Atlantic American (AAME) 10-Q 13 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	7-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ATLANTIC AMERICAN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	8177
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,573,336
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,695	$16,375
Investments:
Fixed maturities (cost: $200,734 and $207,568)	210,045	214,888
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks (cost: $11,969 and $11,969)	21,703	18,924
Other invested assets (cost: $2,968 and $2,995)	2,968	2,995
Policy loans	2,179	2,202
Real estate	38	38
Investment in unconsolidated trusts	1,238	1,238
Total investments	238,171	240,285
Receivables:
Reinsurance	13,149	14,348
Insurance premiums and other (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: $453 and $439)	7,237	10,728
Deferred acquisition costs	26,800	26,981
Other assets	5,589	5,747
Intangibles	2,544	2,544
Total assets	313,185	317,008
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Future policy benefits	70,821	70,845
Unearned premiums	18,913	24,544
Losses and claims	64,640	66,625
Other policy liabilities	1,436	2,080
Total insurance reserves and policyholder funds	155,810	164,094
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	12,808	13,586
Deferred income taxes, net	3,372	1,395
Junior subordinated debenture obligations, net	33,738	33,738
Total liabilities	205,728	212,813
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1 par, 4,000,000 shares authorized; Series D preferred, 55,000 shares issued and outstanding; $5,500 redemption value	55	55
Common stock, $1 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued: 22,400,894; shares outstanding: 20,579,575 and 20,600,039	22,401	22,401
Additional paid-in capital	56,498	56,491
Retained earnings	22,046	21,866
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,379	9,279
Unearned stock grant compensation	-395	-460
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,821,319 and 1,800,855 shares	-5,527	-5,437
Total shareholders' equity	107,457	104,195
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$313,185	$317,008

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments:
Fixed maturities, cost	$200,734	$207,568
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, cost	11,969	11,969
Other invested assets, cost	2,968	2,995
Receivables:
Insurance premiums and other, allowance for doubtful accounts	453	439
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	4,000,000	4,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	55,000	55,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	55,000	55,000
Preferred stock, redemption value	$5,500	$5,500
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	22,400,894	22,400,894
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,579,575	20,600,039
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	1,821,319	1,800,855

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue:
Insurance premiums	$37,386	$38,418
Investment income	2,597	2,598
Realized investment gains, net	951	108
Other income	15	36
Total revenue	40,949	41,160
Benefits and expenses:
Insurance benefits and losses incurred	25,241	26,828
Commissions and underwriting expenses	10,721	9,907
Interest expense	349	429
Other expense	3,628	3,003
Total benefits and expenses	39,939	40,167
Income before income taxes	1,010	993
Income tax expense	319	173
Net income	691	820
Preferred stock dividends	-99	-118
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$592	$702
Earnings per common share (basic and diluted) (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$691		$820
Available-for-sale securities:
Gross unrealized holding gain arising in the period	5,721		1,440
Related income tax effect	-2,003		-504
Less: reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in net income (1)	-951	[1]	-108	[1]
Related income tax effect (2)	333	[2]	38	[2]
Net effect on other comprehensive income	3,100		866
Total comprehensive income	$3,791		$1,686
[1]	Realized gains on available-for-sale securities recognized in realized investment gains, net on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
[2]	Income tax effect on reclassification adjustment for net realized gains included in income tax expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Unearned Stock Grant Compensation [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$65	$22,401	$57,103	$18,738	$6,204	($485)	($3,099)	$100,927
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	0	0	0	820	0	0	0	820
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	0	0	866	0	0	866
Dividends declared on common stock	0	0	0	-422	0	0	0	-422
Dividends accrued on preferred stock	0	0	0	-118	0	0	0	-118
Restricted stock grants	0	0	102	0	0	-178	76	0
Amortization of unearned compensation	0	0	0	0	0	87	0	87
Purchase of shares for treasury	0	0	0	0	0	0	-312	-312
Issuance of shares under stock plans	0	0	7	0	0	0	5	12
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	65	22,401	57,212	19,018	7,070	-576	-3,330	101,860
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	55	22,401	56,491	21,866	9,279	-460	-5,437	104,195
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	0	0	0	691	0	0	0	691
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	0	0	3,100	0	0	3,100
Dividends declared on common stock	0	0	0	-412	0	0	0	-412
Dividends accrued on preferred stock	0	0	0	-99	0	0	0	-99
Amortization of unearned compensation	0	0	0	0	0	65	0	65
Purchase of shares for treasury	0	0	0	0	0	0	-94	-94
Issuance of shares under stock plans	0	0	7	0	0	0	4	11
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$55	$22,401	$56,498	$22,046	$12,379	($395)	($5,527)	$107,457

