 52,426
Net realized gain (loss) on investments									25,956	4,940	(648)
Total revenues	$ 1,031,179	$ 896,776	$ 846,184	$ 775,957	$ 810,006	$ 590,039	$ 553,653	$ 557,695	3,550,096	2,511,393	1,862,095
Expenses:
Interest expense									40,180	28,885	17,736
Total expenses	991,204	859,785	781,291	707,717	785,363	539,012	511,090	511,338	3,339,997	2,346,803	1,734,652
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									210,099	164,590	127,443
Provision for income taxes	1,177	8,805	14,551	18,083	(5,936)	8,614	7,891	8,387	42,616	18,956	23,876
Net income	47,208	31,139	57,698	56,839	32,322	44,701	36,326	42,928	192,884	156,277	104,747
Less: Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									(20,668)	(14,025)	(2,504)
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC	38,789	28,130	48,470	56,827	17,844	43,113	38,527	42,768	172,216	142,252	102,243
Dividends on preferred stock									24,333	14,025	2,291
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	30,914	19,922	44,345	52,702	13,719	38,988	33,783	41,737	147,883	128,227	99,952
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment									1,460	1,026	(5,171)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments									32,118	(44,596)	17,938
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									33,578	(43,570)	13,449
Comprehensive income (loss)	(13,909)	55,159	104,425	80,787	9,992	31,798	13,797	57,120	226,462	112,707	118,196
Less: Comprehensive (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									(22,122)	(10,061)	(3,186)
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$ (15,931)	$ 50,836	$ 88,660	$ 80,775	$ (4,016)	$ 30,566	$ 20,837	$ 55,259	204,340	102,646	115,010
Parent Company
Income:
Investment income									8,777	3,813	3,416
Net realized gain (loss) on investments									793	(534)	(2,489)
Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated subsidiaries and partially-owned companies									235,817	160,396	112,850
Total revenues									245,387	163,675	113,777
Expenses:
Interest expense									38,817	24,065	11,753
Other (income) expense, net									(4,246)	321	273
Total expenses									34,571	24,386	12,026
Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									210,816	139,289	101,751
Provision for income taxes									17,932	(16,988)	(2,996)
Net income									192,884	156,277	104,747
Less: Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									20,668	14,025	2,504
Net income (loss) attributable to NGHC									172,216	142,252	102,243
Dividends on preferred stock									(24,333)	(14,025)	(2,291)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders									147,883	128,227	99,952
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment									1,460	1,026	(5,171)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments									32,118	(44,596)	18,620
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									33,578	(43,570)	13,449
Comprehensive income (loss)									226,462	112,707	118,196
Less: Comprehensive (income) attributable to non-controlling interest									(22,122)	(10,061)	(3,186)
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC									$ 204,340	$ 102,646	$ 115,010

