National General (NTTNP) 10-Q 8 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Statement - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Nov. 06, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	NGHC
Entity Registrant Name	National General Holdings Corp.
Entity Central Index Key	1,578,735
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		106,670,768

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 3,247,862	$ 3,061,799
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	30,318	29,578
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	33,174	38,677
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	39,001	30,133
Other investments (Related parties - $352,330 and $390,688)	487,429	513,262
Total investments	3,837,784	3,673,449
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $4,091 and $7,405)	330,728	220,299
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $1,172 and $969)	88,127	65,601
Accrued investment income (Related parties - $1,167 and $1,298) (Exchanges - $2,490 and $2,957)	22,624	28,769
Premiums and other receivables, net (Exchanges - $47,946 and $47,198)	1,340,836	1,090,669
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $38,936 and $31,043)	227,720	220,922
Reinsurance recoverable (Related parties - $20,174 and $37,046) (Exchanges - $87,646 and $55,972)	1,139,880	948,236
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $89,893 and $69,685)	485,028	156,970
Deferred tax asset (Exchanges - $(15,018) and $(19,095))	54,577	46,207
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $5,341 and $4,117)	319,636	114,504
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $3,730 and $11,025)	394,036	467,720
Goodwill	190,713	155,290
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $55 and $88)	41,752	56,345
Total assets	8,473,441	7,244,981
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $139,818 and $137,075)	2,566,437	2,265,072
Unearned premiums and other revenue (Exchanges - $196,745 and $163,326)	1,969,296	1,665,888
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $18,180 and $33,419) (Exchanges - $42,832 and $19,861)	331,454	98,810
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $179,118 and $29,271) (Exchanges - $26,619 and $6,781)	612,338	336,991
Debt	754,922	752,001
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $78,476 and $47,057)	256,531	200,715
Total liabilities	6,490,978	5,319,477
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 106,670,768 shares - 2017; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 106,428,092 shares - 2016.	1,067	1,064
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,000 shares - 2017; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,000 shares - 2016. Aggregate liquidation preference $420,000 - 2017, $420,000 - 2016.	420,000	420,000
Additional paid-in capital	919,477	914,706
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(5,597)	(2,320)
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	14,856	15,030
Total accumulated other comprehensive income	9,259	12,710
Retained earnings	607,555	545,106
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity	1,957,358	1,893,586
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $25,105 and $31,675)	25,105	31,918
Total stockholders’ equity	1,982,463	1,925,504
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	8,473,441	7,244,981
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,928,119	2,755,454
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	30,318	29,578
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	33,174	38,677
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	39,001	30,133
Other investments (Related parties - $352,330 and $390,688)	460,543	513,262
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $139,818 and $137,075)	2,426,619	2,127,997
Reciprocal Exchanges
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	319,743	306,345
Short-term investments	26,886	0
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $4,091 and $7,405)	4,091	7,405
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $1,172 and $969)	1,172	969
Accrued investment income (Related parties - $1,167 and $1,298) (Exchanges - $2,490 and $2,957)	2,490	2,957
Premiums and other receivables, net (Exchanges - $47,946 and $47,198)	47,946	47,198
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $38,936 and $31,043)	38,936	31,043
Reinsurance recoverable (Related parties - $20,174 and $37,046) (Exchanges - $87,646 and $55,972)	87,646	55,972
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $89,893 and $69,685)	89,893	69,685
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $5,341 and $4,117)	5,341	4,117
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $3,730 and $11,025)	3,730	11,025
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $55 and $88)	55	88
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $139,818 and $137,075)	139,818	137,075
Unearned premiums and other revenue (Exchanges - $196,745 and $163,326)	196,745	163,326
Reinsurance payable (Related parties - $18,180 and $33,419) (Exchanges - $42,832 and $19,861)	42,832	19,861
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Related parties - $179,118 and $29,271) (Exchanges - $26,619 and $6,781)	26,619	6,781
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $78,476 and $47,057)	78,476	47,057
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Non-controlling interest (Exchanges - $25,105 and $31,675)	$ 25,105	$ 31,675

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 3,223,376	$ 3,040,062
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	29,074	22,854
Other investments	487,429	513,262
Cash and cash equivalents	330,728	220,299
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	88,127	65,601
Accrued investment income	22,624	28,769
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,340,836	1,090,669
Deferred acquisition costs	227,720	220,922
Reinsurance recoverable	1,139,880	948,236
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	485,028	156,970
Premises and equipment, net	319,636	114,504
Intangible assets, net	394,036	467,720
Prepaid and other assets	41,752	56,345
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,566,437	2,265,072
Unearned premiums and other revenue (Exchanges - $196,745 and $163,326)	1,969,296	1,665,888
Reinsurance payable	331,454	98,810
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	612,338	336,991
Other liabilities	256,531	200,715
Non-controlling interest	$ 25,105	$ 31,918
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	106,670,768	106,428,092
Common stock, shares outstanding	106,670,768	106,428,092
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	2,565,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	2,565,000	2,565,000
Aggregate liquidation preference	$ 420,000	$ 420,000
Related Parties
Other investments	352,330	390,688
Accrued investment income	1,167	1,298
Reinsurance recoverable	20,174	37,046
Reinsurance payable	18,180	33,419
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	179,118	29,271
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	2,906,506	2,739,045
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	29,074	22,854
Other investments	460,543	513,262
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,426,619	2,127,997
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	316,870	301,017
Cash and cash equivalents	4,091	7,405
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,172	969
Accrued investment income	2,490	2,957
Premiums and other receivables, net	47,946	47,198
Deferred acquisition costs	38,936	31,043
Reinsurance recoverable	87,646	55,972
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	89,893	69,685
Premises and equipment, net	5,341	4,117
Intangible assets, net	3,730	11,025
Prepaid and other assets	55	88
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	139,818	137,075
Unearned premiums and other revenue (Exchanges - $196,745 and $163,326)	196,745	163,326
Reinsurance payable	42,832	19,861
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	26,619	6,781
Deferred tax liability	15,018	19,095
Other liabilities	78,476	47,057
Non-controlling interest	$ 25,105	$ 31,675

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues:
Net earned premium	$ 864,301	$ 769,850	$ 2,766,223	$ 2,137,710
Ceding commission income	50,102	14,597	91,604	24,406
Service and fee income	122,526	95,662	373,644	282,623
Net investment income	27,147	27,676	82,983	76,874
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	0	(22,102)	(25)	(22,102)
Other net realized gain on investments	47,605	11,093	45,943	19,406
Total net gain (loss) on investments	47,605	(11,009)	45,918	(2,696)
Other income (expense)	(3,901)	0	(198)	0
Total revenues	1,107,780	896,776	3,360,174	2,518,917
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense	651,218	509,853	1,977,950	1,391,261
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	163,585	140,740	527,681	362,513
General and administrative expenses	214,127	198,737	680,806	566,484
Interest expense	11,495	10,455	34,590	28,535
Total expenses	1,040,425	859,785	3,221,027	2,348,793
Income before provision for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments	67,355	36,991	139,147	170,124
Provision for income taxes	7,698	8,805	27,028	41,439
Income before earnings (losses) of equity method investments	59,657	28,186	112,119	128,685
Earnings (losses) of equity method investments (Related parties)	(4,297)	2,953	(18,258)	16,991
Net income	55,360	31,139	93,861	145,676
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,311)	(3,009)	4,973	(12,249)
Net income attributable to NGHC	54,049	28,130	98,834	133,427
Dividends on preferred stock	(7,875)	(8,208)	(23,625)	(16,458)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$ 46,174	$ 19,922	$ 75,209	$ 116,969
Earnings per common share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.19	$ 0.71	$ 1.11
Diluted (usd per share)	0.43	0.18	0.69	1.08
Dividends declared per common share (usd per common share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.12	$ 0.10
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	106,645,601	106,002,337	106,556,662	105,801,817
Diluted (in shares)	108,520,964	108,423,998	108,690,139	108,053,177

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 55,360	$ 31,139	$ 93,861	$ 145,676
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(1,205)	1,812	(3,277)	1,457
Gross gain on investments, net of tax (three months - $5,414 and $6,413; nine months - $20,670 and $47,459)	10,037	11,910	38,388	88,139
Reclassification adjustments for investment gain/loss included in net income:
Other-than-temporary impairment loss, net of tax (three months - $0 and $7,736; nine months - $9 and $7,736)	0	14,366	16	14,366
Other gain on investments, net of tax (three months - $(17,082) and $(2,190); nine months - $(21,633) and $(4,990))	(31,722)	(4,068)	(40,175)	(9,267)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(22,890)	24,020	(5,048)	94,695
Comprehensive income	32,470	55,159	88,813	240,371
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(2,038)	(4,323)	6,570	(20,100)
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$ 30,432	$ 50,836	$ 95,383	$ 220,271

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Gross gain on investments, tax	$ 5,414	$ 6,413	$ 20,670	$ 47,459
Other-than-temporary impairment loss, tax	0	7,736	9	7,736
Other gain on investments, tax	$ (17,082)	$ (2,190)	$ (21,633)	$ (4,990)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Series C Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Preferred StockSeries C Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in CapitalSeries C Preferred Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Non-controlling Interest
Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015			105,554,331
Common stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015			$ 1,056
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015				2,365,000
Preferred stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015				$ 220,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, beginning 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 (loss)	145,676								133,427	12,249
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	1,457							1,457
Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	93,238							85,387		7,851
Reciprocal Exchanges’ equity on March 31, 2016, date of consolidation	9,575									9,575
Return of capital	(150)					(150)
Issuance of preferred stock, shares					200,000
Issuance of preferred stock, amount		$ 193,518			$ 200,000		$ (6,482)
Common stock dividends	(10,595)								(10,595)
Preferred stock dividends	(16,458)								(16,458)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares			577,464
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	4,208		$ 5			4,203
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, shares			(43,787)
Shares withheld related to net share settlement	0
Stock-based compensation	6,471					6,471
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	1,616					1,616
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016			106,088,008
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016			$ 1,061
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016				2,565,000
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016				$ 420,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 1,942,577					905,772		67,430	518,418	29,896
Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	106,428,092		106,428,092
Common stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016			$ 1,064
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	2,565,000			2,565,000
Preferred stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016				$ 420,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 1,925,504					914,706		12,710	545,106	31,918
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	93,861								98,834	(4,973)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(3,277)							(3,277)
Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	(1,771)							(174)		(1,597)
Purchase of non-controlling interest	(243)									(243)
Common stock dividends	(12,760)								(12,760)
Preferred stock dividends	(23,625)								(23,625)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares			317,688
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	1,119		$ 3			1,116
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, shares			(75,012)
Shares withheld related to net share settlement	(2,626)					(2,626)
Stock-based compensation	$ 6,281					6,281
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	106,670,768		106,670,768
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017			$ 1,067
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	2,565,000			2,565,000
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017				$ 420,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 1,982,463					$ 919,477		$ 9,259	$ 607,555	$ 25,105

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 93,861	$ 145,676
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	71,199	49,461
Net amortization of premium/discount on fixed maturities and debt, net	93	(394)
Stock-compensation expense	6,281	6,471
Bad debt expense	47,248	22,816
Net (gain) loss on investments	(45,918)	2,696
(Earnings) losses of equity method investments	18,258	(16,991)
Other expense	198	208
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	4,756	(3,593)
Premiums and other receivables	(286,523)	(121,010)
Deferred acquisition costs	(6,569)	(68,595)
Reinsurance recoverable	(195,149)	(67,317)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(328,058)	(15,532)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	16,238	(215)
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	293,880	185,425
Unearned premiums and other revenue	300,336	167,749
Reinsurance payable	233,158	27,665
Accounts payable	(3,619)	(25,830)
Deferred tax asset / liability	(5,642)	(24,504)
Other liabilities	76,203	50,690
Net cash provided by operating activities	290,231	314,876
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	(1,560,177)	(532,387)
Proceeds from sale and maturity of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,558,296	421,454
Purchases of equity securities, available-for-sale	(33,989)	(25,176)
Proceeds from sale of equity securities, available-for-sale	20,984	41,225
Purchases of trading investments	(196,926)	(36,519)
Proceeds from sale and maturity of trading investments	192,129	7,412
Purchases of short-term investments	(4,988,664)	(162,980)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	4,977,978	17,754
Purchases of other investments	(53,593)	(147,676)
Proceeds from sale and return of other investments	61,024	18,663
Purchases of premises and equipment	(93,504)	(24,341)
Acquisition of consolidated subsidiaries, net of cash	(18,337)	(126,008)
Decrease in cash due to deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	0	(8,393)
Increase in cash due to consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	0	2,673
Net cash used in investing activities	(134,779)	(554,299)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net	0	(52,484)
Proceeds from debt	95,000	50,000
Repayments of debt, return of capital and purchase of non-controlling interests	(86,441)	(150)
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $0 and $6,482)	0	193,518
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(12,781)	(9,528)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	(23,625)	(12,375)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(1,707)	(919)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,119	7,271
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(28,435)	175,333
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	5,938	(1,813)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	132,955	(65,903)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of the period	285,900	282,277
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	418,855	216,374
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	20,700	20,846
Cash paid for interest	29,882	18,089
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Promissory note issued for acquisition	0	178,894
Unsettled securities purchases and sales	(129,497)	22,059
Decrease in non-controlling interest due to deconsolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	0	22,619
Increase in non-controlling interest due to consolidation of the Reciprocal Exchanges	0	9,575
Common Stock
Dividends Payable
Accrued stock dividends	4,267	4,245
Preferred Stock
Dividends Payable
Accrued stock dividends	$ 7,875	$ 8,208

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Preferred Stock
Stock issuance costs	$ 0	$ 6,482

Basis of Reporting

Basis of Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Reporting	Basis of Reporting The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National General Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “NGHC”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP” or “U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , previously filed with the SEC on March 23, 2017 . The balance sheet at December 31, 2016 , has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2017 , and the audited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 , 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”). From January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, the Reciprocal Exchanges did not meet the criteria for consolidation under GAAP and as a result their accounts and operations are excluded from presentation during the period then ended. The Company does not own the Reciprocal Exchanges but manages their business operations through its wholly-owned management companies. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements. To facilitate period-to-period comparisons, certain reclassifications have been made to amounts in prior period condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation. A detailed description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and management judgments is located in the audited consolidated financial statements, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , filed with the SEC.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During 2017 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. ASU 2016-07 eliminates 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. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and 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 Company adopted ASU 2016-07 on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” 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. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. Adoption of the new standard resulted in: (i) prospectively recognizing all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of income, (ii) retrospectively presenting the excess tax benefits along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity, (iii) the Company’s election to continue estimating expected forfeitures, and (iv) cash paid by the Company when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes to be classified as a financing activity. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on eight specific cash flow classification issues. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2017 resulting in the application of its requirements using a retrospective transition method to each period 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 required classifications of the eight specific transactions in the statements of cash flows. Not Yet Adopted With the exception of those discussed below or as adopted above, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements, changes in accounting pronouncements, or quantitative or qualitative progress made towards implementation of outstanding accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , as compared to those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” 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. 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 will adopt ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 and plans to use the modified retrospective approach. The Company is examining its different revenue streams and related contracts within service and fee income to enable application of the guidance. Currently, the Company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity and disclosures; and is in the process of estimating 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. Specifically, under ASU 2016-01, equity investments (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting or those subject to consolidation) will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Also, for those financial liabilities for which the fair value option accounting has been elected, ASU 2016-01 requires changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk to be presented separately in other comprehensive income. ASU 2016-01 requires companies to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of certain provisions is permitted. ASU 2016-01 should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $809 and $4,371 , respectively, of net unrealized gains, net of tax, for equity securities, available-for-sale, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The Company does not expect to early adopt ASU 2016-01.