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$691	$820
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	2,961	2,849
Acquisition costs deferred	-2,780	-2,636
Realized investment gains, net	-951	-108
Decrease in insurance reserves	-8,284	-4,590
Compensation expense related to share awards	65	87
Depreciation and amortization	283	213
Deferred income tax expense	308	110
Decrease in receivables, net	4,690	2,287
Decrease in other liabilities	-1,289	-3,376
Other, net	65	18
Net cash used in operating activities	-4,241	-4,326
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from investments sold, called or matured	28,049	11,570
Investments purchased	-20,338	-11,202
Additions to property and equipment	-67	-1,666
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	7,644	-1,298
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from shares issued under stock plans	11	12
Purchase of shares for treasury	-94	-312
Net cash used in financing activities	-83	-300
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,320	-5,924
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	16,375	33,102
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	19,695	27,178
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	351	435
Cash paid for income taxes	$215	$292

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1.	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlantic American Corporation (the “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively with the Parent, the “Company”).  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein and these related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The Company’s financial condition and results of operations as of and for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results of operations that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015 or for any other future period.
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 2.	Segment Information
	The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries, American Southern Insurance Company and American Safety Insurance Company (together known as “American Southern”) and Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company and Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company (together known as “Bankers Fidelity”) operate in two principal business units, each focusing on specific products.  American Southern operates in the property and casualty insurance market, while Bankers Fidelity operates in the life and health insurance market.  Each business unit is managed independently and is evaluated on its individual performance.  The following sets forth the revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Revenues		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	American Southern		$	14,772		$	14,201
	Bankers Fidelity			26,070			26,838
	Corporate and Other			107			121
	Total revenue		$	40,949		$	41,160
	Income Before Income Taxes		Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	American Southern		$	1,849		$	1,057
	Bankers Fidelity			1,190			1,648
	Corporate and Other			(2,029	)		(1,712	)
	Income before income taxes		$	1,010		$	993

