National General (NTTNP) 10-Q 30 Oct 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Statement - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 29, 2019
Document Information
Document Type	10-Q
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001578735
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-36311
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL GENERAL HOLDINGS CORP.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	27-1046208
Entity Address, Address Line One	59 Maiden Lane
Entity Address, Address Line Two	38th Floor
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10038
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	380-9500
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.01
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		113,327,683
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Document Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	NGHC
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A
Document Information
Title of 12(b) Security	7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A
Trading Symbol	NGHCP
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Depositary Shares, Representing 1/40th of a Share of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B
Document Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Depositary Shares, Representing 1/40th of a Share of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B
Trading Symbol	NGHCO
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Depositary Shares, Representing 1/40th of a Share of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C
Document Information
Title of 12(b) Security	Depositary Shares, Representing 1/40th of a Share of 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C
Trading Symbol	NGHCN
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055
Document Information
Title of 12(b) Security	7.625% Subordinated Notes due 2055
Trading Symbol	NGHCZ
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (Exchanges - $307,388 and $297,083)	$ 4,141,214	$ 3,561,032
Equity securities, at fair value	2,760	10,949
Short-term investments (Exchanges - $27,010 and $17,328)	393,663	348,549
Other investments (related parties - $234,617 and $233,723)	301,615	306,276
Total investments	4,839,252	4,226,806
Cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $153 and $0)	199,419	193,858
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Exchanges - $281 and $200)	27,903	39,725
Accrued investment income (related parties - $1,195 and $2,362) (Exchanges - $2,241 and $1,596)	27,946	27,177
Premiums and other receivables, net (Exchanges - $62,540 and $61,327)	1,541,126	1,399,812
Deferred acquisition costs (Exchanges - $23,113 and $20,007)	267,659	251,408
Reinsurance recoverable (related parties - $4,496 and $7,425) (Exchanges - $120,192 and $117,068)	1,504,599	1,611,738
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Exchanges - $118,042 and $136,433)	643,218	665,674
Premises and equipment, net (Exchanges - $441 and $1,695)	403,857	308,004
Intangible assets, net (Exchanges - $3,270 and $3,405)	392,223	379,937
Goodwill	181,587	180,183
Prepaid and other assets (Exchanges - $11 and $4,581)	45,207	154,958
Total assets	10,073,996	9,439,280
Liabilities:
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Exchanges - $193,456 and $178,470)	3,039,255	2,957,159
Unearned premiums and other revenue (Exchanges - $265,538 and $265,763)	2,450,476	2,280,728
Reinsurance payable (Exchanges - $44,424 and $40,393)	673,724	656,265
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (related parties - $771 and $69,874) (Exchanges - $5,200 and $7,720)	317,675	398,058
Debt	687,978	705,795
Other liabilities (Exchanges - $43,754 and $61,640)	373,269	240,404
Total liabilities	7,542,377	7,238,409
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 113,313,042 shares - 2019; authorized 150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 112,940,595 shares - 2018.	1,133	1,129
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,120 shares - 2019; authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,565,120 shares - 2018. Aggregate liquidation preference $450,000 - 2019, $450,000 - 2018.	450,000	450,000
Additional paid-in capital	1,062,859	1,057,783
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(20,901)	(14,461)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	101,288	(37,669)
Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	80,387	(52,130)
Retained earnings	965,455	764,056
Total National General Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity	2,559,834	2,220,838
Noncontrolling interest	(28,215)	(19,967)
Total stockholders’ equity	2,531,619	2,200,871
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 10,073,996	$ 9,439,280

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 4,141,214	$ 3,561,032
Short-term investments	393,663	348,549
Cash and cash equivalents	199,419	193,858
Other investments	301,615	306,276
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	27,903	39,725
Accrued investment income	27,946	27,177
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,541,126	1,399,812
Deferred acquisition costs	267,659	251,408
Reinsurance recoverable	1,504,599	1,611,738
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	643,218	665,674
Premises and equipment, net	403,857	308,004
Intangible assets, net	392,223	379,937
Prepaid and other assets	45,207	154,958
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	3,039,255	2,957,159
Unearned premiums and other revenue	2,450,476	2,280,728
Reinsurance payable	673,724	656,265
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	317,675	398,058
Other liabilities	$ 373,269	$ 240,404
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	113,313,042	112,940,595
Common stock, shares outstanding	113,313,042	112,940,595
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Shares of preferred stock issued	2,565,120	2,565,120
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	2,565,120	2,565,120
Aggregate liquidation preference	$ 450,000	$ 450,000
Related Parties
Other investments	234,617	233,723
Accrued investment income	1,195	2,362
Reinsurance recoverable	4,496	7,425
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	771	69,874
Reciprocal Exchanges
Debt securities, available-for-sale	307,388	297,083
Short-term investments	27,010	17,328
Cash and cash equivalents	153	0
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	281	200
Accrued investment income	2,241	1,596
Premiums and other receivables, net	62,540	61,327
Deferred acquisition costs	23,113	20,007
Reinsurance recoverable	120,192	117,068
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	118,042	136,433
Premises and equipment, net	441	1,695
Intangible assets, net	3,270	3,405
Prepaid and other assets	11	4,581
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	193,456	178,470
Unearned premiums and other revenue	265,538	265,763
Reinsurance payable	44,424	40,393
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,200	7,720
Other liabilities	$ 43,754	$ 61,640

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues:
Net earned premium	$ 1,053,638	$ 939,527	$ 3,048,446	$ 2,787,971
Ceding commission income	57,587	59,100	187,313	158,976
Service and fee income	161,626	142,690	476,041	415,313
Net investment income	33,740	30,696	102,316	81,702
Net loss on investments	(565)	(3,170)	(5,773)	(22,756)
Other income	2,146	0	2,146	0
Total revenues	1,308,172	1,168,843	3,810,489	3,421,206
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense	745,334	657,310	2,112,678	1,961,804
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	209,090	191,470	615,134	542,040
General and administrative expenses	263,864	235,733	759,725	691,167
Interest expense	12,898	12,583	38,822	38,775
Total expenses	1,231,186	1,097,096	3,526,359	3,233,786
Income before provision for income taxes	76,986	71,747	284,130	187,420
Provision for income taxes	16,747	15,518	61,494	38,261
Net income	60,239	56,229	222,636	149,159
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	10,915	12,153	18,152	31,979
Net income attributable to NGHC	71,154	68,382	240,788	181,138
Dividends on preferred stock	(7,875)	(7,875)	(24,675)	(23,625)
Net income attributable to NGHC common stockholders	$ 63,279	$ 60,507	$ 216,113	$ 157,513
Earnings per common share (“EPS”):
Basic EPS	$ 0.56	$ 0.56	$ 1.91	$ 1.47
Diluted EPS	$ 0.54	$ 0.55	$ 1.87	$ 1.44

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 60,239	$ 56,229	$ 222,636	$ 149,159
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(4,104)	926	(8,147)	(9,278)
Income tax effect	862	115	1,707	1,948
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(3,242)	1,041	(6,440)	(7,330)
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments before reclassifications	33,294	(16,574)	190,266	(93,695)
Income tax effect	(6,991)	3,227	(39,955)	19,676
Total change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	26,303	(13,347)	150,311	(74,019)
Reclassification adjustments for investments gain/loss to net income:
Net realized (gain) loss on investments	(1,886)	(1,820)	(1,835)	17,737
Income tax effect	396	382	385	(3,725)
Total (gain) loss on investments reclassifications to net income, net of tax	(1,490)	(1,438)	(1,450)	14,012
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax effect	27,304	(17,468)	180,284	(85,236)
Income tax effect	(5,733)	3,724	(37,863)	17,899
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	21,571	(13,744)	142,421	(67,337)
Comprehensive income	81,810	42,485	365,057	81,822
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,821	13,014	8,248	38,811
Comprehensive income attributable to NGHC	$ 91,631	$ 55,499	$ 373,305	$ 120,633

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Preferred stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Non-controlling Interest
Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		106,697,648
Common stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 1,067
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017			2,565,000
Preferred stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017			$ 420,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,953,425			$ 917,751	$ (8,112)	$ 597,863	$ 24,856
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	149,159					181,138	(31,979)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(7,330)				(7,330)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	(60,007)				(53,175)		(6,832)
Issuance of preferred stock, shares			120
Issuance of preferred stock, value	29,890		$ 30,000
Issuance of preferred stock, Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital				(110)
Common stock dividends declared	(12,850)					(12,850)
Preferred stock dividends declared	(23,625)					(23,625)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares		557,622
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	1,649	$ 4		1,645
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, shares		(122,710)
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, value	(2,955)			(2,955)
Stock-based compensation	6,793			6,793
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		107,132,560
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		$ 1,071
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018			2,565,120
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018			$ 450,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	2,042,979			923,124	(68,581)	751,320	(13,955)
Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018		107,057,771
Common stock, amount, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018		$ 1,071
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018			2,565,000
Preferred stock, amount, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018			$ 420,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018	1,981,275			921,744	(55,698)	695,099	(941)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	56,229					68,382	(12,153)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	1,041				1,041
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	(14,785)				(13,924)		(861)
Issuance of preferred stock, shares			120
Issuance of preferred stock, value	29,890		$ 30,000
Issuance of preferred stock, Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital				(110)
Common stock dividends declared	(4,286)					(4,286)
Preferred stock dividends declared	(7,875)					(7,875)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares		104,951
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	48			48
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, shares		(30,162)
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, value	(841)			(841)
Stock-based compensation	2,283			2,283
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		107,132,560
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018		$ 1,071
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018			2,565,120
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018			$ 450,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	2,042,979			923,124	(68,581)	751,320	(13,955)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative-effect adjustment of change in accounting principles	$ 8,830				36	8,794
Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	112,940,595	112,940,595
Common stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 1,129
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	2,565,120		2,565,120
Preferred stock, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018			$ 450,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 2,200,871			1,057,783	(52,130)	764,056	(19,967)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	222,636					240,788	(18,152)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(6,440)				(6,440)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	148,861				138,957		9,904
Common stock dividends declared	(14,714)					(14,714)
Preferred stock dividends declared	(24,675)					(24,675)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares		518,284
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	436	$ 4		432
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, shares		(145,837)
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, value	(3,633)			(3,633)
Stock-based compensation	$ 8,277			8,277
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	113,313,042	113,313,042
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019		$ 1,133
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	2,565,120		2,565,120
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019			$ 450,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 2,531,619			1,062,859	80,387	965,455	(28,215)
Common stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019		113,215,632
Common stock, amount, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019		$ 1,132
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019			2,565,120
Preferred stock, amount, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019			$ 450,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019	2,460,868			1,060,379	59,910	907,841	(18,394)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	60,239					71,154	(10,915)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(3,242)				(3,242)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax	24,813				23,719		1,094
Common stock dividends declared	(5,665)					(5,665)
Preferred stock dividends declared	(7,875)					(7,875)
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, shares		117,796
Common stock issued under employee stock plans and exercises of stock options, value	189	$ 1		188
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, shares		(20,386)
Shares withheld related to net share settlement, value	(493)			(493)
Stock-based compensation	$ 2,785			2,785
Common stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	113,313,042	113,313,042
Common stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019		$ 1,133
Preferred stock, shares outstanding, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	2,565,120		2,565,120
Preferred stock, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019			$ 450,000
Total stockholders' equity, amount, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 2,531,619			$ 1,062,859	$ 80,387	$ 965,455	$ (28,215)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 222,636	$ 149,159
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net loss on investments	5,773	22,756
Bad debt expense	61,334	55,989
Depreciation and amortization	87,055	64,980
Stock-based compensation expense	8,277	6,793
Other, net	(3,159)	922
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income	(195)	(1,641)
Premiums and other receivables	(172,034)	(208,847)
Deferred acquisition costs	(17,397)	(36,647)
Reinsurance recoverable	118,763	(233,216)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	29,372	(163,632)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	81,324	28,274
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	(14,165)	199,905
Unearned premiums and other revenue	93,853	316,556
Reinsurance payable	16,361	258,686
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(578)	24,874
Other liabilities	(7,766)	(24,837)
Net cash provided by operating activities	509,454	460,074
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of Debt securities, available-for-sale	(863,050)	(1,358,877)
Purchases of Equity securities	0	(1,297)
Purchases of Short-term investments	(2,328,055)	(2,055,421)
Purchases of Other investments	(4,554)	(27,620)
Purchases of Premises and equipment	(84,285)	(84,779)
Proceeds from Sale and maturity of debt securities, available-for-sale	518,170	1,180,945
Proceeds from Sale of equity securities	1,700	3,448
Proceeds from Sale of short-term investments	2,293,700	1,916,739
Proceeds from Sale and return of other investments	11,639	120,905
Other investing activities	16,128	(18,724)
Net cash used in investing activities	(438,607)	(324,681)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of debt issuance costs	(1,726)	0
Repayments of debt and principal payments under capital leases obligations	(29,826)	(39,000)
Issuance of preferred stock, net (fees $0 and $110)	0	29,890
Issuance of common stock — employee share options	436	1,649
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(3,633)	(2,955)
Dividends paid to common shareholders	(13,573)	(12,826)
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	(25,667)	(23,625)
Net cash used in financing activities	(73,989)	(46,867)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,119)	(11,080)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(6,261)	77,446
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of the period	233,583	357,484
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period	227,322	434,930
Common stock
Dividends Payable
Dividends Payable	5,664	4,286
Preferred stock
Dividends Payable
Dividends Payable	$ 7,875	$ 7,875

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Preferred stock
Stock issuance costs	$ 0	$ 110