Reciprocal Exchanges

Reciprocal Exchanges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reciprocal Exchanges	Reciprocal Exchanges 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 as primary beneficiary. The Company has no ownership interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges. In March 2016, the Company purchased the Reciprocal Exchanges surplus notes that were issued by the Reciprocal Exchanges when they were originally capitalized. The obligation to repay principal and interest on the surplus notes is subordinated to the Reciprocal Exchanges’ other liabilities including obligations to policyholders and claimants for benefits under insurance policies. Principal and interest on the surplus notes are payable only with regulatory approval. The Company determined that 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 Company is the primary beneficiary as it has both, the power to direct their activities that most significantly impact their economic performance and that the Company would absorb more than an insignificant amount of expected losses or residual returns of the Reciprocal Exchanges. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the Reciprocal Exchanges as of March 31, 2016 , and eliminates all intercompany balances and transactions with the Company. 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 interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges, therefore, the difference between the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed represents the fair value of the non-controlling interest. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $67,398 , $66,087 and $1,311 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net loss of $198,834 , $203,807 and $(4,973) , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $52,829 , $49,856 and $2,973 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Reciprocal Exchanges recognized total revenues, total expenses and net income of $107,350 , $95,153 and $12,197 , respectively.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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: September 30, 2017 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 51,328 $ 1,039 $ (94 ) $ 52,273 Federal agencies 4,266 1 (122 ) 4,145 States and political subdivision bonds 414,848 5,360 (3,239 ) 416,969 Foreign government 59,847 3,298 (60 ) 63,085 Corporate bonds 1,066,436 19,549 (3,505 ) 1,082,480 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,120,574 3,042 (6,941 ) 1,116,675 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 155,859 2,834 (1,326 ) 157,367 Asset-backed securities 422 — (5 ) 417 Structured securities 349,796 4,869 (214 ) 354,451 Total fixed maturities 3,223,376 39,992 (15,506 ) 3,247,862 Equity securities: Common stock 26,956 1,176 (44 ) 28,088 Preferred stock 2,118 125 (13 ) 2,230 Total equity securities 29,074 1,301 (57 ) 30,318 Total $ 3,252,450 $ 41,293 $ (15,563 ) $ 3,278,180 NGHC $ 2,935,580 $ 37,522 $ (14,665 ) $ 2,958,437 Reciprocal Exchanges 316,870 3,771 (898 ) 319,743 Total $ 3,252,450 $ 41,293 $ (15,563 ) $ 3,278,180 December 31, 2016 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses 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 As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had no other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in AOCI related to available-for-sale fixed maturities. The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities held as of September 30, 2017 , by contractual maturity, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total September 30, 2017 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 18,523 $ 18,535 $ 7,497 $ 7,497 $ 26,020 $ 26,032 Due after one year through five years 463,666 471,295 149,867 150,316 613,533 621,611 Due after five years through ten years 874,569 885,121 79,015 80,778 953,584 965,899 Due after ten years 329,615 335,014 23,769 24,847 353,384 359,861 Mortgage-backed securities 1,220,133 1,218,154 56,722 56,305 1,276,855 1,274,459 Total $ 2,906,506 $ 2,928,119 $ 316,870 $ 319,743 $ 3,223,376 $ 3,247,862 (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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total September 30, 2017 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 21,790 $ (94 ) 21 $ — $ — — $ 21,790 $ (94 ) Federal agencies 4,082 (122 ) 25 — — — 4,082 (122 ) States and political subdivision bonds 199,355 (2,785 ) 222 14,456 (454 ) 22 213,811 (3,239 ) Foreign government 496 (4 ) 1 1,944 (56 ) 1 2,440 (60 ) Corporate bonds 267,533 (1,620 ) 180 53,876 (1,885 ) 27 321,409 (3,505 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 696,551 (6,810 ) 94 5,661 (131 ) 5 702,212 (6,941 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 78,485 (920 ) 60 3,886 (406 ) 3 82,371 (1,326 ) Asset-backed securities 417 (5 ) 2 — — — 417 (5 ) Structured securities 30,695 (214 ) 23 — — — 30,695 (214 ) Total fixed maturities 1,299,404 (12,574 ) 628 79,823 (2,932 ) 58 1,379,227 (15,506 ) Equity securities: Common stock 20,990 (44 ) 8 — — — 20,990 (44 ) Preferred stock 278 (13 ) 1 — — — 278 (13 ) Total equity securities 21,268 (57 ) 9 — — — 21,268 (57 ) Total $ 1,320,672 $ (12,631 ) 637 $ 79,823 $ (2,932 ) 58 $ 1,400,495 $ (15,563 ) NGHC $ 1,172,916 $ (11,824 ) 571 $ 77,488 $ (2,841 ) 53 $ 1,250,404 $ (14,665 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 147,756 (807 ) 66 2,335 (91 ) 5 150,091 (898 ) Total $ 1,320,672 $ (12,631 ) 637 $ 79,823 $ (2,932 ) 58 $ 1,400,495 $ (15,563 ) 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 ) Total fixed maturities 1,268,150 (34,497 ) 994 61,007 (2,132 ) 44 1,329,157 (36,629 ) Equity securities: Common stock 3,198 (308 ) 5 — — — 3,198 (308 ) Preferred stock 1,298 (35 ) 2 — — — 1,298 (35 ) Total equity securities 4,496 (343 ) 7 — — — 4,496 (343 ) 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 ) There were 695 and 1,045 securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , of the $2,932 and $2,132 , respectively, of unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, $0 and $0 , respectively, of those unrealized losses were related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 25% of its amortized cost or cost. The Company regularly monitors its investments that have fair values less than cost or amortized cost for indicators 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. (c) Trading Securities The fair values on trading securities were as follows: September 30, 2017 Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities December 31, 2016 Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 9,911 13.7 % $ — — % Corporate bonds 23,263 32.3 % 38,677 56.2 % Total fixed maturities 33,174 46.0 % 38,677 56.2 % Equity securities: Common stock 39,001 54.0 % 30,133 43.8 % Total equity securities 39,001 54.0 % 30,133 43.8 % Total $ 72,175 100.0 % $ 68,810 100.0 % NGHC $ 72,175 100.0 % $ 68,810 100.0 % Reciprocal Exchanges — — % — — % Total $ 72,175 100.0 % $ 68,810 100.0 % The portion of trading gains and losses for the period related to trading securities still held during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities $ (2,004 ) $ 1,899 $ (17,916 ) $ 1,899 Less: Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period (5,888 ) (627 ) (5,845 ) (627 ) Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities still held at the reporting date $ 3,884 $ 2,526 $ (12,071 ) $ 2,526 (d) Investment Income The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest income Cash and short-term investments $ 1,301 $ 295 $ 1,452 $ 349 Fixed maturities 25,882 26,129 81,039 69,747 Equity securities 54 996 220 1,387 Investment income 27,237 27,420 82,711 71,483 Repurchase agreements interest expense — (102 ) — (422 ) Other income 1,761 2,837 6,337 10,976 Investment expenses (1,851 ) (2,479 ) (6,065 ) (5,163 ) Net Investment Income $ 27,147 $ 27,676 $ 82,983 $ 76,874 NGHC $ 24,958 $ 24,271 $ 75,763 $ 71,221 Reciprocal Exchanges 2,189 3,405 7,220 5,653 Net Investment Income $ 27,147 $ 27,676 $ 82,983 $ 76,874 (e) Net Realized Gains (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 realized gains, realized losses and OTTI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 46,313 $ (276 ) $ 46,037 $ 15,796 $ (2,299 ) $ 13,497 Equity securities, available-for-sale 2,824 (55 ) 2,769 1,536 (5,783 ) (4,247 ) Fixed maturities, trading 3,509 (1,794 ) 1,715 4,427 (533 ) 3,894 Equity securities, trading 1,408 (5,127 ) (3,719 ) 1,374 (3,369 ) (1,995 ) OTTI — — — — (22,102 ) (22,102 ) Foreign exchange and other investments, net 803 — 803 — (56 ) (56 ) Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 54,857 $ (7,252 ) $ 47,605 $ 23,133 $ (34,142 ) $ (11,009 ) NGHC $ 54,785 $ (7,126 ) $ 47,659 $ 23,037 $ (34,142 ) $ (11,105 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 72 (126 ) (54 ) 96 — 96 Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 54,857 $ (7,252 ) $ 47,605 $ 23,133 $ (34,142 ) $ (11,009 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 57,033 $ (2,647 ) $ 54,386 $ 25,648 $ (4,563 ) $ 21,085 Equity securities, available-for-sale 7,675 (251 ) 7,424 2,240 (6,076 ) (3,836 ) Fixed maturities, trading 3,842 (6,193 ) (2,351 ) 4,427 (533 ) 3,894 Equity securities, trading 5,008 (20,573 ) (15,565 ) 1,374 (3,369 ) (1,995 ) OTTI — (25 ) (25 ) — (22,102 ) (22,102 ) Foreign exchange and other investments, net 2,277 (228 ) 2,049 258 — 258 Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 75,835 $ (29,917 ) $ 45,918 $ 33,947 $ (36,643 ) $ (2,696 ) NGHC $ 69,056 $ (29,271 ) $ 39,785 $ 33,681 $ (36,614 ) $ (2,933 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 6,779 (646 ) 6,133 266 (29 ) 237 Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 75,835 $ (29,917 ) $ 45,918 $ 33,947 $ (36,643 ) $ (2,696 ) (f) Credit Quality of Investments The tables below summarize the credit quality of the Company’s fixed maturities and preferred securities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges September 30, 2017 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 $ 48,496 $ 49,312 1.7 % $ 12,883 $ 12,872 4.0 % AAA 258,112 263,757 8.9 % 29,712 29,422 9.2 % AA, AA+, AA- 1,469,358 1,466,867 49.5 % 135,066 136,023 42.5 % A, A+, A- 532,237 537,708 18.1 % 137,872 140,077 43.8 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 563,714 574,173 19.4 % 1,303 1,315 0.5 % BB+ and lower 70,998 71,706 2.4 % 34 34 — % Total $ 2,942,915 $ 2,963,523 100.0 % $ 316,870 $ 319,743 100.0 % 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 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of the Company’s corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . September 30, 2017 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions 2.8 % 8.4 % 29.8 % 11.8 % 0.7 % $ 591,974 53.5 % Industrials 0.7 % 3.6 % 16.1 % 21.3 % 1.8 % 480,419 43.5 % Utilities/Other — % 0.1 % 1.0 % 1.5 % 0.4 % 33,350 3.0 % Total 3.5 % 12.1 % 46.9 % 34.6 % 2.9 % $ 1,105,743 100.0 % NGHC 2.8 % 4.9 % 34.5 % 34.5 % 2.9 % $ 880,024 79.6 % Reciprocal Exchanges 0.7 % 7.2 % 12.4 % 0.1 % — % 225,719 20.4 % Total 3.5 % 12.1 % 46.9 % 34.6 % 2.9 % $ 1,105,743 100.0 % 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 % (g) 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 330,728 $ 220,299 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 88,127 65,601 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 418,855 $ 285,900 The fair values of the Company’s restricted investments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 State deposits, at fair value $ 82,418 $ 73,731 Restricted investments to trusts, at fair value 214,267 366,306 Total $ 296,685 $ 440,037 (h) Other Investments The table below summarizes the composition of other investments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Equity method investments (Related parties - $226,157 and $265,688) $ 293,827 $ 330,132 Note receivable - related party. See Note 14, "Related Party Transactions" 126,173 125,000 Short-term investments (Exchanges $26,886 and $0) 27,592 15,674 Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost 20,338 21,178 Investments, at fair value 11,010 9,427 Investments, at cost or amortized cost 8,489 11,851 Total $ 487,429 $ 513,262 Equity method investments represents limited liability companies and limited partnership investments in real estate and tax credits. Short-term investments consist of money market funds rated by Standard & Poor’s as AAA. Investments at fair value, represent the Company’s right to receive the excess servicing spread related to servicing rights, for which the Company has elected the fair value option with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Investments at cost or amortized cost, represent limited partnerships, loans and trusts. The Company believes its exposure to risk associated with these investments is generally limited to the investment carrying amounts. The Company’s cost-method investments are assessed for impairment quarterly. No impairment losses were recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . Equity Method Investments - Related Parties The significant shareholder of the Company has an ownership interest in AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (“AmTrust”) and ACP Re Ltd. (“ACP Re”). LSC Entities The Company has a 50% ownership interest in two entities (collectively, the “LSC Entities”) formed for the purpose of acquiring life settlement contracts, with AmTrust owning the remaining 50%. The LSC Entities used the contributed capital to pay premiums and purchase policies. 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 LSC Entities account for these life settlement contracts using the fair value method. The Company determined the LSC Entities 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 table presents the Company’s investment activity in the LSC Entities: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 185,992 $ 153,661 Contributions 21,040 5,500 Distributions (45,127 ) — Equity in earnings 3,213 13,001 Change in equity method investments (20,874 ) 18,501 Balance at end of the period $ 165,118 $ 172,162 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from the LSC Entities of $(462) and $3,213 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from the LSC Entities of $2,469 and $13,001 , respectively. The following table describes the LSC Entities investment in life settlements as of September 30, 2017 . This table shows the gross amounts for the portfolio of life insurance policies owned by the LSC Entities, in which the Company and AmTrust each own a 50% interest. Expected Maturity Term in Years Number of Fair Value (1) Face Value September 30, 2017 0 - 1 — $ — $ — 1 - 2 6 41,011 58,000 2 - 3 3 22,994 32,422 3 - 4 13 45,356 101,000 4 - 5 13 25,426 60,400 Thereafter 107 163,914 744,880 Total 142 $ 298,701 $ 996,702 (1) The LSC Entities determined the fair value as of September 30, 2017 based on 138 policies out of 142 policies, as the LSC Entities assigned no value to 4 of the policies as of September 30, 2017 . For the contracts where the LSC Entities determined the fair value to be negative and therefore assigned a fair value of zero, the table below details the amount of premiums paid and the death benefits received during the twelve months preceding September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Number of policies with a negative value from discounted cash flow model 4 18 Premiums paid for the preceding twelve-month period for period ended $ 394 $ 2,640 Death benefit received $ — $ — During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the LSC Entities sold 114 policies to an unaffiliated third party for consideration of $100,000 , payable $90,000 on the closing date and $5,000 on the next two anniversaries of the close date. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company received distributions from the LSC Entities of $45,127 . LSC Entities premiums to keep life insurance policies in force Premiums to be paid by the LSC Entities for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the life insurance policies in force as of September 30, 2017 , are as follows: Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts 2017 $ 35,423 2018 36,568 2019 35,922 2020 34,781 2021 32,544 Thereafter 215,213 Total $ 390,451 Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships The following entities are considered by the Company to be VIEs, for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for these entities using the equity method of accounting. The Company believes its exposure to risk associated with these investments is generally limited to the investment carrying amounts. 800 Superior, LLC The Company owns 800 Superior, LLC, a limited liability company that owns an office building in Cleveland, Ohio, with AmTrust. 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. Additionally, the Company entered into an office lease with 800 Superior, LLC. The Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $703 and $2,109 in rent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $693 and $2,059 in rent, respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $1,172 and $1,479 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(156) and $(307) , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(17) and $(125) , respectively. East Ninth & Superior, LLC The Company owns 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 Company’s equity interest in East Ninth & Superior as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $4,238 and $4,189 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $12 and $49 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from East Ninth & Superior of $12 and $40 , respectively. North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. 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”), a related party, owned by Karfunkel Family members which is 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. The Company’s equity interest in North Dearborn as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $7,839 and $12,694 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $(415) and $(4,855) , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $225 and $842 , respectively, and made contributions of $0 and $1,125 , respectively. 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC The Company formed 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC, a limited liability company that owns an office building in Dallas, Texas, with AmTrust. 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. Additionally, the Company entered into a lease agreement with 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC. The Company paid 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC $587 and $1,717 in rent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company paid rent for 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $425 and $968 , respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $626 and $900 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $(487) and $(274) , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) of $8 and $261 , respectively, and received distributions of $0 and $10,158 , respectively. Illinois Center Building, L.P. 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 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 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. The Company’s equity interest in Illinois Center as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $47,164 and $60,435 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $(2,789) and $(16,084) , respectively, and made contributions of $938 and $2,813 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $256 and $3,157 , respectively, and received distributions of $1,875 and $1,875 , respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company carries certain financial instruments at fair value. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are measured and classified in accordance with a fair value hierarchy consisting of three “levels” based on the observability of valuation inputs: 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. The following describes the valuation techniques used by the Company to determine the fair value measurements on a recurring basis of financial instruments held as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The Company utilizes a pricing service (“pricing service”) to estimate fair value measurements for all its fixed maturities and equity securities. Level 1 measurements: • U.S. Treasury and federal agencies. The fair values of U.S. government securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets. The Company believes the market for U.S. government securities is an actively traded market given the high level of daily trading volume. • Common stock. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for equity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets and their respective quoted prices are provided at fair value. Level 2 measurements: • States and political subdivision bonds, and foreign government. The primary inputs to the valuation include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active. • 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. • Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities 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. • Preferred stock. 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. Level 3 measurements: • States and political subdivision bonds. The Company 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. • Foreign government. The Company 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. • Corporate bonds. The Company 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. • Residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and structured securities. The Company 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. • Common stock and preferred stock. 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 quotes, 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. • Other investments, at fair value. Comprised of the Company’s right 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 recorded in earnings. Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: September 30, 2017 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Available-for-sale securities: Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 52,273 $ — $ — $ 52,273 Federal agencies 4,145 — — 4,145 States and political subdivision bonds — 412,239 4,730 416,969 Foreign government — 63,085 — 63,085 Corporate bonds — 1,057,829 24,651 1,082,480 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,116,675 — 1,116,675 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 157,367 — 157,367 Asset-backed securities — 417 — 417 Structured securities — 354,451 — 354,451 Total fixed maturities 56,418 3,162,063 29,381 3,247,862 Equity securities: Common stock 28,088 — — 28,088 Preferred stock — 1,960 270 2,230 Total equity securities 28,088 1,960 270 30,318 Total available-for-sale securities 84,506 3,164,023 29,651 3,278,180 Trading securities: Fixed maturities - U.S. Treasury 9,911 — — 9,911 Fixed maturities - Corporate bonds — 23,263 — 23,263 Equity securities - Common stock 33,218 — 5,783 39,001 Total trading securities 43,129 23,263 5,783 72,175 Other investments 27,592 — 11,010 38,602 Total assets $ 155,227 $ 3,187,286 $ 46,444 $ 3,388,957 NGHC $ 115,469 $ 2,880,415 $ 46,444 $ 3,042,328 Reciprocal Exchanges 39,758 306,871 — 346,629 Total assets $ 155,227 $ 3,187,286 $ 46,444 $ 3,388,957 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 Other investments 15,674 — 9,427 25,101 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 The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company had no Level 3 financial assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Balance as of Net income/loss Other comprehensive Purchases Sales Net transfers Balance as of September 30, 2017 States and political subdivision bonds $ 4,732 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (2 ) $ 4,730 Foreign government 1,910 — — — — (1,910 ) — Corporate bonds 36,044 — 119 — (9,725 ) (1,787 ) 24,651 Residential mortgage-backed securities 7,423 — — — (1 ) (7,422 ) — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 4,849 — — — — (4,849 ) — Structured securities 9,055 — — — (2,001 ) (7,054 ) — Common stock 6,297 — 1,663 4,119 (6,297 ) 1 5,783 Preferred stock — — (5 ) — — 275 270 Other investments 9,427 (299 ) — 3,986 (2,104 ) — 11,010 Total assets $ 79,737 $ (299 ) $ 1,777 $ 8,105 $ (20,128 ) $ (22,748 ) $ 46,444 During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company transferred $23,024 out of Level 3 into Level 2, due to changes in broker quotes where the inputs include quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active resulting in the securities being classified as Level 2; and $276 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 , there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels as of the end of each reporting period, consistent with the date of determination of fair value. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the carrying values of the Company’s short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents, premiums and other receivables, and accounts payable approximate its fair value given their short-term nature and are classified as Level 1. Fair value information about financial instruments not measured at fair value Debt - The amount reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for these financial instruments represents the carrying value of the debt. See Note 11, “Debt” for additional information. The Company’s 7.625% Notes are publicly traded and classified as Level 2. The Company’s 6.75% Notes, the Subordinated Debentures, the Imperial Surplus Notes, the SPCIC Surplus Notes, the Credit Agreement and the Century-National Promissory Note are not publicly traded and are classified as Level 3. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the fair values of the Company’s 6.75% Notes, the Credit Agreement and the Century-National Promissory Note 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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the fair values of the Company’s Subordinated Debentures, Imperial Surplus Notes and SPCIC Surplus Notes were valued using the Black-Derman-Toy interest rate lattice model. The following table presents the carrying amount and fair value estimates of debt not carried at fair value: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value 7.625% Notes $ 96,735 $ 103,001 $ 96,669 $ 100,160 6.75% Notes 345,622 363,781 345,135 360,865 Subordinated Debentures 72,168 72,104 72,168 72,168 Imperial Surplus Notes 5,000 4,986 5,000 4,986 SPCIC Surplus Notes 4,000 3,996 4,000 4,000 Credit Agreement 145,000 151,476 50,000 53,925 Century-National Promissory Note 86,397 86,229 178,894 178,778 Other — — 135 135 Total $ 754,922 $ 785,573 $ 752,001 $ 775,017

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 $160,012 . Direct General net assets purchased of approximately $166,941 exceeded the cash paid by the Company of approximately $160,012 , and, as a result, the Company recorded a $6,929 bargain purchase gain in earnings (of which $198 was reversed in 2017 and $7,127 was recorded in 2016). This acquisition added a direct distribution channel to the Company’s core nonstandard auto business and expanded 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 1, 2016 Assets: Cash and invested assets $ 300,253 Premiums receivable 232,035 Reinsurance recoverable 356 Income tax receivable 295 Deferred tax asset 30,872 Premises and equipment 27,530 Intangible assets 59,355 Other assets 28,327 Total assets $ 679,023 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 2,391 Total liabilities 512,082 Net assets purchased 166,941 Purchase price 160,012 Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings $ 6,929 The intangible assets related to the acquisition of Direct General were assigned to the Property and Casualty (“P&C”) segment. The intangible assets acquired consisted of state licenses of $13,000 with an indefinite life, trademarks of $30,000 , agent relationships of $5,200 , value in policies in force of $6,815 , 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. As a result of the acquisition of Direct General, the Company recorded $98,537 and $346,543 of gross premium written and $24,194 and $82,644 of service and fee income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. 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 a $17,181 bargain purchase gain in earnings in 2016. This acquisition expanded the Company’s homeowners and package products in Illinois and Indiana.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred Acquisition Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 220,922 $ 160,531 Additions 462,227 495,195 Reductions — (23,803 ) Amortization (455,429 ) (411,001 ) Change in DAC 6,798 60,391 Balance at end of the period $ 227,720 $ 220,922 NGHC $ 188,784 $ 189,879 Reciprocal Exchanges 38,936 31,043 Balance at end of the period $ 227,720 $ 220,922

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 test is performed annually as of October 1st, 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. No goodwill impairment was recorded during three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , goodwill increased by $35,423 due to acquisitions. Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of definite and indefinite life assets. Definite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization primarily include agent and customer relationships, value in policies in force, renewal rights and trademarks. Indefinite-lived intangible assets include management contracts and state licenses, subject to annual impairment testing. No intangible assets impairment was recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Included in the Company’s amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , is an impairment charge of $0 and $132 , respectively, related to an indefinite-lived state license intangible asset. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company amortized $9,465 and $50,249 , respectively, related to its definite-lived intangible assets, which includes amortization relating to intangible assets owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $45 and $7,295 , respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company amortized $17,498 and $37,557 , respectively, related to its definite-lived intangible assets, which includes amortization relating to intangible assets owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $7,204 and $14,409 , respectively. Total amortization expense includes amortization of loss reserve premium.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustme

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves The unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves are 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 standard 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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , reflecting changes in losses incurred and paid losses: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health NGHC Reciprocal Total Property and Casualty Accident and Health NGHC Reciprocal Total Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period $ 1,936,391 $ 191,606 $ 2,127,997 $ 137,075 $ 2,265,072 $ 1,479,953 $ 143,279 $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the period (827,672 ) (10,933 ) (838,605 ) (42,192 ) (880,797 ) (793,508 ) (583 ) (794,091 ) (39,085 ) (833,176 ) Net balance at beginning of the period 1,108,719 180,673 1,289,392 94,883 1,384,275 686,445 142,696 829,141 93,307 922,448 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,634,876 257,227 1,892,103 90,220 1,982,323 1,129,982 229,133 1,359,115 40,359 1,399,474 Prior year 7,177 (10,106 ) (2,929 ) (1,444 ) (4,373 ) (6,629 ) 3,134 (3,495 ) (4,718 ) (8,213 ) Total incurred 1,642,053 247,121 1,889,174 88,776 1,977,950 1,123,353 232,267 1,355,620 35,641 1,391,261 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (925,021 ) (110,570 ) (1,035,591 ) (59,858 ) (1,095,449 ) (629,046 ) (134,672 ) (763,718 ) (22,446 ) (786,164 ) Prior year (610,139 ) (88,111 ) (698,250 ) (34,352 ) (732,602 ) (406,105 ) (69,854 ) (475,959 ) (11,511 ) (487,470 ) Total paid (1,535,160 ) (198,681 ) (1,733,841 ) (94,210 ) (1,828,051 ) (1,035,151 ) (204,526 ) (1,239,677 ) (33,957 ) (1,273,634 ) Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve, net — — — — — 120,008 8,327 128,335 385 128,720 Effect of foreign exchange rates — 6,903 6,903 — 6,903 — 431 431 — 431 Net balance at end of the period 1,215,612 236,016 1,451,628 89,449 1,541,077 894,655 179,195 1,073,850 95,376 1,169,226 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the period 966,155 8,836 974,991 50,369 1,025,360 861,068 11,195 872,263 45,445 917,708 Gross balance at end of period $ 2,181,767 $ 244,852 $ 2,426,619 $ 139,818 $ 2,566,437 $ 1,755,723 $ 190,390 $ 1,946,113 $ 140,821 $ 2,086,934 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. 2017. Loss and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included $4,373 of favorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves (including $1,444 of favorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges). The $5,733 of unfavorable development in the P&C segment was driven by unfavorable development in the Company’s auto liability business while the $10,106 of favorable development in the A&H segment was primarily driven by favorable development in the Company’s domestic A&H business. 2016. Loss and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included $8,213 of favorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves (including $4,718 of favorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges). The $11,347 of favorable development in the P&C segment was driven by favorable development in the Company’s lender-placed insurance business and the Reciprocal Exchanges, while $3,134 of unfavorable development in the A&H segment was primarily driven by the Company’s domestic A&H businesses.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. The Reciprocal Exchanges are not included in the Company’s consolidated tax return as the Company does not have an ownership interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges, and they are not a part of the consolidated tax sharing agreement. The Company uses the estimated annual effective tax rate method. Certain items, including those deemed to be unusual, infrequent or that cannot be reliably estimated, are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. In these cases, the actual tax expense or benefit is reported in the same period as the related item. Certain tax effects are also not reflected in the estimated annual effective tax rate, primarily certain changes in the realizability of deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions. The following table is a reconciliation of the difference in the Company’s income tax expense compared to the statutory rate of 35% : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments $ 65,213 $ 2,142 $ 67,355 $ 34,303 $ 2,688 $ 36,991 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 22,825 $ 750 $ 23,575 $ 12,006 $ 941 $ 12,947 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (550 ) — (550 ) (8,165 ) — (8,165 ) Statutory equalization reserves (4,856 ) — (4,856 ) (1,620 ) — (1,620 ) Other (10,552 ) 81 (10,471 ) 6,869 (1,226 ) 5,643 Total income tax reported $ 6,867 $ 831 $ 7,698 $ 9,090 $ (285 ) $ 8,805 Effective tax rate 10.5 % 38.8 % 11.4 % 26.5 % (10.6 )% 23.8 % Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments $ 145,465 $ (6,318 ) $ 139,147 $ 158,486 $ 11,638 $ 170,124 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 50,913 $ (2,211 ) $ 48,702 $ 55,470 $ 4,073 $ 59,543 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (5,393 ) — (5,393 ) (12,221 ) — (12,221 ) Statutory equalization reserves (8,319 ) — (8,319 ) (10,897 ) — (10,897 ) Other (8,828 ) 866 (7,962 ) 9,646 (4,632 ) 5,014 Total income tax reported $ 28,373 $ (1,345 ) $ 27,028 $ 41,998 $ (559 ) $ 41,439 Effective tax rate 19.5 % 21.3 % 19.4 % 26.5 % (4.8 )% 24.4 % The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate decreased from 24.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 19.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The decrease was primarily driven by a reduction in the Company’s estimate of annual pre-tax income due to significant catastrophe losses in 2017. 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, 2014 , 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, 2013 forward, depending on jurisdiction.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055 The Company previously issued $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. 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , was $1,922 and $5,703 , respectively. Interest expense on the 7.625% Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , was $1,922 and $5,703 , respectively. The indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The indenture also includes covenants relating to the incurrence of debt if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio would exceed 0.35 to 1.00 , a limitation on liens, a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and a limitation on transactions with certain of the Company’s affiliates. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the indenture as of September 30, 2017 . 6.75% Notes due 2024 The Company previously issued $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. The 6.75% Notes are the Company’s general unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with its other existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any of its indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the 6.75% Notes. The 6.75% Notes are also effectively subordinated to any of the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and are structurally subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries (including trade payables). The 6.75% Notes mature on May 15, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or purchased by the Company. The Company also issued 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. 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , was $5,955 and $17,670 , respectively. Interest expense on the 6.75% Notes, including the additional issuance, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , was $5,955 and $17,670 , respectively. The indenture contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations. The indenture also includes covenants relating to the incurrence of debt if the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio would exceed 0.35 to 1.00 , a limitation on liens, a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and a limitation on transactions with certain of the Company’s affiliates. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants contained in the indenture as of September 30, 2017 . 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 and $2,168 as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, 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. The Subordinated 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $925 and $2,835 , respectively. See Note 6, “Acquisitions” for additional information. Imperial-related Debt The Company’s subsidiary, Imperial Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, is the issuer of $5,000 principal amount of Surplus Notes due 2034 (“Imperial Surplus Notes”). The notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.05% , payable quarterly. The notes are redeemable by the Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount. Interest expense on the Imperial Surplus Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $68 and $196 , respectively. Interest expense on the Imperial Surplus Notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $61 and $177 , 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $56 and $161 , respectively. See Note 6, “Acquisitions” for additional information. Revolving Credit Agreement On January 25, 2016 , the Company entered into a 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 $225,000 base revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $112,500 and an expansion feature not to exceed $50,000 . As of September 30, 2017 , the Credit Agreement had been expanded to $245,000 . 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 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 September 30, 2017 ). As of September 30, 2017 , there was $145,000 outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding as of September 30, 2017 was 3.58% . Interest payments are due the last day of the interest period in intervals of three months duration, commencing on the date of such borrowing. Interest expense on the Credit Agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $1,311 and $2,855 , respectively. Interest expense on the Credit Agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $378 and $501 . The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2017 . 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 amount of $172,794 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 $86,397 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. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company paid the first installment on the Century-National Promissory Note, in the amount of $93,167 including accrued interest of $6,770 . Interest expense on the Century-National Promissory Note for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $958 and $3,842 , respectively. Interest expense on the Century-National Promissory Note for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $1,957 and $2,594 . Maturities of the Company’s debt for the five years subsequent to September 30, 2017 are as follows: 2017 (remaining three months) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 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 — — — 145,000 — — — 145,000 Century-National Promissory Note — 86,397 — — — — — 86,397 Total principal amount of debt $ — $ 86,397 $ — $ 145,000 $ — $ — $ 531,168 $ 762,565 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (7,643 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 754,922

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company currently has two equity incentive plans (the “Plans”). The Plans authorize up to an aggregate of 7,435,000 shares of Company stock for awards of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSU”), unrestricted stock and other performance awards. The aggregate number of shares of common stock for which awards may be issued may not exceed 7,435,000 shares, subject to the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors to adjust this amount in the event of a consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar transaction affecting the Company’s common stock. As of September 30, 2017 , 948,081 shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Plans. The Company recognizes compensation expense 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 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. RSUs are net share settled. Under net settlement procedures, upon each settlement date, RSUs were withheld to cover the required withholding tax, which is based on the value of the RSU on the settlement date as determined by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the applicable settlement date. The remaining amounts are delivered to the recipient as shares of the Company’s common stock. The amount remitted to the tax authorities for the employees’ tax obligation to the tax authorities is reflected as a financing activity in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. These shares withheld by the Company as a result of the net settlement of RSUs are no longer considered outstanding on a diluted basis, thereby reducing the Company’s diluted shares used to calculate earnings per share. These shares are available for future issuance under the Plans. A summary of the Company’s stock option awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is shown below: Shares Subject to Options Outstanding September 30, 2017 Number of Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Outstanding at beginning of period 3,583,670 $ 9.29 Exercised (114,464 ) 9.77 Outstanding at end of period 3,469,206 $ 9.28 5.2 $ 34,108 Exercisable at end of period 3,379,664 $ 9.19 5.2 $ 33,511 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock option awards and the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $19.11 , as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on September 30, 2017 . No options were granted, forfeited or expired during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The total intrinsic value of the options exercised for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $0 and $1,532 , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $1,560 and $6,153 , respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $306 and $1,957 , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $1,038 and $2,689 , respectively. A summary of the Company’s RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is shown below: RSUs September 30, 2017 Number of RSUs Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of period 567,972 $ 16.64 Granted 514,021 24.06 Vested (203,224 ) 16.86 Forfeited (3,330 ) 8.30 Non-vested at end of period 875,439 $ 21.77 The total fair value of the RSUs vested for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $1,477 and $3,426 , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $921 and $1,714 , respectively. Compensation expense, included in general and administrative expenses, for all share-based compensation plans was $1,794 and $6,281 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $2,323 and $6,471 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had approximately $13,316 of unrecognized share-based compensation expense, of which $13,024 was related to RSUs and $292 to stock options. This unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings Per Share The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income attributable to NGHC $ 54,049 $ 28,130 $ 98,834 $ 133,427 Less: Dividends on preferred stock (7,875 ) (8,208 ) (23,625 ) (16,458 ) Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 46,174 $ 19,922 $ 75,209 $ 116,969 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 106,645,601 106,002,337 106,556,662 105,801,817 Potentially dilutive securities: Employee stock options 1,772,419 1,940,507 1,967,337 1,853,573 RSUs 102,944 481,154 166,140 397,787 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 108,520,964 108,423,998 108,690,139 108,053,177 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.19 $ 0.71 $ 1.11 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.18 $ 0.69 $ 1.08 Certain options and RSUs were excluded from the earnings per share calculation because the impact would have been antidilutive. These excluded options and RSUs were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 to and 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 AmTrust, the Company pays AmTrust a fee for managing the Company’s investment portfolio. AmTrust 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 . The agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party. The amounts charged for such expenses were $1,272 and $3,467 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, while the amounts charged for such expenses were $734 and $2,532 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there was a payable to AmTrust related to these services in the amount of $1,168 and $926 , respectively. Master Services Agreement Pursuant to a master services agreement among the Company and AmTrust, AmTrust provided the Company information technology development services in connection with the development and licensing of a policy management system (“the System”). AmTrust received a license fee of 1.25% of gross premium written by the Company and its affiliates written on the system plus the costs for development and support services. The Company was obligated to pay a licensing fee for use of the System until 2023. In addition, AmTrust provides printing and mailing services at a per piece cost for policy and policy related materials, such as invoices, quotes, notices and endorsements, associated with the policies processed on the System. AmTrust also provides the Company services in managing the premium receipts from its lockbox facilities based on actual volume and actual cost. The Company recorded expenses related to this agreement of $13,742 and $44,802 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $13,023 and $34,650 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively. On September 13, 2017 , the Company entered into an asset purchase and license agreement (the “Agreement”) with AmTrust, pursuant to which the Company acquired ownership of the System and the related intellectual property, as well as a non-exclusive perpetual license to certain software programs used in connection with the System, for a purchase price of $200,000 , including license fees which would have been payable for use of the System during the third quarter 2017. The purchase price is payable in three equal installments in the amount of $66,667 , with the first payment made upon the execution of the Agreement, the second payment payable upon the 6-month anniversary of the Agreement, and the third payment payable upon the later of the completion of the full separation and transfer of the System to the Company’s operating environment and the 18-month anniversary of the Agreement. In addition, the Company will be required to pay AmTrust costs for the implementation of the System within the Company's technology environment (up to $5,000 ). The Agreement also terminated the existing master services agreement between the Company and AmTrust. AmTrust will continue to provide printing and mailing services, and management of the premium receipts from its lockbox facilities during a transition period pursuant to the Agreement under the same terms as those provided under the master services agreement. Use of the Company Aircraft In May 2017, the Company entered into a time share agreement with AmTrust for the use of the Company’s plane. AmTrust utilized the plane during three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , and paid the Company $0 and $30 , respectively, for the time share. Reinsurance Agreement The Company has a reinsurance agreement with a segregated cell company managed by AmTrust, 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: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Reinsurance Recoverable $ 1,488 $ 1,083 Commission Receivable 184 139 Reinsurance Payable 682 533 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Ceded Premiums $ 665 $ 511 $ 1,854 $ 1,651 Ceding Commission Income 200 87 696 403 Ceded Losses and LAE 425 431 1,233 974 NGHC Quota Share Agreement The Company participated in a quota share reinsurance treaty with ACP Re, Maiden and AmTrust, whereby the Company ceded 50% of the total net earned premiums, net of a ceding commission, and net incurred losses and LAE on business with effective dates after March 1, 2010 (“NGHC Quota Share”). In August 2013, the Company terminated the NGHC Quota Share agreement on a run-off basis. The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Reinsurance Recoverable Reinsurance Payable Reinsurance Recoverable Reinsurance Payable ACP Re $ 5,606 $ 6,588 $ 12,411 $ 10,685 Maiden 9,343 5,300 16,823 15,957 AmTrust 3,737 5,794 6,729 6,383 Total $ 18,686 $ 17,682 $ 35,963 $ 33,025 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ 1,007 $ (257 ) $ 2,110 Maiden — 1,679 (429 ) 3,516 AmTrust — 672 (171 ) 1,407 Total $ — $ 3,358 $ (857 ) $ 7,033 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ 1,906 $ (2,292 ) $ 5,266 Maiden — 3,177 (3,820 ) 8,776 AmTrust — 1,271 (1,528 ) 3,511 Total $ — $ 6,354 $ (7,640 ) $ 17,553 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 held assets in trust in the amount of $2,866 and $13,757 , respectively, as of September 30, 2017 and $801 and $13,298 , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . LSC Entities, Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships The Company has ownership interest in LSC Entities, limited liability companies and limited partnerships with related parties. For further discussion see Note 4, “Investments - Equity Method Investments - Related Parties” for additional information. Agreements with ACP Re Credit Agreement In 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “ACP Re Credit Agreement”) by and among AmTrust, as administrative agent, ACP Re, as borrower, ACP Re Holdings, LLC, parent company of ACP Re, as guarantor, and AmTrust and the Company, 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. Under the restated terms, the borrower became ACP Re Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company owned by a related-party trust, the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (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 of the loan changed from September 15, 2021 to September 20, 2036. The interest rate 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 $1,167 and $3,487 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, and $2,049 and $6,424 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. Management evaluates the loan for impairment on a quarterly basis, including the adequacy of the Company’s reserve position based on collateral levels maintained. Management determined no reserve was needed for the carrying value of the loan at September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . Other Related Party Transactions Lease Agreements The Company leases office space at 59 Maiden Lane in New York, New York from 59 Maiden Lane Associates LLC, an entity that is wholly-owned by the Karfunkel family. The lease term is through 2022. The Company paid $202 and $576 in rent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. The Company leases office space at 30 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois from 30 North LaSalle Street Partners LLC, an entity that is wholly-owned by the Karfunkel family. The lease term is through 2020. The Company paid $75 and $222 in rent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. Use of the Company Aircraft In April 2017, the Company and Barry Karfunkel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into a time sharing agreement for the use of the Company’s plane. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , Mr. Barry Karfunkel reimbursed the Company, in aggregate, $53 and $53 , respectively, for his personal use of the company-owned aircraft.

Service and Fee Income

Service and Fee Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]
Service and Fee Income	Service and Fee Income The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Commission revenue $ 35,507 $ 31,478 $ 118,357 $ 88,313 Finance and processing fees 26,190 23,577 79,108 64,581 Installment fees 20,938 9,826 59,623 27,748 Group health administrative fees 15,611 17,222 45,619 53,928 Late payment fees 10,455 4,275 35,124 11,054 Other 13,825 9,284 35,813 36,999 Total $ 122,526 $ 95,662 $ 373,644 $ 282,623