Junior_Subordinated_Debentures

Junior Subordinated Debentures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Junior Subordinated Debentures [Abstract]
Junior Subordinated Debentures	Note 3.	Junior Subordinated Debentures
	The Company has two unconsolidated Connecticut statutory business trusts, which exist for the exclusive purposes of: (i) issuing trust preferred securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”) representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the trusts; (ii) investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Preferred Securities in junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (“Junior Subordinated Debentures”) of Atlantic American; and (iii) engaging in only those activities necessary or incidental thereto.
	The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II as of March 31, 2015 was as follows:
			Atlantic American		Atlantic American
			Statutory Trust I		Statutory Trust II
	JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (1) (2)
	Principal amount owed		$	18,042	$	23,196
	Balance March 31, 2015		$	18,042	$	23,196
	Less: Treasury debt (3)			-		(7,500	)
	Net balance March 31, 2015		$	18,042	$	15,696
	Balance December 31, 2014		$	18,042	$	23,196
	Less: Treasury debt (3)			-		(7,500	)
	Net balance December 31, 2014		$	18,042	$	15,696
	Coupon rate		LIBOR + 4.00%		LIBOR + 4.10%
	Interest payable		Quarterly		Quarterly
	Maturity date		4-Dec-32		15-May-33
	Redeemable by issuer		Yes		Yes
	TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
	Issuance date		4-Dec-02		15-May-03
	Securities issued			17,500		22,500
	Liquidation preference per security		$	1	$	1
	Liquidation value			17,500		22,500
	Coupon rate		LIBOR + 4.00%		LIBOR + 4.10%
	Distribution payable		Quarterly		Quarterly
	Distribution guaranteed by (4)		Atlantic American		Atlantic American
			Corporation		Corporation
		-1	For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures’ respective maturity dates.  During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company’s common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.
		-2	The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.
		-3	On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
		-4	The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Note 4.	Earnings Per Common Share
	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the earnings per common share calculations is as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-15
			Income			Shares		Per Share
						(In thousands)		Amount
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
	Net income		$	691			20,591
	Less preferred stock dividends			(99	)		-
	Net income applicable to common shareholders		$	592			20,591	$	0.03
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-14
			Income			Shares		Per Share
						(In thousands)		Amount
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
	Net income		$	820			21,073
	Less preferred stock dividends			(118	)		-
	Net income applicable to common shareholders		$	702			21,073	$	0.03
	The assumed conversion of the Company’s Series D preferred stock was excluded from the earnings per common share calculation for all periods presented since its impact would have been antidilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 5.	Income Taxes
	A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate and income tax expense is as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%		$	354		$	348
	Dividends-received deduction			(27	)		(31	)
	Small life insurance company deduction			(18	)		(116	)
	Other permanent differences			10			10
	Change in asset valuation allowance due to change in judgment relating to realizability of deferred tax assets			-			(38	)
	Income tax expense		$	319		$	173
	The components of income tax expense were:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Current – Federal		$	11		$	63
	Deferred – Federal			308			148
	Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance			-			(38	)
	Total		$	319		$	173
	The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 resulted from the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) and the small life insurance company deduction (“SLD”).  The current estimated DRD is adjusted as underlying factors change and can vary from estimates based on, but not limited to, actual distributions from investments as well as the amount of the Company’s taxable income.  The SLD varies in amount and is determined at a rate of 60 percent of the tentative life insurance company taxable income (“LICTI”).  The SLD for any taxable year is reduced (but not below zero) by 15 percent of the tentative LICTI for such taxable year as it exceeds $3,000 and is ultimately phased out at $15,000.
	The primary differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 resulted from the DRD, the SLD and the change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  The change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance was due to the utilization of certain capital loss carryforward benefits that had been previously reduced to zero through an existing valuation allowance reserve.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 6.	Commitments and Contingencies
	From time to time, the Company is, and expects to continue to be, involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to and in the ordinary course of its businesses.  In the opinion of management, any such known claims are not expected to have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract ]
Investments	Note 7.	Investments
	The following tables set forth the carrying value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of the Company’s investments, aggregated by type and industry, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	Investments were comprised of the following:
			31-Mar-15
			Carrying		Gross		Gross		Amortized
			Value		Unrealized		Unrealized		Cost
					Gains		Losses
	Fixed maturities:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities		$	20,433	$	501	$	57	$	19,989
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			21,764		963		36		20,837
	Corporate securities:
	Utilities and telecom			13,832		2,279		-		11,553
	Financial services			58,047		4,495		454		54,006
	Other business – diversified			73,277		2,704		1,287		71,860
	Other consumer – diversified			22,243		691		494		22,046
	Total corporate securities			167,399		10,169		2,235		159,465
	Redeemable preferred stocks:
	Financial services			256		6		-		250
	Other consumer – diversified			193		-		-		193
	Total redeemable preferred stocks			449		6				443
	Total fixed maturities			210,045		11,639		2,328		200,734
	Equity securities:
	Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
	Utilities and telecom			1,459		495		-		964
	Financial services			6,192		848		-		5,344
	Other business – diversified			217		170		-		47
	Other consumer – diversified			13,835		8,221		-		5,614
	Total equity securities			21,703		9,734		-		11,969
	Other invested assets			2,968		-		-		2,968
	Policy loans			2,179		-		-		2,179
	Real estate			38		-		-		38
	Investments in unconsolidated trusts			1,238		-		-		1,238
	Total investments		$	238,171	$	21,373	$	2,328	$	219,126
			31-Dec-14
			Carrying		Gross		Gross		Amortized
			Value		Unrealized		Unrealized		Cost
					Gains		Losses
	Fixed maturities:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities		$	33,898	$	1,459	$	30	$	32,469
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			11,459		681		-		10,778
	Corporate securities:
	Utilities and telecom			13,980		2,355		-		11,625
	Financial services			59,224		3,404		588		56,408
	Other business – diversified			70,139		2,076		1,830		69,893
	Other consumer – diversified			25,388		332		547		25,603
	Total corporate securities			168,731		8,167		2,965		163,529
	Redeemable preferred stocks:
	Financial services			608		8		-		600
	Other consumer – diversified			192		-		-		192
	Total redeemable preferred stocks			800		8		-		792
	Total fixed maturities			214,888		10,315		2,995		207,568
	Equity securities:
	Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