Basis of Reporting

Basis of Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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”) 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 (the “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, 2018 previously filed with the SEC on February 25, 2019 . The balance sheet at December 31, 2018 , has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. 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. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 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”). The Company has no ownership interest in the Reciprocal Exchanges but manages their business operations and has the ability to direct their activities through its wholly-owned management companies. The Reciprocal Exchanges are property and casualty insurers. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company reclassified finance lease liabilities in the amount of $30,346 from “Other liabilities” to “Debt” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to conform to the current-year presentation. A detailed description of the Company’s significant accounting policies and management judgments is located in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 , filed with the SEC.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During 2019 Standard Description Date of Adoption Effect on the Company ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and related amendments. This standard was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. January 1, 2019 The Company adopted the standard as of the beginning of the year using the modified retrospective transition approach and did not adjust prior comparative periods. On January 1, 2019, the Company recorded the recognition of the ROU asset and lease liability net of deferred rent, inducement costs and deferred tax impact of $85,000, in both assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and had no impact on cash flows. See Note 10, “Leases” for additional information. Not Yet Adopted With the exception of the adopted or not yet adopted accounting pronouncements discussed here, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements, or quantitative or qualitative progress made towards implementation of outstanding accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , as compared to those described in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 , that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Company ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and related amendments. This standard significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. ASU 2016-13 will require immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. Companies will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Companies will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. The FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Topic 326 and impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 842, Leases. The FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which clarifies that an entity should include recoveries when estimating the allowance for credit losses. The FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief, which eases transition to the credit losses standard by providing the option to measure certain types of assets at fair value. The standard requires using a modified retrospective approach, recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the standard is effective. January 1, 2020 The Company has identified certain financial assets in scope, including debt securities classified as available for sale, financing receivables and reinsurance recoverables. The impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures at the date of adoption of the updated standard will be determined by the financial instruments held by the Company and the macroeconomic conditions and exposures at that time. The Company’s implementation and evaluation process to date includes, but is not limited to, model development, fulfillment of additional data needs for new disclosures and reporting requirements, and drafting of accounting policies. Based on the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio, current market conditions, and historical credit loss activity, the adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard establishes a one-step process for testing the value of the goodwill which an entity carries. ASU 2017-04 requires the goodwill impairment to be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests. January 1, 2020 The impact of the standard will depend upon the performance of the Company’s reporting units and the market conditions impacting the fair value of each reporting unit going forward. The adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments (a) Available-For-Sale Debt Securities The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows: September 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury $ 72,188 $ 2,300 $ (53 ) $ 74,435 Federal agencies 4,379 33 (1 ) 4,411 States and political subdivision bonds 188,037 6,017 (30 ) 194,024 Foreign government 141,026 5,875 (22 ) 146,879 Corporate bonds 1,695,694 71,298 (949 ) 1,766,043 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,019,630 19,513 (1,950 ) 1,037,193 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 573,911 35,690 (28 ) 609,573 Asset-backed securities 58,555 1,321 (47 ) 59,829 Structured securities 252,957 202 (4,332 ) 248,827 Total $ 4,006,377 $ 142,249 $ (7,412 ) $ 4,141,214 NGHC $ 3,705,639 $ 135,248 $ (7,061 ) $ 3,833,826 Reciprocal Exchanges 300,738 7,001 (351 ) 307,388 Total $ 4,006,377 $ 142,249 $ (7,412 ) $ 4,141,214 December 31, 2018 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury $ 64,829 $ 1,026 $ (262 ) $ 65,593 Federal agencies 37,842 22 (389 ) 37,475 States and political subdivision bonds 274,367 1,369 (3,539 ) 272,197 Foreign government 151,443 993 (70 ) 152,366 Corporate bonds 1,283,061 3,094 (25,450 ) 1,260,705 Residential mortgage-backed securities 944,365 716 (19,965 ) 925,116 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 548,192 3,757 (6,974 ) 544,975 Asset-backed securities 60,563 705 (121 ) 61,147 Structured securities 249,947 99 (8,588 ) 241,458 Total $ 3,614,609 $ 11,781 $ (65,358 ) $ 3,561,032 NGHC $ 3,311,639 $ 11,206 $ (58,896 ) $ 3,263,949 Reciprocal Exchanges 302,970 575 (6,462 ) 297,083 Total $ 3,614,609 $ 11,781 $ (65,358 ) $ 3,561,032 As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company had no other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in AOCI related to available-for-sale debt securities. The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities held as of September 30, 2019 , 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, 2019 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 52,968 $ 53,081 $ 110 $ 110 $ 53,078 $ 53,191 Due after one year through five years 883,320 911,951 132,418 134,784 1,015,738 1,046,735 Due after five years through ten years 935,527 979,817 73,674 75,405 1,009,201 1,055,222 Due after ten years 261,542 264,537 14,722 14,934 276,264 279,471 Mortgage-backed securities 1,572,282 1,624,440 79,814 82,155 1,652,096 1,706,595 Total $ 3,705,639 $ 3,833,826 $ 300,738 $ 307,388 $ 4,006,377 $ 4,141,214 (b) Gross Unrealized Losses The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on debt securities classified as available for sale, by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position. Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total September 30, 2019 Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized U.S. Treasury $ 24,598 $ (32 ) $ 13,846 $ (21 ) $ 38,444 $ (53 ) Federal agencies 259 (1 ) — — 259 (1 ) States and political subdivision bonds 1,281 (1 ) 2,597 (29 ) 3,878 (30 ) Foreign government 2,904 (22 ) — — 2,904 (22 ) Corporate bonds 121,461 (771 ) 9,013 (178 ) 130,474 (949 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 206,204 (1,194 ) 69,431 (756 ) 275,635 (1,950 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 4,737 (22 ) 750 (6 ) 5,487 (28 ) Asset-backed securities 5,548 (26 ) 979 (21 ) 6,527 (47 ) Structured securities 59,765 (849 ) 110,235 (3,483 ) 170,000 (4,332 ) Total $ 426,757 $ (2,918 ) $ 206,851 $ (4,494 ) $ 633,608 $ (7,412 ) NGHC $ 391,883 $ (2,669 ) $ 199,953 $ (4,392 ) $ 591,836 $ (7,061 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 34,874 (249 ) 6,898 (102 ) 41,772 (351 ) Total $ 426,757 $ (2,918 ) $ 206,851 $ (4,494 ) $ 633,608 $ (7,412 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2018 Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized U.S. Treasury $ 474 $ (2 ) $ 21,540 $ (260 ) $ 22,014 $ (262 ) Federal agencies 23,729 (351 ) 1,493 (38 ) 25,222 (389 ) States and political subdivision bonds 57,090 (902 ) 119,759 (2,637 ) 176,849 (3,539 ) Foreign government 45,748 (70 ) — — 45,748 (70 ) Corporate bonds 586,359 (12,891 ) 321,115 (12,559 ) 907,474 (25,450 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 234,396 (1,637 ) 551,623 (18,328 ) 786,019 (19,965 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 13,229 (239 ) 148,700 (6,735 ) 161,929 (6,974 ) Asset-backed securities 25,978 (78 ) 1,494 (43 ) 27,472 (121 ) Structured securities 222,154 (8,136 ) 6,167 (452 ) 228,321 (8,588 ) Total $ 1,209,157 $ (24,306 ) $ 1,171,891 $ (41,052 ) $ 2,381,048 $ (65,358 ) NGHC $ 1,115,823 $ (22,668 ) $ 1,018,975 $ (36,228 ) $ 2,134,798 $ (58,896 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 93,334 (1,638 ) 152,916 (4,824 ) 246,250 (6,462 ) Total $ 1,209,157 $ (24,306 ) $ 1,171,891 $ (41,052 ) $ 2,381,048 $ (65,358 ) There were 378 and 1,662 individual security lots at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively, that accounted for the gross unrealized loss, none of which are deemed by the Company to be other-than-temporary impairments. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , of the $4,494 and $41,052 , respectively, of unrealized losses in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, none of those securities were greater than or equal to 25% of its amortized cost. Factors influencing management’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. The Company regularly monitors its investments that have fair values less than cost or amortized cost for indicators of OTTI, an assessment that requires 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. The Company’s debt securities portfolio is sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, which impact the fair value of individual securities. Unrealized losses on debt securities reported above were primarily caused by the effects of the interest rate environment. Therefore, the Company does not believe the unrealized losses represent an OTTI as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . (c) Equity Securities The fair values of equity securities were as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Common stock $ 2,760 $ 10,949 Total $ 2,760 $ 10,949 NGHC $ 2,760 $ 10,949 Reciprocal Exchanges — — Total $ 2,760 $ 10,949 (d) Investment Income The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Cash and short-term investments $ 1,123 $ 351 $ 3,467 $ 680 Debt securities 31,439 27,643 91,631 77,469 Equity securities 1 182 4 541 Other, net (related parties - three months - $(10) and $505; nine months - $2,163 and $550) 2,270 2,924 10,508 6,577 Investment income 34,833 31,100 105,610 85,267 Investment expenses (1,093 ) (404 ) (3,294 ) (3,565 ) Net investment income $ 33,740 $ 30,696 $ 102,316 $ 81,702 NGHC $ 31,580 $ 28,352 $ 95,862 $ 75,009 Reciprocal Exchanges 2,160 2,344 6,454 6,693 Net investment income $ 33,740 $ 30,696 $ 102,316 $ 81,702 (e) Net Realized Gains (Losses) The table below indicates realized gains and losses on investments. Other, net includes realized gains and losses from short-term and other investments and foreign exchange. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Debt securities, available-for-sale: Gross gains $ 3,598 $ 2,563 $ 3,921 $ 4,651 Gross losses (1,712 ) (743 ) (2,086 ) (22,388 ) Net realized gain (loss) on debt securities, available-for-sale 1,886 1,820 1,835 (17,737 ) Equity securities (2,208 ) (1,376 ) (6,489 ) (7,203 ) OTTI on investments — (3,000 ) — (3,000 ) Other, net (243 ) (614 ) (1,119 ) 5,184 Net realized loss on investments $ (565 ) $ (3,170 ) $ (5,773 ) $ (22,756 ) NGHC $ (428 ) $ (3,003 ) $ (4,936 ) $ (21,490 ) Reciprocal Exchanges (137 ) (167 ) (837 ) (1,266 ) Net realized loss on investments $ (565 ) $ (3,170 ) $ (5,773 ) $ (22,756 ) Net gains and losses recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net losses recognized during the period $ (2,208 ) $ (1,376 ) $ (6,489 ) $ (7,203 ) Less: Net losses recognized during the period on securities sold during the period — — — (108 ) Net losses recognized during the reporting period on securities still held at the reporting date $ (2,208 ) $ (1,376 ) $ (6,489 ) $ (7,095 ) (f) Credit Quality of Investments The tables below summarize the credit quality of debt securities, as rated by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”). If a security is not rated by S&P, an S&P equivalent is determined based on ratings from similar rating agencies. Securities that are not rated are included in the “BB+ and lower” category. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges September 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage U.S. Treasury $ 59,290 $ 60,998 1.6 % $ 12,898 $ 13,437 4.4 % AAA 622,806 655,803 17.1 % 18,143 18,891 6.1 % AA, AA+, AA- 1,381,180 1,411,831 36.8 % 109,656 112,043 36.5 % A, A+, A- 803,831 831,868 21.7 % 111,498 114,601 37.2 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 788,908 821,368 21.4 % 48,543 48,416 15.8 % BB+ and lower 49,624 51,958 1.4 % — — — % Total $ 3,705,639 $ 3,833,826 100.0 % $ 300,738 $ 307,388 100.0 % NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 2018 Amortized Fair Percentage Amortized Fair Percentage U.S. Treasury $ 52,122 $ 52,759 1.6 % $ 12,707 $ 12,834 4.3 % AAA 586,639 589,078 18.0 % 18,335 18,109 6.1 % AA, AA+, AA- 1,385,709 1,358,528 41.6 % 142,525 140,114 47.2 % A, A+, A- 591,219 581,106 17.8 % 118,535 115,618 38.9 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 653,645 641,554 19.7 % 10,834 10,374 3.5 % BB+ and lower 42,305 40,924 1.3 % 34 34 — % Total $ 3,311,639 $ 3,263,949 100.0 % $ 302,970 $ 297,083 100.0 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of the corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations. September 30, 2019 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Financial Institutions — % 3.6 % 27.2 % 13.6 % 0.4 % $ 791,523 44.8 % Industrials 0.3 % 3.8 % 18.8 % 29.3 % 0.1 % 923,980 52.3 % Utilities/Other — % — % 1.3 % 1.6 % — % 50,540 2.9 % Total 0.3 % 7.4 % 47.3 % 44.5 % 0.5 % $ 1,766,043 100.0 % NGHC — % 5.8 % 40.9 % 41.8 % 0.5 % $ 1,571,375 89.0 % Reciprocal Exchanges 0.3 % 1.6 % 6.4 % 2.7 % — % 194,668 11.0 % Total 0.3 % 7.4 % 47.3 % 44.5 % 0.5 % $ 1,766,043 100.0 % December 31, 2018 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Financial Institutions — % 4.3 % 23.1 % 14.2 % 0.9 % $ 535,373 42.5 % Industrials 0.4 % 6.1 % 21.5 % 26.7 % 0.6 % 697,324 55.3 % Utilities/Other — % — % 1.8 % 0.4 % — % 28,008 2.2 % Total 0.4 % 10.4 % 46.4 % 41.3 % 1.5 % $ 1,260,705 100.0 % NGHC — % 6.3 % 37.3 % 40.6 % 1.4 % $ 1,079,099 85.6 % Reciprocal Exchanges 0.4 % 4.1 % 9.1 % 0.7 % 0.1 % 181,606 14.4 % Total 0.4 % 10.4 % 46.4 % 41.3 % 1.5 % $ 1,260,705 100.0 % (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 are held primarily in the form of cash or certain high grade securities. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 199,419 $ 193,858 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 27,903 39,725 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 227,322 $ 233,583 Restricted investments are as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Securities on deposit with state regulatory authorities $ 83,567 $ 73,119 Restricted investments to trusts in certain reinsurance transactions 54,895 70,470 Total restricted investments $ 138,462 $ 143,589 (h) Short-term and Other Investments Short-term investments include investments with maturities between 91 days and less than one year at the date of acquisition. Short-term investments also consist of commercial paper, U.S. Treasury bills and money market funds that are held within the Company’s longer term investment portfolios. The table below summarizes the composition of other investments: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Equity method investments (related parties - $105,388 and $106,031) $ 140,195 $ 142,921 Notes receivable (related parties - $129,229 and $127,692) 129,307 128,893 Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost 20,150 20,252 Investments, at fair value 4,295 6,542 Investments, at cost or amortized cost 7,668 7,668 Total $ 301,615 $ 306,276 Equity method investments represent limited liability companies and limited partnership investments in real estate. Investments at fair value, primarily 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 other investments are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded OTTI on other investments of $0 and $3,000 , respectively. 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”). Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships The following entities are considered by the Company to be Variable Interest Entities, 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. LSC Entity The Company has a 50% ownership interest in an entity (the “LSC Entity”) initially formed to acquire life settlement contracts, with AmTrust owning the remaining 50% . The LSC Entity 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 Entity has a 30% noncontrolling equity interest in a limited partnership managed by a third party. As of September 30, 2019 , the LSC Entity directly held one life settlement contract. The life settlement contract is accounted for using the fair value method. The following table presents the Company’s 50% investment activity in the LSC Entity: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of the period $ 48,324 $ 160,683 Distributions (three months - $(2,500) and $0) (2,500 ) (116,035 ) Contributions (three months - $258 and $0) 258 2,000 Equity in earnings (losses) (three months - $(481) and $(858)) 1,250 651 Change in equity method investments (992 ) (113,384 ) Balance, end of the period $ 47,332 $ 47,299 800 Superior, LLC The Company holds an investment in 800 Superior, LLC, a limited liability company that owns an office building in Cleveland, Ohio, with AmTrust. 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 has an office lease with 800 Superior, LLC. Previously, the Company and AmTrust each also had a 50% ownership interest in East Ninth & Superior, LLC and a 24.5% ownership interest in 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC. During the third quarter of 2019, the net assets of East Ninth & Superior, LLC were combined with 800 Superior, LLC and East Ninth & Superior, LLC and 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II, LLC were dissolved. The Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $742 and $722 in rent for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The Company paid 800 Superior, LLC $2,226 and $2,167 in rent for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 800 Superior, LLC as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $7,325 and $5,125 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(103) and $305 , respectively, and made contributions of $2,287 and $0 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 800 Superior, LLC of $(87) and $(922) , respectively, and made contributions of $2,287 and $0 , respectively. North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. The Company holds an investment 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 hold a 45% limited partnership interest in North Dearborn, while NA Advisors 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $5,659 and $6,214 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $(84) and $(148) , respectively, and received distributions of $135 and $0 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from North Dearborn of $(150) and $(313) , respectively, and received distributions of $405 and $1,125 , respectively. 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC The Company holds an investment in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC, a limited liability company that owns an office building in Dallas, Texas, with AmTrust. 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 $607 and $551 in rent for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The Company paid 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC $1,813 and $1,675 in rent for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The Company’s equity interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $984 and $793 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $63 and $26 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC of $191 and $15 , respectively. Illinois Center Building, L.P. The Company holds an investment 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 hold a 37.5% limited partnership interest in Illinois Center, while ACP Re holds a 15.0% limited partnership interest. NA Advisors 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, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $44,088 and $45,575 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $(600) and $0 , respectively, and made contributions of $0 and $0 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company recorded equity in earnings (losses) from Illinois Center of $(2,612) and $(2,410) , respectively, and made contributions of $1,125 and $2,250 , respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . The Company utilizes a pricing service (“pricing service”) to estimate fair value measurements for all its debt 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. • Short-term investments. Comprised of money market funds that are traded in active markets and fair values are based on quoted market prices. 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. 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. • 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. • 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 method 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, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-sale debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 74,435 $ — $ — $ 74,435 Federal agencies 4,411 — — 4,411 States and political subdivision bonds — 190,924 3,100 194,024 Foreign government — 146,879 — 146,879 Corporate bonds — 1,756,263 9,780 1,766,043 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,037,193 — 1,037,193 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 609,573 — 609,573 Asset-backed securities — 59,829 — 59,829 Structured securities — 248,827 — 248,827 Total available-for-sale debt securities 78,846 4,049,488 12,880 4,141,214 Equity securities: Common stock 2,474 — 286 2,760 Total equity securities 2,474 — 286 2,760 Short-term investments 381,208 12,455 — 393,663 Other investments — — 4,295 4,295 Total $ 462,528 $ 4,061,943 $ 17,461 $ 4,541,932 NGHC $ 421,579 $ 3,768,494 $ 17,461 $ 4,207,534 Reciprocal Exchanges 40,949 293,449 — 334,398 Total $ 462,528 $ 4,061,943 $ 17,461 $ 4,541,932 December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-sale debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 65,593 $ — $ — $ 65,593 Federal agencies 37,475 — — 37,475 States and political subdivision bonds — 268,601 3,596 272,197 Foreign government — 152,366 — 152,366 Corporate bonds — 1,248,938 11,767 1,260,705 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 925,116 — 925,116 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 544,975 — 544,975 Asset-backed securities — 61,147 — 61,147 Structured securities — 241,458 — 241,458 Total available-for-sale debt securities 103,068 3,442,601 15,363 3,561,032 Equity securities: Common stock 9,898 — 1,051 10,949 Total equity securities 9,898 — 1,051 10,949 Short-term investments 348,549 — — 348,549 Other investments — — 6,542 6,542 Total $ 461,515 $ 3,442,601 $ 22,956 $ 3,927,072 NGHC $ 429,502 $ 3,160,203 $ 22,956 $ 3,612,661 Reciprocal Exchanges 32,013 282,398 — 314,411 Total $ 461,515 $ 3,442,601 $ 22,956 $ 3,927,072 The following tables provide a reconciliation of recurring fair value measurements of the Level 3 financial assets: States and Corporate Common Other Total Balance as of January 1, 2019 $ 3,596 $ 11,767 $ 1,051 $ 6,542 $ 22,956 Transfers into Level 3 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 — — — — — Total gains (losses) for the period: Included in net income (1) — — (765 ) (2,247 ) (3,012 ) Included in other comprehensive income (2) (496 ) (1,987 ) — — (2,483 ) Purchases — — — — — Sales — — — — — Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 3,100 $ 9,780 $ 286 $ 4,295 $ 17,461 Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period $ — $ — $ (765 ) $ (2,247 ) $ (3,012 ) Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period $ (496 ) $ (1,987 ) $ — $ — $ (2,483 ) States and Corporate Common Preferred Other Total Balance as of January 1, 2018 $ 4,081 $ 24,545 $ 5,052 $ 270 $ 10,782 $ 44,730 Transfers into Level 3 — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 — — — — — — Total gains (losses) for the period: Included in net income (1) — — (1,303 ) 10 802 (491 ) Included in other comprehensive income (2) (485 ) (11,374 ) — — — (11,859 ) Purchases — — — — — — Sales — — — — (1,741 ) (1,741 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 3,596 $ 13,171 $ 3,749 $ 280 $ 9,843 $ 30,639 Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period $ — $ — $ (1,303 ) $ 10 $ 802 $ (491 ) (1) Gains and losses recognized in net income are reported within net investment income. (2) Gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income are reported within unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , there were no transfers between Level 2 and Level 3. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the carrying values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, premiums and other receivables, and accounts payable approximate the fair value given their short-term nature and were 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 9 , “ Debt ” for additional information. The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of debt not carried at fair value, excluding finance lease and other liabilities, as well as the input level used to determine the fair value: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Input Level Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value 7.625% Notes Level 2 $ 96,907 $ 106,040 $ 96,842 $ 90,400 6.75% Notes Level 3 346,926 368,291 346,439 353,756 Subordinated Debentures Level 3 72,168 72,125 72,168 72,109 2016 Credit Agreement Level 3 — — 160,000 163,222 2019 Credit Agreement Level 3 140,000 147,591 — —

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Deferred Acquisition Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Property Accident Total Property Accident Total Balance, beginning of the period $ 226,188 $ 25,220 $ 251,408 $ 198,283 $ 18,106 $ 216,389 Additions 385,570 41,222 426,792 399,610 16,985 416,595 Amortization (372,741 ) (37,800 ) (410,541 ) (369,634 ) (13,858 ) (383,492 ) Change in DAC 12,829 3,422 16,251 29,976 3,127 33,103 Balance, end of the period $ 239,017 $ 28,642 $ 267,659 $ 228,259 $ 21,233 $ 249,492 NGHC $ 215,904 $ 28,642 $ 244,546 $ 208,982 $ 21,233 $ 230,215 Reciprocal Exchanges 23,113 — 23,113 19,277 — 19,277 Balance, end of the period $ 239,017 $ 28,642 $ 267,659 $ 228,259 $ 21,233 $ 249,492

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , goodwill increased by $1,404 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 of policies in force , renewal rights and trademarks. Indefinite-lived intangible assets include management contracts and state licenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company amortized $6,806 and $8,246 , respectively, related to its definite-lived intangible assets, which includes amortization relating to intangible assets owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $18 and $(14) , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the Company amortized $21,134 and $23,330 , respectively, related to its definite-lived intangible assets, which includes amortization relating to intangible assets owned by the Reciprocal Exchanges of $41 and $(67) , respectively. Total amortization expense includes amortization of loss reserve premium. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , intangible assets, other than goodwill, increased by $40,544 due to acquisitions.

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustme

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves The unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense (“LAE”) reserves is an estimate of the Company’s liability from incurred claims at the reporting period. The unpaid losses and loss adjustment expense 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 following tables present a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserve balances for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Property Accident NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross balance at beginning of the period $ 2,507,409 $ 271,280 $ 2,778,689 $ 178,470 $ 2,957,159 Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period (1,182,588 ) (24,575 ) (1,207,163 ) (77,979 ) (1,285,142 ) Net balance at beginning of the period 1,324,821 246,705 1,571,526 100,491 1,672,017 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,726,618 279,460 2,006,078 125,250 2,131,328 Prior year 19,791 (37,775 ) (17,984 ) (666 ) (18,650 ) Total incurred 1,746,409 241,685 1,988,094 124,584 2,112,678 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (661,742 ) (136,261 ) (798,003 ) (76,704 ) (874,707 ) Prior year (1,013,023 ) (105,076 ) (1,118,099 ) (39,005 ) (1,157,104 ) Total paid (1,674,765 ) (241,337 ) (1,916,102 ) (115,709 ) (2,031,811 ) Acquired losses and LAE reserves 92,573 — 92,573 — 92,573 Unrealized foreign exchange gain — (8,204 ) (8,204 ) — (8,204 ) Net balance at end of the period 1,489,038 238,849 1,727,887 109,366 1,837,253 Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period 1,079,560 38,352 1,117,912 84,090 1,202,002 Gross balance at end of the period $ 2,568,598 $ 277,201 $ 2,845,799 $ 193,456 $ 3,039,255 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Property Accident NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross balance at beginning of the period $ 2,270,551 $ 249,653 $ 2,520,204 $ 143,353 $ 2,663,557 Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period (1,067,495 ) (9,840 ) (1,077,335 ) (52,408 ) (1,129,743 ) Net balance at beginning of the period 1,203,056 239,813 1,442,869 90,945 1,533,814 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,596,337 276,987 1,873,324 124,914 1,998,238 Prior year (13,318 ) (24,623 ) (37,941 ) 1,507 (36,434 ) Total incurred 1,583,019 252,364 1,835,383 126,421 1,961,804 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (883,969 ) (108,686 ) (992,655 ) (81,526 ) (1,074,181 ) Prior year (622,468 ) (114,045 ) (736,513 ) (34,079 ) (770,592 ) Total paid (1,506,437 ) (222,731 ) (1,729,168 ) (115,605 ) (1,844,773 ) Unrealized foreign exchange gain — (8,302 ) (8,302 ) — (8,302 ) Net balance at end of the period 1,279,638 261,144 1,540,782 101,761 1,642,543 Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period 1,120,630 17,778 1,138,408 74,184 1,212,592 Gross balance at end of the period $ 2,400,268 $ 278,922 $ 2,679,190 $ 175,945 $ 2,855,135 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. 2019 . Loss and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 included $18,650 of favorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves. The $19,125 of unfavorable development in the property and casualty segment (including $666 of favorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges) was driven by small business auto, while the $37,775 of favorable development in the accident and health segment was primarily driven by the domestic book of business. 2018 . Loss and LAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included $36,434 of favorable development on prior accident year loss and LAE reserves. The $11,811 of favorable development in the property and casualty segment (including $1,507 of unfavorable development for the Reciprocal Exchanges) was primarily driven by favorable development in the Company’s auto physical damage and homeowners products, while $24,623 of favorable development in the accident and health segment was primarily driven by favorable development in the Company’s domestic products.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance The Company utilizes various excess of loss, quota share, state-based industry pools or facilities, and catastrophe reinsurance programs to limit its exposure to a maximum loss on any one risk. Reinsurance agreements transfer portions of the underlying risk of the business the Company writes. Reinsurance does not discharge or diminish the Company’s obligation to pay claims covered by the insurance policies it issues; however, it does permit the Company to recover certain incurred losses from its reinsurers and the Company’s reinsurance recoveries reduce the maximum loss that it may incur as a result of a covered loss event. The Company’s reinsurers generally carry at least an A.M. Best Company, Inc. rating of “A-” (Excellent) or are fully collateralized at the time they enter into the Company’s reinsurance agreements. The total amount, cost and limits relating to the reinsurance coverage the Company purchases may vary from year to year based upon a variety of factors, including the availability of quality reinsurance at an acceptable price and the level of risk that the Company chooses to retain for its own account. The Company assumes and cedes insurance risks under various reinsurance agreements, on both a pro rata basis and excess of loss basis. The Company purchases reinsurance to mitigate the volatility of direct and assumed business, which may be caused by the aggregate value or the concentration of written exposures in a particular geographic area or business segment and may arise from catastrophes or other events. The Company pays a premium as consideration for ceding the risk. Reinsurance recoverable is as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 302,597 $ 326,596 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 1,202,002 1,285,142 Reinsurance recoverable $ 1,504,599 $ 1,611,738 The following is the effect of reinsurance on unpaid loss and LAE reserves and unearned premiums: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves $ 66,422 $ 1,202,002 $ 84,469 $ 1,285,142 Unearned premiums 19,415 643,218 21,015 665,674 The following is the effect of reinsurance on premiums and loss and LAE: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Premium: Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Direct $ 1,417,792 $ 1,407,731 $ 1,330,259 $ 1,296,717 $ 4,200,571 $ 4,080,131 $ 4,055,044 $ 3,744,321 Assumed 17,365 19,029 25,412 29,078 58,272 59,872 74,206 89,627 Total Gross Premium 1,435,157 1,426,760 1,355,671 1,325,795 4,258,843 4,140,003 4,129,250 3,833,948 Ceded (400,553 ) (373,122 ) (432,647 ) (386,268 ) (1,064,177 ) (1,091,557 ) (1,209,608 ) (1,045,977 ) Net Premium $ 1,034,604 $ 1,053,638 $ 923,024 $ 939,527 $ 3,194,666 $ 3,048,446 $ 2,919,642 $ 2,787,971 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE $ 7,024 $ 245,095 $ 7,479 $ 289,726 $ 23,670 $ 605,126 $ 16,487 $ 712,277 State-based Industry Pools and Facilities The Company’s reinsurance programs include premiums written under state-mandated involuntary plans for automobile, motorcycle and commercial vehicles and premiums ceded to state-provided reinsurance facilities such as Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (“MCCA”) and North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (“NCRF”), for which the Company retains no loss indemnity risk. Prepaid reinsurance premiums are earned on a pro rata basis over the period of risk, based on a daily earnings convention, which is consistent with premiums written. The Company believes that it is unlikely to incur any material loss as a result of non-payment of amounts owed to the Company by MCCA and NCRF because (i) the payment obligations are extended over many years, resulting in relatively small current payment obligations, (ii) both MCCA and NCRF are supported by assessments permitted by statute, and (iii) the Company has not historically incurred losses as a result of non-payment. Because MCCA and NCRF are supported by assessments permitted by statute, and there have been no significant and uncollectible balances from MCCA and NCRF, the Company believes that it has no significant exposure to uncollectible reinsurance balances from these entities. Quota Share Agreements In 2017, the Company entered into an Auto Quota Share Agreement (the “Auto Quota Share Agreement”) covering the Company’s auto lines of business. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company ceded 7.0% of net liability under new and renewal auto policies written. On July 1, 2019, the Company renewed its Auto Quota Share Agreement for a two-year term. Effective July 1, 2019, the Company cedes 10.0% of net liability under new and renewal auto policies with the ability to increase the cession to up to 30.0% and decrease the cession down to 5.0% under certain conditions. The Company receives a 31.2% provisional ceding commission on premiums ceded to the reinsurer during the term of the Auto Quota Share Agreement, subject to a sliding scale adjustment to a maximum of 32.8% if the loss ratio for the reinsured business is 64.7% or less and a minimum of 30.0% if the loss ratio is 67.5% or higher. In 2017, the Company entered into a Homeowners Quota Share Agreement (the “HO Quota Share Agreement”) covering the Company’s homeowners line of business. On July 1, 2019, the Company renewed its HO Quota Share Agreement for a one-year term. Effective July 1, 2019, the Company cedes 40.0% of net liability under homeowners policies and receives a 36.0% ceding commission on new and renewal business and a portion of the in-force business. A portion of the in-force business is being run-off under the prior agreements. The weighted average expected ceding commission for all in-force business and new and renewal homeowners business is 37.5% over the contract term. Catastrophe Reinsurance Effective May 1, 2019 , the Company’s reinsurance property catastrophe excess of loss program, protecting the Company against catastrophic events and other large losses, provides a total of $650,000 in coverage with one reinstatement with a $70,000 retention for the first event and $50,000 for the second event. As of July 1, 2018 , the casualty program provides $35,000 in coverage in excess of a $5,000 retention. Effective October 1, 2019 , the Company renewed the casualty program, for which coverage and retention will remain in effect and unchanged. The Company pays a premium as consideration for ceding the risk. Effective July 1, 2019 , the Reciprocal Exchanges renewed their property catastrophe excess of loss program providing a total of $480,000 in coverage with a $20,000 retention, with one reinstatement.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The following table represents the Company’s debt: Interest Rate Maturity September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Fixed-rate: 6.75% Notes 6.75% 2024 $ 350,000 $ 350,000 7.625% Notes 7.625% 2055 100,000 100,000 Floating-rate: Subordinated Debentures I LIBOR + 3.40% 2035 41,238 41,238 Subordinated Debentures II LIBOR + 4.25% 2037 30,930 30,930 2016 Credit Agreement (1) LIBOR + 2.00% 2020 — 160,000 2019 Credit Agreement (2) LIBOR + 1.75% 2023 140,000 — Finance lease liabilities Various Various 21,002 14,824 Other 3.5% Various 10,975 15,522 Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (6,167 ) (6,719 ) Total carrying amount of debt $ 687,978 $ 705,795 (1) The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding as of December 31, 2018 was 4.58% . (2) The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding as of September 30, 2019 was 3.84% . The following table presents the Company’s interest expense: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Interest Payment Frequency 2019 2018 2019 2018 6.75% Notes Semiannually $ 5,906 $ 5,906 $ 17,719 $ 17,719 7.625% Notes Quarterly 1,906 1,906 5,719 5,719 Subordinated Debentures Quarterly 1,118 1,144 3,470 3,227 2016 Credit Agreement Quarterly — 1,950 1,211 5,700 2019 Credit Agreement Quarterly 1,674 — 4,020 — Finance lease liabilities Various 302 157 888 477 Other (1) Various 1,992 1,520 5,795 5,933 Total interest expense $ 12,898 $ 12,583 $ 38,822 $ 38,775 (1) Other includes interest for other liabilities, interest credited on funds held balances and accretion of debt issuance costs. Notes 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 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. Subordinated Debentures The Company, through a subsidiary, is the issuer of junior subordinated debentures (the “Subordinated Debentures”) relating to an issuance of trust preferred securities. The Subordinated 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. Credit Agreement On February 25, 2019 , the Company refinanced its existing credit agreement and entered into a new credit agreement (the “ 2019 Credit Agreement ”), with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association and Fifth Third Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents, and the various lending institutions party thereto. The 2019 Credit Agreement is currently a $340,000 base revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $150,000 and an expansion feature of up to $50,000 . Borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) or the LIBO rate. ABR borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement will bear interest at (x) the greatest of (a) the prime rate in effect on such day, (b) the federal funds effective rate on such day plus 0.5 percent or (c) the adjusted LIBO rate for a one-month interest period on such day plus 1 percent . Eurodollar borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement will bear interest at the adjusted LIBO rate plus the Eurodollar spread for the interest period in effect. Fees payable by the Company under the 2019 Credit Agreement include a letter of credit participation fee, 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 0.175% to 0.25% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio; and as of September 30, 2019 , the rate was 0.225% ). The 2019 Credit Agreement has a maturity date of February 25, 2023. Maturities of the Company’s debt for the years subsequent to September 30, 2019 are as follows: 2019 (remaining three months) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total 6.75% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 350,000 $ — $ 350,000 7.625% Notes — — — — — — 100,000 100,000 Subordinated Debentures I — — — — — — 41,238 41,238 Subordinated Debentures II — — — — — — 30,930 30,930 2019 Credit Agreement — — — — 140,000 — — 140,000 Finance lease liabilities 1,545 6,483 4,958 2,680 1,537 1,242 2,557 21,002 Other 1,633 6,399 2,943 — — — — 10,975 Total principal amount of debt $ 3,178 $ 12,882 $ 7,901 $ 2,680 $ 141,537 $ 351,242 $ 174,725 $ 694,145 Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (6,167 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 687,978 Covenants and Compliance The indenture relating to the 6.75% Notes and 7.625% Notes contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations, as well as 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 2019 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 risk-based capital and a minimum rating. The 2019 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 2019 Credit Agreement , declare the Company’s obligations under the 2019 Credit Agreement to become immediately due and payable and/or exercise any and all remedies and other rights under the 2019 Credit Agreement . As of September 30, 2019 , the Company was in compliance with the covenants contained in the Company’s debt agreements.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease ROU assets and operating leases liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The Company uses an incremental borrowing rate at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. Application of the package of practical expedients allowed the Company not to reassess a) whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, b) existing lease classification, c) initial direct cost for existing leases, and d) land easements that exist before the Company's adoption of the new standard. The Company leases certain retail stores, office space, land, and equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheets; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases over the lease term. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from one to five years or more. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s sole discretion. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. Certain of the Company's lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company rents or subleases certain real estate to third parties. Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follow: Leases Classification September 30, 2019 Assets: Finance Buildings and improvements $ 9,486 Finance Vehicle 7,616 Finance Hardware, software and other equipment 4,814 Total finance 21,916 Operating Operating lease assets 112,540 Total lease assets Premises and equipment, net (1) $ 134,456 Liabilities: Finance Debt $ 21,002 Operating Other liabilities 117,050 Total lease liabilities $ 138,052 (1) As of September 30, 2019 , accumulated depreciation and amortization for Buildings and improvements, Vehicle, Hardware, software and other equipment, and Operating lease assets was $1,840 , $5,209 , $8,134 and $18,969 , respectively. The components of lease cost are as follows: Lease Cost Classification Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Finance lease cost: Amortization of leased assets General and administrative expenses $ 2,284 $ 5,907 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 302 888 Finance lease cost $ 2,586 $ 6,795 Operating lease cost General and administrative expenses $ 9,794 $ 27,538 Maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities for the years subsequent to September 30, 2019 are as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2019 (remaining three months) $ 8,082 $ 1,781 $ 9,863 2020 27,678 7,258 34,936 2021 23,906 5,473 29,379 2022 19,494 3,037 22,531 2023 16,526 1,794 18,320 2024 13,856 1,428 15,284 Thereafter 28,541 2,847 31,388 Total lease payments $ 138,083 $ 23,618 $ 161,701 Less: Interest (21,033 ) (2,616 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 117,050 $ 21,002 Supplemental information related to term and discount rate are as follow: Leases Classification September 30, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term: Finance Buildings and improvements 7.4 years Finance Vehicle 2.9 years Finance Hardware, software and other equipment 1.8 years Operating Operating lease assets 5.9 years Weighted-average discount rate: Finance Buildings and improvements 5.8 % Finance Vehicle 4.2 % Finance Hardware, software and other equipment 4.0 % Operating Operating lease assets 5.6 % Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follow: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 773 Financing cash flows from finance leases 5,281 Operating cash flows from operating leases 17,804 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 10,950 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 21,690