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,083,045 $ 121,266 $ — $ 1,204,311 Ceded premiums (571,688 ) (11,069 ) — (582,757 ) Net premium written 511,357 110,197 — 621,554 Change in unearned premium 217,217 25,530 — 242,747 Net earned premium 728,574 135,727 — 864,301 Ceding commission income 49,876 226 — 50,102 Service and fee income 90,034 32,492 — 122,526 Total underwriting revenues 868,484 168,445 — 1,036,929 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 555,731 95,487 — 651,218 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 129,759 33,826 — 163,585 General and administrative expenses 175,664 38,463 — 214,127 Total underwriting expenses 861,154 167,776 — 1,028,930 Underwriting income 7,330 669 — 7,999 Net investment income — — 27,147 27,147 Net gain on investments — — 47,605 47,605 Other expense — — (3,901 ) (3,901 ) Earnings (losses) of equity method investments — — (4,297 ) (4,297 ) Interest expense — — (11,495 ) (11,495 ) Provision for income taxes — — (7,698 ) (7,698 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (1,311 ) (1,311 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 7,330 $ 669 $ 46,050 $ 54,049 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 833,835 $ 97,624 $ — $ 931,459 Ceded premiums (114,825 ) (10,249 ) — (125,074 ) Net premium written 719,010 87,375 — 806,385 Change in unearned premium (54,242 ) 17,707 — (36,535 ) Net earned premium 664,768 105,082 — 769,850 Ceding commission income 14,270 327 — 14,597 Service and fee income 55,504 40,158 — 95,662 Total underwriting revenues 734,542 145,567 — 880,109 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 432,706 77,147 — 509,853 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 107,904 32,836 — 140,740 General and administrative expenses 166,368 32,369 — 198,737 Total underwriting expenses 706,978 142,352 — 849,330 Underwriting income 27,564 3,215 — 30,779 Net investment income — — 27,676 27,676 Net loss on investments — — (11,009 ) (11,009 ) Earnings of equity method investments — — 2,953 2,953 Interest expense — — (10,455 ) (10,455 ) Provision for income taxes — — (8,805 ) (8,805 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (3,009 ) (3,009 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 27,564 $ 3,215 $ (2,649 ) $ 28,130 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 3,149,094 $ 444,195 $ — $ 3,593,289 Ceded premiums (818,361 ) (34,635 ) — (852,996 ) Net premium written 2,330,733 409,560 — 2,740,293 Change in unearned premium 35,985 (10,055 ) — 25,930 Net earned premium 2,366,718 399,505 — 2,766,223 Ceding commission income 90,820 784 — 91,604 Service and fee income 265,836 107,808 — 373,644 Total underwriting revenues 2,723,374 508,097 — 3,231,471 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,730,829 247,121 — 1,977,950 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 415,606 112,075 — 527,681 General and administrative expenses 558,288 122,518 — 680,806 Total underwriting expenses 2,704,723 481,714 — 3,186,437 Underwriting income 18,651 26,383 — 45,034 Net investment income — — 82,983 82,983 Net gain on investments — — 45,918 45,918 Other expense — — (198 ) (198 ) Earnings (losses) of equity method investments — — (18,258 ) (18,258 ) Interest expense — — (34,590 ) (34,590 ) Provision for income taxes — — (27,028 ) (27,028 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest — — 4,973 4,973 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 18,651 $ 26,383 $ 53,800 $ 98,834 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 2,242,788 $ 355,372 $ — $ 2,598,160 Ceded premiums (275,932 ) (33,807 ) — (309,739 ) Net premium written 1,966,856 321,565 — 2,288,421 Change in unearned premium (137,010 ) (13,701 ) — (150,711 ) Net earned premium 1,829,846 307,864 — 2,137,710 Ceding commission income 23,351 1,055 — 24,406 Service and fee income 170,153 112,470 — 282,623 Total underwriting revenues 2,023,350 421,389 — 2,444,739 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,158,994 232,267 — 1,391,261 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 281,341 81,172 — 362,513 General and administrative expenses 472,635 93,849 — 566,484 Total underwriting expenses 1,912,970 407,288 — 2,320,258 Underwriting income 110,380 14,101 — 124,481 Net investment income — — 76,874 76,874 Net loss on investments — — (2,696 ) (2,696 ) Earnings of equity method investments — — 16,991 16,991 Interest expense — — (28,535 ) (28,535 ) Provision for income taxes — — (41,439 ) (41,439 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (12,249 ) (12,249 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 110,380 $ 14,101 $ 8,946 $ 133,427 The following tables summarize the total assets of the Company’s operating segments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,187,405 $ 145,137 $ 8,294 $ 1,340,836 Deferred acquisition costs 212,518 15,202 — 227,720 Reinsurance recoverable 1,131,045 8,835 — 1,139,880 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 485,028 — — 485,028 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 466,533 118,216 — 584,749 Prepaid and other assets 23,768 17,984 — 41,752 Corporate and other assets — — 4,653,476 4,653,476 Total assets $ 3,506,297 $ 305,374 $ 4,661,770 $ 8,473,441 December 31, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 929,084 $ 149,387 $ 12,198 $ 1,090,669 Deferred acquisition costs 207,597 13,325 — 220,922 Reinsurance recoverable 937,303 10,933 — 948,236 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 2,414 56,345 Corporate and other assets — — 4,148,829 4,148,829 Total assets $ 2,784,012 $ 297,528 $ 4,163,441 $ 7,244,981 The following tables show an analysis of the Company’s gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,093,828 $ 104,406 $ 1,198,234 $ 842,984 $ 80,978 $ 923,962 Gross premium written - Europe 6,077 — 6,077 7,497 — 7,497 Total $ 1,099,905 $ 104,406 $ 1,204,311 $ 850,481 $ 80,978 $ 931,459 Net premium written - North America $ 571,944 $ 43,533 $ 615,477 $ 759,822 $ 39,066 $ 798,888 Net premium written - Europe 6,077 — 6,077 7,497 — 7,497 Total $ 578,021 $ 43,533 $ 621,554 $ 767,319 $ 39,066 $ 806,385 Net earned premium - North America $ 791,289 $ 41,978 $ 833,267 $ 709,522 $ 35,507 $ 745,029 Net earned premium - Europe 31,034 — 31,034 24,821 — 24,821 Total $ 822,323 $ 41,978 $ 864,301 $ 734,343 $ 35,507 $ 769,850 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 3,212,195 $ 285,779 $ 3,497,974 $ 2,352,809 $ 158,148 $ 2,510,957 Gross premium written - Europe 95,315 — 95,315 87,203 — 87,203 Total $ 3,307,510 $ 285,779 $ 3,593,289 $ 2,440,012 $ 158,148 $ 2,598,160 Net premium written - North America $ 2,508,501 $ 136,477 $ 2,644,978 $ 2,123,022 $ 78,196 $ 2,201,218 Net premium written - Europe 95,315 — 95,315 87,203 — 87,203 Total $ 2,603,816 $ 136,477 $ 2,740,293 $ 2,210,225 $ 78,196 $ 2,288,421 Net earned premium - North America $ 2,557,961 $ 123,266 $ 2,681,227 $ 1,993,270 $ 71,535 $ 2,064,805 Net earned premium - Europe 84,996 — 84,996 72,905 — 72,905 Total $ 2,642,957 $ 123,266 $ 2,766,223 $ 2,066,175 $ 71,535 $ 2,137,710 The following tables show an analysis of the Company’s gross premium written, net premium written and net earned premium by product type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Gross Premium Written 2017 2016 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 599,306 $ 384,384 $ 1,760,913 $ 1,107,457 Homeowners 153,853 135,833 419,525 306,360 RV/Packaged 49,928 42,964 147,280 129,260 Small Business Auto 79,296 72,692 246,562 191,209 Lender-placed insurance 84,447 105,249 251,091 325,436 Other 11,809 11,735 37,944 24,918 Property and Casualty $ 978,639 $ 752,857 $ 2,863,315 $ 2,084,640 Accident and Health 121,266 97,624 444,195 355,372 NGHC Total $ 1,099,905 $ 850,481 $ 3,307,510 $ 2,440,012 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 39,040 $ 25,345 $ 102,420 $ 48,466 Homeowners 64,240 53,534 180,616 105,170 Other 1,126 2,099 2,743 4,512 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 104,406 $ 80,978 $ 285,779 $ 158,148 Total $ 1,204,311 $ 931,459 $ 3,593,289 $ 2,598,160 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Premium Written 2017 2016 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 318,773 $ 344,605 $ 1,387,024 $ 977,212 Homeowners (18,881 ) 120,242 217,590 276,677 RV/Packaged 49,547 42,705 146,256 128,582 Small Business Auto 43,505 66,790 195,577 174,731 Lender-placed insurance 70,581 99,824 229,938 317,206 Other 4,299 5,778 17,871 14,252 Property and Casualty $ 467,824 $ 679,944 $ 2,194,256 $ 1,888,660 Accident and Health 110,197 87,375 409,560 321,565 NGHC Total $ 578,021 $ 767,319 $ 2,603,816 $ 2,210,225 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 12,533 $ 15,047 $ 51,240 $ 28,500 Homeowners 30,497 22,948 83,887 46,483 Other 503 1,071 1,350 3,213 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 43,533 $ 39,066 $ 136,477 $ 78,196 Total $ 621,554 $ 806,385 $ 2,740,293 $ 2,288,421 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Earned Premium 2017 2016 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 428,112 $ 312,654 $ 1,377,752 $ 875,480 Homeowners 68,042 100,875 282,741 256,870 RV/Packaged 45,742 40,727 129,706 117,261 Small Business Auto 60,013 59,791 193,578 155,105 Lender-placed insurance 79,048 103,751 241,990 335,076 Other 5,639 11,463 17,685 18,519 Property and Casualty $ 686,596 $ 629,261 $ 2,243,452 $ 1,758,311 Accident and Health 135,727 105,082 399,505 307,864 NGHC Total $ 822,323 $ 734,343 $ 2,642,957 $ 2,066,175 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 15,167 $ 13,860 $ 48,523 $ 26,840 Homeowners 26,382 20,275 73,533 39,879 Other 429 1,372 1,210 4,816 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 41,978 $ 35,507 $ 123,266 $ 71,535 Total $ 864,301 $ 769,850 $ 2,766,223 $ 2,137,710

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Event In October 2017, wildfires impacted Northern California. The Company’s initial assessment of the impact is approximately $40,000 - $45,000 in losses, net of reinsurance and excluding reinstatement premiums.

Recent Accounting Pronounceme27

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Reporting	Basis of Reporting The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National General Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “NGHC”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP” or “U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , previously filed with the SEC on March 23, 2017 . The balance sheet at December 31, 2016 , has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2017 , and the audited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 , 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”). From January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, the Reciprocal Exchanges did not meet the criteria for consolidation under GAAP and as a result their accounts and operations are excluded from presentation during the period then ended. The Company does not own the Reciprocal Exchanges but manages their business operations through its wholly-owned management companies. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim period and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative, if annualized, of those to be expected for the full year. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements. To facilitate period-to-period comparisons, certain reclassifications have been made to amounts in prior period condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During 2017 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. ASU 2016-07 eliminates 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. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and 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 Company adopted ASU 2016-07 on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” 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. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017. Adoption of the new standard resulted in: (i) prospectively recognizing all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of income, (ii) retrospectively presenting the excess tax benefits along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity, (iii) the Company’s election to continue estimating expected forfeitures, and (iv) cash paid by the Company when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes to be classified as a financing activity. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on eight specific cash flow classification issues. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2017 resulting in the application of its requirements using a retrospective transition method to each period 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 required classifications of the eight specific transactions in the statements of cash flows. Not Yet Adopted With the exception of those discussed below or as adopted above, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements, changes in accounting pronouncements, or quantitative or qualitative progress made towards implementation of outstanding accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , as compared to those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” 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. 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 will adopt ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 and plans to use the modified retrospective approach. The Company is examining its different revenue streams and related contracts within service and fee income to enable application of the guidance. Currently, the Company is evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity and disclosures; and is in the process of estimating 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. Specifically, under ASU 2016-01, equity investments (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting or those subject to consolidation) will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Also, for those financial liabilities for which the fair value option accounting has been elected, ASU 2016-01 requires changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk to be presented separately in other comprehensive income. ASU 2016-01 requires companies to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of certain provisions is permitted. ASU 2016-01 should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $809 and $4,371 , respectively, of net unrealized gains, net of tax, for equity securities, available-for-sale, recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The Company does not expect to early adopt ASU 2016-01.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
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: September 30, 2017 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 51,328 $ 1,039 $ (94 ) $ 52,273 Federal agencies 4,266 1 (122 ) 4,145 States and political subdivision bonds 414,848 5,360 (3,239 ) 416,969 Foreign government 59,847 3,298 (60 ) 63,085 Corporate bonds 1,066,436 19,549 (3,505 ) 1,082,480 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,120,574 3,042 (6,941 ) 1,116,675 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 155,859 2,834 (1,326 ) 157,367 Asset-backed securities 422 — (5 ) 417 Structured securities 349,796 4,869 (214 ) 354,451 Total fixed maturities 3,223,376 39,992 (15,506 ) 3,247,862 Equity securities: Common stock 26,956 1,176 (44 ) 28,088 Preferred stock 2,118 125 (13 ) 2,230 Total equity securities 29,074 1,301 (57 ) 30,318 Total $ 3,252,450 $ 41,293 $ (15,563 ) $ 3,278,180 NGHC $ 2,935,580 $ 37,522 $ (14,665 ) $ 2,958,437 Reciprocal Exchanges 316,870 3,771 (898 ) 319,743 Total $ 3,252,450 $ 41,293 $ (15,563 ) $ 3,278,180 December 31, 2016 Cost or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses 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
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities held as of September 30, 2017 , by contractual maturity, are shown in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total September 30, 2017 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 18,523 $ 18,535 $ 7,497 $ 7,497 $ 26,020 $ 26,032 Due after one year through five years 463,666 471,295 149,867 150,316 613,533 621,611 Due after five years through ten years 874,569 885,121 79,015 80,778 953,584 965,899 Due after ten years 329,615 335,014 23,769 24,847 353,384 359,861 Mortgage-backed securities 1,220,133 1,218,154 56,722 56,305 1,276,855 1,274,459 Total $ 2,906,506 $ 2,928,119 $ 316,870 $ 319,743 $ 3,223,376 $ 3,247,862
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 September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total September 30, 2017 Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized No. of Fair Unrealized Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 21,790 $ (94 ) 21 $ — $ — — $ 21,790 $ (94 ) Federal agencies 4,082 (122 ) 25 — — — 4,082 (122 ) States and political subdivision bonds 199,355 (2,785 ) 222 14,456 (454 ) 22 213,811 (3,239 ) Foreign government 496 (4 ) 1 1,944 (56 ) 1 2,440 (60 ) Corporate bonds 267,533 (1,620 ) 180 53,876 (1,885 ) 27 321,409 (3,505 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 696,551 (6,810 ) 94 5,661 (131 ) 5 702,212 (6,941 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 78,485 (920 ) 60 3,886 (406 ) 3 82,371 (1,326 ) Asset-backed securities 417 (5 ) 2 — — — 417 (5 ) Structured securities 30,695 (214 ) 23 — — — 30,695 (214 ) Total fixed maturities 1,299,404 (12,574 ) 628 79,823 (2,932 ) 58 1,379,227 (15,506 ) Equity securities: Common stock 20,990 (44 ) 8 — — — 20,990 (44 ) Preferred stock 278 (13 ) 1 — — — 278 (13 ) Total equity securities 21,268 (57 ) 9 — — — 21,268 (57 ) Total $ 1,320,672 $ (12,631 ) 637 $ 79,823 $ (2,932 ) 58 $ 1,400,495 $ (15,563 ) NGHC $ 1,172,916 $ (11,824 ) 571 $ 77,488 $ (2,841 ) 53 $ 1,250,404 $ (14,665 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 147,756 (807 ) 66 2,335 (91 ) 5 150,091 (898 ) Total $ 1,320,672 $ (12,631 ) 637 $ 79,823 $ (2,932 ) 58 $ 1,400,495 $ (15,563 ) 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 ) Total fixed maturities 1,268,150 (34,497 ) 994 61,007 (2,132 ) 44 1,329,157 (36,629 ) Equity securities: Common stock 3,198 (308 ) 5 — — — 3,198 (308 ) Preferred stock 1,298 (35 ) 2 — — — 1,298 (35 ) Total equity securities 4,496 (343 ) 7 — — — 4,496 (343 ) 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 )
Trading Securities	The fair values on trading securities were as follows: September 30, 2017 Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities December 31, 2016 Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 9,911 13.7 % $ — — % Corporate bonds 23,263 32.3 % 38,677 56.2 % Total fixed maturities 33,174 46.0 % 38,677 56.2 % Equity securities: Common stock 39,001 54.0 % 30,133 43.8 % Total equity securities 39,001 54.0 % 30,133 43.8 % Total $ 72,175 100.0 % $ 68,810 100.0 % NGHC $ 72,175 100.0 % $ 68,810 100.0 % Reciprocal Exchanges — — % — — % Total $ 72,175 100.0 % $ 68,810 100.0 % The portion of trading gains and losses for the period related to trading securities still held during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities $ (2,004 ) $ 1,899 $ (17,916 ) $ 1,899 Less: Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period (5,888 ) (627 ) (5,845 ) (627 ) Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities still held at the reporting date $ 3,884 $ 2,526 $ (12,071 ) $ 2,526
Investment Income	The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest income Cash and short-term investments $ 1,301 $ 295 $ 1,452 $ 349 Fixed maturities 25,882 26,129 81,039 69,747 Equity securities 54 996 220 1,387 Investment income 27,237 27,420 82,711 71,483 Repurchase agreements interest expense — (102 ) — (422 ) Other income 1,761 2,837 6,337 10,976 Investment expenses (1,851 ) (2,479 ) (6,065 ) (5,163 ) Net Investment Income $ 27,147 $ 27,676 $ 82,983 $ 76,874 NGHC $ 24,958 $ 24,271 $ 75,763 $ 71,221 Reciprocal Exchanges 2,189 3,405 7,220 5,653 Net Investment Income $ 27,147 $ 27,676 $ 82,983 $ 76,874
Net Realized Gains (Losses)	The tables below indicate realized gains, realized losses and OTTI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 . Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 46,313 $ (276 ) $ 46,037 $ 15,796 $ (2,299 ) $ 13,497 Equity securities, available-for-sale 2,824 (55 ) 2,769 1,536 (5,783 ) (4,247 ) Fixed maturities, trading 3,509 (1,794 ) 1,715 4,427 (533 ) 3,894 Equity securities, trading 1,408 (5,127 ) (3,719 ) 1,374 (3,369 ) (1,995 ) OTTI — — — — (22,102 ) (22,102 ) Foreign exchange and other investments, net 803 — 803 — (56 ) (56 ) Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 54,857 $ (7,252 ) $ 47,605 $ 23,133 $ (34,142 ) $ (11,009 ) NGHC $ 54,785 $ (7,126 ) $ 47,659 $ 23,037 $ (34,142 ) $ (11,105 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 72 (126 ) (54 ) 96 — 96 Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 54,857 $ (7,252 ) $ 47,605 $ 23,133 $ (34,142 ) $ (11,009 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 57,033 $ (2,647 ) $ 54,386 $ 25,648 $ (4,563 ) $ 21,085 Equity securities, available-for-sale 7,675 (251 ) 7,424 2,240 (6,076 ) (3,836 ) Fixed maturities, trading 3,842 (6,193 ) (2,351 ) 4,427 (533 ) 3,894 Equity securities, trading 5,008 (20,573 ) (15,565 ) 1,374 (3,369 ) (1,995 ) OTTI — (25 ) (25 ) — (22,102 ) (22,102 ) Foreign exchange and other investments, net 2,277 (228 ) 2,049 258 — 258 Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 75,835 $ (29,917 ) $ 45,918 $ 33,947 $ (36,643 ) $ (2,696 ) NGHC $ 69,056 $ (29,271 ) $ 39,785 $ 33,681 $ (36,614 ) $ (2,933 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 6,779 (646 ) 6,133 266 (29 ) 237 Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 75,835 $ (29,917 ) $ 45,918 $ 33,947 $ (36,643 ) $ (2,696 )
Credit Quality of Investments	The tables below summarize the credit quality of the Company’s fixed maturities and preferred securities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , as rated by Standard & Poor’s. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges September 30, 2017 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 $ 48,496 $ 49,312 1.7 % $ 12,883 $ 12,872 4.0 % AAA 258,112 263,757 8.9 % 29,712 29,422 9.2 % AA, AA+, AA- 1,469,358 1,466,867 49.5 % 135,066 136,023 42.5 % A, A+, A- 532,237 537,708 18.1 % 137,872 140,077 43.8 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 563,714 574,173 19.4 % 1,303 1,315 0.5 % BB+ and lower 70,998 71,706 2.4 % 34 34 — % Total $ 2,942,915 $ 2,963,523 100.0 % $ 316,870 $ 319,743 100.0 % 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 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of the Company’s corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . September 30, 2017 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Corporate Bonds: Financial Institutions 2.8 % 8.4 % 29.8 % 11.8 % 0.7 % $ 591,974 53.5 % Industrials 0.7 % 3.6 % 16.1 % 21.3 % 1.8 % 480,419 43.5 % Utilities/Other — % 0.1 % 1.0 % 1.5 % 0.4 % 33,350 3.0 % Total 3.5 % 12.1 % 46.9 % 34.6 % 2.9 % $ 1,105,743 100.0 % NGHC 2.8 % 4.9 % 34.5 % 34.5 % 2.9 % $ 880,024 79.6 % Reciprocal Exchanges 0.7 % 7.2 % 12.4 % 0.1 % — % 225,719 20.4 % Total 3.5 % 12.1 % 46.9 % 34.6 % 2.9 % $ 1,105,743 100.0 % 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 %
Restricted Cash and Investments	The Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 330,728 $ 220,299 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 88,127 65,601 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 418,855 $ 285,900
Restricted Investments	The fair values of the Company’s restricted investments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 State deposits, at fair value $ 82,418 $ 73,731 Restricted investments to trusts, at fair value 214,267 366,306 Total $ 296,685 $ 440,037
Other Investments	The table below summarizes the composition of other investments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Equity method investments (Related parties - $226,157 and $265,688) $ 293,827 $ 330,132 Note receivable - related party. See Note 14, "Related Party Transactions" 126,173 125,000 Short-term investments (Exchanges $26,886 and $0) 27,592 15,674 Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost 20,338 21,178 Investments, at fair value 11,010 9,427 Investments, at cost or amortized cost 8,489 11,851 Total $ 487,429 $ 513,262
LSC Entities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investments	For the contracts where the LSC Entities determined the fair value to be negative and therefore assigned a fair value of zero, the table below details the amount of premiums paid and the death benefits received during the twelve months preceding September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Number of policies with a negative value from discounted cash flow model 4 18 Premiums paid for the preceding twelve-month period for period ended $ 394 $ 2,640 Death benefit received $ — $ — The following table describes the LSC Entities investment in life settlements as of September 30, 2017 . This table shows the gross amounts for the portfolio of life insurance policies owned by the LSC Entities, in which the Company and AmTrust each own a 50% interest. Expected Maturity Term in Years Number of Fair Value (1) Face Value September 30, 2017 0 - 1 — $ — $ — 1 - 2 6 41,011 58,000 2 - 3 3 22,994 32,422 3 - 4 13 45,356 101,000 4 - 5 13 25,426 60,400 Thereafter 107 163,914 744,880 Total 142 $ 298,701 $ 996,702 The following table presents the Company’s investment activity in the LSC Entities: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 185,992 $ 153,661 Contributions 21,040 5,500 Distributions (45,127 ) — Equity in earnings 3,213 13,001 Change in equity method investments (20,874 ) 18,501 Balance at end of the period $ 165,118 $ 172,162
Schedule of Life Settlement Contracts, Fair Value Method	Premiums to be paid by the LSC Entities for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the life insurance policies in force as of September 30, 2017 , are as follows: Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts 2017 $ 35,423 2018 36,568 2019 35,922 2020 34,781 2021 32,544 Thereafter 215,213 Total $ 390,451