	Utilities and telecom			1,403		439		-		964
	Financial services			6,083		739		-		5,344
	Other business – diversified			226		179		-		47
	Other consumer – diversified			11,212		5,598		-		5,614
	Total equity securities			18,924		6,955		-		11,969
	Other invested assets			2,995		-		-		2,995
	Policy loans			2,202		-		-		2,202
	Real estate			38		-		-		38
	Investments in unconsolidated trusts			1,238		-		-		1,238
Total investments		$	240,285	$	17,270	$	2,995	$	226,010
The carrying value and amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity were as follows.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		31-Mar-15
		Carrying		Amortized
		Value		Cost
Due in one year or less		$	2,364	$	2,305
Due after one year through five years			17,062		16,477
Due after five years through ten years			107,650		103,404
Due after ten years			81,828		77,553
Varying maturities			1,141		995
Totals		$	210,045	$	200,734
The following table sets forth the carrying value, amortized cost, and net unrealized gains of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Carrying		Amortized		Unrealized		Carrying		Amortized		Unrealized
		Value		Cost		Gains		Value		Cost		Gains
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities		$	20,433	$	19,989	$	444	$	33,898	$	32,469	$	1,429
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			21,764		20,837		927		11,459		10,778		681
Utilities and telecom			15,291		12,517		2,774		15,383		12,589		2,794
Financial services			64,495		59,600		4,895		65,915		62,352		3,563
Other business – diversified			73,494		71,907		1,587		70,365		69,940		425
Other consumer – diversified			36,271		27,853		8,418		36,792		31,409		5,383
Other investments			6,423		6,423		-		6,473		6,473		-
Investments		$	238,171	$	219,126	$	19,045	$	240,285	$	226,010	$	14,275
The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		31-Mar-15
		Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities		$	4,626	$	56	$	503	$	1	$	5,129	$	57
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			5,993		36		-		-		5,993		36
Corporate securities			22,616		1,125		9,531		1,110		32,147		2,235
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	33,235	$	1,217	$	10,034	$	1,111	$	43,269	$	2,328
		31-Dec-14
		Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
		Fair		Unrealized Losses		Fair		Unrealized Losses		Fair		Unrealized Losses
		Value				Value				Value
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities		$	3,695	$	7	$	2,692	$	23	$	6,387	$	30
Corporate securities			43,996		1,604		9,293		1,361		53,289		2,965
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	47,691	$	1,611	$	11,985	$	1,384	$	59,676	$	2,995
The evaluation for an other than temporary impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties in the determination of whether declines in the fair value of investments are other than temporary. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, changes in general economic conditions, an issuer’s financial condition or near term recovery prospects and the effects of changes in interest rates. In evaluating a potential impairment, the Company considers, among other factors, management’s intent and ability to hold the securities until price recovery, the nature of the investment and the expectation of prospects for the issuer and its industry, the status of an issuer’s continued satisfaction of its obligations in accordance with their contractual terms, and management’s expectation as to the issuer’s ability and intent to continue to do so, as well as ratings actions that may affect the issuer’s credit status.
As of March 31, 2015, securities in an unrealized loss position primarily included certain of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities within the other diversified business, other diversified consumer and financial services sectors. Securities in an unrealized loss position reported in the other diversified business sector included gross unrealized losses of $1,088 related to investments in fixed maturities in the oil and gas industry.  The Company does not currently intend to sell nor does it expect to be required to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position. Based upon the Company’s expected continuation of receipt of contractually required principal and interest payments and its intent and ability to retain the securities until price recovery, as well as the Company’s evaluation of other relevant factors, including those described above, the Company has deemed these securities to be temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2015.
The following describes the fair value hierarchy and provides information as to the extent to which the Company uses fair value to measure the value of its financial instruments and information about the inputs used to value those financial instruments. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs in the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.
Level 1	Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 1 criteria include cash equivalents and exchange traded common stocks.
Level 2	Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, for an asset or liability or prices for similar assets or liabilities. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 2 criteria include significantly all of its fixed maturities, which consist of U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and certain corporate fixed maturities, as well as its non-redeemable preferred stocks. In determining fair value measurements using Level 2 criteria, the Company utilizes various external pricing sources.
Level 3	Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable (including assumptions about risk).  Fair value is based on criteria that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources. The Company’s financial instruments valued using Level 3 criteria consist of a limited number of fixed maturities. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the value of the Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 criteria was $2,264 and $2,214, respectively. The use of different criteria or assumptions regarding data may have yielded materially different valuations.
As of March 31, 2015, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:
		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		in Active		Other
		Markets		Observable
		for Identical		Inputs
		Assets
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Assets:
Fixed maturities		$	-	$	207,781	$	2,264	$	210,045
Equity securities			15,811		5,892		-		21,703
Cash equivalents			19,695		-		-		19,695
Total		$	35,506	$	213,673	$	2,264	$	251,443
As of December 31, 2014, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:
		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		in Active		Other
		Markets		Observable
		for Identical		Inputs
		Assets
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Assets:
Fixed maturities		$	-	$	212,674	$	2,214	$	214,888
Equity securities			13,148		5,776		-		18,924
Cash equivalents			15,009		-		-		15,009
Total		$	28,157	$	218,450	$	2,214	$	248,821
The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month period ended March 31, 2015.
		Fixed Maturities
Balance, December 31, 2014		$	2,214
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income			50
Balance, March 31, 2015		$	2,264
The Company’s fixed maturities valued using Level 3 inputs consist solely of issuances of pooled debt obligations of multiple, smaller financial services companies. They are not actively traded and valuation techniques used to measure fair value are based on future estimated cash flows (based on current cash flows) discounted at reasonable estimated rates of interest.  There are no assumed prepayments and/or default probability assumptions as a majority of these instruments contain certain U.S. government agency strips to support repayment of the principal.  Other qualitative and quantitative information received from the original underwriter of the pooled offerings is also considered, as applicable.