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Litigation The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are named as defendants in various legal actions arising principally from claims made under insurance policies and contracts. Those actions are considered by the Company in estimating the loss and LAE reserves. The Company’s management believes the resolution of those actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 among the Company and its subsidiaries. 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 Company’s consolidated effective tax rate increased from 21.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 to 21.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 . The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate increased from 20.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to 21.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 . The consolidated effective tax rate was impacted by the implementation of tax law changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2018. All tax liabilities are payable to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state and local taxing agencies. The Company’s subsidiaries are currently under audit by the IRS for the year ended December 31, 2015, and open to audit years thereafter for federal tax purposes. For state and local tax purposes, the Company is open to audit for tax years ended December 31, 2014 forward, depending on jurisdiction.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Preferred Stock The Company has four separate series (Series A through D) of preferred stock outstanding. Two of these series (Series B and C) were issued in offerings using depositary shares. Dividends on the Series A, B and C preferred stock are payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year. Dividends on the Series D preferred stock are payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, semi-annually in arrears on the 15th day of January and July of each year, commencing on January 15, 2019. On or after July 15, 2023 (or in the event of a fundamental change of the Company, at any time), the Series D preferred stock may be converted at the holder’s option into shares of the Company’s common stock. A summary description of the terms of these series of preferred stock is presented in the table below: Series Dividend rate per year Shares of preferred stock issued Depositary shares issued Liquidation preference per share Aggregate liquidation preference A 7.50 % 2,200,000 — $ 25 $ 55,000 B 7.50 % 165,000 6,600,000 $ 1,000 $ 165,000 C 7.50 % 200,000 8,000,000 $ 1,000 $ 200,000 D Fixed/ Floating (1) 120 — $ 250,000 $ 30,000 (1) Dividend rate is fixed at 7.00% prior to July 15, 2023 and floating at six-month LIBOR plus 5.4941% thereafter. Common Stock and Preferred Stock Dividends Dividends are payable on the Company’s common and preferred stock only when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors in its discretion, from funds legally available for this purpose. The following tables present the class of stock, declaration date and dividends paid per share: Class of Stock Declaration Date Dividend Dividend Per Depositary Share Common stock July 29, 2019 $ 0.05 Common stock May 6, 2019 $ 0.04 Common stock February 25, 2019 $ 0.04 Preferred stock Series A July 29, 2019 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A May 6, 2019 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A February 25, 2019 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B July 29, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B May 6, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B February 25, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C July 29, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C May 6, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C February 25, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series D May 6, 2019 $ 8,750.00 Class of Stock Declaration Date Dividend Per Share Dividend Per Depositary Share Common stock August 6, 2018 $ 0.04 Common stock May 7, 2018 $ 0.04 Common stock February 26, 2018 $ 0.04 Preferred stock Series A August 6, 2018 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A May 7, 2018 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A February 26, 2018 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B August 6, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B May 7, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B February 26, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C August 6, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C May 7, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C February 26, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Effective May 6, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The 2019 Plan authorizes up to 2.5 million shares of the Company’s stock for awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSU”), performance share units, performance units, cash-based awards or other stock-based awards. The number of shares of common stock for which awards may be issued may not exceed 2.5 million 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. The 2019 Plan serves as a successor of the Company’s prior equity incentive plans. Outstanding awards under the prior plans continue to be outstanding and subject to their terms and conditions. As of September 30, 2019 , 2.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock remained available for grants under the 2019 Plan. Stock Options A summary of the stock option awards is shown below: Shares Subject to Options Outstanding Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Outstanding at beginning of period 3,184,352 $ 9.53 Exercised (114,848 ) 3.80 Outstanding and exercisable at end of period 3,069,504 $ 9.74 3.4 $ 40,755 (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 $23.02 , as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market on September 30, 2019 . No options were granted, forfeited or expired during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 . The total intrinsic value of the options exercised for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $1,035 and $322 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the options exercised for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $2,310 and $3,953 , respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $76 and $19 , respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $175 and $652 , respectively. Restricted Stock Units A summary of the RSUs is shown below: RSUs Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Number of RSUs Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of period 938,795 $ 22.28 Granted 510,241 25.58 Vested (403,436 ) 22.14 Forfeited (17,104 ) 23.19 Non-vested at end of period 1,028,496 $ 23.96 The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs granted for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $25.58 and $21.36 , respectively. The total fair value of the RSUs vested for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $1,513 and $1,348 , respectively. The total fair value of the RSUs vested for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was $8,932 and $6,869 , respectively. Stock-Based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense, included in general and administrative expenses, for all stock-based compensation plans was $2,785 and $2,283 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $8,277 and $6,793 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. As of September 30, 2019 , the Company had approximately $18,455 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, all of which was related to RSUs. This unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years based on vesting under the award service conditions.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Numerator: Net income attributable to NGHC $ 71,154 $ 68,382 $ 240,788 $ 181,138 Preferred stock dividends - nonconvertible (7,875 ) (7,875 ) (23,625 ) (23,625 ) Preferred stock dividends - convertible — — (1,050 ) — Numerator for basic EPS 63,279 60,507 216,113 157,513 Effect of dilutive securities: Preferred stock dividends - convertible — — 1,050 — Numerator for diluted EPS - after assumed conversions $ 63,279 $ 60,507 $ 217,163 $ 157,513 Denominator: Denominator for basic EPS - weighted-average shares outstanding 113,263,367 107,101,837 113,153,121 106,944,461 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options 1,823,012 2,108,233 1,881,295 2,067,054 RSUs 262,637 353,322 263,635 304,265 Convertible preferred stock 789,473 — 789,473 — Dilutive potential common shares 2,875,122 2,461,555 2,934,403 2,371,319 Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions 116,138,489 109,563,392 116,087,524 109,315,780 Basic EPS $ 0.56 $ 0.56 $ 1.91 $ 1.47 Diluted EPS $ 0.54 $ 0.55 $ 1.87 $ 1.44

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 Asset Purchase and Master Services Agreements 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 a policy management system and the related intellectual property, as well as a non-exclusive perpetual license to certain software programs used by the system (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 System has been fully transferred to the Company’s operating environment and the purchase price has been fully paid. The Agreement also terminated the existing master services agreement between the Company and AmTrust. AmTrust continued to provide 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. The Company recorded expenses related to this agreement of $63 and $729 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $511 and $9,819 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. 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 net reinsurance recoverable is $4,496 and $7,425 at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. The net recovery under the agreement was $216 and $1,090 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $624 and $1,524 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. ACP Re and Maiden held assets in trust for the benefit of the Company in the amount of $2,486 and $7,385 , respectively, as of September 30, 2019 and $3,796 and $8,644 , respectively, as of December 31, 2018 . Equity Method Investments The Company has an ownership interest in an LSC Entity, limited liability companies and limited partnerships with related parties. See Note 3 , “ Investments - Equity Method Investments - Related Parties” for additional information. Agreements with ACP Re Credit Agreement The Company is party to a credit agreement (the “ACP Re Credit Agreement”) by and among AmTrust, as administrative agent, ACP Re Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company owned by a related party trust, the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (the “Trust”), as borrower, and AmTrust and the Company, as lenders of $250,000 ( $125,000 each lender). The amounts borrowed are secured by equity interests, cash and, other investments held by ACP Re Holdings, LLC in an amount equal to 115% of the outstanding loan balance. The maturity date of the loan is September 20, 2036. The interest rate on the outstanding principal balance is a fixed annual rate of 3.7% , provided that up to 1.2% thereof may be paid in kind. The Trust is required to cause ACP Re Holdings, LLC to maintain assets having a value greater than 115% of the 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”). 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. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the Company had a receivable principal amount related to the ACP Re Credit Agreement of $129,229 and $127,692 , respectively. The Company recorded interest income of $1,195 and $1,181 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $3,571 and $3,529 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. Management determined no impairment reserve was needed for the carrying value of the loan at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 based on the collateral levels maintained. Other Related Party Transactions Operating 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 $207 and $207 in rent for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $622 and $622 in rent for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , 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 2025. The Company paid $78 and $76 in rent for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $231 and $226 in rent for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Use of the Company Aircraft The Company and Barry Karfunkel, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, are parties to a time sharing agreement for the use of the Company’s plane. Mr. Karfunkel reimbursed the Company $0 and $25 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , and reimbursed the Company $15 and $65 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, for his personal use of the company-owned aircraft.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
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 profits attributable to the performance of activities within the segment 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 corporate 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 premiums, deferred acquisition costs, reinsurance recoverable, prepaid reinsurance premiums, intangible assets and goodwill, 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. The effects of these transactions between the Company and the Reciprocal Exchanges are eliminated in consolidation to derive consolidated net income. However, the management fee income is reported in net income attributable to NGHC and included in the basic and diluted earnings per share. The following tables summarize the results of operations of the operating segments: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 1,272,602 $ 162,555 $ — $ 1,435,157 Ceded premiums (385,347 ) (15,206 ) — (400,553 ) Net premium written 887,255 147,349 — 1,034,604 Change in unearned premium (2,520 ) 21,554 — 19,034 Net earned premium 884,735 168,903 — 1,053,638 Ceding commission income 55,326 2,261 — 57,587 Service and fee income 97,890 63,736 — 161,626 Total underwriting revenues 1,037,951 234,900 — 1,272,851 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 674,722 70,612 — 745,334 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 161,876 47,214 — 209,090 General and administrative expenses 195,567 68,297 — 263,864 Total underwriting expenses 1,032,165 186,123 — 1,218,288 Underwriting income 5,786 48,777 — 54,563 Net investment income — — 33,740 33,740 Net loss on investments — — (565 ) (565 ) Other income — — 2,146 2,146 Interest expense — — (12,898 ) (12,898 ) Provision for income taxes — — (16,747 ) (16,747 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 10,915 10,915 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 5,786 $ 48,777 $ 16,591 $ 71,154 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Property Accident Corporate Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 1,211,723 $ 143,948 $ — $ 1,355,671 Ceded premiums (412,275 ) (20,372 ) — (432,647 ) Net premium written 799,448 123,576 — 923,024 Change in unearned premium (15,267 ) 31,770 — 16,503 Net earned premium 784,181 155,346 — 939,527 Ceding commission income 58,831 269 — 59,100 Service and fee income 96,232 46,458 — 142,690 Total underwriting revenues 939,244 202,073 — 1,141,317 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 584,658 72,652 — 657,310 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 146,696 44,774 — 191,470 General and administrative expenses 185,208 50,525 — 235,733 Total underwriting expenses 916,562 167,951 — 1,084,513 Underwriting income 22,682 34,122 — 56,804 Net investment income — — 30,696 30,696 Net loss on investments — — (3,170 ) (3,170 ) Interest expense — — (12,583 ) (12,583 ) Provision for income taxes — — (15,518 ) (15,518 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 12,153 12,153 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 22,682 $ 34,122 $ 11,578 $ 68,382 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 3,666,072 $ 592,771 $ — $ 4,258,843 Ceded premiums (971,643 ) (92,534 ) — (1,064,177 ) Net premium written 2,694,429 500,237 — 3,194,666 Change in unearned premium (142,515 ) (3,705 ) — (146,220 ) Net earned premium 2,551,914 496,532 — 3,048,446 Ceding commission income 178,533 8,780 — 187,313 Service and fee income 298,356 177,685 — 476,041 Total underwriting revenues 3,028,803 682,997 — 3,711,800 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,870,993 241,685 — 2,112,678 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 462,071 153,063 — 615,134 General and administrative expenses 571,498 188,227 — 759,725 Total underwriting expenses 2,904,562 582,975 — 3,487,537 Underwriting income 124,241 100,022 — 224,263 Net investment income — — 102,316 102,316 Net loss on investments — — (5,773 ) (5,773 ) Other income — — 2,146 2,146 Interest expense — — (38,822 ) (38,822 ) Provision for income taxes — — (61,494 ) (61,494 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 18,152 18,152 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 124,241 $ 100,022 $ 16,525 $ 240,788 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Property Accident Corporate Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 3,594,690 $ 534,560 $ — $ 4,129,250 Ceded premiums (1,161,235 ) (48,373 ) — (1,209,608 ) Net premium written 2,433,455 486,187 — 2,919,642 Change in unearned premium (110,875 ) (20,796 ) — (131,671 ) Net earned premium 2,322,580 465,391 — 2,787,971 Ceding commission income 158,187 789 — 158,976 Service and fee income 280,727 134,586 — 415,313 Total underwriting revenues 2,761,494 600,766 — 3,362,260 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,709,440 252,364 — 1,961,804 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 405,541 136,499 — 542,040 General and administrative expenses 542,902 148,265 — 691,167 Total underwriting expenses 2,657,883 537,128 — 3,195,011 Underwriting income 103,611 63,638 — 167,249 Net investment income — — 81,702 81,702 Net loss on investments — — (22,756 ) (22,756 ) Interest expense — — (38,775 ) (38,775 ) Provision for income taxes — — (38,261 ) (38,261 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 31,979 31,979 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 103,611 $ 63,638 $ 13,889 $ 181,138 The following tables summarize the financial position of the operating segments: September 30, 2019 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,365,806 $ 165,595 $ 9,725 $ 1,541,126 Deferred acquisition costs 239,017 28,642 — 267,659 Reinsurance recoverable 1,458,290 46,309 — 1,504,599 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 631,486 11,732 — 643,218 Intangible assets, net and Goodwill 450,437 123,373 — 573,810 Prepaid and other assets 25,417 15,279 4,511 45,207 Corporate and other assets — — 5,498,377 5,498,377 Total assets $ 4,170,453 $ 390,930 $ 5,512,613 $ 10,073,996 December 31, 2018 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,245,530 $ 153,896 $ 386 $ 1,399,812 Deferred acquisition costs 226,188 25,220 — 251,408 Reinsurance recoverable 1,585,008 26,730 — 1,611,738 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 665,660 14 — 665,674 Intangible assets, net and Goodwill 443,163 116,957 — 560,120 Prepaid and other assets 20,941 22,472 111,545 154,958 Corporate and other assets — — 4,795,570 4,795,570 Total assets $ 4,186,490 $ 345,289 $ 4,907,501 $ 9,439,280 The following tables show an analysis of the premiums by geographical location: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,313,309 $ 118,267 $ 1,431,576 $ 1,230,492 $ 121,351 $ 1,351,843 Gross premium written - Europe 3,581 — 3,581 3,828 — 3,828 Total $ 1,316,890 $ 118,267 $ 1,435,157 $ 1,234,320 $ 121,351 $ 1,355,671 Net premium written - North America $ 964,536 $ 67,285 $ 1,031,821 $ 921,456 $ 14,814 $ 936,270 Net premium written - Europe 2,783 — 2,783 (13,246 ) — (13,246 ) Total $ 967,319 $ 67,285 $ 1,034,604 $ 908,210 $ 14,814 $ 923,024 Net earned premium - North America $ 972,598 $ 57,117 $ 1,029,715 $ 878,367 $ 43,151 $ 921,518 Net earned premium - Europe 23,923 — 23,923 18,009 — 18,009 Total $ 996,521 $ 57,117 $ 1,053,638 $ 896,376 $ 43,151 $ 939,527 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 3,787,030 $ 344,982 $ 4,132,012 $ 3,666,594 $ 337,021 $ 4,003,615 Gross premium written - Europe 126,831 — 126,831 125,635 — 125,635 Total $ 3,913,861 $ 344,982 $ 4,258,843 $ 3,792,229 $ 337,021 $ 4,129,250 Net premium written - North America $ 2,945,220 $ 172,460 $ 3,117,680 $ 2,678,841 $ 132,240 $ 2,811,081 Net premium written - Europe 76,986 — 76,986 108,561 — 108,561 Total $ 3,022,206 $ 172,460 $ 3,194,666 $ 2,787,402 $ 132,240 $ 2,919,642 Net earned premium - North America $ 2,825,552 $ 149,405 $ 2,974,957 $ 2,559,409 $ 141,009 $ 2,700,418 Net earned premium - Europe 73,489 — 73,489 87,553 — 87,553 Total $ 2,899,041 $ 149,405 $ 3,048,446 $ 2,646,962 $ 141,009 $ 2,787,971 The following tables summarize service and fee income by source within each operating segment: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Property Accident Total Property Accident Total Commission revenue $ 21,333 $ 16,353 $ 37,686 $ 25,404 $ 17,874 $ 43,278 Finance and processing fees 33,637 800 34,437 29,804 935 30,739 Installment fees 23,464 — 23,464 23,841 — 23,841 Group health administrative fees — 25,808 25,808 — 18,364 18,364 Late payment fees 9,251 72 9,323 8,164 19 8,183 Other service and fee income 10,205 20,703 30,908 9,019 9,266 18,285 Total $ 97,890 $ 63,736 $ 161,626 $ 96,232 $ 46,458 $ 142,690 NGHC $ 96,305 $ 63,736 $ 160,041 $ 94,657 $ 46,458 $ 141,115 Reciprocal Exchanges 1,585 — 1,585 1,575 — 1,575 Total $ 97,890 $ 63,736 $ 161,626 $ 96,232 $ 46,458 $ 142,690 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Property Accident Total Property Accident Total Commission revenue $ 68,193 $ 57,097 $ 125,290 $ 68,547 $ 51,190 $ 119,737 Finance and processing fees 98,218 3,710 101,928 91,676 3,223 94,899 Installment fees 72,782 — 72,782 68,928 — 68,928 Group health administrative fees — 73,861 73,861 — 57,461 57,461 Late payment fees 26,061 249 26,310 24,360 69 24,429 Other service and fee income 33,102 42,768 75,870 27,216 22,643 49,859 Total $ 298,356 $ 177,685 $ 476,041 $ 280,727 $ 134,586 $ 415,313 NGHC $ 293,885 $ 177,685 $ 471,570 $ 276,261 $ 134,586 $ 410,847 Reciprocal Exchanges 4,471 — 4,471 4,466 — 4,466 Total $ 298,356 $ 177,685 $ 476,041 $ 280,727 $ 134,586 $ 415,313 The following tables show an analysis of premiums and fee income by product line: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Gross Premium Written 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 705,709 $ 661,126 $ 2,083,702 $ 2,017,996 Homeowners 201,977 192,349 544,056 523,308 RV/Packaged 55,631 54,964 168,796 164,427 Small Business Auto 76,987 75,218 246,694 246,448 Lender-placed Insurance 97,468 94,462 232,265 259,995 Other 16,563 12,253 45,577 45,495 Total Property and Casualty 1,154,335 1,090,372 3,321,090 3,257,669 Accident and Health Group 73,223 61,743 213,197 177,036 Individual 85,728 78,378 252,719 231,890 International 3,604 3,827 126,855 125,634 Total Accident and Health 162,555 143,948 592,771 534,560 Total NGHC $ 1,316,890 $ 1,234,320 $ 3,913,861 $ 3,792,229 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 39,166 $ 40,240 $ 120,012 $ 116,602 Homeowners 78,079 80,070 222,019 217,486 Other 1,022 1,041 2,951 2,933 Total Reciprocal Exchanges $ 118,267 $ 121,351 $ 344,982 $ 337,021 Total Gross Premium Written $ 1,435,157 $ 1,355,671 $ 4,258,843 $ 4,129,250 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Premium Written 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 560,032 $ 502,964 $ 1,730,904 $ 1,542,685 Homeowners 82,601 112,390 276,250 255,290 RV/Packaged 52,283 54,627 162,047 162,934 Small Business Auto 56,615 53,155 196,221 181,314 Lender-placed Insurance 61,579 56,529 140,863 134,630 Other 6,860 4,969 15,684 24,362 Total Property and Casualty 819,970 784,634 2,521,969 2,301,215 Accident and Health Group 59,001 51,296 170,911 145,760 Individual 85,541 78,372 252,316 231,884 International 2,807 (6,092 ) 77,010 108,543 Total Accident and Health 147,349 123,576 500,237 486,187 Total NGHC $ 967,319 $ 908,210 $ 3,022,206 $ 2,787,402 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 67,154 $ 12,845 $ 101,460 $ 40,860 Homeowners (2,047 ) 2,002 68,180 90,826 Other 2,178 (33 ) 2,820 554 Total Reciprocal Exchanges $ 67,285 $ 14,814 $ 172,460 $ 132,240 Total Net Premium Written $ 1,034,604 $ 923,024 $ 3,194,666 $ 2,919,642 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Earned Premium 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 568,346 $ 496,139 $ 1,621,734 $ 1,436,793 Homeowners 86,525 80,308 272,591 242,161 RV/Packaged 51,023 51,229 150,739 145,911 Small Business Auto 62,265 59,636 189,957 178,302 Lender-placed Insurance 56,599 48,466 158,595 162,629 Other 2,860 5,252 8,893 15,775 Total Property and Casualty 827,618 741,030 2,402,509 2,181,571 Accident and Health Group 59,009 51,310 170,921 145,788 Individual 85,971 78,874 252,122 232,069 International 23,923 25,162 73,489 87,534 Total Accident and Health 168,903 155,346 496,532 465,391 NGHC Total $ 996,521 $ 896,376 $ 2,899,041 $ 2,646,962 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 33,953 $ 13,353 $ 65,907 $ 38,812 Homeowners 22,759 29,698 82,475 101,578 Other 405 100 1,023 619 Total Reciprocal Exchanges 57,117 43,151 149,405 141,009 Total Net Earned Premium $ 1,053,638 $ 939,527 $ 3,048,446 $ 2,787,971 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Fee Income 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Service and Fee Income $ 96,305 $ 94,657 $ 293,885 $ 276,261 Ceding Commission Income 40,260 44,244 128,087 118,664 Total Property and Casualty 136,565 138,901 421,972 394,925 Accident and Health Service and Fee Income Group 34,848 25,198 98,084 74,768 Individual 2,128 4,512 5,506 7,973 Third Party Fee 26,760 16,748 74,095 51,845 Total Service and Fee Income 63,736 46,458 177,685 134,586 Ceding Commission Income 2,261 269 8,780 789 Total Accident and Health 65,997 46,727 186,465 135,375 NGHC Total $ 202,562 $ 185,628 $ 608,437 $ 530,300 Reciprocal Exchanges Service and Fee Income $ 1,585 $ 1,575 $ 4,471 $ 4,466 Ceding Commission Income 15,066 14,587 50,446 39,523 Total Reciprocal Exchanges $ 16,651 $ 16,162 $ 54,917 $ 43,989 Total Fee Income $ 219,213 $ 201,790 $ 663,354 $ 574,289