Schedule II - Condensed Fina173

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statements of Cash Flows - Parent Company Only (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income	$ 47,208	$ 31,139	$ 57,698	$ 56,839	$ 32,322	$ 44,701	$ 36,326	$ 42,928	$ 192,884	$ 156,277	$ 104,747
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net amortization of premium (discount) on fixed maturities									1,096	2,327	6,370
Stock-compensation expense									8,221	5,937	2,859
Net realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments									(3,854)	10,307	2,892
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(8,410)	$ (2,953)	$ (7,356)	(6,682)	(1,743)	$ (2,288)	$ (1,654)	(4,958)	(25,401)	(10,643)	(1,180)
Foreign currency translation adjustment									725	278	(1,655)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest									(8,627)	(5,649)	(2,591)
Deferred tax asset									(33,133)	(34,677)	(65,507)
Other liabilities									42,591	89,835	5,032
Net cash provided by operating activities									315,414	316,064	388,731
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities									(686,095)	(1,310,560)	(746,338)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities									672,691	530,325	344,707
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries									(17,061)	(68,975)	(21,647)
Purchases of other investments									(180,323)	(10,477)	(14,604)
Net cash used in investing activities									(462,041)	(720,647)	(656,484)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net									(52,484)	5,680	(62,825)
Proceeds from debt									50,000	195,400	245,077
Repayments of debt and return of capital									(18,150)	(631)	(84,427)
Exercises of stock options									5,140	2,595	796
Excess tax benefits on shared-based payments arrangements									1,813	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities									155,436	554,588	324,758
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of the year				225,930					225,930
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the year	220,299				225,930				220,299	225,930
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income									192,884	156,277	104,747
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net amortization of premium (discount) on fixed maturities									1,008	(296)	2,596
Stock-compensation expense									8,221	5,937	2,859
Net realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments									(793)	534	2,489
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries									(247,457)	(213,288)	(118,870)
Foreign currency translation adjustment									0	(139)	(1,655)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest									624	(111)	25
Other assets									(519)	(445)	0
Due to/from affiliates									(25,245)	(11,109)	25,533
Deferred tax asset									(15)	1,187	(19,537)
Income tax receivable/payable									31,177	(26,548)	6,754
Other liabilities									(17,998)	(4,869)	28,714
Net cash provided by operating activities									(58,113)	(92,870)	33,655
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities									(478,502)	(569,632)	(102,191)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities									672,323	355,576	173,804
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries									(297,164)	(275,598)	(517,953)
Purchases of other investments									0	(4,139)	0
Net cash used in investing activities									(103,343)	(493,793)	(446,340)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net									(52,484)	52,484	0
Proceeds from debt									50,000	195,400	245,077
Repayments of debt and return of capital									(150)	0	(59,200)
Proceeds from issuances of common and preferred stock									198,460	370,194	230,997
Dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders									(34,356)	(18,650)	(4,860)
Exercises of stock options									5,140	2,595	796
Excess tax benefits on shared-based payments arrangements									1,813	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities									168,423	602,023	412,810
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash									6,967	15,360	125
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of the year				$ 16,642				$ 1,282	16,642	1,282	1,157
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the year	$ 23,609				$ 16,642				$ 23,609	$ 16,642	$ 1,282

Schedule III - Supplementary174

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 220,922	$ 160,531	$ 125,999
Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	2,265,072	1,755,624	1,562,153
Unearned Premiums	1,635,625	1,192,499	864,436
Net Earned Premium	2,993,781	2,129,810	1,633,220
Net Investment Income	99,586	75,340	52,426
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred	1,958,545	1,381,641	1,053,065
Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization	411,001	333,983	204,317
Other Operating Expenses	86,157	71,947	110,772
Net Written Premium	3,071,306	2,186,246	1,870,024
Property and Casualty
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	207,597	153,767	119,167
Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	2,073,466	1,612,346	1,521,134
Unearned Premiums	1,613,213	1,172,516	851,875
Net Earned Premium	2,579,354	1,918,509	1,512,744
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred	1,659,178	1,210,319	967,176
Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization	365,802	302,126	171,693
Other Operating Expenses	28,626	37,805	88,704
Net Written Premium	2,652,638	1,970,293	1,730,022
Accident and Health
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	13,325	6,764	6,832
Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	191,606	143,278	41,019
Unearned Premiums	22,412	19,983	12,561
Net Earned Premium	414,427	211,301	120,476
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Incurred	299,367	171,322	85,889
Deferred Acquisition Costs Amortization	45,199	31,857	32,624
Other Operating Expenses	57,531	34,142	22,068
Net Written Premium	418,668	215,953	140,002
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	99,586	75,340	52,426
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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Premiums:
Gross Amount	$ 2,716,713	$ 2,052,880	$ 1,496,709
Ceded, Earned	(410,761)	(377,921)	(277,899)
Assumed, Earned	687,829	454,851	414,410
Net earned premium	$ 2,993,781	$ 2,129,810	$ 1,633,220
Percent of Amount Assumed to Net	23.00%	21.40%	25.40%

Schedule V - Valuation and Q176

Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for uncollectible accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of the year	$ 13,433	$ 9,728	$ 6,064
Charge (Benefit) to costs and expenses	35,356	23,810	29,133
Charge to other accounts	0	0	0
Additions (Deductions)	(32,570)	(20,105)	(25,469)
Balance at end of the year	16,219	13,433	9,728
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of the year	17,295	21,518	0
Charge (Benefit) to costs and expenses	(10,910)	(4,223)	0
Charge to other accounts	0	0	0
Additions (Deductions)	750	0	21,518
Balance at end of the year	$ 7,135	$ 17,295	$ 21,518

Schedule VI - Supplemental I177

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Current Year	$ 1,945,007	$ 1,365,957	$ 1,033,788
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	13,538	15,684	19,277
Paid Losses and Adjustment Expenses	$ 1,794,905	$ 1,276,285	$ 865,980