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr

Fair Values of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	Note 8.	Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	The estimated fair values have been determined by the Company using available market information from various market sources and appropriate valuation methodologies as of the respective dates.  However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and to develop the estimates of fair value.  Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts which the Company could realize in a current market exchange.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
	The following table sets forth the carrying amount, estimated fair value and level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
				31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
			Level in Fair	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
			Value	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
			Hierarchy (1)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		Level 1	$	19,695	$	19,695	$	16,375	$	16,375
	Fixed maturities		(1)		210,045		210,045		214,888		214,888
	Equity securities		(1)		21,703		21,703		18,924		18,924
	Other invested assets		Level 3		2,968		2,968		2,995		2,995
	Policy loans		Level 2		2,179		2,179		2,202		2,202
	Real estate		Level 2		38		38		38		38
	Investment in unconsolidated trusts		Level 2		1,238		1,238		1,238		1,238
	Liabilities:
	Junior Subordinated Debentures, net		Level 2		33,738		33,738		33,738		33,738
		-1	See Note 7 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 9.	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table sets forth the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the changes in the balance of each component thereof during the three month period ended March 31, 2015, net of taxes.
			Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities
	Balance, December 31, 2014		$	9,279
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			3,718
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(618	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income			3,100
	Balance, March 31, 2015		$	12,379

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit	The following sets forth the revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Revenues	Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	American Southern	$	14,772		$	14,201
	Bankers Fidelity		26,070			26,838
	Corporate and Other		107			121
	Total revenue	$	40,949		$	41,160
	Income Before Income Taxes	Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	American Southern	$	1,849		$	1,057
	Bankers Fidelity		1,190			1,648
	Corporate and Other		(2,029	)		(1,712	)
	Income before income taxes	$	1,010		$	993

Junior_Subordinated_Debentures1

Junior Subordinated Debentures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Junior Subordinated Debentures [Abstract]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts	The financial structure of each of Atlantic American Statutory Trust I and II as of March 31, 2015 was as follows:
			Atlantic American		Atlantic American
			Statutory Trust I		Statutory Trust II
	JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (1) (2)
	Principal amount owed		$	18,042	$	23,196
	Balance March 31, 2015		$	18,042	$	23,196
	Less: Treasury debt (3)			-		(7,500	)
	Net balance March 31, 2015		$	18,042	$	15,696
	Balance December 31, 2014		$	18,042	$	23,196
	Less: Treasury debt (3)			-		(7,500	)
	Net balance December 31, 2014		$	18,042	$	15,696
	Coupon rate		LIBOR + 4.00%		LIBOR + 4.10%
	Interest payable		Quarterly		Quarterly
	Maturity date		4-Dec-32		15-May-33
	Redeemable by issuer		Yes		Yes
	TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
	Issuance date		4-Dec-02		15-May-03
	Securities issued			17,500		22,500
	Liquidation preference per security		$	1	$	1
	Liquidation value			17,500		22,500
	Coupon rate		LIBOR + 4.00%		LIBOR + 4.10%
	Distribution payable		Quarterly		Quarterly
	Distribution guaranteed by (4)		Atlantic American		Atlantic American
			Corporation		Corporation
		-1	For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures’ respective maturity dates.  During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company’s common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.
		-2	The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.
		-3	On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
		-4	The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of numerator and denominator used in earnings per common share calculations	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the earnings per common share calculations is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-15
		Income			Shares		Per Share
					(In thousands)		Amount
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
	Net income	$	691			20,591
	Less preferred stock dividends		(99	)		-
	Net income applicable to common shareholders	$	592			20,591	$	0.03
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
		Income			Shares		Per Share
					(In thousands)		Amount
	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
	Net income	$	820			21,073
	Less preferred stock dividends		(118	)		-
	Net income applicable to common shareholders	$	702			21,073	$	0.03