Fair Value of Financial Instr29

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: September 30, 2017 Recurring Fair Value Measures Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Available-for-sale securities: Fixed maturities: U.S. Treasury $ 52,273 $ — $ — $ 52,273 Federal agencies 4,145 — — 4,145 States and political subdivision bonds — 412,239 4,730 416,969 Foreign government — 63,085 — 63,085 Corporate bonds — 1,057,829 24,651 1,082,480 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,116,675 — 1,116,675 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 157,367 — 157,367 Asset-backed securities — 417 — 417 Structured securities — 354,451 — 354,451 Total fixed maturities 56,418 3,162,063 29,381 3,247,862 Equity securities: Common stock 28,088 — — 28,088 Preferred stock — 1,960 270 2,230 Total equity securities 28,088 1,960 270 30,318 Total available-for-sale securities 84,506 3,164,023 29,651 3,278,180 Trading securities: Fixed maturities - U.S. Treasury 9,911 — — 9,911 Fixed maturities - Corporate bonds — 23,263 — 23,263 Equity securities - Common stock 33,218 — 5,783 39,001 Total trading securities 43,129 23,263 5,783 72,175 Other investments 27,592 — 11,010 38,602 Total assets $ 155,227 $ 3,187,286 $ 46,444 $ 3,388,957 NGHC $ 115,469 $ 2,880,415 $ 46,444 $ 3,042,328 Reciprocal Exchanges 39,758 306,871 — 346,629 Total assets $ 155,227 $ 3,187,286 $ 46,444 $ 3,388,957 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 Other investments 15,674 — 9,427 25,101 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
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company had no Level 3 financial assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Balance as of Net income/loss Other comprehensive Purchases Sales Net transfers Balance as of September 30, 2017 States and political subdivision bonds $ 4,732 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (2 ) $ 4,730 Foreign government 1,910 — — — — (1,910 ) — Corporate bonds 36,044 — 119 — (9,725 ) (1,787 ) 24,651 Residential mortgage-backed securities 7,423 — — — (1 ) (7,422 ) — Commercial mortgage-backed securities 4,849 — — — — (4,849 ) — Structured securities 9,055 — — — (2,001 ) (7,054 ) — Common stock 6,297 — 1,663 4,119 (6,297 ) 1 5,783 Preferred stock — — (5 ) — — 275 270 Other investments 9,427 (299 ) — 3,986 (2,104 ) — 11,010 Total assets $ 79,737 $ (299 ) $ 1,777 $ 8,105 $ (20,128 ) $ (22,748 ) $ 46,444
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: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value 7.625% Notes $ 96,735 $ 103,001 $ 96,669 $ 100,160 6.75% Notes 345,622 363,781 345,135 360,865 Subordinated Debentures 72,168 72,104 72,168 72,168 Imperial Surplus Notes 5,000 4,986 5,000 4,986 SPCIC Surplus Notes 4,000 3,996 4,000 4,000 Credit Agreement 145,000 151,476 50,000 53,925 Century-National Promissory Note 86,397 86,229 178,894 178,778 Other — — 135 135 Total $ 754,922 $ 785,573 $ 752,001 $ 775,017

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 1, 2016 Assets: Cash and invested assets $ 300,253 Premiums receivable 232,035 Reinsurance recoverable 356 Income tax receivable 295 Deferred tax asset 30,872 Premises and equipment 27,530 Intangible assets 59,355 Other assets 28,327 Total assets $ 679,023 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 2,391 Total liabilities 512,082 Net assets purchased 166,941 Purchase price 160,012 Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings $ 6,929

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred Acquisition Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 220,922 $ 160,531 Additions 462,227 495,195 Reductions — (23,803 ) Amortization (455,429 ) (411,001 ) Change in DAC 6,798 60,391 Balance at end of the period $ 227,720 $ 220,922 NGHC $ 188,784 $ 189,879 Reciprocal Exchanges 38,936 31,043 Balance at end of the period $ 227,720 $ 220,922

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust32

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	The table below shows the activity of loss reserves on a gross and net of reinsurance basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , reflecting changes in losses incurred and paid losses: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health NGHC Reciprocal Total Property and Casualty Accident and Health NGHC Reciprocal Total Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period $ 1,936,391 $ 191,606 $ 2,127,997 $ 137,075 $ 2,265,072 $ 1,479,953 $ 143,279 $ 1,623,232 $ 132,392 $ 1,755,624 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the period (827,672 ) (10,933 ) (838,605 ) (42,192 ) (880,797 ) (793,508 ) (583 ) (794,091 ) (39,085 ) (833,176 ) Net balance at beginning of the period 1,108,719 180,673 1,289,392 94,883 1,384,275 686,445 142,696 829,141 93,307 922,448 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,634,876 257,227 1,892,103 90,220 1,982,323 1,129,982 229,133 1,359,115 40,359 1,399,474 Prior year 7,177 (10,106 ) (2,929 ) (1,444 ) (4,373 ) (6,629 ) 3,134 (3,495 ) (4,718 ) (8,213 ) Total incurred 1,642,053 247,121 1,889,174 88,776 1,977,950 1,123,353 232,267 1,355,620 35,641 1,391,261 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (925,021 ) (110,570 ) (1,035,591 ) (59,858 ) (1,095,449 ) (629,046 ) (134,672 ) (763,718 ) (22,446 ) (786,164 ) Prior year (610,139 ) (88,111 ) (698,250 ) (34,352 ) (732,602 ) (406,105 ) (69,854 ) (475,959 ) (11,511 ) (487,470 ) Total paid (1,535,160 ) (198,681 ) (1,733,841 ) (94,210 ) (1,828,051 ) (1,035,151 ) (204,526 ) (1,239,677 ) (33,957 ) (1,273,634 ) Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve, net — — — — — 120,008 8,327 128,335 385 128,720 Effect of foreign exchange rates — 6,903 6,903 — 6,903 — 431 431 — 431 Net balance at end of the period 1,215,612 236,016 1,451,628 89,449 1,541,077 894,655 179,195 1,073,850 95,376 1,169,226 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the period 966,155 8,836 974,991 50,369 1,025,360 861,068 11,195 872,263 45,445 917,708 Gross balance at end of period $ 2,181,767 $ 244,852 $ 2,426,619 $ 139,818 $ 2,566,437 $ 1,755,723 $ 190,390 $ 1,946,113 $ 140,821 $ 2,086,934

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following table is a reconciliation of the difference in the Company’s income tax expense compared to the statutory rate of 35% : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments $ 65,213 $ 2,142 $ 67,355 $ 34,303 $ 2,688 $ 36,991 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 22,825 $ 750 $ 23,575 $ 12,006 $ 941 $ 12,947 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (550 ) — (550 ) (8,165 ) — (8,165 ) Statutory equalization reserves (4,856 ) — (4,856 ) (1,620 ) — (1,620 ) Other (10,552 ) 81 (10,471 ) 6,869 (1,226 ) 5,643 Total income tax reported $ 6,867 $ 831 $ 7,698 $ 9,090 $ (285 ) $ 8,805 Effective tax rate 10.5 % 38.8 % 11.4 % 26.5 % (10.6 )% 23.8 % Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges Total Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments $ 145,465 $ (6,318 ) $ 139,147 $ 158,486 $ 11,638 $ 170,124 Tax at Federal statutory rate 35% $ 50,913 $ (2,211 ) $ 48,702 $ 55,470 $ 4,073 $ 59,543 Tax effects resulting from: Exempt foreign income (5,393 ) — (5,393 ) (12,221 ) — (12,221 ) Statutory equalization reserves (8,319 ) — (8,319 ) (10,897 ) — (10,897 ) Other (8,828 ) 866 (7,962 ) 9,646 (4,632 ) 5,014 Total income tax reported $ 28,373 $ (1,345 ) $ 27,028 $ 41,998 $ (559 ) $ 41,439 Effective tax rate 19.5 % 21.3 % 19.4 % 26.5 % (4.8 )% 24.4 %

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of the Company’s debt for the five years subsequent to September 30, 2017 are as follows: 2017 (remaining three months) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 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 — — — 145,000 — — — 145,000 Century-National Promissory Note — 86,397 — — — — — 86,397 Total principal amount of debt $ — $ 86,397 $ — $ 145,000 $ — $ — $ 531,168 $ 762,565 Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (7,643 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 754,922

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	A summary of the Company’s stock option awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is shown below: Shares Subject to Options Outstanding September 30, 2017 Number of Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Outstanding at beginning of period 3,583,670 $ 9.29 Exercised (114,464 ) 9.77 Outstanding at end of period 3,469,206 $ 9.28 5.2 $ 34,108 Exercisable at end of period 3,379,664 $ 9.19 5.2 $ 33,511 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock option awards and the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $19.11 , as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on September 30, 2017 .
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	A summary of the Company’s RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is shown below: RSUs September 30, 2017 Number of RSUs Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of period 567,972 $ 16.64 Granted 514,021 24.06 Vested (203,224 ) 16.86 Forfeited (3,330 ) 8.30 Non-vested at end of period 875,439 $ 21.77

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income attributable to NGHC $ 54,049 $ 28,130 $ 98,834 $ 133,427 Less: Dividends on preferred stock (7,875 ) (8,208 ) (23,625 ) (16,458 ) Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 46,174 $ 19,922 $ 75,209 $ 116,969 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic 106,645,601 106,002,337 106,556,662 105,801,817 Potentially dilutive securities: Employee stock options 1,772,419 1,940,507 1,967,337 1,853,573 RSUs 102,944 481,154 166,140 397,787 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted 108,520,964 108,423,998 108,690,139 108,053,177 Basic earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.19 $ 0.71 $ 1.11 Diluted earnings per share attributable to NGHC common stockholders $ 0.43 $ 0.18 $ 0.69 $ 1.08

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Schedule of Reinsurance Treaties	The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Reinsurance Recoverable $ 1,488 $ 1,083 Commission Receivable 184 139 Reinsurance Payable 682 533 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Ceded Premiums $ 665 $ 511 $ 1,854 $ 1,651 Ceding Commission Income 200 87 696 403 Ceded Losses and LAE 425 431 1,233 974
Quota Share Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Schedule of Reinsurance Treaties	The amounts related to this reinsurance treaty are as follows: September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Reinsurance Recoverable Reinsurance Payable Reinsurance Recoverable Reinsurance Payable ACP Re $ 5,606 $ 6,588 $ 12,411 $ 10,685 Maiden 9,343 5,300 16,823 15,957 AmTrust 3,737 5,794 6,729 6,383 Total $ 18,686 $ 17,682 $ 35,963 $ 33,025 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ 1,007 $ (257 ) $ 2,110 Maiden — 1,679 (429 ) 3,516 AmTrust — 672 (171 ) 1,407 Total $ — $ 3,358 $ (857 ) $ 7,033 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses Ceding Commission Income (Loss) Ceded Losses and LAE ACP Re $ — $ 1,906 $ (2,292 ) $ 5,266 Maiden — 3,177 (3,820 ) 8,776 AmTrust — 1,271 (1,528 ) 3,511 Total $ — $ 6,354 $ (7,640 ) $ 17,553

Service and Fee Income (Tables)

Service and Fee Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Service and Fee Income	The following table summarizes service and fee income by category: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Commission revenue $ 35,507 $ 31,478 $ 118,357 $ 88,313 Finance and processing fees 26,190 23,577 79,108 64,581 Installment fees 20,938 9,826 59,623 27,748 Group health administrative fees 15,611 17,222 45,619 53,928 Late payment fees 10,455 4,275 35,124 11,054 Other 13,825 9,284 35,813 36,999 Total $ 122,526 $ 95,662 $ 373,644 $ 282,623

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables summarize the results of operations of the Company’s operating segments: Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 1,083,045 $ 121,266 $ — $ 1,204,311 Ceded premiums (571,688 ) (11,069 ) — (582,757 ) Net premium written 511,357 110,197 — 621,554 Change in unearned premium 217,217 25,530 — 242,747 Net earned premium 728,574 135,727 — 864,301 Ceding commission income 49,876 226 — 50,102 Service and fee income 90,034 32,492 — 122,526 Total underwriting revenues 868,484 168,445 — 1,036,929 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 555,731 95,487 — 651,218 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 129,759 33,826 — 163,585 General and administrative expenses 175,664 38,463 — 214,127 Total underwriting expenses 861,154 167,776 — 1,028,930 Underwriting income 7,330 669 — 7,999 Net investment income — — 27,147 27,147 Net gain on investments — — 47,605 47,605 Other expense — — (3,901 ) (3,901 ) Earnings (losses) of equity method investments — — (4,297 ) (4,297 ) Interest expense — — (11,495 ) (11,495 ) Provision for income taxes — — (7,698 ) (7,698 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (1,311 ) (1,311 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 7,330 $ 669 $ 46,050 $ 54,049 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 833,835 $ 97,624 $ — $ 931,459 Ceded premiums (114,825 ) (10,249 ) — (125,074 ) Net premium written 719,010 87,375 — 806,385 Change in unearned premium (54,242 ) 17,707 — (36,535 ) Net earned premium 664,768 105,082 — 769,850 Ceding commission income 14,270 327 — 14,597 Service and fee income 55,504 40,158 — 95,662 Total underwriting revenues 734,542 145,567 — 880,109 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 432,706 77,147 — 509,853 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 107,904 32,836 — 140,740 General and administrative expenses 166,368 32,369 — 198,737 Total underwriting expenses 706,978 142,352 — 849,330 Underwriting income 27,564 3,215 — 30,779 Net investment income — — 27,676 27,676 Net loss on investments — — (11,009 ) (11,009 ) Earnings of equity method investments — — 2,953 2,953 Interest expense — — (10,455 ) (10,455 ) Provision for income taxes — — (8,805 ) (8,805 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (3,009 ) (3,009 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 27,564 $ 3,215 $ (2,649 ) $ 28,130 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 3,149,094 $ 444,195 $ — $ 3,593,289 Ceded premiums (818,361 ) (34,635 ) — (852,996 ) Net premium written 2,330,733 409,560 — 2,740,293 Change in unearned premium 35,985 (10,055 ) — 25,930 Net earned premium 2,366,718 399,505 — 2,766,223 Ceding commission income 90,820 784 — 91,604 Service and fee income 265,836 107,808 — 373,644 Total underwriting revenues 2,723,374 508,097 — 3,231,471 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,730,829 247,121 — 1,977,950 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 415,606 112,075 — 527,681 General and administrative expenses 558,288 122,518 — 680,806 Total underwriting expenses 2,704,723 481,714 — 3,186,437 Underwriting income 18,651 26,383 — 45,034 Net investment income — — 82,983 82,983 Net gain on investments — — 45,918 45,918 Other expense — — (198 ) (198 ) Earnings (losses) of equity method investments — — (18,258 ) (18,258 ) Interest expense — — (34,590 ) (34,590 ) Provision for income taxes — — (27,028 ) (27,028 ) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest — — 4,973 4,973 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 18,651 $ 26,383 $ 53,800 $ 98,834 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenue: Gross premium written $ 2,242,788 $ 355,372 $ — $ 2,598,160 Ceded premiums (275,932 ) (33,807 ) — (309,739 ) Net premium written 1,966,856 321,565 — 2,288,421 Change in unearned premium (137,010 ) (13,701 ) — (150,711 ) Net earned premium 1,829,846 307,864 — 2,137,710 Ceding commission income 23,351 1,055 — 24,406 Service and fee income 170,153 112,470 — 282,623 Total underwriting revenues 2,023,350 421,389 — 2,444,739 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,158,994 232,267 — 1,391,261 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 281,341 81,172 — 362,513 General and administrative expenses 472,635 93,849 — 566,484 Total underwriting expenses 1,912,970 407,288 — 2,320,258 Underwriting income 110,380 14,101 — 124,481 Net investment income — — 76,874 76,874 Net loss on investments — — (2,696 ) (2,696 ) Earnings of equity method investments — — 16,991 16,991 Interest expense — — (28,535 ) (28,535 ) Provision for income taxes — — (41,439 ) (41,439 ) Net (income) attributable to non-controlling interest — — (12,249 ) (12,249 ) Net income attributable to NGHC $ 110,380 $ 14,101 $ 8,946 $ 133,427 The following tables summarize the total assets of the Company’s operating segments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : September 30, 2017 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,187,405 $ 145,137 $ 8,294 $ 1,340,836 Deferred acquisition costs 212,518 15,202 — 227,720 Reinsurance recoverable 1,131,045 8,835 — 1,139,880 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 485,028 — — 485,028 Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 466,533 118,216 — 584,749 Prepaid and other assets 23,768 17,984 — 41,752 Corporate and other assets — — 4,653,476 4,653,476 Total assets $ 3,506,297 $ 305,374 $ 4,661,770 $ 8,473,441 December 31, 2016 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 929,084 $ 149,387 $ 12,198 $ 1,090,669 Deferred acquisition costs 207,597 13,325 — 220,922 Reinsurance recoverable 937,303 10,933 — 948,236 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 2,414 56,345 Corporate and other assets — — 4,148,829 4,148,829 Total assets $ 2,784,012 $ 297,528 $ 4,163,441 $ 7,244,981
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	The following tables show an analysis of the Company’s gross and net premiums written and net earned premium by geographical location for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,093,828 $ 104,406 $ 1,198,234 $ 842,984 $ 80,978 $ 923,962 Gross premium written - Europe 6,077 — 6,077 7,497 — 7,497 Total $ 1,099,905 $ 104,406 $ 1,204,311 $ 850,481 $ 80,978 $ 931,459 Net premium written - North America $ 571,944 $ 43,533 $ 615,477 $ 759,822 $ 39,066 $ 798,888 Net premium written - Europe 6,077 — 6,077 7,497 — 7,497 Total $ 578,021 $ 43,533 $ 621,554 $ 767,319 $ 39,066 $ 806,385 Net earned premium - North America $ 791,289 $ 41,978 $ 833,267 $ 709,522 $ 35,507 $ 745,029 Net earned premium - Europe 31,034 — 31,034 24,821 — 24,821 Total $ 822,323 $ 41,978 $ 864,301 $ 734,343 $ 35,507 $ 769,850 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 2016 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 3,212,195 $ 285,779 $ 3,497,974 $ 2,352,809 $ 158,148 $ 2,510,957 Gross premium written - Europe 95,315 — 95,315 87,203 — 87,203 Total $ 3,307,510 $ 285,779 $ 3,593,289 $ 2,440,012 $ 158,148 $ 2,598,160 Net premium written - North America $ 2,508,501 $ 136,477 $ 2,644,978 $ 2,123,022 $ 78,196 $ 2,201,218 Net premium written - Europe 95,315 — 95,315 87,203 — 87,203 Total $ 2,603,816 $ 136,477 $ 2,740,293 $ 2,210,225 $ 78,196 $ 2,288,421 Net earned premium - North America $ 2,557,961 $ 123,266 $ 2,681,227 $ 1,993,270 $ 71,535 $ 2,064,805 Net earned premium - Europe 84,996 — 84,996 72,905 — 72,905 Total $ 2,642,957 $ 123,266 $ 2,766,223 $ 2,066,175 $ 71,535 $ 2,137,710
Revenue from External Customers by Product Type	The following tables show an analysis of the Company’s gross premium written, net premium written and net earned premium by product type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Gross Premium Written 2017 2016 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 599,306 $ 384,384 $ 1,760,913 $ 1,107,457 Homeowners 153,853 135,833 419,525 306,360 RV/Packaged 49,928 42,964 147,280 129,260 Small Business Auto 79,296 72,692 246,562 191,209 Lender-placed insurance 84,447 105,249 251,091 325,436 Other 11,809 11,735 37,944 24,918 Property and Casualty $ 978,639 $ 752,857 $ 2,863,315 $ 2,084,640 Accident and Health 121,266 97,624 444,195 355,372 NGHC Total $ 1,099,905 $ 850,481 $ 3,307,510 $ 2,440,012 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 39,040 $ 25,345 $ 102,420 $ 48,466 Homeowners 64,240 53,534 180,616 105,170 Other 1,126 2,099 2,743 4,512 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 104,406 $ 80,978 $ 285,779 $ 158,148 Total $ 1,204,311 $ 931,459 $ 3,593,289 $ 2,598,160 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Premium Written 2017 2016 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 318,773 $ 344,605 $ 1,387,024 $ 977,212 Homeowners (18,881 ) 120,242 217,590 276,677 RV/Packaged 49,547 42,705 146,256 128,582 Small Business Auto 43,505 66,790 195,577 174,731 Lender-placed insurance 70,581 99,824 229,938 317,206 Other 4,299 5,778 17,871 14,252 Property and Casualty $ 467,824 $ 679,944 $ 2,194,256 $ 1,888,660 Accident and Health 110,197 87,375 409,560 321,565 NGHC Total $ 578,021 $ 767,319 $ 2,603,816 $ 2,210,225 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 12,533 $ 15,047 $ 51,240 $ 28,500 Homeowners 30,497 22,948 83,887 46,483 Other 503 1,071 1,350 3,213 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 43,533 $ 39,066 $ 136,477 $ 78,196 Total $ 621,554 $ 806,385 $ 2,740,293 $ 2,288,421 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Earned Premium 2017 2016 2017 2016 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 428,112 $ 312,654 $ 1,377,752 $ 875,480 Homeowners 68,042 100,875 282,741 256,870 RV/Packaged 45,742 40,727 129,706 117,261 Small Business Auto 60,013 59,791 193,578 155,105 Lender-placed insurance 79,048 103,751 241,990 335,076 Other 5,639 11,463 17,685 18,519 Property and Casualty $ 686,596 $ 629,261 $ 2,243,452 $ 1,758,311 Accident and Health 135,727 105,082 399,505 307,864 NGHC Total $ 822,323 $ 734,343 $ 2,642,957 $ 2,066,175 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 15,167 $ 13,860 $ 48,523 $ 26,840 Homeowners 26,382 20,275 73,533 39,879 Other 429 1,372 1,210 4,816 Reciprocal Exchanges Total $ 41,978 $ 35,507 $ 123,266 $ 71,535 Total $ 864,301 $ 769,850 $ 2,766,223 $ 2,137,710