Basis of Reporting Basis of Rep

Basis of Reporting Basis of Reporting (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy	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”) 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 (the “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, 2018 previously filed with the SEC on February 25, 2019 . The balance sheet at December 31, 2018 , has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. 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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During 2019 Standard Description Date of Adoption Effect on the Company ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and related amendments. This standard was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. January 1, 2019 The Company adopted the standard as of the beginning of the year using the modified retrospective transition approach and did not adjust prior comparative periods. On January 1, 2019, the Company recorded the recognition of the ROU asset and lease liability net of deferred rent, inducement costs and deferred tax impact of $85,000, in both assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and had no impact on cash flows. See Note 10, “Leases” for additional information. Not Yet Adopted With the exception of the adopted or not yet adopted accounting pronouncements discussed here, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements, or quantitative or qualitative progress made towards implementation of outstanding accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , as compared to those described in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 , that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Company ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and related amendments. This standard significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. ASU 2016-13 will require immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. Companies will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Companies will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. The FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Topic 326 and impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 842, Leases. The FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which clarifies that an entity should include recoveries when estimating the allowance for credit losses. The FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief, which eases transition to the credit losses standard by providing the option to measure certain types of assets at fair value. The standard requires using a modified retrospective approach, recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the standard is effective. January 1, 2020 The Company has identified certain financial assets in scope, including debt securities classified as available for sale, financing receivables and reinsurance recoverables. The impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures at the date of adoption of the updated standard will be determined by the financial instruments held by the Company and the macroeconomic conditions and exposures at that time. The Company’s implementation and evaluation process to date includes, but is not limited to, model development, fulfillment of additional data needs for new disclosures and reporting requirements, and drafting of accounting policies. Based on the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio, current market conditions, and historical credit loss activity, the adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard establishes a one-step process for testing the value of the goodwill which an entity carries. ASU 2017-04 requires the goodwill impairment to be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests. January 1, 2020 The impact of the standard will depend upon the performance of the Company’s reporting units and the market conditions impacting the fair value of each reporting unit going forward. The adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_2

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	Adopted During 2019 Standard Description Date of Adoption Effect on the Company ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and related amendments. This standard was issued to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. January 1, 2019 The Company adopted the standard as of the beginning of the year using the modified retrospective transition approach and did not adjust prior comparative periods. On January 1, 2019, the Company recorded the recognition of the ROU asset and lease liability net of deferred rent, inducement costs and deferred tax impact of $85,000, in both assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and had no impact on cash flows. See Note 10, “Leases” for additional information. Not Yet Adopted With the exception of the adopted or not yet adopted accounting pronouncements discussed here, there have been no recent accounting pronouncements, or quantitative or qualitative progress made towards implementation of outstanding accounting pronouncements during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , as compared to those described in Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 , that are of significance, or potential significance, to the Company. Standard Description Effective Date Effect on the Company ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and related amendments. This standard significantly changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. ASU 2016-13 will require immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. Companies will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. Companies will continue to use judgment to determine which loss estimation method is appropriate for their circumstances. The FASB issued ASU 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Topic 326 and impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 842, Leases. The FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which clarifies that an entity should include recoveries when estimating the allowance for credit losses. The FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief, which eases transition to the credit losses standard by providing the option to measure certain types of assets at fair value. The standard requires using a modified retrospective approach, recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the standard is effective. January 1, 2020 The Company has identified certain financial assets in scope, including debt securities classified as available for sale, financing receivables and reinsurance recoverables. The impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures at the date of adoption of the updated standard will be determined by the financial instruments held by the Company and the macroeconomic conditions and exposures at that time. The Company’s implementation and evaluation process to date includes, but is not limited to, model development, fulfillment of additional data needs for new disclosures and reporting requirements, and drafting of accounting policies. Based on the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio, current market conditions, and historical credit loss activity, the adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard establishes a one-step process for testing the value of the goodwill which an entity carries. ASU 2017-04 requires the goodwill impairment to be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests. January 1, 2020 The impact of the standard will depend upon the performance of the Company’s reporting units and the market conditions impacting the fair value of each reporting unit going forward. The adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows: September 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury $ 72,188 $ 2,300 $ (53 ) $ 74,435 Federal agencies 4,379 33 (1 ) 4,411 States and political subdivision bonds 188,037 6,017 (30 ) 194,024 Foreign government 141,026 5,875 (22 ) 146,879 Corporate bonds 1,695,694 71,298 (949 ) 1,766,043 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,019,630 19,513 (1,950 ) 1,037,193 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 573,911 35,690 (28 ) 609,573 Asset-backed securities 58,555 1,321 (47 ) 59,829 Structured securities 252,957 202 (4,332 ) 248,827 Total $ 4,006,377 $ 142,249 $ (7,412 ) $ 4,141,214 NGHC $ 3,705,639 $ 135,248 $ (7,061 ) $ 3,833,826 Reciprocal Exchanges 300,738 7,001 (351 ) 307,388 Total $ 4,006,377 $ 142,249 $ (7,412 ) $ 4,141,214 December 31, 2018 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value U.S. Treasury $ 64,829 $ 1,026 $ (262 ) $ 65,593 Federal agencies 37,842 22 (389 ) 37,475 States and political subdivision bonds 274,367 1,369 (3,539 ) 272,197 Foreign government 151,443 993 (70 ) 152,366 Corporate bonds 1,283,061 3,094 (25,450 ) 1,260,705 Residential mortgage-backed securities 944,365 716 (19,965 ) 925,116 Commercial mortgage-backed securities 548,192 3,757 (6,974 ) 544,975 Asset-backed securities 60,563 705 (121 ) 61,147 Structured securities 249,947 99 (8,588 ) 241,458 Total $ 3,614,609 $ 11,781 $ (65,358 ) $ 3,561,032 NGHC $ 3,311,639 $ 11,206 $ (58,896 ) $ 3,263,949 Reciprocal Exchanges 302,970 575 (6,462 ) 297,083 Total $ 3,614,609 $ 11,781 $ (65,358 ) $ 3,561,032
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity	The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities held as of September 30, 2019 , 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, 2019 Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 52,968 $ 53,081 $ 110 $ 110 $ 53,078 $ 53,191 Due after one year through five years 883,320 911,951 132,418 134,784 1,015,738 1,046,735 Due after five years through ten years 935,527 979,817 73,674 75,405 1,009,201 1,055,222 Due after ten years 261,542 264,537 14,722 14,934 276,264 279,471 Mortgage-backed securities 1,572,282 1,624,440 79,814 82,155 1,652,096 1,706,595 Total $ 3,705,639 $ 3,833,826 $ 300,738 $ 307,388 $ 4,006,377 $ 4,141,214
Gross Unrealized Losses	The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses on debt securities classified as available for sale, by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position. Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total September 30, 2019 Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized U.S. Treasury $ 24,598 $ (32 ) $ 13,846 $ (21 ) $ 38,444 $ (53 ) Federal agencies 259 (1 ) — — 259 (1 ) States and political subdivision bonds 1,281 (1 ) 2,597 (29 ) 3,878 (30 ) Foreign government 2,904 (22 ) — — 2,904 (22 ) Corporate bonds 121,461 (771 ) 9,013 (178 ) 130,474 (949 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 206,204 (1,194 ) 69,431 (756 ) 275,635 (1,950 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 4,737 (22 ) 750 (6 ) 5,487 (28 ) Asset-backed securities 5,548 (26 ) 979 (21 ) 6,527 (47 ) Structured securities 59,765 (849 ) 110,235 (3,483 ) 170,000 (4,332 ) Total $ 426,757 $ (2,918 ) $ 206,851 $ (4,494 ) $ 633,608 $ (7,412 ) NGHC $ 391,883 $ (2,669 ) $ 199,953 $ (4,392 ) $ 591,836 $ (7,061 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 34,874 (249 ) 6,898 (102 ) 41,772 (351 ) Total $ 426,757 $ (2,918 ) $ 206,851 $ (4,494 ) $ 633,608 $ (7,412 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total December 31, 2018 Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized U.S. Treasury $ 474 $ (2 ) $ 21,540 $ (260 ) $ 22,014 $ (262 ) Federal agencies 23,729 (351 ) 1,493 (38 ) 25,222 (389 ) States and political subdivision bonds 57,090 (902 ) 119,759 (2,637 ) 176,849 (3,539 ) Foreign government 45,748 (70 ) — — 45,748 (70 ) Corporate bonds 586,359 (12,891 ) 321,115 (12,559 ) 907,474 (25,450 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 234,396 (1,637 ) 551,623 (18,328 ) 786,019 (19,965 ) Commercial mortgage-backed securities 13,229 (239 ) 148,700 (6,735 ) 161,929 (6,974 ) Asset-backed securities 25,978 (78 ) 1,494 (43 ) 27,472 (121 ) Structured securities 222,154 (8,136 ) 6,167 (452 ) 228,321 (8,588 ) Total $ 1,209,157 $ (24,306 ) $ 1,171,891 $ (41,052 ) $ 2,381,048 $ (65,358 ) NGHC $ 1,115,823 $ (22,668 ) $ 1,018,975 $ (36,228 ) $ 2,134,798 $ (58,896 ) Reciprocal Exchanges 93,334 (1,638 ) 152,916 (4,824 ) 246,250 (6,462 ) Total $ 1,209,157 $ (24,306 ) $ 1,171,891 $ (41,052 ) $ 2,381,048 $ (65,358 )
Equity Securities	The fair values of equity securities were as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Common stock $ 2,760 $ 10,949 Total $ 2,760 $ 10,949 NGHC $ 2,760 $ 10,949 Reciprocal Exchanges — — Total $ 2,760 $ 10,949
Investment Income	The components of net investment income consisted of the following: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Cash and short-term investments $ 1,123 $ 351 $ 3,467 $ 680 Debt securities 31,439 27,643 91,631 77,469 Equity securities 1 182 4 541 Other, net (related parties - three months - $(10) and $505; nine months - $2,163 and $550) 2,270 2,924 10,508 6,577 Investment income 34,833 31,100 105,610 85,267 Investment expenses (1,093 ) (404 ) (3,294 ) (3,565 ) Net investment income $ 33,740 $ 30,696 $ 102,316 $ 81,702 NGHC $ 31,580 $ 28,352 $ 95,862 $ 75,009 Reciprocal Exchanges 2,160 2,344 6,454 6,693 Net investment income $ 33,740 $ 30,696 $ 102,316 $ 81,702
Net Realized Gains (Losses)	The table below indicates realized gains and losses on investments. Other, net includes realized gains and losses from short-term and other investments and foreign exchange. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Debt securities, available-for-sale: Gross gains $ 3,598 $ 2,563 $ 3,921 $ 4,651 Gross losses (1,712 ) (743 ) (2,086 ) (22,388 ) Net realized gain (loss) on debt securities, available-for-sale 1,886 1,820 1,835 (17,737 ) Equity securities (2,208 ) (1,376 ) (6,489 ) (7,203 ) OTTI on investments — (3,000 ) — (3,000 ) Other, net (243 ) (614 ) (1,119 ) 5,184 Net realized loss on investments $ (565 ) $ (3,170 ) $ (5,773 ) $ (22,756 ) NGHC $ (428 ) $ (3,003 ) $ (4,936 ) $ (21,490 ) Reciprocal Exchanges (137 ) (167 ) (837 ) (1,266 ) Net realized loss on investments $ (565 ) $ (3,170 ) $ (5,773 ) $ (22,756 ) Net gains and losses recognized during the reporting period on equity securities still held at the reporting date were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net losses recognized during the period $ (2,208 ) $ (1,376 ) $ (6,489 ) $ (7,203 ) Less: Net losses recognized during the period on securities sold during the period — — — (108 ) Net losses recognized during the reporting period on securities still held at the reporting date $ (2,208 ) $ (1,376 ) $ (6,489 ) $ (7,095 )
Credit Quality of Investments	The tables below summarize the credit quality of debt securities, as rated by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”). If a security is not rated by S&P, an S&P equivalent is determined based on ratings from similar rating agencies. Securities that are not rated are included in the “BB+ and lower” category. NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges September 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage Amortized Cost Fair Value Percentage U.S. Treasury $ 59,290 $ 60,998 1.6 % $ 12,898 $ 13,437 4.4 % AAA 622,806 655,803 17.1 % 18,143 18,891 6.1 % AA, AA+, AA- 1,381,180 1,411,831 36.8 % 109,656 112,043 36.5 % A, A+, A- 803,831 831,868 21.7 % 111,498 114,601 37.2 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 788,908 821,368 21.4 % 48,543 48,416 15.8 % BB+ and lower 49,624 51,958 1.4 % — — — % Total $ 3,705,639 $ 3,833,826 100.0 % $ 300,738 $ 307,388 100.0 % NGHC Reciprocal Exchanges December 31, 2018 Amortized Fair Percentage Amortized Fair Percentage U.S. Treasury $ 52,122 $ 52,759 1.6 % $ 12,707 $ 12,834 4.3 % AAA 586,639 589,078 18.0 % 18,335 18,109 6.1 % AA, AA+, AA- 1,385,709 1,358,528 41.6 % 142,525 140,114 47.2 % A, A+, A- 591,219 581,106 17.8 % 118,535 115,618 38.9 % BBB, BBB+, BBB- 653,645 641,554 19.7 % 10,834 10,374 3.5 % BB+ and lower 42,305 40,924 1.3 % 34 34 — % Total $ 3,311,639 $ 3,263,949 100.0 % $ 302,970 $ 297,083 100.0 % The tables below summarize the investment quality of the corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations. September 30, 2019 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Financial Institutions — % 3.6 % 27.2 % 13.6 % 0.4 % $ 791,523 44.8 % Industrials 0.3 % 3.8 % 18.8 % 29.3 % 0.1 % 923,980 52.3 % Utilities/Other — % — % 1.3 % 1.6 % — % 50,540 2.9 % Total 0.3 % 7.4 % 47.3 % 44.5 % 0.5 % $ 1,766,043 100.0 % NGHC — % 5.8 % 40.9 % 41.8 % 0.5 % $ 1,571,375 89.0 % Reciprocal Exchanges 0.3 % 1.6 % 6.4 % 2.7 % — % 194,668 11.0 % Total 0.3 % 7.4 % 47.3 % 44.5 % 0.5 % $ 1,766,043 100.0 % December 31, 2018 AAA AA+, A+,A,A- BBB+, BB+ or Fair % of Financial Institutions — % 4.3 % 23.1 % 14.2 % 0.9 % $ 535,373 42.5 % Industrials 0.4 % 6.1 % 21.5 % 26.7 % 0.6 % 697,324 55.3 % Utilities/Other — % — % 1.8 % 0.4 % — % 28,008 2.2 % Total 0.4 % 10.4 % 46.4 % 41.3 % 1.5 % $ 1,260,705 100.0 % NGHC — % 6.3 % 37.3 % 40.6 % 1.4 % $ 1,079,099 85.6 % Reciprocal Exchanges 0.4 % 4.1 % 9.1 % 0.7 % 0.1 % 181,606 14.4 % Total 0.4 % 10.4 % 46.4 % 41.3 % 1.5 % $ 1,260,705 100.0 %
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 199,419 $ 193,858 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 27,903 39,725 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 227,322 $ 233,583
Restricted Investments	Restricted investments are as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Securities on deposit with state regulatory authorities $ 83,567 $ 73,119 Restricted investments to trusts in certain reinsurance transactions 54,895 70,470 Total restricted investments $ 138,462 $ 143,589
Other Investments	The table below summarizes the composition of other investments: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Equity method investments (related parties - $105,388 and $106,031) $ 140,195 $ 142,921 Notes receivable (related parties - $129,229 and $127,692) 129,307 128,893 Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost 20,150 20,252 Investments, at fair value 4,295 6,542 Investments, at cost or amortized cost 7,668 7,668 Total $ 301,615 $ 306,276
LSC Entity	The following table presents the Company’s 50% investment activity in the LSC Entity: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of the period $ 48,324 $ 160,683 Distributions (three months - $(2,500) and $0) (2,500 ) (116,035 ) Contributions (three months - $258 and $0) 258 2,000 Equity in earnings (losses) (three months - $(481) and $(858)) 1,250 651 Change in equity method investments (992 ) (113,384 ) Balance, end of the period $ 47,332 $ 47,299