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Reconciliation of income tax expense	A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the federal statutory income tax rate and income tax expense is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%	$	354		$	348
	Dividends-received deduction		(27	)		(31	)
	Small life insurance company deduction		(18	)		(116	)
	Other permanent differences		10			10
	Change in asset valuation allowance due to change in judgment relating to realizability of deferred tax assets		-			(38	)
	Income tax expense	$	319		$	173
Components of income tax expense	The components of income tax expense were:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Current – Federal	$	11		$	63
	Deferred – Federal		308			148
	Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance		-			(38	)
	Total	$	319		$	173

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract ]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry	Investments were comprised of the following:
		31-Mar-15
		Carrying		Gross		Gross		Amortized
		Value		Unrealized		Unrealized		Cost
				Gains		Losses
	Fixed maturities:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities	$	20,433	$	501	$	57	$	19,989
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		21,764		963		36		20,837
	Corporate securities:
	Utilities and telecom		13,832		2,279		-		11,553
	Financial services		58,047		4,495		454		54,006
	Other business – diversified		73,277		2,704		1,287		71,860
	Other consumer – diversified		22,243		691		494		22,046
	Total corporate securities		167,399		10,169		2,235		159,465
	Redeemable preferred stocks:
	Financial services		256		6		-		250
	Other consumer – diversified		193		-		-		193
	Total redeemable preferred stocks		449		6				443
	Total fixed maturities		210,045		11,639		2,328		200,734
	Equity securities:
	Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
	Utilities and telecom		1,459		495		-		964
	Financial services		6,192		848		-		5,344
	Other business – diversified		217		170		-		47
	Other consumer – diversified		13,835		8,221		-		5,614
	Total equity securities		21,703		9,734		-		11,969
	Other invested assets		2,968		-		-		2,968
	Policy loans		2,179		-		-		2,179
	Real estate		38		-		-		38
	Investments in unconsolidated trusts		1,238		-		-		1,238
	Total investments	$	238,171	$	21,373	$	2,328	$	219,126
		31-Dec-14
		Carrying		Gross		Gross		Amortized
		Value		Unrealized		Unrealized		Cost
				Gains		Losses
	Fixed maturities:
	Bonds:
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities	$	33,898	$	1,459	$	30	$	32,469
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		11,459		681		-		10,778
	Corporate securities:
	Utilities and telecom		13,980		2,355		-		11,625
	Financial services		59,224		3,404		588		56,408
	Other business – diversified		70,139		2,076		1,830		69,893
	Other consumer – diversified		25,388		332		547		25,603
	Total corporate securities		168,731		8,167		2,965		163,529
	Redeemable preferred stocks:
	Financial services		608		8		-		600
	Other consumer – diversified		192		-		-		192
	Total redeemable preferred stocks		800		8		-		792
	Total fixed maturities		214,888		10,315		2,995		207,568
	Equity securities:
	Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks:
	Utilities and telecom		1,403		439		-		964
	Financial services		6,083		739		-		5,344
	Other business – diversified		226		179		-		47
	Other consumer – diversified		11,212		5,598		-		5,614
	Total equity securities		18,924		6,955		-		11,969
	Other invested assets		2,995		-		-		2,995
	Policy loans		2,202		-		-		2,202
	Real estate		38		-		-		38
	Investments in unconsolidated trusts		1,238		-		-		1,238
	Total investments	$	240,285	$	17,270	$	2,995	$	226,010
Amortized cost and carrying value of fixed maturities by contractual maturity	The carrying value and amortized cost of the Company’s investments in fixed maturities at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity were as follows.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		31-Mar-15
		Carrying		Amortized
		Value		Cost
	Due in one year or less	$	2,364	$	2,305
	Due after one year through five years		17,062		16,477
	Due after five years through ten years		107,650		103,404
	Due after ten years		81,828		77,553
	Varying maturities		1,141		995
	Totals	$	210,045	$	200,734
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry	The following table sets forth the carrying value, amortized cost, and net unrealized gains of the Company’s investments aggregated by industry as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Carrying		Amortized		Unrealized		Carrying		Amortized		Unrealized
		Value		Cost		Gains		Value		Cost		Gains
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities	$	20,433	$	19,989	$	444	$	33,898	$	32,469	$	1,429
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		21,764		20,837		927		11,459		10,778		681
	Utilities and telecom		15,291		12,517		2,774		15,383		12,589		2,794
	Financial services		64,495		59,600		4,895		65,915		62,352		3,563
	Other business – diversified		73,494		71,907		1,587		70,365		69,940		425
	Other consumer – diversified		36,271		27,853		8,418		36,792		31,409		5,383
	Other investments		6,423		6,423		-		6,473		6,473		-
	Investments	$	238,171	$	219,126	$	19,045	$	240,285	$	226,010	$	14,275
Schedule of investment securities with continuous unrealized loss position	The following tables present the Company’s unrealized loss aging for securities by type and length of time the security was in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
		31-Mar-15
		Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities	$	4,626	$	56	$	503	$	1	$	5,129	$	57
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		5,993		36		-		-		5,993		36
	Corporate securities		22,616		1,125		9,531		1,110		32,147		2,235
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	33,235	$	1,217	$	10,034	$	1,111	$	43,269	$	2,328
		31-Dec-14
		Less than 12 months				12 months or longer				Total
		Fair		Unrealized Losses		Fair		Unrealized Losses		Fair		Unrealized Losses
		Value				Value				Value
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities	$	3,695	$	7	$	2,692	$	23	$	6,387	$	30
	Corporate securities		43,996		1,604		9,293		1,361		53,289		2,965
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	47,691	$	1,611	$	11,985	$	1,384	$	59,676	$	2,995
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis	As of March 31, 2015, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:
		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		in Active		Other
		Markets		Observable
		for Identical		Inputs
		Assets
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities	$	-	$	207,781	$	2,264	$	210,045
	Equity securities		15,811		5,892		-		21,703
	Cash equivalents		19,695		-		-		19,695
	Total	$	35,506	$	213,673	$	2,264	$	251,443
	As of December 31, 2014, financial instruments carried at fair value were measured on a recurring basis as summarized below:
		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		in Active		Other
		Markets		Observable
		for Identical		Inputs
		Assets
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	Assets:
	Fixed maturities	$	-	$	212,674	$	2,214	$	214,888
	Equity securities		13,148		5,776		-		18,924
	Cash equivalents		15,009		-		-		15,009
	Total	$	28,157	$	218,450	$	2,214	$	248,821
Roll-forward of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three month period ended March 31, 2015.
		Fixed Maturities
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	2,214
	Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income		50
	Balance, March 31, 2015	$	2,264