Recent Accounting Pronounceme40

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	$ 14,856	$ 15,030
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	$ 809	$ 4,371

Reciprocal Exchanges (Details)

Reciprocal Exchanges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Entity
Total revenues	$ 1,107,780	$ 896,776	$ 3,360,174	$ 2,518,917
Total expenses	1,040,425	859,785	3,221,027	2,348,793
Net income (loss)	55,360	31,139	93,861	145,676
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity
Total revenues	67,398	52,829	198,834	107,350
Total expenses	66,087	49,856	203,807	95,153
Net income (loss)	$ 1,311	$ 2,973	$ (4,973)	$ 12,197

Investments - Available-for-Sal

Investments - Available-for-Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	$ 3,223,376	$ 3,040,062
Equity securities	29,074	22,854
Total	3,252,450	3,062,916
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	39,992	58,366
Equity securities	1,301	7,067
Total	41,293	65,433
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(15,506)	(36,629)
Equity securities	(57)	(343)
Total	(15,563)	(36,972)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	3,247,862	3,061,799
Equity securities, at fair value	30,318	29,578
Fair Value	3,278,180	3,091,377
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in AOCI	0	0
U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	51,328	45,405
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	1,039	937
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(94)	(494)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	52,273	45,848
Federal agencies
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	4,266	739
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(122)	(26)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	4,145	713
States and political subdivision bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	414,848	460,089
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	5,360	3,625
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(3,239)	(11,403)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	416,969	452,311
Foreign government
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	59,847	60,025
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	3,298	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(60)	(3,226)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	63,085	56,799
Corporate bonds
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	1,066,436	1,580,918
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	19,549	43,322
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(3,505)	(13,338)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,082,480	1,610,902
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	1,120,574	450,997
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	3,042	4,305
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(6,941)	(5,982)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,116,675	449,320
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	155,859	107,546
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	2,834	1,521
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(1,326)	(1,724)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	157,367	107,343
Asset-backed securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	422
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	0
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(5)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	417
Structured securities
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	349,796	334,343
Gross Unrealized Gains
Fixed maturities	4,869	4,656
Gross Unrealized Losses
Fixed maturities	(214)	(436)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	354,451	338,563
Common stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	26,956	21,274
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities	1,176	7,050
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities	(44)	(308)
Fair Value
Equity securities, at fair value	28,088	28,016
Preferred stock
Cost or Amortized Cost
Equity securities	2,118	1,580
Gross Unrealized Gains
Equity securities	125	17
Gross Unrealized Losses
Equity securities	(13)	(35)
Fair Value
Equity securities, at fair value	2,230	1,562
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	2,906,506	2,739,045
Equity securities	29,074	22,854
Total	2,935,580	2,761,899
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	37,522	58,180
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(14,665)	(35,047)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,928,119	2,755,454
Equity securities, at fair value	30,318	29,578
Fair Value	2,958,437	2,785,032
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	48,496	39,471
Fair Value
Fair Value	49,312	39,918
Reciprocal Exchanges
Cost or Amortized Cost
Fixed maturities	316,870	301,017
Total	316,870	301,017
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	3,771	7,253
Gross Unrealized Losses
Total	(898)	(1,925)
Fair Value
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	319,743	306,345
Fair Value	319,743	306,345
Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Cost or Amortized Cost
Total	12,883	5,934
Fair Value
Fair Value	$ 12,872	$ 5,930

Investments - Available-for-S43

Investments - Available-for-Sale and Securities Pledged by Contractual Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 26,020
Due after one year through five years	613,533
Due after five years through ten years	953,584
Due after ten years	353,384
Mortgage-backed securities	1,276,855
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	3,223,376
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	26,032
Due after one year through five years	621,611
Due after five years through ten years	965,899
Due after ten years	359,861
Mortgage-backed securities	1,274,459
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	3,247,862
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	18,523
Due after one year through five years	463,666
Due after five years through ten years	874,569
Due after ten years	329,615
Mortgage-backed securities	1,220,133
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,906,506
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	18,535
Due after one year through five years	471,295
Due after five years through ten years	885,121
Due after ten years	335,014
Mortgage-backed securities	1,218,154
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	2,928,119
Reciprocal Exchanges
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	7,497
Due after one year through five years	149,867
Due after five years through ten years	79,015
Due after ten years	23,769
Mortgage-backed securities	56,722
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	316,870
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	7,497
Due after one year through five years	150,316
Due after five years through ten years	80,778
Due after ten years	24,847
Mortgage-backed securities	56,305
Fixed maturities, including securities pledged	$ 319,743

Investments - Gross Unrealized

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)security
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 1,320,672	$ 1,272,646
12 Months or More	79,823	61,007
Total	1,400,495	1,333,653
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(12,631)	(34,840)
12 Months or More	(2,932)	(2,132)
Total	$ (15,563)	$ (36,972)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	637	1,001
12 Months or More | security	58	44
Number of securities with gross unrealized loss | security	695	1,045
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 2,932	$ 2,132
Unrealized losses related to securities with unrealized loss position greater than or equal to 25% of amortized cost or cost	$ 0	$ 0
25% of amortized cost or cost	25.00%	25.00%
U.S. Treasury
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	$ 21,790	$ 37,436
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	21,790	37,436
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(94)	(494)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (94)	$ (494)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	21	24
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 0	$ 0
Federal agencies
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	4,082	419
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	4,082	419
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(122)	(26)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (122)	$ (26)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	25	3
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 0	$ 0
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	199,355	318,946
12 Months or More	14,456	2,956
Total	213,811	321,902
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(2,785)	(11,236)
12 Months or More	(454)	(167)
Total	$ (3,239)	$ (11,403)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	222	387
12 Months or More | security	22	6
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 454	$ 167
Foreign government
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	496	48,156
12 Months or More	1,944	0
Total	2,440	48,156
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(4)	(3,226)
12 Months or More	(56)	0
Total	$ (60)	$ (3,226)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	1	6
12 Months or More | security	1	0
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 56	$ 0
Corporate bonds
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	267,533	495,443
12 Months or More	53,876	33,112
Total	321,409	528,555
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(1,620)	(12,376)
12 Months or More	(1,885)	(962)
Total	$ (3,505)	$ (13,338)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	180	292
12 Months or More | security	27	21
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 1,885	$ 962
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	696,551	262,269
12 Months or More	5,661	2,141
Total	702,212	264,410
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(6,810)	(5,894)
12 Months or More	(131)	(88)
Total	$ (6,941)	$ (5,982)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	94	212
12 Months or More | security	5	4
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 131	$ 88
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	78,485	51,120
12 Months or More	3,886	4,890
Total	82,371	56,010
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(920)	(1,002)
12 Months or More	(406)	(722)
Total	$ (1,326)	$ (1,724)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	60	27
12 Months or More | security	3	3
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 406	$ 722
Asset-backed securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	417
12 Months or More	0
Total	417
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(5)
12 Months or More	0
Total	$ (5)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	2
12 Months or More | security	0
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 0
Structured securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	30,695	54,361
12 Months or More	0	17,908
Total	30,695	72,269
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(214)	(243)
12 Months or More	0	(193)
Total	$ (214)	$ (436)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	23	43
12 Months or More | security	0	10
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 0	$ 193
Debt Securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	1,299,404	1,268,150
12 Months or More	79,823	61,007
Total	1,379,227	1,329,157
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(12,574)	(34,497)
12 Months or More	(2,932)	(2,132)
Total	$ (15,506)	$ (36,629)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	628	994
12 Months or More | security	58	44
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 2,932	$ 2,132
Common stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	20,990	3,198
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	20,990	3,198
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(44)	(308)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (44)	$ (308)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	8	5
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	278	1,298
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	278	1,298
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(13)	(35)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (13)	$ (35)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	1	2
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 0	$ 0
Equity securities
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	21,268	4,496
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	21,268	4,496
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(57)	(343)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	$ (57)	$ (343)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	9	7
12 Months or More | security	0	0
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 0	$ 0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	1,172,916	1,190,788
12 Months or More	77,488	51,813
Total	1,250,404	1,242,601
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(11,824)	(33,382)
12 Months or More	(2,841)	(1,665)
Total	$ (14,665)	$ (35,047)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	571	963
12 Months or More | security	53	28
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 2,841	$ 1,665
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Market Value
Less Than 12 Months	147,756	81,858
12 Months or More	2,335	9,194
Total	150,091	91,052
Unrealized Losses
Less Than 12 Months	(807)	(1,458)
12 Months or More	(91)	(467)
Total	$ (898)	$ (1,925)
No. of Positions Held
Less Than 12 Months | security	66	38
12 Months or More | security	5	16
Unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months	$ 91	$ 467

Investments - Trading Securitie

Investments - Trading Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities
Fixed maturities, Fair Value	$ 33,174		$ 33,174		$ 38,677
Equity securities, Fair value	$ 39,001		$ 39,001		$ 30,133
Percentage of Trading Securities, Equity Securities	54.00%		54.00%		43.80%
Total trading securities	$ 72,175		$ 72,175		$ 68,810
Percentage of Trading Securities	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Percentage of Trading Securities	46.00%		46.00%		56.20%
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities	$ (2,004)	$ 1,899	$ (17,916)	$ 1,899
Less: Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on trading securities sold during the period	(5,888)	(627)	(5,845)	(627)
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on trading securities still held at the reporting date	3,884	$ 2,526	(12,071)	$ 2,526
U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Trading Securities
Fixed maturities, Fair Value	$ 9,911		$ 9,911		$ 0
Percentage of Trading Securities	13.70%		13.70%		0.00%
Corporate bonds
Schedule of Trading Securities
Fixed maturities, Fair Value	$ 23,263		$ 23,263		$ 38,677
Percentage of Trading Securities	32.30%		32.30%		56.20%
Common stock
Schedule of Trading Securities
Equity securities, Fair value	$ 39,001		$ 39,001		$ 30,133
Percentage of Trading Securities, Equity Securities	54.00%		54.00%		43.80%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Trading Securities
Fixed maturities, Fair Value	$ 33,174		$ 33,174		$ 38,677
Equity securities, Fair value	39,001		39,001		30,133
Total trading securities	$ 72,175		$ 72,175		$ 68,810
Percentage of Trading Securities	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Trading Securities
Total trading securities	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0
Percentage of Trading Securities	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%

Investments - Investment Income

Investments - Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net Investment Income
Investment income	$ 27,237	$ 27,420	$ 82,711	$ 71,483
Repurchase agreements interest expense	0	(102)	0	(422)
Other income	1,761	2,837	6,337	10,976
Investment expenses	(1,851)	(2,479)	(6,065)	(5,163)
Net investment income	27,147	27,676	82,983	76,874
Cash and short-term investments
Net Investment Income
Investment income	1,301	295	1,452	349
Fixed maturities
Net Investment Income
Investment income	25,882	26,129	81,039	69,747
Equity securities
Net Investment Income
Investment income	54	996	220	1,387
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	24,958	24,271	75,763	71,221
Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	$ 2,189	$ 3,405	$ 7,220	$ 5,653

Investments - Net Realized Gain

Investments - Net Realized Gains (Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Other-than-temporary impairment loss	$ 0	$ (22,102)	$ (25)	$ (22,102)
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	3,884	2,526	(12,071)	2,526
Other, Gross Realized Gains	803	0	2,277	258
Other, Gross Realized Losses	0	(56)	(228)	0
Other Realized Investment Gains (Losses), Net	803	(56)	2,049	258
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments	47,605	(11,009)	45,918	(2,696)
Fixed maturities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	46,313	15,796	57,033	25,648
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	(276)	(2,299)	(2,647)	(4,563)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	46,037	13,497	54,386	21,085
Trading Securities, Gross Gains	3,509	4,427	3,842	4,427
Trading Securities, Gross Losses	(1,794)	(533)	(6,193)	(533)
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	1,715	3,894	(2,351)	3,894
Equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	2,824	1,536	7,675	2,240
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	(55)	(5,783)	(251)	(6,076)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss)	2,769	(4,247)	7,424	(3,836)
Trading Securities, Gross Gains	1,408	1,374	5,008	1,374
Trading Securities, Gross Losses	(5,127)	(3,369)	(20,573)	(3,369)
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	(3,719)	(1,995)	(15,565)	(1,995)
Fixed maturities and equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Gross Gains on Investments	54,857	23,133	75,835	33,947
Gross Losses on Investments	(7,252)	(34,142)	(29,917)	(36,643)
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments	47,605	(11,009)	45,918	(2,696)
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed maturities and equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Gross Gains on Investments	54,785	23,037	69,056	33,681
Gross Losses on Investments	(7,126)	(34,142)	(29,271)	(36,614)
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments	47,659	(11,105)	39,785	(2,933)
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed maturities and equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Gross Gains on Investments	72	96	6,779	266
Gross Losses on Investments	(126)	0	(646)	(29)
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments	$ (54)	$ 96	$ 6,133	$ 237

Investments - Credit Quality of

Investments - Credit Quality of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 3,252,450	$ 3,062,916
Fair Value	3,278,180	3,091,377
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,935,580	2,761,899
Fair Value	2,958,437	2,785,032
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,942,915	2,773,323
Fair Value	$ 2,963,523	$ 2,795,693
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	100.00%	100.00%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 48,496	$ 39,471
Fair Value	$ 49,312	$ 39,918
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	1.70%	1.40%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 258,112	$ 251,549
Fair Value	$ 263,757	$ 246,040
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	8.90%	8.80%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,469,358	$ 820,762
Fair Value	$ 1,466,867	$ 815,294
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	49.50%	29.20%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 532,237	$ 740,280
Fair Value	$ 537,708	$ 747,765
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	18.10%	26.70%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 563,714	$ 693,039
Fair Value	$ 574,173	$ 705,319
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	19.40%	25.20%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 70,998	$ 228,222
Fair Value	$ 71,706	$ 241,357
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	2.40%	8.70%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 316,870	$ 301,017
Fair Value	319,743	306,345
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed Maturity And Preferred Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	316,870	301,017
Fair Value	$ 319,743	$ 306,345
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	$ 12,883	$ 5,934
Fair Value	$ 12,872	$ 5,930
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	4.00%	1.90%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 29,712	$ 7,526
Fair Value	$ 29,422	$ 7,436
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	9.20%	2.40%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 135,066	$ 33,096
Fair Value	$ 136,023	$ 33,728
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	42.50%	11.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 137,872	$ 87,734
Fair Value	$ 140,077	$ 88,761
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	43.80%	29.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 1,303	$ 148,968
Fair Value	$ 1,315	$ 151,644
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	0.50%	49.50%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Fixed-Maturities and Preferred Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 34	$ 17,759
Fair Value	$ 34	$ 18,846
Percentage of Fixed Maturities and Preferred Securities	0.00%	6.20%

Investments - Investment Qualit

Investments - Investment Quality of Corporate Bonds (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 3,278,180	$ 3,091,377
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 1,105,743	$ 1,649,579
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	3.50%	0.90%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	12.10%	5.30%
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	46.90%	40.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	34.60%	43.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	2.90%	10.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 591,974	$ 631,595
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	53.50%	38.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	2.80%	0.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	8.40%	1.70%
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	29.80%	21.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	11.80%	11.80%
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	0.70%	3.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 480,419	$ 906,950
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	43.50%	55.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.70%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	3.60%	3.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	16.10%	17.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	21.30%	27.60%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	1.80%	6.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 33,350	$ 111,034
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	3.00%	6.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.00%	0.80%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.10%	0.20%
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	1.00%	1.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	1.50%	3.60%
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	0.40%	0.80%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 2,958,437	$ 2,785,032
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 880,024	$ 1,400,239
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	79.60%	84.90%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	2.80%	0.90%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	4.90%	4.80%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	34.50%	35.60%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	34.50%	34.40%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	2.90%	9.20%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 319,743	$ 306,345
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 225,719	$ 249,340
Percentage Of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	20.40%	15.10%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.70%	0.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	7.20%	0.50%
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	12.40%	5.10%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investments, Credit Quality, Percentage Of Portfolio	0.10%	8.60%
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	0.00%	0.90%

Investments - Cash and Cash Equ

Investments - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 330,728	$ 220,299
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	88,127	65,601
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	418,855	285,900	$ 216,374	$ 282,277
State deposits, at fair value	82,418	73,731
Restricted investments to trusts, at fair value	214,267	366,306
Total	$ 296,685	$ 440,037

Investments - Short-term Invest

Investments - Short-term Investments and Other Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment
Other investments	$ 487,429	$ 513,262
Related Parties
Investment
Other investments	352,330	390,688
Reciprocal Exchanges
Investment
Short-term investments	26,886	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Investment
Other investments	460,543	513,262
Equity method investments (Related parties - $226,157 and $265,688)
Investment
Other investments	293,827	330,132
Equity method investments (Related parties - $226,157 and $265,688) | Related Parties
Investment
Other investments	226,157	265,688
Note receivable - related party. See Note 14, Related Party Transactions | Related Parties
Investment
Other investments	126,173	125,000
Short-term investments (Exchanges $26,886 and $0)
Investment
Short-term investments	27,592	15,674
Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost
Investment
Other investments	20,338	21,178
Investments, at fair value
Investment
Other investments	11,010	9,427
Investments, at cost or amortized cost
Investment
Other investments	$ 8,489	$ 11,851