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows: September 30, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-sale debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 74,435 $ — $ — $ 74,435 Federal agencies 4,411 — — 4,411 States and political subdivision bonds — 190,924 3,100 194,024 Foreign government — 146,879 — 146,879 Corporate bonds — 1,756,263 9,780 1,766,043 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,037,193 — 1,037,193 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 609,573 — 609,573 Asset-backed securities — 59,829 — 59,829 Structured securities — 248,827 — 248,827 Total available-for-sale debt securities 78,846 4,049,488 12,880 4,141,214 Equity securities: Common stock 2,474 — 286 2,760 Total equity securities 2,474 — 286 2,760 Short-term investments 381,208 12,455 — 393,663 Other investments — — 4,295 4,295 Total $ 462,528 $ 4,061,943 $ 17,461 $ 4,541,932 NGHC $ 421,579 $ 3,768,494 $ 17,461 $ 4,207,534 Reciprocal Exchanges 40,949 293,449 — 334,398 Total $ 462,528 $ 4,061,943 $ 17,461 $ 4,541,932 December 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Available-for-sale debt securities: U.S. Treasury $ 65,593 $ — $ — $ 65,593 Federal agencies 37,475 — — 37,475 States and political subdivision bonds — 268,601 3,596 272,197 Foreign government — 152,366 — 152,366 Corporate bonds — 1,248,938 11,767 1,260,705 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 925,116 — 925,116 Commercial mortgage-backed securities — 544,975 — 544,975 Asset-backed securities — 61,147 — 61,147 Structured securities — 241,458 — 241,458 Total available-for-sale debt securities 103,068 3,442,601 15,363 3,561,032 Equity securities: Common stock 9,898 — 1,051 10,949 Total equity securities 9,898 — 1,051 10,949 Short-term investments 348,549 — — 348,549 Other investments — — 6,542 6,542 Total $ 461,515 $ 3,442,601 $ 22,956 $ 3,927,072 NGHC $ 429,502 $ 3,160,203 $ 22,956 $ 3,612,661 Reciprocal Exchanges 32,013 282,398 — 314,411 Total $ 461,515 $ 3,442,601 $ 22,956 $ 3,927,072
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The following tables provide a reconciliation of recurring fair value measurements of the Level 3 financial assets: States and Corporate Common Other Total Balance as of January 1, 2019 $ 3,596 $ 11,767 $ 1,051 $ 6,542 $ 22,956 Transfers into Level 3 — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 — — — — — Total gains (losses) for the period: Included in net income (1) — — (765 ) (2,247 ) (3,012 ) Included in other comprehensive income (2) (496 ) (1,987 ) — — (2,483 ) Purchases — — — — — Sales — — — — — Balance as of September 30, 2019 $ 3,100 $ 9,780 $ 286 $ 4,295 $ 17,461 Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period $ — $ — $ (765 ) $ (2,247 ) $ (3,012 ) Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period $ (496 ) $ (1,987 ) $ — $ — $ (2,483 ) States and Corporate Common Preferred Other Total Balance as of January 1, 2018 $ 4,081 $ 24,545 $ 5,052 $ 270 $ 10,782 $ 44,730 Transfers into Level 3 — — — — — — Transfers out of Level 3 — — — — — — Total gains (losses) for the period: Included in net income (1) — — (1,303 ) 10 802 (491 ) Included in other comprehensive income (2) (485 ) (11,374 ) — — — (11,859 ) Purchases — — — — — — Sales — — — — (1,741 ) (1,741 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 3,596 $ 13,171 $ 3,749 $ 280 $ 9,843 $ 30,639 Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period $ — $ — $ (1,303 ) $ 10 $ 802 $ (491 ) (1) Gains and losses recognized in net income are reported within net investment income. (2) Gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income are reported within unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax.
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments	The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of debt not carried at fair value, excluding finance lease and other liabilities, as well as the input level used to determine the fair value: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Input Level Carrying amount Fair value Carrying amount Fair value 7.625% Notes Level 2 $ 96,907 $ 106,040 $ 96,842 $ 90,400 6.75% Notes Level 3 346,926 368,291 346,439 353,756 Subordinated Debentures Level 3 72,168 72,125 72,168 72,109 2016 Credit Agreement Level 3 — — 160,000 163,222 2019 Credit Agreement Level 3 140,000 147,591 — —

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tab

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Deferred Acquisition Costs [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Property Accident Total Property Accident Total Balance, beginning of the period $ 226,188 $ 25,220 $ 251,408 $ 198,283 $ 18,106 $ 216,389 Additions 385,570 41,222 426,792 399,610 16,985 416,595 Amortization (372,741 ) (37,800 ) (410,541 ) (369,634 ) (13,858 ) (383,492 ) Change in DAC 12,829 3,422 16,251 29,976 3,127 33,103 Balance, end of the period $ 239,017 $ 28,642 $ 267,659 $ 228,259 $ 21,233 $ 249,492 NGHC $ 215,904 $ 28,642 $ 244,546 $ 208,982 $ 21,233 $ 230,215 Reciprocal Exchanges 23,113 — 23,113 19,277 — 19,277 Balance, end of the period $ 239,017 $ 28,642 $ 267,659 $ 228,259 $ 21,233 $ 249,492

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust_2

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	The following tables present a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserve balances for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Property Accident NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross balance at beginning of the period $ 2,507,409 $ 271,280 $ 2,778,689 $ 178,470 $ 2,957,159 Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period (1,182,588 ) (24,575 ) (1,207,163 ) (77,979 ) (1,285,142 ) Net balance at beginning of the period 1,324,821 246,705 1,571,526 100,491 1,672,017 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,726,618 279,460 2,006,078 125,250 2,131,328 Prior year 19,791 (37,775 ) (17,984 ) (666 ) (18,650 ) Total incurred 1,746,409 241,685 1,988,094 124,584 2,112,678 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (661,742 ) (136,261 ) (798,003 ) (76,704 ) (874,707 ) Prior year (1,013,023 ) (105,076 ) (1,118,099 ) (39,005 ) (1,157,104 ) Total paid (1,674,765 ) (241,337 ) (1,916,102 ) (115,709 ) (2,031,811 ) Acquired losses and LAE reserves 92,573 — 92,573 — 92,573 Unrealized foreign exchange gain — (8,204 ) (8,204 ) — (8,204 ) Net balance at end of the period 1,489,038 238,849 1,727,887 109,366 1,837,253 Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period 1,079,560 38,352 1,117,912 84,090 1,202,002 Gross balance at end of the period $ 2,568,598 $ 277,201 $ 2,845,799 $ 193,456 $ 3,039,255 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Property Accident NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross balance at beginning of the period $ 2,270,551 $ 249,653 $ 2,520,204 $ 143,353 $ 2,663,557 Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period (1,067,495 ) (9,840 ) (1,077,335 ) (52,408 ) (1,129,743 ) Net balance at beginning of the period 1,203,056 239,813 1,442,869 90,945 1,533,814 Incurred losses and LAE related to: Current year 1,596,337 276,987 1,873,324 124,914 1,998,238 Prior year (13,318 ) (24,623 ) (37,941 ) 1,507 (36,434 ) Total incurred 1,583,019 252,364 1,835,383 126,421 1,961,804 Paid losses and LAE related to: Current year (883,969 ) (108,686 ) (992,655 ) (81,526 ) (1,074,181 ) Prior year (622,468 ) (114,045 ) (736,513 ) (34,079 ) (770,592 ) Total paid (1,506,437 ) (222,731 ) (1,729,168 ) (115,605 ) (1,844,773 ) Unrealized foreign exchange gain — (8,302 ) (8,302 ) — (8,302 ) Net balance at end of the period 1,279,638 261,144 1,540,782 101,761 1,642,543 Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period 1,120,630 17,778 1,138,408 74,184 1,212,592 Gross balance at end of the period $ 2,400,268 $ 278,922 $ 2,679,190 $ 175,945 $ 2,855,135

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Reinsurance Recoverable	Reinsurance recoverable is as follows: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses $ 302,597 $ 326,596 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses 1,202,002 1,285,142 Reinsurance recoverable $ 1,504,599 $ 1,611,738
Schedule of Effect of Reinsurance on Unpaid Loss and LAE Reserves and Unearned Premiums	The following is the effect of reinsurance on unpaid loss and LAE reserves and unearned premiums: September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves $ 66,422 $ 1,202,002 $ 84,469 $ 1,285,142 Unearned premiums 19,415 643,218 21,015 665,674
Schedule of Effect of Reinsurance on Premiums	The following is the effect of reinsurance on premiums and loss and LAE: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Premium: Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Direct $ 1,417,792 $ 1,407,731 $ 1,330,259 $ 1,296,717 $ 4,200,571 $ 4,080,131 $ 4,055,044 $ 3,744,321 Assumed 17,365 19,029 25,412 29,078 58,272 59,872 74,206 89,627 Total Gross Premium 1,435,157 1,426,760 1,355,671 1,325,795 4,258,843 4,140,003 4,129,250 3,833,948 Ceded (400,553 ) (373,122 ) (432,647 ) (386,268 ) (1,064,177 ) (1,091,557 ) (1,209,608 ) (1,045,977 ) Net Premium $ 1,034,604 $ 1,053,638 $ 923,024 $ 939,527 $ 3,194,666 $ 3,048,446 $ 2,919,642 $ 2,787,971
Schedule of Effect of Reinsurance on Losses	Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE $ 7,024 $ 245,095 $ 7,479 $ 289,726 $ 23,670 $ 605,126 $ 16,487 $ 712,277

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt Instruments	The following table represents the Company’s debt: Interest Rate Maturity September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Fixed-rate: 6.75% Notes 6.75% 2024 $ 350,000 $ 350,000 7.625% Notes 7.625% 2055 100,000 100,000 Floating-rate: Subordinated Debentures I LIBOR + 3.40% 2035 41,238 41,238 Subordinated Debentures II LIBOR + 4.25% 2037 30,930 30,930 2016 Credit Agreement (1) LIBOR + 2.00% 2020 — 160,000 2019 Credit Agreement (2) LIBOR + 1.75% 2023 140,000 — Finance lease liabilities Various Various 21,002 14,824 Other 3.5% Various 10,975 15,522 Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (6,167 ) (6,719 ) Total carrying amount of debt $ 687,978 $ 705,795 (1) The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding as of December 31, 2018 was 4.58% . (2) The weighted average interest rate on the amount outstanding as of September 30, 2019 was 3.84% .
Schedule of Interest Expense	The following table presents the Company’s interest expense: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Interest Payment Frequency 2019 2018 2019 2018 6.75% Notes Semiannually $ 5,906 $ 5,906 $ 17,719 $ 17,719 7.625% Notes Quarterly 1,906 1,906 5,719 5,719 Subordinated Debentures Quarterly 1,118 1,144 3,470 3,227 2016 Credit Agreement Quarterly — 1,950 1,211 5,700 2019 Credit Agreement Quarterly 1,674 — 4,020 — Finance lease liabilities Various 302 157 888 477 Other (1) Various 1,992 1,520 5,795 5,933 Total interest expense $ 12,898 $ 12,583 $ 38,822 $ 38,775 (1) Other includes interest for other liabilities, interest credited on funds held balances and accretion of debt issuance costs.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of the Company’s debt for the years subsequent to September 30, 2019 are as follows: 2019 (remaining three months) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total 6.75% Notes $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 350,000 $ — $ 350,000 7.625% Notes — — — — — — 100,000 100,000 Subordinated Debentures I — — — — — — 41,238 41,238 Subordinated Debentures II — — — — — — 30,930 30,930 2019 Credit Agreement — — — — 140,000 — — 140,000 Finance lease liabilities 1,545 6,483 4,958 2,680 1,537 1,242 2,557 21,002 Other 1,633 6,399 2,943 — — — — 10,975 Total principal amount of debt $ 3,178 $ 12,882 $ 7,901 $ 2,680 $ 141,537 $ 351,242 $ 174,725 $ 694,145 Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount (6,167 ) Carrying amount of debt $ 687,978

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follow: Leases Classification September 30, 2019 Assets: Finance Buildings and improvements $ 9,486 Finance Vehicle 7,616 Finance Hardware, software and other equipment 4,814 Total finance 21,916 Operating Operating lease assets 112,540 Total lease assets Premises and equipment, net (1) $ 134,456 Liabilities: Finance Debt $ 21,002 Operating Other liabilities 117,050 Total lease liabilities $ 138,052 (1) As of September 30, 2019 , accumulated depreciation and amortization for Buildings and improvements, Vehicle, Hardware, software and other equipment, and Operating lease assets was $1,840 , $5,209 , $8,134 and $18,969 , respectively.
Schedule of Lease Cost	The components of lease cost are as follows: Lease Cost Classification Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Finance lease cost: Amortization of leased assets General and administrative expenses $ 2,284 $ 5,907 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 302 888 Finance lease cost $ 2,586 $ 6,795 Operating lease cost General and administrative expenses $ 9,794 $ 27,538
Schedule of Maturity of Financing Lease Liabilities	Maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities for the years subsequent to September 30, 2019 are as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2019 (remaining three months) $ 8,082 $ 1,781 $ 9,863 2020 27,678 7,258 34,936 2021 23,906 5,473 29,379 2022 19,494 3,037 22,531 2023 16,526 1,794 18,320 2024 13,856 1,428 15,284 Thereafter 28,541 2,847 31,388 Total lease payments $ 138,083 $ 23,618 $ 161,701 Less: Interest (21,033 ) (2,616 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 117,050 $ 21,002
Schedule of Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities	Maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities for the years subsequent to September 30, 2019 are as follows: Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2019 (remaining three months) $ 8,082 $ 1,781 $ 9,863 2020 27,678 7,258 34,936 2021 23,906 5,473 29,379 2022 19,494 3,037 22,531 2023 16,526 1,794 18,320 2024 13,856 1,428 15,284 Thereafter 28,541 2,847 31,388 Total lease payments $ 138,083 $ 23,618 $ 161,701 Less: Interest (21,033 ) (2,616 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 117,050 $ 21,002
Schedule of Lease Term and Discount Rate	Supplemental information related to term and discount rate are as follow: Leases Classification September 30, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term: Finance Buildings and improvements 7.4 years Finance Vehicle 2.9 years Finance Hardware, software and other equipment 1.8 years Operating Operating lease assets 5.9 years Weighted-average discount rate: Finance Buildings and improvements 5.8 % Finance Vehicle 4.2 % Finance Hardware, software and other equipment 4.0 % Operating Operating lease assets 5.6 %
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases	Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follow: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 773 Financing cash flows from finance leases 5,281 Operating cash flows from operating leases 17,804 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 10,950 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 21,690

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Preferred Stock	A summary description of the terms of these series of preferred stock is presented in the table below: Series Dividend rate per year Shares of preferred stock issued Depositary shares issued Liquidation preference per share Aggregate liquidation preference A 7.50 % 2,200,000 — $ 25 $ 55,000 B 7.50 % 165,000 6,600,000 $ 1,000 $ 165,000 C 7.50 % 200,000 8,000,000 $ 1,000 $ 200,000 D Fixed/ Floating (1) 120 — $ 250,000 $ 30,000 (1) Dividend rate is fixed at 7.00% prior to July 15, 2023 and floating at six-month LIBOR plus 5.4941% thereafter.
Schedule of Dividends Declared	The following tables present the class of stock, declaration date and dividends paid per share: Class of Stock Declaration Date Dividend Dividend Per Depositary Share Common stock July 29, 2019 $ 0.05 Common stock May 6, 2019 $ 0.04 Common stock February 25, 2019 $ 0.04 Preferred stock Series A July 29, 2019 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A May 6, 2019 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A February 25, 2019 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B July 29, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B May 6, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B February 25, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C July 29, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C May 6, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C February 25, 2019 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series D May 6, 2019 $ 8,750.00 Class of Stock Declaration Date Dividend Per Share Dividend Per Depositary Share Common stock August 6, 2018 $ 0.04 Common stock May 7, 2018 $ 0.04 Common stock February 26, 2018 $ 0.04 Preferred stock Series A August 6, 2018 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A May 7, 2018 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series A February 26, 2018 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B August 6, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B May 7, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series B February 26, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C August 6, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C May 7, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875 Preferred stock Series C February 26, 2018 $ 18.75 $ 0.46875

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	A summary of the stock option awards is shown below: Shares Subject to Options Outstanding Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Outstanding at beginning of period 3,184,352 $ 9.53 Exercised (114,848 ) 3.80 Outstanding and exercisable at end of period 3,069,504 $ 9.74 3.4 $ 40,755 (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 $23.02 , as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market on September 30, 2019 .
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	A summary of the RSUs is shown below: RSUs Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Number of RSUs Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of period 938,795 $ 22.28 Granted 510,241 25.58 Vested (403,436 ) 22.14 Forfeited (17,104 ) 23.19 Non-vested at end of period 1,028,496 $ 23.96

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Numerator: Net income attributable to NGHC $ 71,154 $ 68,382 $ 240,788 $ 181,138 Preferred stock dividends - nonconvertible (7,875 ) (7,875 ) (23,625 ) (23,625 ) Preferred stock dividends - convertible — — (1,050 ) — Numerator for basic EPS 63,279 60,507 216,113 157,513 Effect of dilutive securities: Preferred stock dividends - convertible — — 1,050 — Numerator for diluted EPS - after assumed conversions $ 63,279 $ 60,507 $ 217,163 $ 157,513 Denominator: Denominator for basic EPS - weighted-average shares outstanding 113,263,367 107,101,837 113,153,121 106,944,461 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options 1,823,012 2,108,233 1,881,295 2,067,054 RSUs 262,637 353,322 263,635 304,265 Convertible preferred stock 789,473 — 789,473 — Dilutive potential common shares 2,875,122 2,461,555 2,934,403 2,371,319 Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions 116,138,489 109,563,392 116,087,524 109,315,780 Basic EPS $ 0.56 $ 0.56 $ 1.91 $ 1.47 Diluted EPS $ 0.54 $ 0.55 $ 1.87 $ 1.44