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr1

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Values of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Carrying amount, estimated fair value and level within the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments	The following table sets forth the carrying amount, estimated fair value and level within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
				31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
			Level in Fair	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
			Value	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
			Hierarchy (1)
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		Level 1	$	19,695	$	19,695	$	16,375	$	16,375
	Fixed maturities		(1)		210,045		210,045		214,888		214,888
	Equity securities		(1)		21,703		21,703		18,924		18,924
	Other invested assets		Level 3		2,968		2,968		2,995		2,995
	Policy loans		Level 2		2,179		2,179		2,202		2,202
	Real estate		Level 2		38		38		38		38
	Investment in unconsolidated trusts		Level 2		1,238		1,238		1,238		1,238
	Liabilities:
	Junior Subordinated Debentures, net		Level 2		33,738		33,738		33,738		33,738
		-1	See Note 7 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes	The following table sets forth the balance of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the changes in the balance of each component thereof during the three month period ended March 31, 2015, net of taxes.
		Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities
	Balance, December 31, 2014	$	9,279
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		3,718
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(618	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income		3,100
	Balance, March 31, 2015	$	12,379

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of business units	2
Revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit [Abstract]
Total revenue	$40,949	$41,160
Income before income taxes	1,010	993
Corporate and Other [Member]
Revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit [Abstract]
Total revenue	107	121
Income before income taxes	-2,029	-1,712
American Southern [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit [Abstract]
Total revenue	14,772	14,201
Income before income taxes	1,849	1,057
Bankers Fidelity [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue and income before income taxes for each business unit [Abstract]
Total revenue	26,070	26,838
Income before income taxes	$1,190	$1,648