Investments - LSC Investment Ac

Investments - LSC Investment Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investments
Earnings of equity method investments	$ (4,297)	$ 2,953	$ (18,258)	$ 16,991
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | LSC Entities
Equity Method Investments
Beginning balance			185,992	153,661
Contributions			21,040	5,500
Distributions			45,127	0
Earnings of equity method investments	(462)	2,469	3,213	13,001
Change in equity method investments			(20,874)	18,501
Ending balance	$ 165,118	$ 172,162	$ 165,118	$ 172,162

Investments - LSC Entities Life

Investments - LSC Entities Life Insurance Policies (Details) - LSC Entities $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts
0 - 1	0
1 - 2	6
2 - 3	3
3 - 4	13
4 - 5	13
Thereafter	107
Life Settlement Contracts, Fair Value Method, Number of Contracts	142
0 - 1	$ 0
1 - 2	41,011
2 - 3	22,994
3 - 4	45,356
4 - 5	25,426
Thereafter	163,914
Life Settlement Contracts, Fair Value	298,701
0 - 1	0
1 - 2	58,000
2 - 3	32,422
3 - 4	101,000
4 - 5	60,400
Thereafter	744,880
Life Settlement Contracts, Fair Value Method, Face Value	$ 996,702
Number of life settlement contracts accounted for under the fair value method with fair value	138
Number of life settlement contracts with no fair value	4	18
Life Settlement Contracts Premiums Paid	$ 394	$ 2,640
Death Benefits Received - Life Settlement Contracts	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - LSC Premiums Due

Investments - LSC Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts (Details) - LSC Entities $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Liabilities for Guarantees on Long-Duration Contracts
2,017	$ 35,423
2,018	36,568
2,019	35,922
2,020	34,781
2,021	32,544
Thereafter	215,213
Total	$ 390,451

Investments - LSC Investment 55

Investments - LSC Investment Activity Narrative (Details) - LSC Entities $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
VIE, Not primary beneficiary
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Number of life settlement contracts sold to unaffiliated third party	114
Life Settlement Contracts Sale Price To Unaffiliated Third Party	$ 100,000
Life Settlement Contract Payable From Unaffiliated Third Party	90,000
Life Settlement Contracts Periodic Payment from sale of policies to an unaffiliated third party	$ 5,000
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Life Settlement Contracts Frequency of Periodic Payment, Sale	2
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%

Investments - Related Parties -

Investments - Related Parties - 800 Superior, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Earnings of equity method investments	$ (4,297)	$ 2,953	$ (18,258)	$ 16,991
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. | 800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Related Parties | 800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 1,172		$ 1,172		$ 1,479
Earnings of equity method investments	(156)	(17)	(307)	(125)
Related Parties | 800 Superior, LLC | Building
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Approximate cost of the building			7,500
Related Parties | 800 Superior, LLC | 800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Rent expense	$ 703	$ 693	$ 2,109	$ 2,059

Investments - Related Parties57

Investments - Related Parties - East Ninth & Superior (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Earnings of equity method investments	$ (4,297)	$ 2,953	$ (18,258)	$ 16,991
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. | East Ninth & Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. | Eight Hundred Superior NMTC investment Fund II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	24.50%		24.50%
Related Parties | East Ninth & Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 4,238		$ 4,238		$ 4,189
Earnings of equity method investments	$ 12	$ 12	$ 49	$ 40
Related Parties | Eight Hundred Superior NMTC investment Fund II
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	24.50%		24.50%

Investments - Related Parties58

Investments - Related Parties - North Dearborn (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Earnings of equity method investments	$ (4,297)	$ 2,953	$ (18,258)	$ 16,991
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. | North Dearborn Building Company, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership			$ 9,714
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation			45.00%
NA Advisors GP LLC | North Dearborn Building Company, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership			$ 2,200
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation			10.00%
Limited Partnership, Percentage of Profit Interest			10.00%
Related Parties | 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	$ 7,839		$ 7,839		$ 12,694
Earnings of equity method investments	$ (415)	225	$ (4,855)	842
Contributions		$ 0		$ 1,125

Investments - Related Parties59

Investments - Related Parties - 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Earnings of equity method investments	$ (4,297)	$ 2,953	$ (18,258)	$ 16,991
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation			50.00%
Related Parties | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 626		$ 626		$ 900
Earnings of equity method investments	(487)	8	(274)	261
Contributions		0		10,158
Related Parties | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | Building
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Approximate cost of the building			21,000
Related Parties | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Rent expense	$ 587	$ 425	$ 1,717	$ 968

Investments - Related Parties60

Investments - Related Parties - Illinois Center Building, L.P. (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Earnings of equity method investments	$ (4,297)	$ 2,953	$ (18,258)	$ 16,991
ACP Re Group, Inc. | Illinois Center Building, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership			$ 53,715
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation			37.50%
ACP Re | Illinois Center Building, L.P.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Counterparty Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership			$ 21,486
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation			15.00%
NA Advisors GP LLC | 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%
Related Parties | 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	$ 47,164		$ 47,164		$ 60,435
Earnings of equity method investments	(2,789)	256	(16,084)	3,157
Contributions	$ 938		$ 2,813
Distributions		$ 1,875		$ 1,875

Fair Value of Financial Instr61

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 3,247,862	$ 3,061,799
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	30,318	29,578
Total available-for-sale securities	3,278,180	3,091,377
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	33,174	38,677
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	39,001	30,133
Trading Securities	72,175	68,810
Other investments	487,429	513,262
Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	3,247,862	3,061,799
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	30,318	29,578
Total available-for-sale securities	3,278,180	3,091,377
Trading Securities	72,175	68,810
Total assets	3,388,957	3,185,288
Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	56,418	46,561
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	28,088	21,719
Total available-for-sale securities	84,506	68,280
Trading Securities	43,129	30,133
Total assets	155,227	114,087
Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	3,162,063	2,953,657
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	1,960	1,562
Total available-for-sale securities	3,164,023	2,955,219
Trading Securities	23,263	36,245
Total assets	3,187,286	2,991,464
Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,381	61,581
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	270	6,297
Total available-for-sale securities	29,651	67,878
Trading Securities	5,783	2,432
Total assets	46,444	79,737
U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	52,273	45,848
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	9,911	0
U.S. Treasury | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	52,273	45,848
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	9,911
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	52,273	45,848
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	9,911
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
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	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
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	0
Federal agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	4,145	713
Federal agencies | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	4,145	713
Federal agencies | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	4,145	713
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	416,969	452,311
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	416,969	452,311
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	412,239	447,579
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	4,730	4,732
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	63,085	56,799
Foreign government | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	63,085	56,799
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	63,085	54,889
Foreign government | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	1,910
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,082,480	1,610,902
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	23,263	38,677
Corporate bonds | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,082,480	1,610,902
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	23,263	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, trading, at fair value	0	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	1,057,829	1,577,290
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	23,263	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	24,651	33,612
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	0	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	1,116,675	449,320
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,116,675	449,320
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	1,116,675	441,897
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	0	7,423
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	157,367	107,343
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	157,367	107,343
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	157,367	102,494
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	0	4,849
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	417
Asset-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	417
Asset-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
Asset-backed securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	417
Asset-backed securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0
Structured securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	354,451	338,563
Structured securities | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	354,451	338,563
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	354,451	329,508
Structured securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	0	9,055
Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	28,088	28,016
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	39,001	30,133
Common stock | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	28,088	28,016
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	39,001	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 (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	28,088	21,719
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	33,218	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 (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	0	0
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	0	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 (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	0	6,297
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	5,783	0
Preferred stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	2,230	1,562
Preferred stock | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	2,230	1,562
Preferred stock | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	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 (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	1,960	1,562
Preferred stock | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	270	0
Other Investments | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	38,602	25,101
Other Investments | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	27,592	15,674
Other Investments | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	0	0
Other Investments | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	11,010	9,427
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	2,928,119	2,755,454
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost - $29,074 and $22,854)	30,318	29,578
Total available-for-sale securities	2,958,437	2,785,032
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	33,174	38,677
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	39,001	30,133
Trading Securities	72,175	68,810
Other investments	460,543	513,262
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	3,042,328	2,878,943
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	115,469	108,157
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	2,880,415	2,691,049
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	46,444	79,737
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total available-for-sale securities	49,312	39,918
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value	319,743	306,345
Total available-for-sale securities	319,743	306,345
Trading Securities	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	346,629	306,345
Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	39,758	5,930
Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	306,871	300,415
Reciprocal Exchanges | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total assets	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges | U.S. Treasury
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total available-for-sale securities	$ 12,872	$ 5,930

Fair Value of Financial Instr62

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	$ 79,737
Net income / loss	(299)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,777
Purchases	8,105
Sales	(20,128)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	(22,748)
Balance as of	46,444
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	4,732
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	(2)
Balance as of	4,730
Foreign government
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	1,910
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	(1,910)
Balance as of	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	36,044
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	119
Purchases	0
Sales	(9,725)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	(1,787)
Balance as of	24,651
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	7,423
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Purchases	0
Sales	(1)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	(7,422)
Balance as of	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	4,849
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	(4,849)
Balance as of	0
Structured securities
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	9,055
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Purchases	0
Sales	(2,001)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	(7,054)
Balance as of	0
Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	0
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5)
Purchases	0
Sales	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	275
Balance as of	270
Common Stock
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	6,297
Net income / loss	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,663
Purchases	4,119
Sales	(6,297)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	1
Balance as of	5,783
Other Investments
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	9,427
Net income / loss	(299)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Purchases	3,986
Sales	(2,104)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0
Balance as of	$ 11,010

Fair Value of Financial Instr63

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	$ 754,922	$ 752,001
Fair value estimates of debt	785,573	775,017
Other
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	0	135
Fair value estimates of debt	0	135
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	96,735	96,669
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	103,001	100,160
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	345,622	345,135
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	363,781	360,865
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	72,168	72,168
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	72,104	72,168
Surplus Notes | Imperial Surplus Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	5,000	5,000
Surplus Notes | Imperial Surplus Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	4,986	4,986
Surplus Notes | SPCIC Surplus Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	4,000	4,000
Surplus Notes | SPCIC Surplus Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	3,996	4,000
Line of Credit | Credit Agreement
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	145,000	50,000
Line of Credit | Credit Agreement | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	151,476	53,925
Promissory Note | Century-National Promissory Note
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	86,397	178,894
Promissory Note | Century-National Promissory Note | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	$ 86,229	$ 178,778

Fair Value of Financial Instr64

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Percentage of investments priced by service	100.00%	100.00%
Net transfers from Level 1 to Level 2	$ 0	$ 0
Net transfers from Level 2 to Level 1	0	$ 0
Net transfers out of Level 3	(23,024)
Net transfers into Level 3	276
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	$ (22,748)
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%

Acquisitions - Direct General (

Acquisitions - Direct General (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition
Other income (expense)		$ (3,901)	$ 0	$ (198)	$ 0
Gross premium written		1,204,311	931,459	3,593,289	2,598,160
Service and fee income		122,526	$ 95,662	373,644	$ 282,623
Direct General Corporation
Business Acquisition
Cash and invested assets	$ 300,253
Premiums receivable	232,035
Reinsurance recoverable	356
Income tax receivable	295
Deferred tax asset	30,872
Premises and equipment	27,530
Intangible assets	59,355
Other assets	28,327
Total assets	679,023
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	2,391
Total liabilities	512,082
Net assets purchased	166,941
Purchase price	160,012
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings	6,929					$ 7,127
Other income (expense)				(198)
Gross premium written		98,537		346,543
Service and fee income		$ 24,194		$ 82,644
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	$ 30,000
Weighted average amortization life	11 years
Direct General Corporation | Agent relationships
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 5,200
Weighted average amortization life	2 years
Direct General Corporation | Value in policies in force
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 6,815
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 | Noncompete agreements
Business Acquisition
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 740
Weighted average amortization life	15 years

Acquisitions - Standard Propert

Acquisitions - Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 07, 2016	Oct. 06, 2016
Business Acquisition
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	$ 6,058
Standard Property and Casualty Insurance Company
Business Acquisition
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	$ 4,942
Business Acquisition, Share Price		$ 18.1237
Discount to the volume-weighted average trading price		18.4507%
Average price of a share 10-trading day period		$ 22.2242
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	272,609
Net assets purchased	$ 22,123
Bargain purchase gain recorded in earnings	$ 17,181

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Det

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 220,922	$ 160,531
Additions	462,227	495,195
Reductions	0	(23,803)
Amortization	(455,429)	(411,001)
Change in DAC	6,798	60,391
Balance at end of the period	227,720	220,922
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of the period	189,879
Balance at end of the period	188,784	189,879
Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance at beginning of the period	31,043
Balance at end of the period	$ 38,936	$ 31,043

Goodwill and Intangible Asset68

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill increase (decrease)			35,423
Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	0	0	0	132
Amortization of intangible assets	9,465	17,498	50,249	37,557
Reciprocal Exchanges
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 45	$ 7,204	$ 7,295	$ 14,409

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust69

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	$ 2,265,072	$ 1,755,624
Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the period	(880,797)	(833,176)
Net balance at beginning of the period	1,384,275	922,448
Current year	1,982,323	1,399,474
Prior year	(4,373)	(8,213)
Total incurred	1,977,950	1,391,261
Current year	(1,095,449)	(786,164)
Prior year	(732,602)	(487,470)
Total paid	(1,828,051)	(1,273,634)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve, net	0	128,720
Effect of foreign exchange rates	6,903	431
Net balance at end of the period	1,541,077	1,169,226
Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the period	1,025,360	917,708
Gross balance at end of period	2,566,437	2,086,934
Property and Casualty
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	1,936,391	1,479,953
Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the period	(827,672)	(793,508)
Net balance at beginning of the period	1,108,719	686,445
Current year	1,634,876	1,129,982
Prior year	7,177	(6,629)
Total incurred	1,642,053	1,123,353
Current year	(925,021)	(629,046)
Prior year	(610,139)	(406,105)
Total paid	(1,535,160)	(1,035,151)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve, net	0	120,008
Effect of foreign exchange rates	0	0
Net balance at end of the period	1,215,612	894,655
Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the period	966,155	861,068
Gross balance at end of period	2,181,767	1,755,723
Property and Casualty | Property and Casualty
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Prior year	5,733	(11,347)
Accident and Health
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	191,606	143,279
Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the period	(10,933)	(583)
Net balance at beginning of the period	180,673	142,696
Current year	257,227	229,133
Prior year	(10,106)	3,134
Total incurred	247,121	232,267
Current year	(110,570)	(134,672)
Prior year	(88,111)	(69,854)
Total paid	(198,681)	(204,526)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve, net	0	8,327
Effect of foreign exchange rates	6,903	431
Net balance at end of the period	236,016	179,195
Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the period	8,836	11,195
Gross balance at end of period	244,852	190,390
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	2,127,997	1,623,232
Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the period	(838,605)	(794,091)
Net balance at beginning of the period	1,289,392	829,141
Current year	1,892,103	1,359,115
Prior year	(2,929)	(3,495)
Total incurred	1,889,174	1,355,620
Current year	(1,035,591)	(763,718)
Prior year	(698,250)	(475,959)
Total paid	(1,733,841)	(1,239,677)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve, net	0	128,335
Effect of foreign exchange rates	6,903	431
Net balance at end of the period	1,451,628	1,073,850
Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the period	974,991	872,263
Gross balance at end of period	2,426,619	1,946,113
Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	137,075	132,392
Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of the period	(42,192)	(39,085)
Net balance at beginning of the period	94,883	93,307
Current year	90,220	40,359
Prior year	(1,444)	(4,718)
Total incurred	88,776	35,641
Current year	(59,858)	(22,446)
Prior year	(34,352)	(11,511)
Total paid	(94,210)	(33,957)
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserve, net	0	385
Effect of foreign exchange rates	0	0
Net balance at end of the period	89,449	95,376
Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of the period	50,369	45,445
Gross balance at end of period	$ 139,818	$ 140,821

Income Taxes - Effective Income

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Entity Information
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments	$ 67,355	$ 36,991	$ 139,147	$ 170,124
Tax at Federal statutory rate 35%	23,575	12,947	48,702	59,543
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Exempt foreign income	(550)	(8,165)	(5,393)	(12,221)
Statutory equalization reserves	(4,856)	(1,620)	(8,319)	(10,897)
Other	(10,471)	5,643	(7,962)	5,014
Total income tax reported	$ 7,698	$ 8,805	$ 27,028	$ 41,439
Effective tax rate	11.40%	23.80%	19.40%	24.40%
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments	$ 65,213	$ 34,303	$ 145,465	$ 158,486
Tax at Federal statutory rate 35%	22,825	12,006	50,913	55,470
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Exempt foreign income	(550)	(8,165)	(5,393)	(12,221)
Statutory equalization reserves	(4,856)	(1,620)	(8,319)	(10,897)
Other	(10,552)	6,869	(8,828)	9,646
Total income tax reported	$ 6,867	$ 9,090	$ 28,373	$ 41,998
Effective tax rate	10.50%	26.50%	19.50%	26.50%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and earnings (losses) of equity method investments	$ 2,142	$ 2,688	$ (6,318)	$ 11,638
Tax at Federal statutory rate 35%	750	941	(2,211)	4,073
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount
Exempt foreign income	0	0	0	0
Statutory equalization reserves	0	0	0	0
Other	81	(1,226)	866	(4,632)
Total income tax reported	$ 831	$ (285)	$ (1,345)	$ (559)
Effective tax rate	38.80%	(10.60%)	21.30%	(4.80%)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective tax rate	11.40%	23.80%	19.40%	24.40%

Debt - 7.625% Subordinated Note

Debt - 7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055 (Details) - Senior Notes - 7.625% Subordinated Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	7.625%		7.625%
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs					$ 96,550
Notes payable					$ 100,000
Interest expense on debt	$ 1,922	$ 1,922	$ 5,703	$ 5,703
Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.35		0.35
Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	1		1

Debt - 6.75% Notes due 2024 (De

Debt - 6.75% Notes due 2024 (Details) - Senior Notes - 6.75% Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%		6.75%
Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs					$ 98,850	$ 245,000
Notes payable					$ 100,000	$ 250,000
Interest expense on debt	$ 5,955	$ 5,955	$ 17,670	$ 17,670
Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.35		0.35
Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	1		1

Debt - Subordinated Debentures

Debt - Subordinated Debentures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 01, 2016
Debt Instrument
Other investments	$ 487,429	$ 487,429	$ 513,262
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $41,238
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable				$ 41,238
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		LIBOR
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $41,238 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		3.40%
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $30,930
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable				$ 30,930
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		LIBOR
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures Tranche $30,930 | 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 on debt	925	$ 2,835
Common Stock
Debt Instrument
Other investments	$ 2,168	$ 2,168	$ 2,168

Debt - Imperial-related Debt (D

Debt - Imperial-related Debt (Details) - Surplus Notes - Imperial Surplus Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 27, 2014
Debt Instrument
Notes payable					$ 5,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage			100.00%
Interest expense on debt	$ 68	$ 61	$ 196	$ 177
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	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 07, 2016
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable			$ 4,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis		LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		100.00%
Interest expense on debt	$ 56	$ 161
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	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jan. 25, 2016
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 225,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit			$ 145,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.58%		3.58%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period			$ 245,000
Letter Of Credit Fronting Fee			0.125%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.30%
Duration of interest payment intervals			3 months
Interest expense on debt	$ 1,311	$ 378	$ 2,855	$ 501
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%
Federal Funds
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%
LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
Failure To Pay Interest Or Fees
Debt Instrument
Number Of Days Failure to Pay Interest Or Fees			3 days

Debt - Century-National Promiss

Debt - Century-National Promissory Note (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument
Repayments of Notes Payable					$ 86,441	$ 150
Loans Payable | Century-National Promissory Note
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt		4.40%			4.40%
Loans Payable	$ 172,794
Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment	2
Debt instrument, term	2 years
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	$ 86,397
Maximum period of time to revoke, rescind, or withdraw acceleration	30 days
Repayments of Notes Payable			$ 93,167
Interest Payable			$ 6,770
Interest expense on debt		$ 958		$ 1,957	$ 3,842	$ 2,594