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment	The following tables summarize the results of operations of the operating segments: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 1,272,602 $ 162,555 $ — $ 1,435,157 Ceded premiums (385,347 ) (15,206 ) — (400,553 ) Net premium written 887,255 147,349 — 1,034,604 Change in unearned premium (2,520 ) 21,554 — 19,034 Net earned premium 884,735 168,903 — 1,053,638 Ceding commission income 55,326 2,261 — 57,587 Service and fee income 97,890 63,736 — 161,626 Total underwriting revenues 1,037,951 234,900 — 1,272,851 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 674,722 70,612 — 745,334 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 161,876 47,214 — 209,090 General and administrative expenses 195,567 68,297 — 263,864 Total underwriting expenses 1,032,165 186,123 — 1,218,288 Underwriting income 5,786 48,777 — 54,563 Net investment income — — 33,740 33,740 Net loss on investments — — (565 ) (565 ) Other income — — 2,146 2,146 Interest expense — — (12,898 ) (12,898 ) Provision for income taxes — — (16,747 ) (16,747 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 10,915 10,915 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 5,786 $ 48,777 $ 16,591 $ 71,154 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Property Accident Corporate Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 1,211,723 $ 143,948 $ — $ 1,355,671 Ceded premiums (412,275 ) (20,372 ) — (432,647 ) Net premium written 799,448 123,576 — 923,024 Change in unearned premium (15,267 ) 31,770 — 16,503 Net earned premium 784,181 155,346 — 939,527 Ceding commission income 58,831 269 — 59,100 Service and fee income 96,232 46,458 — 142,690 Total underwriting revenues 939,244 202,073 — 1,141,317 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 584,658 72,652 — 657,310 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 146,696 44,774 — 191,470 General and administrative expenses 185,208 50,525 — 235,733 Total underwriting expenses 916,562 167,951 — 1,084,513 Underwriting income 22,682 34,122 — 56,804 Net investment income — — 30,696 30,696 Net loss on investments — — (3,170 ) (3,170 ) Interest expense — — (12,583 ) (12,583 ) Provision for income taxes — — (15,518 ) (15,518 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 12,153 12,153 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 22,682 $ 34,122 $ 11,578 $ 68,382 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 3,666,072 $ 592,771 $ — $ 4,258,843 Ceded premiums (971,643 ) (92,534 ) — (1,064,177 ) Net premium written 2,694,429 500,237 — 3,194,666 Change in unearned premium (142,515 ) (3,705 ) — (146,220 ) Net earned premium 2,551,914 496,532 — 3,048,446 Ceding commission income 178,533 8,780 — 187,313 Service and fee income 298,356 177,685 — 476,041 Total underwriting revenues 3,028,803 682,997 — 3,711,800 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,870,993 241,685 — 2,112,678 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 462,071 153,063 — 615,134 General and administrative expenses 571,498 188,227 — 759,725 Total underwriting expenses 2,904,562 582,975 — 3,487,537 Underwriting income 124,241 100,022 — 224,263 Net investment income — — 102,316 102,316 Net loss on investments — — (5,773 ) (5,773 ) Other income — — 2,146 2,146 Interest expense — — (38,822 ) (38,822 ) Provision for income taxes — — (61,494 ) (61,494 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 18,152 18,152 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 124,241 $ 100,022 $ 16,525 $ 240,788 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Property Accident Corporate Total Underwriting revenues: Gross premium written $ 3,594,690 $ 534,560 $ — $ 4,129,250 Ceded premiums (1,161,235 ) (48,373 ) — (1,209,608 ) Net premium written 2,433,455 486,187 — 2,919,642 Change in unearned premium (110,875 ) (20,796 ) — (131,671 ) Net earned premium 2,322,580 465,391 — 2,787,971 Ceding commission income 158,187 789 — 158,976 Service and fee income 280,727 134,586 — 415,313 Total underwriting revenues 2,761,494 600,766 — 3,362,260 Underwriting expenses: Loss and loss adjustment expense 1,709,440 252,364 — 1,961,804 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 405,541 136,499 — 542,040 General and administrative expenses 542,902 148,265 — 691,167 Total underwriting expenses 2,657,883 537,128 — 3,195,011 Underwriting income 103,611 63,638 — 167,249 Net investment income — — 81,702 81,702 Net loss on investments — — (22,756 ) (22,756 ) Interest expense — — (38,775 ) (38,775 ) Provision for income taxes — — (38,261 ) (38,261 ) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 31,979 31,979 Net income attributable to NGHC $ 103,611 $ 63,638 $ 13,889 $ 181,138 The following tables summarize the financial position of the operating segments: September 30, 2019 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,365,806 $ 165,595 $ 9,725 $ 1,541,126 Deferred acquisition costs 239,017 28,642 — 267,659 Reinsurance recoverable 1,458,290 46,309 — 1,504,599 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 631,486 11,732 — 643,218 Intangible assets, net and Goodwill 450,437 123,373 — 573,810 Prepaid and other assets 25,417 15,279 4,511 45,207 Corporate and other assets — — 5,498,377 5,498,377 Total assets $ 4,170,453 $ 390,930 $ 5,512,613 $ 10,073,996 December 31, 2018 Property and Casualty Accident and Health Corporate and Other Total Premiums and other receivables, net $ 1,245,530 $ 153,896 $ 386 $ 1,399,812 Deferred acquisition costs 226,188 25,220 — 251,408 Reinsurance recoverable 1,585,008 26,730 — 1,611,738 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 665,660 14 — 665,674 Intangible assets, net and Goodwill 443,163 116,957 — 560,120 Prepaid and other assets 20,941 22,472 111,545 154,958 Corporate and other assets — — 4,795,570 4,795,570 Total assets $ 4,186,490 $ 345,289 $ 4,907,501 $ 9,439,280
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	The following tables show an analysis of the premiums by geographical location: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 1,313,309 $ 118,267 $ 1,431,576 $ 1,230,492 $ 121,351 $ 1,351,843 Gross premium written - Europe 3,581 — 3,581 3,828 — 3,828 Total $ 1,316,890 $ 118,267 $ 1,435,157 $ 1,234,320 $ 121,351 $ 1,355,671 Net premium written - North America $ 964,536 $ 67,285 $ 1,031,821 $ 921,456 $ 14,814 $ 936,270 Net premium written - Europe 2,783 — 2,783 (13,246 ) — (13,246 ) Total $ 967,319 $ 67,285 $ 1,034,604 $ 908,210 $ 14,814 $ 923,024 Net earned premium - North America $ 972,598 $ 57,117 $ 1,029,715 $ 878,367 $ 43,151 $ 921,518 Net earned premium - Europe 23,923 — 23,923 18,009 — 18,009 Total $ 996,521 $ 57,117 $ 1,053,638 $ 896,376 $ 43,151 $ 939,527 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 NGHC Reciprocal Total NGHC Reciprocal Total Gross premium written - North America $ 3,787,030 $ 344,982 $ 4,132,012 $ 3,666,594 $ 337,021 $ 4,003,615 Gross premium written - Europe 126,831 — 126,831 125,635 — 125,635 Total $ 3,913,861 $ 344,982 $ 4,258,843 $ 3,792,229 $ 337,021 $ 4,129,250 Net premium written - North America $ 2,945,220 $ 172,460 $ 3,117,680 $ 2,678,841 $ 132,240 $ 2,811,081 Net premium written - Europe 76,986 — 76,986 108,561 — 108,561 Total $ 3,022,206 $ 172,460 $ 3,194,666 $ 2,787,402 $ 132,240 $ 2,919,642 Net earned premium - North America $ 2,825,552 $ 149,405 $ 2,974,957 $ 2,559,409 $ 141,009 $ 2,700,418 Net earned premium - Europe 73,489 — 73,489 87,553 — 87,553 Total $ 2,899,041 $ 149,405 $ 3,048,446 $ 2,646,962 $ 141,009 $ 2,787,971
Revenue from External Customers by Product Type	The following tables summarize service and fee income by source within each operating segment: Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Property Accident Total Property Accident Total Commission revenue $ 21,333 $ 16,353 $ 37,686 $ 25,404 $ 17,874 $ 43,278 Finance and processing fees 33,637 800 34,437 29,804 935 30,739 Installment fees 23,464 — 23,464 23,841 — 23,841 Group health administrative fees — 25,808 25,808 — 18,364 18,364 Late payment fees 9,251 72 9,323 8,164 19 8,183 Other service and fee income 10,205 20,703 30,908 9,019 9,266 18,285 Total $ 97,890 $ 63,736 $ 161,626 $ 96,232 $ 46,458 $ 142,690 NGHC $ 96,305 $ 63,736 $ 160,041 $ 94,657 $ 46,458 $ 141,115 Reciprocal Exchanges 1,585 — 1,585 1,575 — 1,575 Total $ 97,890 $ 63,736 $ 161,626 $ 96,232 $ 46,458 $ 142,690 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 Property Accident Total Property Accident Total Commission revenue $ 68,193 $ 57,097 $ 125,290 $ 68,547 $ 51,190 $ 119,737 Finance and processing fees 98,218 3,710 101,928 91,676 3,223 94,899 Installment fees 72,782 — 72,782 68,928 — 68,928 Group health administrative fees — 73,861 73,861 — 57,461 57,461 Late payment fees 26,061 249 26,310 24,360 69 24,429 Other service and fee income 33,102 42,768 75,870 27,216 22,643 49,859 Total $ 298,356 $ 177,685 $ 476,041 $ 280,727 $ 134,586 $ 415,313 NGHC $ 293,885 $ 177,685 $ 471,570 $ 276,261 $ 134,586 $ 410,847 Reciprocal Exchanges 4,471 — 4,471 4,466 — 4,466 Total $ 298,356 $ 177,685 $ 476,041 $ 280,727 $ 134,586 $ 415,313 The following tables show an analysis of premiums and fee income by product line: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Gross Premium Written 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 705,709 $ 661,126 $ 2,083,702 $ 2,017,996 Homeowners 201,977 192,349 544,056 523,308 RV/Packaged 55,631 54,964 168,796 164,427 Small Business Auto 76,987 75,218 246,694 246,448 Lender-placed Insurance 97,468 94,462 232,265 259,995 Other 16,563 12,253 45,577 45,495 Total Property and Casualty 1,154,335 1,090,372 3,321,090 3,257,669 Accident and Health Group 73,223 61,743 213,197 177,036 Individual 85,728 78,378 252,719 231,890 International 3,604 3,827 126,855 125,634 Total Accident and Health 162,555 143,948 592,771 534,560 Total NGHC $ 1,316,890 $ 1,234,320 $ 3,913,861 $ 3,792,229 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 39,166 $ 40,240 $ 120,012 $ 116,602 Homeowners 78,079 80,070 222,019 217,486 Other 1,022 1,041 2,951 2,933 Total Reciprocal Exchanges $ 118,267 $ 121,351 $ 344,982 $ 337,021 Total Gross Premium Written $ 1,435,157 $ 1,355,671 $ 4,258,843 $ 4,129,250 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Premium Written 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 560,032 $ 502,964 $ 1,730,904 $ 1,542,685 Homeowners 82,601 112,390 276,250 255,290 RV/Packaged 52,283 54,627 162,047 162,934 Small Business Auto 56,615 53,155 196,221 181,314 Lender-placed Insurance 61,579 56,529 140,863 134,630 Other 6,860 4,969 15,684 24,362 Total Property and Casualty 819,970 784,634 2,521,969 2,301,215 Accident and Health Group 59,001 51,296 170,911 145,760 Individual 85,541 78,372 252,316 231,884 International 2,807 (6,092 ) 77,010 108,543 Total Accident and Health 147,349 123,576 500,237 486,187 Total NGHC $ 967,319 $ 908,210 $ 3,022,206 $ 2,787,402 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 67,154 $ 12,845 $ 101,460 $ 40,860 Homeowners (2,047 ) 2,002 68,180 90,826 Other 2,178 (33 ) 2,820 554 Total Reciprocal Exchanges $ 67,285 $ 14,814 $ 172,460 $ 132,240 Total Net Premium Written $ 1,034,604 $ 923,024 $ 3,194,666 $ 2,919,642 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Net Earned Premium 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Personal Auto $ 568,346 $ 496,139 $ 1,621,734 $ 1,436,793 Homeowners 86,525 80,308 272,591 242,161 RV/Packaged 51,023 51,229 150,739 145,911 Small Business Auto 62,265 59,636 189,957 178,302 Lender-placed Insurance 56,599 48,466 158,595 162,629 Other 2,860 5,252 8,893 15,775 Total Property and Casualty 827,618 741,030 2,402,509 2,181,571 Accident and Health Group 59,009 51,310 170,921 145,788 Individual 85,971 78,874 252,122 232,069 International 23,923 25,162 73,489 87,534 Total Accident and Health 168,903 155,346 496,532 465,391 NGHC Total $ 996,521 $ 896,376 $ 2,899,041 $ 2,646,962 Reciprocal Exchanges Personal Auto $ 33,953 $ 13,353 $ 65,907 $ 38,812 Homeowners 22,759 29,698 82,475 101,578 Other 405 100 1,023 619 Total Reciprocal Exchanges 57,117 43,151 149,405 141,009 Total Net Earned Premium $ 1,053,638 $ 939,527 $ 3,048,446 $ 2,787,971 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Fee Income 2019 2018 2019 2018 Property and Casualty Service and Fee Income $ 96,305 $ 94,657 $ 293,885 $ 276,261 Ceding Commission Income 40,260 44,244 128,087 118,664 Total Property and Casualty 136,565 138,901 421,972 394,925 Accident and Health Service and Fee Income Group 34,848 25,198 98,084 74,768 Individual 2,128 4,512 5,506 7,973 Third Party Fee 26,760 16,748 74,095 51,845 Total Service and Fee Income 63,736 46,458 177,685 134,586 Ceding Commission Income 2,261 269 8,780 789 Total Accident and Health 65,997 46,727 186,465 135,375 NGHC Total $ 202,562 $ 185,628 $ 608,437 $ 530,300 Reciprocal Exchanges Service and Fee Income $ 1,585 $ 1,575 $ 4,471 $ 4,466 Ceding Commission Income 15,066 14,587 50,446 39,523 Total Reciprocal Exchanges $ 16,651 $ 16,162 $ 54,917 $ 43,989 Total Fee Income $ 219,213 $ 201,790 $ 663,354 $ 574,289

Basis of Reporting (Details)

Basis of Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Adoption of Leases Topic 842
Other liabilities	$ 373,269	$ 240,404
Debt | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Adoption of Leases Topic 842
Other liabilities		$ 30,346

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_3

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Adoption of Leases Topic 842
Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 134,456
Lease Liability	$ 138,052
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Adoption of Leases Topic 842
Lease, Right-of-Use Asset		$ 85,000
Lease Liability		$ 85,000

Investments - Available-for-Sal

Investments - Available-for-Sale Debt Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	$ 4,006,377	$ 3,614,609
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	142,249	11,781
Total	(7,412)	(65,358)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	4,141,214	3,561,032
Fair Value	4,141,214	3,561,032
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized in AOCI	0	0
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	300,738	302,970
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	7,001	575
Total	(351)	(6,462)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	307,388	297,083
Fair Value	307,388	297,083
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	3,705,639	3,311,639
Gross Unrealized Gains
Total	135,248	11,206
Total	(7,061)	(58,896)
Fair Value
Fair Value	3,833,826	3,263,949
U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	72,188	64,829
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	2,300	1,026
Debt Securities	(53)	(262)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	74,435	65,593
U.S. Treasury | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	12,898	12,707
Fair Value
Fair Value	13,437	12,834
U.S. Treasury | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Total	59,290	52,122
Fair Value
Fair Value	60,998	52,759
Federal agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	4,379	37,842
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	33	22
Debt Securities	(1)	(389)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	4,411	37,475
States and political subdivision bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	188,037	274,367
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	6,017	1,369
Debt Securities	(30)	(3,539)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	194,024	272,197
Foreign government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	141,026	151,443
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	5,875	993
Debt Securities	(22)	(70)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	146,879	152,366
Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	1,695,694	1,283,061
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	71,298	3,094
Debt Securities	(949)	(25,450)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,766,043	1,260,705
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	1,019,630	944,365
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	19,513	716
Debt Securities	(1,950)	(19,965)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,037,193	925,116
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	573,911	548,192
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	35,690	3,757
Debt Securities	(28)	(6,974)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	609,573	544,975
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	58,555	60,563
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	1,321	705
Debt Securities	(47)	(121)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	59,829	61,147
Structured securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Debt Securities	252,957	249,947
Gross Unrealized Gains
Debt Securities	202	99
Debt Securities	(4,332)	(8,588)
Fair Value
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 248,827	$ 241,458

Investments - Available-for-S_2

Investments - Available-for-Sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 53,078
Due after one year through five years	1,015,738
Due after five years through ten years	1,009,201
Due after ten years	276,264
Mortgage-backed securities	1,652,096
Debt Securities	4,006,377
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	53,191
Due after one year through five years	1,046,735
Due after five years through ten years	1,055,222
Due after ten years	279,471
Mortgage-backed securities	1,706,595
Debt Securities	4,141,214
Reciprocal Exchanges
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	110
Due after one year through five years	132,418
Due after five years through ten years	73,674
Due after ten years	14,722
Mortgage-backed securities	79,814
Debt Securities	300,738
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	110
Due after one year through five years	134,784
Due after five years through ten years	75,405
Due after ten years	14,934
Mortgage-backed securities	82,155
Debt Securities	307,388
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	52,968
Due after one year through five years	883,320
Due after five years through ten years	935,527
Due after ten years	261,542
Mortgage-backed securities	1,572,282
Debt Securities	3,705,639
Fair Value
Due in one year or less	53,081
Due after one year through five years	911,951
Due after five years through ten years	979,817
Due after ten years	264,537
Mortgage-backed securities	1,624,440
Debt Securities	$ 3,833,826

Investments - Gross Unrealized

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)security
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	$ 426,757	$ 1,209,157
12 Months or More	206,851	1,171,891
Total	633,608	2,381,048
Less Than 12 Months	(2,918)	(24,306)
12 Months or More	(4,494)	(41,052)
Total	$ (7,412)	$ (65,358)
Number of securities with gross unrealized loss | security	378	1,662
25% of amortized cost or cost	25.00%	25.00%
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	$ 34,874	$ 93,334
12 Months or More	6,898	152,916
Total	41,772	246,250
Less Than 12 Months	(249)	(1,638)
12 Months or More	(102)	(4,824)
Total	(351)	(6,462)
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	391,883	1,115,823
12 Months or More	199,953	1,018,975
Total	591,836	2,134,798
Less Than 12 Months	(2,669)	(22,668)
12 Months or More	(4,392)	(36,228)
Total	(7,061)	(58,896)
U.S. Treasury
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	24,598	474
12 Months or More	13,846	21,540
Total	38,444	22,014
Less Than 12 Months	(32)	(2)
12 Months or More	(21)	(260)
Total	(53)	(262)
Federal agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	259	23,729
12 Months or More	0	1,493
Total	259	25,222
Less Than 12 Months	(1)	(351)
12 Months or More	0	(38)
Total	(1)	(389)
States and political subdivision bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	1,281	57,090
12 Months or More	2,597	119,759
Total	3,878	176,849
Less Than 12 Months	(1)	(902)
12 Months or More	(29)	(2,637)
Total	(30)	(3,539)
Foreign government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	2,904	45,748
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	2,904	45,748
Less Than 12 Months	(22)	(70)
12 Months or More	0	0
Total	(22)	(70)
Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	121,461	586,359
12 Months or More	9,013	321,115
Total	130,474	907,474
Less Than 12 Months	(771)	(12,891)
12 Months or More	(178)	(12,559)
Total	(949)	(25,450)
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	206,204	234,396
12 Months or More	69,431	551,623
Total	275,635	786,019
Less Than 12 Months	(1,194)	(1,637)
12 Months or More	(756)	(18,328)
Total	(1,950)	(19,965)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	4,737	13,229
12 Months or More	750	148,700
Total	5,487	161,929
Less Than 12 Months	(22)	(239)
12 Months or More	(6)	(6,735)
Total	(28)	(6,974)
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	5,548	25,978
12 Months or More	979	1,494
Total	6,527	27,472
Less Than 12 Months	(26)	(78)
12 Months or More	(21)	(43)
Total	(47)	(121)
Structured securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Less Than 12 Months	59,765	222,154
12 Months or More	110,235	6,167
Total	170,000	228,321
Less Than 12 Months	(849)	(8,136)
12 Months or More	(3,483)	(452)
Total	$ (4,332)	$ (8,588)

Investments - Equity Securities

Investments - Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Securities
Equity securities	$ 2,760	$ 10,949
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Equity Securities
Equity securities	0	0
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Equity Securities
Equity securities	2,760	10,949
Common stock
Schedule of Equity Securities
Equity securities	$ 2,760	$ 10,949

Investments - Investment Income

Investments - Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	$ 34,833	$ 31,100	$ 105,610	$ 85,267
Investment expenses	(1,093)	(404)	(3,294)	(3,565)
Net investment income	33,740	30,696	102,316	81,702
Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	2,160	2,344	6,454	6,693
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Net Investment Income
Net investment income	31,580	28,352	95,862	75,009
Cash and short-term investments
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	1,123	351	3,467	680
Debt securities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	31,439	27,643	91,631	77,469
Equity securities
Net Investment Income
Investment Income	1	182	4	541
Other, net
Net Investment Income
Other, net (related parties - three months - $(10) and $505; nine months - $2,163 and $550)	2,270	2,924	10,508	6,577
Other, net | Related Parties
Net Investment Income
Other, net (related parties - three months - $(10) and $505; nine months - $2,163 and $550)	$ (10)	$ 505	$ 2,163	$ 550

Investments - Net Realized Gain

Investments - Net Realized Gains (Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Gain (Loss) on Investments
OTTI on investments	$ 0	$ (3,000)	$ 0	$ (3,000)
Other, net	(243)	(614)	(1,119)	5,184
Net loss on investments	(565)	(3,170)	(5,773)	(22,756)
Reciprocal Exchanges
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net loss on investments	(137)	(167)	(837)	(1,266)
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net loss on investments	(428)	(3,003)	(4,936)	(21,490)
Debt securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Debt securities, available-for-sale, gross gains	3,598	2,563	3,921	4,651
Debt securities, available-for-sale, gross losses	(1,712)	(743)	(2,086)	(22,388)
Net realized gain (loss) on debt securities, available-for-sale	1,886	1,820	1,835	(17,737)
Equity securities
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Equity securities	(2,208)	(1,376)	(6,489)	(7,203)
Less: Net losses recognized during the period on securities sold during the period	0	0	0	(108)
Net losses recognized during the reporting period on securities still held at the reporting date	$ (2,208)	$ (1,376)	$ (6,489)	$ (7,095)

Investments - Credit Quality of

Investments - Credit Quality of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 4,006,377	$ 3,614,609
Fair Value	4,141,214	3,561,032
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	3,705,639	3,311,639
Fair Value	3,833,826	3,263,949
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	300,738	302,970
Fair Value	307,388	297,083
Debt securities | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	3,705,639	3,311,639
Fair Value	$ 3,833,826	$ 3,263,949
Percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Debt securities | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 300,738	$ 302,970
Fair Value	$ 307,388	$ 297,083
Percentage	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. Treasury | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 59,290	$ 52,122
Fair Value	$ 60,998	$ 52,759
Percentage	1.60%	1.60%
U.S. Treasury | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 12,898	$ 12,707
Fair Value	$ 13,437	$ 12,834
Percentage	4.40%	4.30%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 622,806	$ 586,639
Fair Value	$ 655,803	$ 589,078
Percentage	17.10%	18.00%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 18,143	$ 18,335
Fair Value	$ 18,891	$ 18,109
Percentage	6.10%	6.10%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 1,381,180	$ 1,385,709
Fair Value	$ 1,411,831	$ 1,358,528
Percentage	36.80%	41.60%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 109,656	$ 142,525
Fair Value	$ 112,043	$ 140,114
Percentage	36.50%	47.20%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 803,831	$ 591,219
Fair Value	$ 831,868	$ 581,106
Percentage	21.70%	17.80%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 111,498	$ 118,535
Fair Value	$ 114,601	$ 115,618
Percentage	37.20%	38.90%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 788,908	$ 653,645
Fair Value	$ 821,368	$ 641,554
Percentage	21.40%	19.70%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 48,543	$ 10,834
Fair Value	$ 48,416	$ 10,374
Percentage	15.80%	3.50%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 49,624	$ 42,305
Fair Value	$ 51,958	$ 40,924
Percentage	1.40%	1.30%
Debt Securities, Excluding US Treasury Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 0	$ 34
Fair Value	$ 0	$ 34
Percentage	0.00%	0.00%

Investments - Investment Qualit

Investments - Investment Quality of Corporate Bonds (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 4,141,214	$ 3,561,032
Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	307,388	297,083
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	3,833,826	3,263,949
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 1,766,043	$ 1,260,705
% of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	100.00%	100.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 194,668	$ 181,606
% of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	11.00%	14.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 1,571,375	$ 1,079,099
% of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	89.00%	85.60%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.30%	0.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.30%	0.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	7.40%	10.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	1.60%	4.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	5.80%	6.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	47.30%	46.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	6.40%	9.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	40.90%	37.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	44.50%	41.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	2.70%	0.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	41.80%	40.60%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.50%	1.50%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating | Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.00%	0.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.50%	1.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 791,523	$ 535,373
% of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	44.80%	42.50%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	3.60%	4.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	27.20%	23.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	13.60%	14.20%
Corporate Debt Securities | Financial Institutions | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.40%	0.90%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 923,980	$ 697,324
% of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	52.30%	55.30%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.30%	0.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	3.80%	6.10%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	18.80%	21.50%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	29.30%	26.70%
Corporate Debt Securities | Industrials | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.10%	0.60%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value	$ 50,540	$ 28,008
% of Corporate Bonds Portfolio	2.90%	2.20%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, AAA Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, AA, AA Plus, and AA Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.00%	0.00%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, A, A Plus, and A Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	1.30%	1.80%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, BBB, BBB Plus, and BBB Minus Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	1.60%	0.40%
Corporate Debt Securities | Utilities And Other | Standard & Poor's, BB Plus and Lower Rating
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities
Investment quality - corporate bond holdings and industry concentrations	0.00%	0.00%

Investments - Cash and Cash Equ

Investments - Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 199,419	$ 193,858
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	27,903	39,725
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	227,322	233,583	$ 434,930	$ 357,484
Securities on deposit with state regulatory authorities	83,567	73,119
Restricted investments to trusts in certain reinsurance transactions	54,895	70,470
Total restricted investments	$ 138,462	$ 143,589

Investments - Short-term and Ot

Investments - Short-term and Other Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Investment
Other investments	$ 301,615		$ 301,615		$ 306,276
OTTI on investments	0	$ 3,000	0	$ 3,000
Related Parties
Investment
Other investments	234,617		234,617		233,723
Other Investments
Investment
OTTI on investments	0	$ 3,000	0	$ 3,000
Equity method investments
Investment
Other investments	140,195		140,195		142,921
Equity method investments | Related Parties
Investment
Other investments	105,388		105,388		106,031
Notes receivable
Investment
Other investments	129,307		129,307		128,893
Notes receivable | Related Parties
Investment
Other investments	129,229		129,229		127,692
Long-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs), at cost
Investment
Other investments	20,150		20,150		20,252
Investments, at fair value
Investment
Other investments	4,295		4,295		6,542
Investments, at cost or amortized cost
Investment
Other investments	$ 7,668		$ 7,668		$ 7,668

Investments - Related Parties -

Investments - Related Parties - LSC Entity (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
LSC Entities | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
LSC Entities | VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Life Settlement Contracts, Investment Method, Number of Contracts | contract	1		1
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 47,332	$ 47,299	$ 47,332	$ 47,299	$ 48,324	$ 160,683
Distributions (three months - $(2,500) and $0)	(2,500)	0	(2,500)	(116,035)
Contributions (three months - $258 and $0)	258	0	258	2,000
Equity in earnings (losses) (three months - $(481) and $(858))	$ (481)	$ (858)	1,250	651
Change in equity method investments			$ (992)	$ (113,384)
LSC Entities investment in LP
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	30.00%		30.00%

Investments - Related Parties_2

Investments - Related Parties - 800 Superior, LLC (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Parties | 800 Superior, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Rent expense	$ 742	$ 722	$ 2,226	$ 2,167
East Ninth & Superior, LLC | VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Eight Hundred Superior NMTC investment Fund II | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	24.50%		24.50%
Eight Hundred Superior NMTC investment Fund II | Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	24.50%		24.50%
800 Superior, LLC | AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
800 Superior, LLC | VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 7,325		$ 7,325		$ 5,125
Equity in earnings (losses)	(103)	305	(87)	(922)
Contributions	$ 2,287	$ 0	$ 2,287	$ 0

Investments - Related Parties_3

Investments - Related Parties - North Dearborn (Details) - North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation	45.00%		45.00%
NA Advisors GP LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation	10.00%		10.00%
Limited Partnership, Percentage of Profit Interest	10.00%		10.00%
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	45.00%		45.00%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 5,659		$ 5,659		$ 6,214
Equity in earnings (losses)	(84)	$ (148)	(150)	$ (313)
Distributions	$ 135	$ 0	$ 405	$ 1,125

Investments - Related Parties_4

Investments - Related Parties - 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC (Details) - 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation	50.00%		50.00%
Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 984		$ 984		$ 793
Related Parties | 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Rent expense	$ 607	$ 551	$ 1,813	$ 1,675
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Equity in earnings (losses)	$ 63	$ 26	$ 191	$ 15

Investments - Related Parties_5

Investments - Related Parties - Illinois Center Building, L.P. (Details) - Illinois Center Building, L.P. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
ACP Re Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation	37.50%		37.50%
ACP Re
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation	15.00%		15.00%
NA Advisors GP LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Limited Partnership, Percentage Participation	10.00%		10.00%
Limited Partnership, Percentage of Profit Interest	10.00%		10.00%
VIE, Not primary beneficiary | Related Parties
Schedule of Equity Method Investments
Ownership percentage	37.50%		37.50%
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 44,088		$ 44,088		$ 45,575
Equity in earnings (losses)	(600)	$ 0	(2,612)	$ (2,410)
Contributions	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,125	$ 2,250

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	$ 4,141,214	$ 3,561,032
Equity securities, at fair value	2,760	10,949
Short-term investments	393,663	348,549
Other investments	301,615	306,276
Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	307,388	297,083
Equity securities, at fair value	0	0
Short-term investments	27,010	17,328
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, at fair value	2,760	10,949
Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	4,141,214	3,561,032
Equity securities, at fair value	2,760	10,949
Total	4,541,932	3,927,072
Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	334,398	314,411
Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	4,207,534	3,612,661
Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	78,846	103,068
Equity securities, at fair value	2,474	9,898
Total	462,528	461,515
Level 1 | Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	40,949	32,013
Level 1 | Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	421,579	429,502
Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	4,049,488	3,442,601
Equity securities, at fair value	0	0
Total	4,061,943	3,442,601
Level 2 | Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	293,449	282,398
Level 2 | Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	3,768,494	3,160,203
Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	12,880	15,363
Equity securities, at fair value	286	1,051
Total	17,461	22,956
Level 3 | Recurring | Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	0	0
Level 3 | Recurring | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Total	17,461	22,956
U.S. Treasury
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	74,435	65,593
U.S. Treasury | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	74,435	65,593
U.S. Treasury | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	74,435	65,593
U.S. Treasury | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
U.S. Treasury | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Federal agencies
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	4,411	37,475
Federal agencies | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	4,411	37,475
Federal agencies | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	4,411	37,475
Federal agencies | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Federal agencies | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	194,024	272,197
States and political subdivision bonds | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	194,024	272,197
States and political subdivision bonds | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
States and political subdivision bonds | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	190,924	268,601
States and political subdivision bonds | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	3,100	3,596
Foreign government
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	146,879	152,366
Foreign government | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	146,879	152,366
Foreign government | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Foreign government | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	146,879	152,366
Foreign government | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Corporate bonds
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,766,043	1,260,705
Corporate bonds | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,766,043	1,260,705
Corporate bonds | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Corporate bonds | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,756,263	1,248,938
Corporate bonds | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	9,780	11,767
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,037,193	925,116
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,037,193	925,116
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	1,037,193	925,116
Residential mortgage-backed securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	609,573	544,975
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	609,573	544,975
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	609,573	544,975
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	59,829	61,147
Asset-backed securities | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	59,829	61,147
Asset-backed securities | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Asset-backed securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	59,829	61,147
Asset-backed securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Structured securities
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	248,827	241,458
Structured securities | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	248,827	241,458
Structured securities | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Structured securities | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	248,827	241,458
Structured securities | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
Common stock
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, at fair value	2,760	10,949
Common stock | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, at fair value	2,760	10,949
Common stock | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, at fair value	2,474	9,898
Common stock | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, at fair value	0	0
Common stock | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Equity securities, at fair value	286	1,051
Short-term investments | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	393,663	348,549
Short-term investments | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	381,208	348,549
Short-term investments | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	12,455	0
Short-term investments | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Short-term investments	0	0
Other investments | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	4,295	6,542
Other investments | Level 1 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	0	0
Other investments | Level 2 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	0	0
Other investments | Level 3 | Recurring
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Other investments	$ 4,295	$ 6,542

Fair Value of Financial Instr_4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	$ 22,956	$ 44,730
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in net income	(3,012)	(491)
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(2,483)	(11,859)
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	(1,741)
Balance as of	17,461	30,639
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	(3,012)	(491)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	(2,483)
States and political subdivision bonds
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	3,596	4,081
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in net income	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(496)	(485)
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Balance as of	3,100	3,596
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	(496)
Corporate bonds
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	11,767	24,545
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in net income	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	(1,987)	(11,374)
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Balance as of	9,780	13,171
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	0	0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	(1,987)
Common stock
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	1,051	5,052
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in net income	(765)	(1,303)
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Balance as of	286	3,749
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	(765)	(1,303)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	0
Preferred stock
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of		270
Transfers into Level 3		0
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Total gains (losses) included in net income		10
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income		0
Purchases		0
Sales		0
Balance as of		280
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period		10
Other investments
Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Balance as of	6,542	10,782
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Total gains (losses) included in net income	(2,247)	802
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	(1,741)
Balance as of	4,295	9,843
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in net income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	(2,247)	$ 802
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in other comprehensive income for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr_5

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	$ 687,978	$ 705,795
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	96,907	96,842
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes | Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	106,040	90,400
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	346,926	346,439
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	368,291	353,756
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	72,125	72,109
Line of Credit | 2016 Credit Agreement
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	0	160,000
Line of Credit | 2016 Credit Agreement | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	0	163,222
Line of Credit | 2019 Credit Agreement
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Debt	140,000	0
Line of Credit | 2019 Credit Agreement | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Fair value estimates of debt	$ 147,591	$ 0

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Det

Deferred Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, beginning of the period	$ 251,408	$ 216,389
Additions	426,792	416,595
Amortization	(410,541)	(383,492)
Change in DAC	16,251	33,103
Balance, end of the period	267,659	249,492
Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, end of the period	23,113	19,277
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, end of the period	244,546	230,215
Property and Casualty
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, beginning of the period	226,188	198,283
Additions	385,570	399,610
Amortization	(372,741)	(369,634)
Change in DAC	12,829	29,976
Balance, end of the period	239,017	228,259
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, end of the period	23,113	19,277
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, end of the period	215,904	208,982
Accident and Health
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, beginning of the period	25,220	18,106
Additions	41,222	16,985
Amortization	(37,800)	(13,858)
Change in DAC	3,422	3,127
Balance, end of the period	28,642	21,233
Accident and Health | Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, end of the period	0	0
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Balance, end of the period	$ 28,642	$ 21,233

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Entity Information
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)			$ 1,404
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 6,806	$ 8,246	21,134	$ 23,330
Intangible Assets, Other Than Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	40,544		40,544
Reciprocal Exchanges
Entity Information
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 18	$ (14)	$ 41	$ (67)

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjust_3

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Gross balance at beginning of the period	$ 2,957,159	$ 2,663,557
Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	1,285,142	1,129,743
Net balance at beginning of the period	1,672,017	1,533,814
Current year	2,131,328	1,998,238
Prior year	(18,650)	(36,434)
Total incurred	2,112,678	1,961,804
Current year	(874,707)	(1,074,181)
Prior year	(1,157,104)	(770,592)
Total paid	(2,031,811)	(1,844,773)
Acquired losses and LAE reserves	92,573
Unrealized foreign exchange gain	(8,204)	(8,302)
Net balance at end of the period	1,837,253	1,642,543
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period	1,202,002	1,212,592
Gross balance at end of the period	3,039,255	2,855,135
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Gross balance at beginning of the period	2,778,689	2,520,204
Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	1,207,163	1,077,335
Net balance at beginning of the period	1,571,526	1,442,869
Current year	2,006,078	1,873,324
Prior year	(17,984)	(37,941)
Total incurred	1,988,094	1,835,383
Current year	(798,003)	(992,655)
Prior year	(1,118,099)	(736,513)
Total paid	(1,916,102)	(1,729,168)
Acquired losses and LAE reserves	92,573
Unrealized foreign exchange gain	(8,204)	(8,302)
Net balance at end of the period	1,727,887	1,540,782
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period	1,117,912	1,138,408
Gross balance at end of the period	2,845,799	2,679,190
Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Gross balance at beginning of the period	178,470
Gross balance at end of the period	193,456
Property and Casualty
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Prior year	19,125	(11,811)
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Gross balance at beginning of the period	2,507,409	2,270,551
Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	1,182,588	1,067,495
Net balance at beginning of the period	1,324,821	1,203,056
Current year	1,726,618	1,596,337
Prior year	19,791	(13,318)
Total incurred	1,746,409	1,583,019
Current year	(661,742)	(883,969)
Prior year	(1,013,023)	(622,468)
Total paid	(1,674,765)	(1,506,437)
Acquired losses and LAE reserves	92,573
Unrealized foreign exchange gain	0	0
Net balance at end of the period	1,489,038	1,279,638
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period	1,079,560	1,120,630
Gross balance at end of the period	2,568,598	2,400,268
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Gross balance at beginning of the period	178,470	143,353
Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	77,979	52,408
Net balance at beginning of the period	100,491	90,945
Current year	125,250	124,914
Prior year	(666)	1,507
Total incurred	124,584	126,421
Current year	(76,704)	(81,526)
Prior year	(39,005)	(34,079)
Total paid	(115,709)	(115,605)
Acquired losses and LAE reserves	0
Unrealized foreign exchange gain	0	0
Net balance at end of the period	109,366	101,761
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period	84,090	74,184
Gross balance at end of the period	193,456	175,945
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense
Gross balance at beginning of the period	271,280	249,653
Less: Reinsurance recoverable at beginning of the period	24,575	9,840
Net balance at beginning of the period	246,705	239,813
Current year	279,460	276,987
Prior year	(37,775)	(24,623)
Total incurred	241,685	252,364
Current year	(136,261)	(108,686)
Prior year	(105,076)	(114,045)
Total paid	(241,337)	(222,731)
Acquired losses and LAE reserves	0
Unrealized foreign exchange gain	(8,204)	(8,302)
Net balance at end of the period	238,849	261,144
Plus: Reinsurance recoverable at end of the period	38,352	17,778
Gross balance at end of the period	$ 277,201	$ 278,922

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsu

Reinsurance - Effects of Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Reinsurance Recoverables
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	$ 302,597		$ 302,597		$ 326,596
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	1,202,002		1,202,002		1,285,142
Reinsurance recoverable	1,504,599		1,504,599		1,611,738
Reinsurance Liabilities
Unpaid Loss and LAE reserves, assumed	66,422		66,422		84,469
Unearned premiums, assumed	19,415		19,415		21,015
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	643,218		643,218		$ 665,674
Premiums:
Direct, Written	1,417,792	$ 1,330,259	4,200,571	$ 4,055,044
Assumed, Written	17,365	25,412	58,272	74,206
Gross premium written	1,435,157	1,355,671	4,258,843	4,129,250
Ceded premiums	(400,553)	(432,647)	(1,064,177)	(1,209,608)
Net premium written	1,034,604	923,024	3,194,666	2,919,642
Direct, Earned	1,407,731	1,296,717	4,080,131	3,744,321
Assumed, Earned	19,029	29,078	59,872	89,627
Premiums Earned, Gross	1,426,760	1,325,795	4,140,003	3,833,948
Ceded, Earned	(373,122)	(386,268)	(1,091,557)	(1,045,977)
Net earned premium	1,053,638	939,527	3,048,446	2,787,971
Loss and LAE expense:
Assumed Loss and LAE	7,024	7,479	23,670	16,487
Ceded Loss and LAE	$ 245,095	$ 289,726	$ 605,126	$ 712,277

Reinsurance - Narrative (Detail

Reinsurance - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2019	May 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Jul. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Personal Auto
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Reinsurance - Percentage of Business Ceded	10.00%		7.00%
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	31.20%
Homeowners
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Reinsurance - Percentage of Business Ceded	40.00%
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	36.00%
Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention		$ 650,000
Casualty Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention				$ 35,000
Retention amount				$ 5,000
Minimum | Personal Auto
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	30.00%
Loss Ratio	64.70%
Maximum | Personal Auto
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	32.80%
Loss Ratio	67.50%
Weighted Average | Homeowners
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission	37.50%
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Amount of coverage in excess of retention	$ 480,000
Retention amount	$ 20,000
Subsequent Event | Minimum | Personal Auto
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission					5.00%
Subsequent Event | Maximum | Personal Auto
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Reinsurance percentage of ceding commission					30.00%
First Event | Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Retention amount		70,000
Second Event | Property Catastrophe Program
Reinsurance Retention Policy
Retention amount		$ 50,000

Debt - Debt Instruments (Detail

Debt - Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable	$ 687,978		$ 705,795
Finance lease liabilities	21,002		14,824
Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount	$ (6,167)		(6,719)
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
Notes Payable	$ 350,000		350,000
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	7.625%
Notes Payable	$ 100,000		100,000
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures I
Debt Instrument
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.40%
Notes Payable	$ 41,238		41,238
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures I | LIBOR
Debt Instrument
LIBOR	LIBOR
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures II
Debt Instrument
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.25%
Notes Payable	$ 30,930		30,930
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures II | LIBOR
Debt Instrument
LIBOR	LIBOR
Other | Other
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	3.50%
Notes Payable	$ 10,975		15,522
2016 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable	0		160,000
2019 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable	$ 140,000		$ 0
JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | 2016 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument
Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.00%
Interest rate on Credit Agreement			4.58%
JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | 2016 Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Debt Instrument
LIBOR		LIBOR
JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | 2019 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Interest rate on Credit Agreement	3.84%
JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | 2019 Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Debt Instrument
LIBOR	LIBO
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%

Debt - Interest Expense (Detail

Debt - Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 12,898	$ 12,583	$ 38,822	$ 38,775
Finance lease liabilities
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	302	157	888	477
Other
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	1,992	1,520	5,795	5,933
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	5,906	5,906	17,719	17,719
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	1,906	1,906	5,719	5,719
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	1,118	1,144	3,470	3,227
2016 Credit Agreement | JPMorgan Chase, N.A.
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	0	1,950	1,211	5,700
2019 Credit Agreement | JPMorgan Chase, N.A.
Debt Instrument
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 1,674	$ 0	$ 4,020	$ 0

Debt - Senior Notes (Details)

Debt - Senior Notes (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2019
6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	7.625%

Debt - Subordinated Debentures

Debt - Subordinated Debentures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable	$ 687,978	$ 705,795
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures I
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable	$ 41,238	41,238
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.40%
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures II
Debt Instrument
Notes Payable	$ 30,930	$ 30,930
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.25%
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	100.00%
LIBOR | Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures I
Debt Instrument
LIBOR	LIBOR
LIBOR | Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures II
Debt Instrument
LIBOR	LIBOR

Debt - Credit Agreement (Detail

Debt - Credit Agreement (Details) - 2019 Credit Agreement - JPMorgan Chase, N.A. $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period	$ 340,000
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Letter Of Credit Fronting Fee	0.125%
Line of Credit Facility, Leverage Ratio	0.225%
LIBOR
Debt Instrument
federal funds	LIBO
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Federal Funds Purchased
Debt Instrument
federal funds	federal funds
Alternate Base Rate Or LIBOR
Debt Instrument
Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Minimum
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 150,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.175%
Maximum
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 50,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details

Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	$ 3,178
2020	12,882
2021	7,901
2022	2,680
2023	141,537
2024	351,242
Thereafter	174,725
Total principal amount of debt	694,145
Unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized discount	(6,167)	$ (6,719)
Carrying amount of debt	687,978	705,795
Senior Notes | 6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
2024	350,000
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	350,000
Carrying amount of debt	346,926	346,439
Senior Notes | 7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	100,000
Total principal amount of debt	100,000
Carrying amount of debt	96,907	$ 96,842
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures I
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	41,238
Total principal amount of debt	41,238
Surplus Notes | Subordinated Debentures II
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	30,930
Total principal amount of debt	30,930
Finance lease liabilities | Finance lease liabilities
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	1,545
2020	6,483
2021	4,958
2022	2,680
2023	1,537
2024	1,242
Thereafter	2,557
Total principal amount of debt	21,002
Other | Other
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	1,633
2020	6,399
2021	2,943
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	10,975
JPMorgan Chase, N.A. | 2019 Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument
2019 (remaining three months)	0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	140,000
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total principal amount of debt	$ 140,000

Debt - Covenants and Compliance

Debt - Covenants and Compliance (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2019
Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	0.35
Indenture Excess Leverage Ratio | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	1
6.75% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	6.75%
7.625% Notes
Debt Instrument
Interest rate on debt	7.625%

Leases - Lease Assets and Liabi

Leases - Lease Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance lease asset	$ 21,916
Operating	112,540
Total lease assets	134,456
Finance lease liabilities	21,002	$ 14,824
Operating	117,050
Total lease liabilities	138,052
Buildings and improvements
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance lease asset	9,486
Accumulated amortization	1,840
Vehicles
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance lease asset	7,616
Accumulated amortization	5,209
Hardware, software and other equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance lease asset	4,814
Accumulated amortization	8,134
Operating lease assets
Lessee, Lease, Description
Accumulated amortization	$ 18,969

Leases - Lease Cost (Details)

Leases - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Amortization of leased assets	$ 2,284	$ 5,907
Interest on lease liabilities	302	888
Finance lease cost	2,586	6,795
Operating lease cost	$ 9,794	$ 27,538

Leases - Maturity of Lease Liab

Leases - Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due
2019 (remaining three months)	$ 8,082
2020	27,678
2021	23,906
2022	19,494
2023	16,526
2024	13,856
Thereafter	28,541
Total lease payments	138,083
Less: Interest	(21,033)
Present value of lease liabilities	117,050
Finance Lease Liabilities, Payments Due
2019 (remaining three months)	1,781
2020	7,258
2021	5,473
2022	3,037
2023	1,794
2024	1,428
Thereafter	2,847
Total lease payments	23,618
Less: Interest	(2,616)
Present value of lease liabilities	21,002	$ 14,824
Lease Liabilities, Payments Due
2019 (remaining three months)	9,863
2020	34,936
2021	29,379
2022	22,531
2023	18,320
2024	15,284
Thereafter	31,388
Total lease payments	$ 161,701

Leases - Lease Term and Discoun

Leases - Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	5 years 10 months 24 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	5.60%
Buildings and improvements
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	7 years 4 months 24 days
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	5.80%
Vehicle
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	2 years 10 months 24 days
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.20%
Hardware, software and other equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	1 year 9 months 18 days
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.00%

Leases - Cash Flow Lease Inform

Leases - Cash Flow Lease Information (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from finance leases	$ 773
Financing cash flows from finance leases	5,281
Operating cash flows from operating leases	17,804
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	10,950
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 21,690

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance Lease, Renewal Term	1 year
Operating Lease, Renewal Term	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description
Finance Lease, Renewal Term	5 years
Operating Lease, Renewal Term	5 years