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	$ 0
2,018	86,397
2,019	0
2,020	145,000
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	531,168
Total principal amount of debt	762,565
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount	(7,643)
Carrying amount of debt	754,922	$ 752,001
Credit Agreement | JPMorgan Chase, N.A.
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	145,000
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	145,000
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	100,000
Total principal amount of debt	100,000
Carrying amount of debt	96,735	96,669
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	350,000
Total principal amount of debt	350,000
Carrying amount of debt	345,622	345,135
Senior Notes | Subordinated Debentures
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	72,168
Total principal amount of debt	72,168
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures
Debt Instrument
Carrying amount of debt	72,168	72,168
Surplus Notes | Imperial Surplus Notes
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	5,000
Total principal amount of debt	5,000
Carrying amount of debt	5,000	5,000
Surplus Notes | SPCIC Surplus Notes
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	4,000
Total principal amount of debt	4,000
Carrying amount of debt	4,000	$ 4,000
Loans Payable | Century-National Promissory Note
Debt Instrument
2017 (remaining three months)	0
2,018	86,397
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	$ 86,397

Share-Based Compensation - Stoc

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period | shares	114,464
Share Price | $ / shares	$ 19.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.77
Shares
Outstanding, beginning of period | shares	3,583,670
Outstanding, end of period | shares	3,469,206
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)
Outstanding at beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 9.29
Outstanding at end of period | $ / shares	$ 9.28
Employee stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of shares exercisable | shares	3,379,664
Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.19
Weighted average remaining life for options grants outstanding	5 years 2 months
Weighted average remaining life for options grants exercisable	5 years 2 months
Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding | $	$ 34,108
Intrinsic value of stock options exercisable | $	$ 33,511
Shares
Granted | shares	0

Share-Based Compensation - RSU

Share-Based Compensation - RSU Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
RSUs
Non-vested at beginning of period			567,972
Granted			514,021
Vested			(203,224)
Forfeited			(3,330)
Non-vested at end of period	875,439		875,439
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)
Non-vested at beginning of period			$ 16.64
Granted			24.06
Vested			16.86
Forfeited			8.30
Non-vested at end of period	$ 21.77		$ 21.77
Fair Value of RSU's vested	$ 1,477	$ 921	$ 3,426	$ 1,714

Share-Based Compensation - Narr

Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)planshares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of equity incentive plans | plan			2
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 13,316		$ 13,316
Share-based compensation expense	1,794	$ 2,323	6,281	$ 6,471
Fair Value of stock options vested	306	1,038	$ 1,957	2,689
Future period share-based compensation expense period of recognition (in years)			2 years 5 months
Employee stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Granted | shares			0
Maximum term			10 years
Unrecognized compensation cost	292		$ 292
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	0	$ 1,560	$ 1,532	$ 6,153
Employee stock options | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period			1 year
Employee stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period			5 years
Exercise period upon end of employment			30 days
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 13,024		$ 13,024
RSUs | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period			3 years
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		7,435,000
Number of shares available | shares	948,081		948,081

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Net income attributable to NGHC	$ 54,049	$ 28,130	$ 98,834	$ 133,427
Dividends on preferred stock	(7,875)	(8,208)	(23,625)	(16,458)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$ 46,174	$ 19,922	$ 75,209	$ 116,969
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic	106,645,601	106,002,337	106,556,662	105,801,817
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted	108,520,964	108,423,998	108,690,139	108,053,177
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.19	$ 0.71	$ 1.11
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.18	$ 0.69	$ 1.08
Employee stock options
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Employee stock options	1,772,419	1,940,507	1,967,337	1,853,573
RSUs
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
RSUs	102,944	481,154	166,140	397,787

Related Party Transactions - As

Related Party Transactions - Asset Management Agreement (Details) - Related Parties - Asset Management Fee - Amtrust subsidiary - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction
Asset management fee, threshold to determine fee			$ 1,000,000
Asset management fee percentage, above threshold			0.0375%
Period allowed for party to cure breach of contract			30 days
Asset management costs	$ 1,272	$ 734	$ 3,467	$ 2,532
Payable related to management services	$ 1,168		$ 1,168		$ 926

Related Party Transactions - Ma

Related Party Transactions - Master Service Agreement (Details) - Related Parties - AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 13, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
License Fee For Policy Management System
Related Party Transaction
License fee, percentage				1.25%
Purchase Commitment
Related Party Transaction
Payments for Software	$ 200,000
Payments to Acquire Software	66,667
Master Service Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from transactions with related party		$ 13,742	$ 13,023	$ 44,802	$ 34,650
Maximum | Purchase Commitment
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from transactions with related party	$ 5,000

Related Party Transactions Rela

Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions - Use of Company Aircraft (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Parties | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Aircraft Rental and Landing Fees	$ 0	$ 30

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Reinsurance Agreement (Details) - Related Parties - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
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
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	$ 18,686		$ 18,686		$ 35,963
Reinsurance Recoverable on Paid and Unpaid Losses | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	1,488		1,488		1,083
Commission Receivable | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	184		184		139
Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	17,682		17,682		33,025
Reinsurance Payable | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	682		682		$ 533
Ceded Premiums | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	665	$ 511	1,854	$ 1,651
Ceding Commission Income
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	0	(857)	0	(7,640)
Ceding Commission Income | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	200	87	696	403
Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	3,358	7,033	6,354	17,553
Ceded Losses and LAE | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	$ 425	$ 431	$ 1,233	$ 974

Related Party Transactions - NG

Related Party Transactions - NGHC Quota Share Agreement (Details) - Related Parties - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Assets held-in-trust	$ 2,866		$ 2,866		$ 801
Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Assets held-in-trust	13,757		$ 13,757		13,298
Reinsurance | ACP Re, Maiden and AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of business ceded			50.00%
Reinsurance | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of business ceded			25.00%
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission			25.00%
Reinsurance Recoverable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	18,686		$ 18,686		35,963
Reinsurance Recoverable | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	5,606		5,606		12,411
Reinsurance Recoverable | Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	9,343		9,343		16,823
Reinsurance Recoverable | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	1,488		1,488		1,083
Reinsurance Recoverable | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	3,737		3,737		6,729
Commission Receivable | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	184		184		139
Reinsurance Payable
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	17,682		17,682		33,025
Reinsurance Payable | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	6,588		6,588		10,685
Reinsurance Payable | Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	5,300		5,300		15,957
Reinsurance Payable | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	682		682		533
Reinsurance Payable | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	5,794		5,794		$ 6,383
Ceded Premiums | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	665	$ 511	1,854	$ 1,651
Ceding Commission Income (Loss)
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	0	(857)	0	(7,640)
Ceding Commission Income (Loss) | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	0	(257)	0	(2,292)
Ceding Commission Income (Loss) | Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	0	(429)	0	(3,820)
Ceding Commission Income (Loss) | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	200	87	696	403
Ceding Commission Income (Loss) | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	0	(171)	0	(1,528)
Ceded Losses and LAE
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	3,358	7,033	6,354	17,553
Ceded Losses and LAE | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	1,007	2,110	1,906	5,266
Ceded Losses and LAE | Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	1,679	3,516	3,177	8,776
Ceded Losses and LAE | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	425	431	1,233	974
Ceded Losses and LAE | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Related Party Transaction
Amounts of transaction	$ 672	$ 1,407	$ 1,271	$ 3,511

Related Party Transactions - Ag

Related Party Transactions - Agreements with ACP Re and Affiliated Entities (Details) - Related Parties - ACP Re - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 28, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 15, 2014
Related Party Transaction
Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties						$ 125,000
Financing principal amount, aggregate						250,000
Minimum percent of change in control included as events of default	50.00%
Maintenance Covenant, minimum collateral interest as percent of value of outstanding loan balance	115.00%
Loans
Related Party Transaction
Financing principal amount, aggregate						$ 125,000
Interest Income, Related Party		$ 1,167	$ 2,049	$ 3,487	$ 6,424
Interest rate on debt	3.70%					7.00%
Maximum percent of interest that may be paid in kind	1.20%
Percent of outstanding principal balance of loan due and payable annually after tenth anniversary	2.00%

Related Party Transactions - Ot

Related Party Transactions - Other Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Related Parties | Lease Agreement 59 Maiden Lane
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from transactions with related party	$ 202	$ 576
Related Parties | Lease Agreement 30 North LaSalle
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from transactions with related party	75	222
Chief Executive Officer
Related Party Transaction
Aircraft Rental and Landing Fees	53	53
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. | Related Parties
Related Party Transaction
Aircraft Rental and Landing Fees	$ 0	$ 30

Service and Fee Income (Details

Service and Fee Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Service and Fee Income [Abstract]
Commission revenue	$ 35,507	$ 31,478	$ 118,357	$ 88,313
Finance and processing fees	26,190	23,577	79,108	64,581
Installment fees	20,938	9,826	59,623	27,748
Group health administrative fees	15,611	17,222	45,619	53,928
Late payment fees	10,455	4,275	35,124	11,054
Other	13,825	9,284	35,813	36,999
Total	$ 122,526	$ 95,662	$ 373,644	$ 282,623

Segment Information - Results o

Segment Information - Results of Operations of the Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of business segments | segment			2
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 1,204,311	$ 931,459	$ 3,593,289	$ 2,598,160
Ceded premiums	(582,757)	(125,074)	(852,996)	(309,739)
Net premium written	621,554	806,385	2,740,293	2,288,421
Change in unearned premium	242,747	(36,535)	25,930	(150,711)
Net earned premium	864,301	769,850	2,766,223	2,137,710
Ceding commission income	50,102	14,597	91,604	24,406
Service and fee income	122,526	95,662	373,644	282,623
Total underwriting revenues	1,036,929	880,109	3,231,471	2,444,739
Loss and loss adjustment expense	651,218	509,853	1,977,950	1,391,261
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	163,585	140,740	527,681	362,513
General and administrative expenses	214,127	198,737	680,806	566,484
Total underwriting expenses	1,028,930	849,330	3,186,437	2,320,258
Underwriting income	7,999	30,779	45,034	124,481
Net investment income	27,147	27,676	82,983	76,874
Total net gain (loss) on investments	47,605	(11,009)	45,918	(2,696)
Other income (expense)	(3,901)	0	(198)	0
Earnings of equity method investments	(4,297)	2,953	(18,258)	16,991
Interest expense	(11,495)	(10,455)	(34,590)	(28,535)
Provision for income taxes	(7,698)	(8,805)	(27,028)	(41,439)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,311)	(3,009)	4,973	(12,249)
Net income attributable to NGHC	54,049	28,130	98,834	133,427
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,099,905	850,481	3,307,510	2,440,012
Net premium written	578,021	767,319	2,603,816	2,210,225
Net earned premium	822,323	734,343	2,642,957	2,066,175
Net investment income	24,958	24,271	75,763	71,221
Provision for income taxes	(6,867)	(9,090)	(28,373)	(41,998)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	104,406	80,978	285,779	158,148
Net premium written	43,533	39,066	136,477	78,196
Net earned premium	41,978	35,507	123,266	71,535
Net investment income	2,189	3,405	7,220	5,653
Provision for income taxes	(831)	285	1,345	559
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	0	0	0	0
Ceded premiums	0	0	0	0
Net premium written	0	0	0	0
Change in unearned premium	0	0	0	0
Net earned premium	0	0	0	0
Ceding commission income	0	0	0	0
Service and fee income	0	0	0	0
Total underwriting revenues	0	0	0	0
Loss and loss adjustment expense	0	0	0	0
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Total underwriting expenses	0	0	0	0
Underwriting income	0	0	0	0
Net investment income	27,147	27,676	82,983	76,874
Total net gain (loss) on investments	47,605	(11,009)	45,918	(2,696)
Other income (expense)	(3,901)		(198)
Earnings of equity method investments	(4,297)	2,953	(18,258)	16,991
Interest expense	11,495	(10,455)	(34,590)	(28,535)
Provision for income taxes	7,698	(8,805)	(27,028)	(41,439)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	(1,311)	(3,009)	4,973	(12,249)
Net income attributable to NGHC	46,050	(2,649)	53,800	8,946
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,083,045	833,835	3,149,094	2,242,788
Ceded premiums	(571,688)	(114,825)	(818,361)	(275,932)
Net premium written	511,357	719,010	2,330,733	1,966,856
Change in unearned premium	217,217	(54,242)	35,985	(137,010)
Net earned premium	728,574	664,768	2,366,718	1,829,846
Ceding commission income	49,876	14,270	90,820	23,351
Service and fee income	90,034	55,504	265,836	170,153
Total underwriting revenues	868,484	734,542	2,723,374	2,023,350
Loss and loss adjustment expense	555,731	432,706	1,730,829	1,158,994
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	129,759	107,904	415,606	281,341
General and administrative expenses	175,664	166,368	558,288	472,635
Total underwriting expenses	861,154	706,978	2,704,723	1,912,970
Underwriting income	7,330	27,564	18,651	110,380
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Total net gain (loss) on investments	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	0		0
Earnings of equity method investments	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to NGHC	7,330	27,564	18,651	110,380
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	978,639	752,857	2,863,315	2,084,640
Net premium written	467,824	679,944	2,194,256	1,888,660
Net earned premium	686,596	629,261	2,243,452	1,758,311
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	104,406	80,978	285,779	158,148
Net premium written	43,533	39,066	136,477	78,196
Net earned premium	41,978	35,507	123,266	71,535
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	121,266	97,624	444,195	355,372
Ceded premiums	(11,069)	(10,249)	(34,635)	(33,807)
Net premium written	110,197	87,375	409,560	321,565
Change in unearned premium	25,530	17,707	(10,055)	(13,701)
Net earned premium	135,727	105,082	399,505	307,864
Ceding commission income	226	327	784	1,055
Service and fee income	32,492	40,158	107,808	112,470
Total underwriting revenues	168,445	145,567	508,097	421,389
Loss and loss adjustment expense	95,487	77,147	247,121	232,267
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	33,826	32,836	112,075	81,172
General and administrative expenses	38,463	32,369	122,518	93,849
Total underwriting expenses	167,776	142,352	481,714	407,288
Underwriting income	669	3,215	26,383	14,101
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Total net gain (loss) on investments	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	0		0
Earnings of equity method investments	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to NGHC	669	3,215	26,383	14,101
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	121,266	97,624	444,195	355,372
Net premium written	110,197	87,375	409,560	321,565
Net earned premium	$ 135,727	$ 105,082	$ 399,505	$ 307,864

Segment Information - Long Live

Segment Information - Long Lived Assets and Total Assets of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	$ 1,340,836	$ 1,090,669
Deferred acquisition costs	227,720	220,922
Reinsurance recoverable	1,139,880	948,236
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	485,028	156,970
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	584,749	623,010
Prepaid and other assets	41,752	56,345
Corporate and other assets	4,653,476	4,148,829
Total Assets	8,473,441	7,244,981
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,187,405	929,084
Deferred acquisition costs	212,518	207,597
Reinsurance recoverable	1,131,045	937,303
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	485,028	156,970
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	466,533	524,981
Prepaid and other assets	23,768	28,077
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total Assets	3,506,297	2,784,012
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	145,137	149,387
Deferred acquisition costs	15,202	13,325
Reinsurance recoverable	8,835	10,933
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	118,216	98,029
Prepaid and other assets	17,984	25,854
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total Assets	305,374	297,528
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	8,294	12,198
Deferred acquisition costs	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net	0	0
Prepaid and other assets	0	2,414
Corporate and other assets	4,653,476	4,148,829
Total Assets	$ 4,661,770	$ 4,163,441

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 1,204,311	$ 931,459	$ 3,593,289	$ 2,598,160
Net premium written	621,554	806,385	2,740,293	2,288,421
Net earned premium	864,301	769,850	2,766,223	2,137,710
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,099,905	850,481	3,307,510	2,440,012
Net premium written	578,021	767,319	2,603,816	2,210,225
Net earned premium	822,323	734,343	2,642,957	2,066,175
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	104,406	80,978	285,779	158,148
Net premium written	43,533	39,066	136,477	78,196
Net earned premium	41,978	35,507	123,266	71,535
North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,198,234	923,962	3,497,974	2,510,957
Net premium written	615,477	798,888	2,644,978	2,201,218
Net earned premium	833,267	745,029	2,681,227	2,064,805
North America | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,093,828	842,984	3,212,195	2,352,809
Net premium written	571,944	759,822	2,508,501	2,123,022
Net earned premium	791,289	709,522	2,557,961	1,993,270
North America | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	104,406	80,978	285,779	158,148
Net premium written	43,533	39,066	136,477	78,196
Net earned premium	41,978	35,507	123,266	71,535
Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	6,077	7,497	95,315	87,203
Net premium written	6,077	7,497	95,315	87,203
Net earned premium	31,034	24,821	84,996	72,905
Europe | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	6,077	7,497	95,315	87,203
Net premium written	6,077	7,497	95,315	87,203
Net earned premium	31,034	24,821	84,996	72,905
Europe | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	0	0	0	0
Net premium written	0	0	0	0
Net earned premium	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information - Gross Pre

Segment Information - Gross Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 1,204,311	$ 931,459	$ 3,593,289	$ 2,598,160
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,099,905	850,481	3,307,510	2,440,012
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	104,406	80,978	285,779	158,148
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,083,045	833,835	3,149,094	2,242,788
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	978,639	752,857	2,863,315	2,084,640
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	599,306	384,384	1,760,913	1,107,457
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	153,853	135,833	419,525	306,360
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	49,928	42,964	147,280	129,260
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Small Business Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	79,296	72,692	246,562	191,209
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	84,447	105,249	251,091	325,436
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	11,809	11,735	37,944	24,918
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	104,406	80,978	285,779	158,148
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	39,040	25,345	102,420	48,466
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	64,240	53,534	180,616	105,170
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,126	2,099	2,743	4,512
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	121,266	97,624	444,195	355,372
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 121,266	$ 97,624	$ 444,195	$ 355,372

Segment Information - Net Premi

Segment Information - Net Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 621,554	$ 806,385	$ 2,740,293	$ 2,288,421
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	578,021	767,319	2,603,816	2,210,225
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	43,533	39,066	136,477	78,196
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	511,357	719,010	2,330,733	1,966,856
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	467,824	679,944	2,194,256	1,888,660
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	318,773	344,605	1,387,024	977,212
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	(18,881)	120,242	217,590	276,677
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	49,547	42,705	146,256	128,582
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Small Business Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	43,505	66,790	195,577	174,731
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	70,581	99,824	229,938	317,206
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	4,299	5,778	17,871	14,252
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	43,533	39,066	136,477	78,196
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	12,533	15,047	51,240	28,500
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	30,497	22,948	83,887	46,483
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	503	1,071	1,350	3,213
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	110,197	87,375	409,560	321,565
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 110,197	$ 87,375	$ 409,560	$ 321,565

Segment Information - Net Earne

Segment Information - Net Earned Premium (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 864,301	$ 769,850	$ 2,766,223	$ 2,137,710
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	822,323	734,343	2,642,957	2,066,175
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	41,978	35,507	123,266	71,535
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	728,574	664,768	2,366,718	1,829,846
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	686,596	629,261	2,243,452	1,758,311
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	428,112	312,654	1,377,752	875,480
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	68,042	100,875	282,741	256,870
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | RV/Packaged
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	45,742	40,727	129,706	117,261
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Small Business Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	60,013	59,791	193,578	155,105
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Lender-placed insurance
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	79,048	103,751	241,990	335,076
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	5,639	11,463	17,685	18,519
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	41,978	35,507	123,266	71,535
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Personal Auto
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	15,167	13,860	48,523	26,840
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Homeowners
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	26,382	20,275	73,533	39,879
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges | Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	429	1,372	1,210	4,816
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	135,727	105,082	399,505	307,864
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 135,727	$ 105,082	$ 399,505	$ 307,864

Subsequent Event Northern Calif

Subsequent Event Northern California Wildfires - Subsequent Event - Wildfires $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)
Minimum
Subsequent Event
Initial assessment of the loss related to wildfires	$ 40,000
Maximum
Subsequent Event
Initial assessment of the loss related to wildfires	$ 45,000