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.80%	21.60%	21.60%	20.40%

Stockholders' Equity - Preferre

Stockholders' Equity - Preferred Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 16, 2023	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 15, 2023	Dec. 31, 2018
Class of Stock
Shares of preferred stock issued		2,565,120		2,565,120
Aggregate liquidation preference		$ 450,000		$ 450,000
Preferred stock | Preferred Stock Series A
Class of Stock
Dividend rate per year		7.50%
Shares of preferred stock issued		2,200,000
Depositary shares issued		0
Liquidation preference per share		$ 25
Aggregate liquidation preference		$ 55,000
Preferred stock | Preferred Stock Series B
Class of Stock
Dividend rate per year		7.50%
Shares of preferred stock issued		165,000
Depositary shares issued		6,600,000
Liquidation preference per share		$ 1,000
Aggregate liquidation preference		$ 165,000
Preferred stock | Preferred Stock Series C
Class of Stock
Dividend rate per year		7.50%
Shares of preferred stock issued		200,000
Depositary shares issued		8,000,000
Liquidation preference per share		$ 1,000
Aggregate liquidation preference		$ 200,000
Preferred stock | Preferred Stock Series D
Class of Stock
Shares of preferred stock issued		120
Depositary shares issued		0
Liquidation preference per share		$ 250,000
Aggregate liquidation preference		$ 30,000
Preferred stock | Subsequent Event | Preferred Stock Series D
Class of Stock
Dividend rate per year	5.4941%		7.00%
Dividend rate per year	six-month LIBOR

Stockholders' Equity - Dividend

Stockholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Common stock
Class of Stock
Declaration Date	Jul. 29, 2019	May 6, 2019	Feb. 25, 2019	Aug. 6, 2018	May 7, 2018	Feb. 26, 2018
Common Stock, Dividend Per Share	$ 0.05	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04
Preferred Stock Series A
Class of Stock
Declaration Date	Jul. 29, 2019	May 6, 2019	Feb. 25, 2019	Aug. 6, 2018	May 7, 2018	Feb. 26, 2018
Preferred Stock, Dividend Per Share	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875
Preferred Stock Series B
Class of Stock
Declaration Date	Jul. 29, 2019	May 6, 2019	Feb. 25, 2019	Aug. 6, 2018	May 7, 2018	Feb. 26, 2018
Preferred Stock, Dividend Per Share	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75
Preferred Stock, Dividend Per Depositary Share	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875
Preferred Stock Series C
Class of Stock
Declaration Date	Jul. 29, 2019	May 6, 2019	Feb. 25, 2019	Aug. 6, 2018	May 7, 2018	Feb. 26, 2018
Preferred Stock, Dividend Per Share	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75	$ 18.75
Preferred Stock, Dividend Per Depositary Share	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875	$ 0.46875
Preferred Stock Series D
Class of Stock
Declaration Date		May 6, 2019
Preferred Stock, Dividend Per Share		$ 8,750

Stock-Based Compensation - Stoc

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures
Share Price	$ 23.02		$ 23.02
Employee stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding
Outstanding at beginning of period			3,184,352
Exercised			(114,848)
Outstanding at end of period	3,069,504		3,069,504
Exercisable at end of period	3,069,504		3,069,504
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period			$ 9.53
Exercised			3.80
Outstanding at end of period	$ 9.74		9.74
Exercisable at end of period	$ 9.74		$ 9.74
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures
Weighted average remaining contractual term for option awards outstanding			3 years 4 months 24 days
Intrinsic value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of options outstanding	$ 40,755		$ 40,755
Weighted average remaining contractual term for vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable			3 years 5 months
Intrinsic value of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise price of vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable	40,755		$ 40,755
Granted in period			0
Forfeitures in period			0
Expirations in period			0
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	1,035	$ 322	$ 2,310	$ 3,953
Fair value of stock options vested	$ 76	$ 19	$ 175	$ 652

Stock-Based Compensation - RSU

Stock-Based Compensation - RSU Activity (Details) - RSUs - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
RSUs
Non-vested at beginning of period			938,795
Granted			510,241
Vested			(403,436)
Forfeited			(17,104)
Non-vested at end of period	1,028,496		1,028,496
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)
Non-vested at beginning of period			$ 22.28
Granted			25.58	$ 21.36
Vested			22.14
Forfeited			23.19
Non-vested at end of period	$ 23.96		$ 23.96
RSUs Additional Disclosures
Fair value of RSU's vested	$ 1,513	$ 1,348	$ 8,932	$ 6,869

Stock-Based Compensation - Narr

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock-compensation expense	$ 2,785	$ 2,283	$ 8,277	$ 6,793
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 18,455		$ 18,455
Future period share-based compensation expense period of recognition (in years)			1 year 6 months
Common stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of shares authorized	2,500,000		2,500,000
Number of shares available for grant	2,500,000		2,500,000

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Net income attributable to NGHC	$ 71,154	$ 68,382	$ 240,788	$ 181,138
Dividends on preferred stock	(7,875)	(7,875)	(24,675)	(23,625)
Numerator for basic EPS	63,279	60,507	216,113	157,513
Preferred stock dividends - convertible	0	0	1,050	0
Numerator for diluted EPS - after assumed conversions	$ 63,279	$ 60,507	$ 217,163	$ 157,513
Denominator for basic EPS - weighted-average shares outstanding	113,263,367	107,101,837	113,153,121	106,944,461
Convertible preferred stock	789,473	0	789,473	0
Dilutive potential common shares	2,875,122	2,461,555	2,934,403	2,371,319
Denominator for diluted EPS - weighted-average shares outstanding and assumed conversions	116,138,489	109,563,392	116,087,524	109,315,780
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Basic EPS	$ 0.56	$ 0.56	$ 1.91	$ 1.47
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Diluted EPS	$ 0.54	$ 0.55	$ 1.87	$ 1.44
Employee stock options
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Effect of dilutive securities	1,823,012	2,108,233	1,881,295	2,067,054
RSUs
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Effect of dilutive securities	262,637	353,322	263,635	304,265
Preferred stock dividends - nonconvertible
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Dividends on preferred stock	$ (7,875)	$ (7,875)	$ (23,625)	$ (23,625)
Preferred stock dividends - convertible
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Dividends on preferred stock	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,050)	$ 0

Related Party Transactions - As

Related Party Transactions - Asset Purchase and Master Services Agreements (Details) - Related Parties - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 13, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Purchase Commitment
Related Party Transaction
Payments for Software	$ 200,000
Master Service Agreement
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from transactions with related party		$ 63	$ 729	$ 511	$ 9,819

Related Party Transactions - NG

Related Party Transactions - NGHC Quota Share Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction
Restricted investments to trusts in certain reinsurance transactions	$ 54,895		$ 54,895		$ 70,470
Related Parties | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Restricted investments to trusts in certain reinsurance transactions	2,486		2,486		3,796
Related Parties | Maiden
Related Party Transaction
Restricted investments to trusts in certain reinsurance transactions	7,385		$ 7,385		8,644
Related Parties | Reinsurance | ACP Re, Maiden and AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Percentage of business ceded			50.00%
Related Parties | Reinsurance Recoverable on Unpaid Losses | ACP Re, Maiden and AmTrust
Related Party Transaction
Due from (to) reinsurance treaties	4,496		$ 4,496		$ 7,425
Amounts of transaction	$ 216	$ 1,090	$ 624	$ 1,524

Related Party Transactions - Cr

Related Party Transactions - Credit Agreement with ACP Re (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction
Other investments	$ 301,615		$ 301,615		$ 306,276
ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	125,000		125,000
Related Parties
Related Party Transaction
Other investments	234,617		234,617		233,723
Related Parties | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	250,000		$ 250,000
Maintenance Covenant, minimum collateral interest as percent of value of outstanding loan balance			115.00%
Minimum percent of change in control included as events of default			50.00%
Related Parties | Loans
Related Party Transaction
Notes Receivable, Related Parties	$ 125,000		$ 125,000
Related Parties | Loans | ACP Re
Related Party Transaction
Interest rate on debt	3.70%		3.70%
Maximum percent of interest that may be paid in kind	1.20%		1.20%
Other investments	$ 129,229		$ 129,229		$ 127,692
Interest Income, Related Party	$ 1,195	$ 1,181	$ 3,571	$ 3,529

Related Party Transactions - Ot

Related Party Transactions - Other Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Parties | Lease Agreement 59 Maiden Lane
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from transactions with related party	$ 207	$ 207	$ 622	$ 622
Related Parties | Lease Agreement 30 North LaSalle
Related Party Transaction
Expenses from transactions with related party	78	76	231	226
Chief Executive Officer
Related Party Transaction
Aircraft Rental and Landing Fees	$ 0	$ 25	$ 15	$ 65

Segment Information - Results o

Segment Information - Results of Operations of the Business Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of business segments | segment			2
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 1,435,157	$ 1,355,671	$ 4,258,843	$ 4,129,250
Ceded premiums	(400,553)	(432,647)	(1,064,177)	(1,209,608)
Net premium written	1,034,604	923,024	3,194,666	2,919,642
Change in unearned premium	19,034	16,503	(146,220)	(131,671)
Net earned premium	1,053,638	939,527	3,048,446	2,787,971
Ceding commission income	57,587	59,100	187,313	158,976
Service and fee income	161,626	142,690	476,041	415,313
Total underwriting revenues	1,272,851	1,141,317	3,711,800	3,362,260
Loss and loss adjustment expense	745,334	657,310	2,112,678	1,961,804
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	209,090	191,470	615,134	542,040
General and administrative expenses	263,864	235,733	759,725	691,167
Total underwriting expenses	1,218,288	1,084,513	3,487,537	3,195,011
Underwriting income	54,563	56,804	224,263	167,249
Net investment income	33,740	30,696	102,316	81,702
Net loss on investments	(565)	(3,170)	(5,773)	(22,756)
Other income	2,146	0	2,146	0
Interest expense	(12,898)	(12,583)	(38,822)	(38,775)
Provision for income taxes	(16,747)	(15,518)	(61,494)	(38,261)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	10,915	12,153	18,152	31,979
Net income attributable to NGHC	71,154	68,382	240,788	181,138
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,272,602	1,211,723	3,666,072	3,594,690
Ceded premiums	(385,347)	(412,275)	(971,643)	(1,161,235)
Net premium written	887,255	799,448	2,694,429	2,433,455
Change in unearned premium	(2,520)	(15,267)	(142,515)	(110,875)
Net earned premium	884,735	784,181	2,551,914	2,322,580
Ceding commission income	55,326	58,831	178,533	158,187
Service and fee income	97,890	96,232	298,356	280,727
Total underwriting revenues	1,037,951	939,244	3,028,803	2,761,494
Loss and loss adjustment expense	674,722	584,658	1,870,993	1,709,440
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	161,876	146,696	462,071	405,541
General and administrative expenses	195,567	185,208	571,498	542,902
Total underwriting expenses	1,032,165	916,562	2,904,562	2,657,883
Underwriting income	5,786	22,682	124,241	103,611
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Net loss on investments	0	0	0	0
Other income	0		0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to NGHC	5,786	22,682	124,241	103,611
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	162,555	143,948	592,771	534,560
Ceded premiums	(15,206)	(20,372)	(92,534)	(48,373)
Net premium written	147,349	123,576	500,237	486,187
Change in unearned premium	21,554	31,770	(3,705)	(20,796)
Net earned premium	168,903	155,346	496,532	465,391
Ceding commission income	2,261	269	8,780	789
Service and fee income	63,736	46,458	177,685	134,586
Total underwriting revenues	234,900	202,073	682,997	600,766
Loss and loss adjustment expense	70,612	72,652	241,685	252,364
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	47,214	44,774	153,063	136,499
General and administrative expenses	68,297	50,525	188,227	148,265
Total underwriting expenses	186,123	167,951	582,975	537,128
Underwriting income	48,777	34,122	100,022	63,638
Net investment income	0	0	0	0
Net loss on investments	0	0	0	0
Other income	0		0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Provision for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to NGHC	48,777	34,122	100,022	63,638
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	33,740	30,696	102,316	81,702
Net loss on investments	(565)	(3,170)	(5,773)	(22,756)
Other income	2,146		2,146
Interest expense	(12,898)	(12,583)	(38,822)	(38,775)
Provision for income taxes	(16,747)	(15,518)	(61,494)	(38,261)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	10,915	12,153	18,152	31,979
Net income attributable to NGHC	$ 16,591	$ 11,578	$ 16,525	$ 13,889

Segment Information - Long Live

Segment Information - Long Lived Assets and Total Assets of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	$ 1,541,126	$ 1,399,812
Deferred acquisition costs	267,659	251,408
Reinsurance recoverable	1,504,599	1,611,738
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	643,218	665,674
Intangible assets, net and Goodwill	573,810	560,120
Prepaid and other assets	45,207	154,958
Corporate and other assets	5,498,377	4,795,570
Total assets	10,073,996	9,439,280
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	1,365,806	1,245,530
Deferred acquisition costs	239,017	226,188
Reinsurance recoverable	1,458,290	1,585,008
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	631,486	665,660
Intangible assets, net and Goodwill	450,437	443,163
Prepaid and other assets	25,417	20,941
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	4,170,453	4,186,490
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	165,595	153,896
Deferred acquisition costs	28,642	25,220
Reinsurance recoverable	46,309	26,730
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	11,732	14
Intangible assets, net and Goodwill	123,373	116,957
Prepaid and other assets	15,279	22,472
Corporate and other assets	0	0
Total assets	390,930	345,289
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Premiums and other receivables, net	9,725	386
Deferred acquisition costs	0	0
Reinsurance recoverable	0	0
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	0	0
Intangible assets, net and Goodwill	0	0
Prepaid and other assets	4,511	111,545
Corporate and other assets	5,498,377	4,795,570
Total assets	$ 5,512,613	$ 4,907,501

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue by Geographical Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 1,435,157	$ 1,355,671	$ 4,258,843	$ 4,129,250
Net premium written	1,034,604	923,024	3,194,666	2,919,642
Net earned premium	1,053,638	939,527	3,048,446	2,787,971
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	118,267	121,351	344,982	337,021
Net premium written	67,285	14,814	172,460	132,240
Net earned premium	57,117	43,151	149,405	141,009
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,316,890	1,234,320	3,913,861	3,792,229
Net premium written	967,319	908,210	3,022,206	2,787,402
Net earned premium	996,521	896,376	2,899,041	2,646,962
North America
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,431,576	1,351,843	4,132,012	4,003,615
Net premium written	1,031,821	936,270	3,117,680	2,811,081
Net earned premium	1,029,715	921,518	2,974,957	2,700,418
North America | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	118,267	121,351	344,982	337,021
Net premium written	67,285	14,814	172,460	132,240
Net earned premium	57,117	43,151	149,405	141,009
North America | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,313,309	1,230,492	3,787,030	3,666,594
Net premium written	964,536	921,456	2,945,220	2,678,841
Net earned premium	972,598	878,367	2,825,552	2,559,409
Europe
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,581	3,828	126,831	125,635
Net premium written	2,783	(13,246)	76,986	108,561
Net earned premium	23,923	18,009	73,489	87,553
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
Europe | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	3,581	3,828	126,831	125,635
Net premium written	2,783	(13,246)	76,986	108,561
Net earned premium	$ 23,923	$ 18,009	$ 73,489	$ 87,553

Segment Information - Service a

Segment Information - Service and Fee Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	$ 161,626	$ 142,690	$ 476,041	$ 415,313
Reciprocal Exchanges
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	1,585	1,575	4,471	4,466
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	160,041	141,115	471,570	410,847
Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	97,890	96,232	298,356	280,727
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	1,585	1,575	4,471	4,466
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	96,305	94,657	293,885	276,261
Accident and Health
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	63,736	46,458	177,685	134,586
Accident and Health | Reciprocal Exchanges
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	0	0	0	0
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	63,736	46,458	177,685	134,586
Commission revenue
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	37,686	43,278	125,290	119,737
Commission revenue | Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	21,333	25,404	68,193	68,547
Commission revenue | Accident and Health
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	16,353	17,874	57,097	51,190
Finance and processing fees
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	34,437	30,739	101,928	94,899
Finance and processing fees | Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	33,637	29,804	98,218	91,676
Finance and processing fees | Accident and Health
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	800	935	3,710	3,223
Installment fees
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	23,464	23,841	72,782	68,928
Installment fees | Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	23,464	23,841	72,782	68,928
Installment fees | Accident and Health
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	0	0	0	0
Group health administrative fees
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	25,808	18,364	73,861	57,461
Group health administrative fees | Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	0	0	0	0
Group health administrative fees | Accident and Health
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	25,808	18,364	73,861	57,461
Late payment fees
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	9,323	8,183	26,310	24,429
Late payment fees | Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	9,251	8,164	26,061	24,360
Late payment fees | Accident and Health
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	72	19	249	69
Other service and fee income
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	30,908	18,285	75,870	49,859
Other service and fee income | Property and Casualty
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	10,205	9,019	33,102	27,216
Other service and fee income | Accident and Health
Revenue from External Customer
Service and fee income	$ 20,703	$ 9,266	$ 42,768	$ 22,643

Segment Information - Gross Pre

Segment Information - Gross Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 1,435,157	$ 1,355,671	$ 4,258,843	$ 4,129,250
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	118,267	121,351	344,982	337,021
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,316,890	1,234,320	3,913,861	3,792,229
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,272,602	1,211,723	3,666,072	3,594,690
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	118,267	121,351	344,982	337,021
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,154,335	1,090,372	3,321,090	3,257,669
Property and Casualty | Personal Auto | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	39,166	40,240	120,012	116,602
Property and Casualty | Personal Auto | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	705,709	661,126	2,083,702	2,017,996
Property and Casualty | Homeowners | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	78,079	80,070	222,019	217,486
Property and Casualty | Homeowners | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	201,977	192,349	544,056	523,308
Property and Casualty | RV/Packaged | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	55,631	54,964	168,796	164,427
Property and Casualty | Small Business Auto | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	76,987	75,218	246,694	246,448
Property and Casualty | Lender-placed insurance | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	97,468	94,462	232,265	259,995
Property and Casualty | Other | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	1,022	1,041	2,951	2,933
Property and Casualty | Other | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	16,563	12,253	45,577	45,495
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	162,555	143,948	592,771	534,560
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	162,555	143,948	592,771	534,560
Accident and Health | Group | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	73,223	61,743	213,197	177,036
Accident and Health | Individual | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	85,728	78,378	252,719	231,890
Accident and Health | International | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Gross premium written	$ 3,604	$ 3,827	$ 126,855	$ 125,634

Segment Information - Net Premi

Segment Information - Net Premium Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 1,034,604	$ 923,024	$ 3,194,666	$ 2,919,642
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	67,285	14,814	172,460	132,240
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	967,319	908,210	3,022,206	2,787,402
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	887,255	799,448	2,694,429	2,433,455
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	67,285	14,814	172,460	132,240
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	819,970	784,634	2,521,969	2,301,215
Property and Casualty | Personal Auto | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	67,154	12,845	101,460	40,860
Property and Casualty | Personal Auto | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	560,032	502,964	1,730,904	1,542,685
Property and Casualty | Homeowners | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	(2,047)	2,002	68,180	90,826
Property and Casualty | Homeowners | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	82,601	112,390	276,250	255,290
Property and Casualty | RV/Packaged | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	52,283	54,627	162,047	162,934
Property and Casualty | Small Business Auto | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	56,615	53,155	196,221	181,314
Property and Casualty | Lender-placed insurance | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	61,579	56,529	140,863	134,630
Property and Casualty | Other | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	2,178	(33)	2,820	554
Property and Casualty | Other | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	6,860	4,969	15,684	24,362
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	147,349	123,576	500,237	486,187
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	147,349	123,576	500,237	486,187
Accident and Health | Group | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	59,001	51,296	170,911	145,760
Accident and Health | Individual | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	85,541	78,372	252,316	231,884
Accident and Health | International | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net premium written	$ 2,807	$ (6,092)	$ 77,010	$ 108,543

Segment Information - Net Earne

Segment Information - Net Earned Premium (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 1,053,638	$ 939,527	$ 3,048,446	$ 2,787,971
Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	57,117	43,151	149,405	141,009
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	996,521	896,376	2,899,041	2,646,962
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	884,735	784,181	2,551,914	2,322,580
Property and Casualty | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	57,117	43,151	149,405	141,009
Property and Casualty | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	827,618	741,030	2,402,509	2,181,571
Property and Casualty | Personal Auto | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	33,953	13,353	65,907	38,812
Property and Casualty | Personal Auto | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	568,346	496,139	1,621,734	1,436,793
Property and Casualty | Homeowners | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	22,759	29,698	82,475	101,578
Property and Casualty | Homeowners | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	86,525	80,308	272,591	242,161
Property and Casualty | RV/Packaged | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	51,023	51,229	150,739	145,911
Property and Casualty | Small Business Auto | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	62,265	59,636	189,957	178,302
Property and Casualty | Lender-placed insurance | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	56,599	48,466	158,595	162,629
Property and Casualty | Other | Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	405	100	1,023	619
Property and Casualty | Other | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	2,860	5,252	8,893	15,775
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	168,903	155,346	496,532	465,391
Accident and Health | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	168,903	155,346	496,532	465,391
Accident and Health | Group | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	59,009	51,310	170,921	145,788
Accident and Health | Individual | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	85,971	78,874	252,122	232,069
Accident and Health | International | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Net earned premium	$ 23,923	$ 25,162	$ 73,489	$ 87,534

Segment Information - Fee Incom

Segment Information - Fee Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	$ 161,626	$ 142,690	$ 476,041	$ 415,313
Ceding commission income	57,587	59,100	187,313	158,976
Fee Income	219,213	201,790	663,354	574,289
Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	97,890	96,232	298,356	280,727
Ceding commission income	55,326	58,831	178,533	158,187
Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	63,736	46,458	177,685	134,586
Ceding commission income	2,261	269	8,780	789
Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	1,585	1,575	4,471	4,466
Ceding commission income	15,066	14,587	50,446	39,523
Fee Income	16,651	16,162	54,917	43,989
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges
Segment Reporting Information
Fee Income	202,562	185,628	608,437	530,300
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Property and Casualty
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	96,305	94,657	293,885	276,261
Ceding commission income	40,260	44,244	128,087	118,664
Fee Income	136,565	138,901	421,972	394,925
NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	63,736	46,458	177,685	134,586
Ceding commission income	2,261	269	8,780	789
Fee Income	65,997	46,727	186,465	135,375
Group | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	34,848	25,198	98,084	74,768
Individual | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	2,128	4,512	5,506	7,973
Third Party Fee | NGHC, excluding Reciprocal Exchanges | Accident and Health
Segment Reporting Information
Service and fee income	$ 26,760	$ 16,748	$ 74,095	$ 51,845