Junior_Subordinated_Debentures2

Junior Subordinated Debentures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Connecticut statutory business trusts	2
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Net balance March 31, 2015	$33,738
Net balance December 31, 2014	33,738
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Number of consecutive quarters for which interest payments can be deferred	20
Atlantic American Statutory Trust I [Member] | JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Principal amount owed	18,042	[1],[2]
Balance March 31, 2015	18,042	[1],[2]
Less: Treasury debt	0	[1],[2],[3]	0	[1],[2],[3]
Net balance March 31, 2015	18,042	[1],[2]
Balance December 31, 2014	18,042	[1],[2]
Net balance December 31, 2014	18,042	[1],[2]
Coupon rate	LIBOR + 4.00%	[1],[2]
Interest payable	Quarterly	[1],[2]
Maturity date	4-Dec-32	[1],[2]
Redeemable by issuer	Yes	[1],[2]
Atlantic American Statutory Trust I [Member] | JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Atlantic American Statutory Trust I [Member] | TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Coupon rate	LIBOR + 4.00%
Issuance date	4-Dec-02
Securities issued (in shares)	17,500
Liquidation preference per security (in dollars per share)	$1
Liquidation value	17,500
Distribution payable	Quarterly
Distribution guaranteed by	Atlantic American Corporation	[4]
Atlantic American Statutory Trust I [Member] | TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Atlantic American Statutory Trust II [Member] | JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Principal amount owed	23,196	[1],[2]
Balance March 31, 2015	23,196	[1],[2]
Less: Treasury debt	-7,500	[1],[2],[3]	-7,500	[1],[2],[3]
Net balance March 31, 2015	15,696	[1],[2]
Balance December 31, 2014	23,196	[1],[2]
Net balance December 31, 2014	15,696	[1],[2]
Coupon rate	LIBOR + 4.10%	[1],[2]
Interest payable	Quarterly	[1],[2]
Maturity date	15-May-33	[1],[2]
Redeemable by issuer	Yes	[1],[2]
Atlantic American Statutory Trust II [Member] | JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	4.10%
Atlantic American Statutory Trust II [Member] | TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Coupon rate	LIBOR + 4.10%
Issuance date	15-May-03
Securities issued (in shares)	22,500
Liquidation preference per security (in dollars per share)	$1
Liquidation value	$22,500
Distribution payable	Quarterly
Distribution guaranteed by	Atlantic American Corporation	[4]
Atlantic American Statutory Trust II [Member] | TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Financial structure of statutory business trusts [Abstract]
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	4.10%
[1]	For each of the respective debentures, the Company has the right at any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters up to the debentures' respective maturity dates. During any such period, interest will continue to accrue and the Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or distributions on, or purchase, the Company's common stock nor make any principal, interest or premium payments on or repurchase any debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Company has the right at any time to dissolve each of the trusts and cause the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.
[2]	The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Parent and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of its subsidiaries.
[3]	On August 4, 2014, the Company acquired $7,500 of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
[4]	The Parent has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, all of the obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, including payment of the redemption price and any accumulated and unpaid distributions to the extent of available funds and upon dissolution, winding up or liquidation.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income [Abstract]
Net income	$691	$820
Less preferred stock dividends	-99	-118
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$592	$702
Shares [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	20,591	21,073
Per Share Amount [Abstract]
Net income applicable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of income tax (benefit) expense [Abstract]
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate of 35%	$354	$348
Dividends-received deduction	-27	-31
Small life insurance company deduction	-18	-116
Other permanent differences	10	10
Change in asset valuation allowance due to change in judgment relating to realizability of deferred tax assets	0	-38
Income tax expense	319	173
Federal statutory income tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%
Components of income tax expense [Abstract]
Current - Federal	11	63
Deferred - Federal	308	148
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	0	-38
Income tax expense	319	173
SLD as percentage of life insurance company taxable income (in hundredths)	60.00%
Percentage of reduction in SLD (in hundredths)	15.00%
Minimum tentative amount of LICTI	3,000
Maximum tentative amount of LICTI	$15,000

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	$238,171	$240,285
Gross Unrealized Gains	21,373	17,270
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,328	2,995
Amortized Cost	219,126	226,010
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	20,433	33,898
Amortized Cost	19,989	32,469
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	21,764	11,459
Amortized Cost	20,837	10,778
Utilities and telecom [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	15,291	15,383
Amortized Cost	12,517	12,589
Financial services [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	64,495	65,915
Amortized Cost	59,600	62,352
Other business - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	73,494	70,365
Amortized Cost	71,907	69,940
Other consumer - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	36,271	36,792
Amortized Cost	27,853	31,409
Fixed maturities [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	210,045	214,888
Gross Unrealized Gains	11,639	10,315
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,328	2,995
Amortized Cost	200,734	207,568
Fixed maturities [Member] | Oil and Gas Properties [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,088
Fixed maturities [Member] | Bonds [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	20,433	33,898
Gross Unrealized Gains	501	1,459
Gross Unrealized Losses	57	30
Amortized Cost	19,989	32,469
Fixed maturities [Member] | Bonds [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	21,764	11,459
Gross Unrealized Gains	963	681
Gross Unrealized Losses	36	0
Amortized Cost	20,837	10,778
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	167,399	168,731
Gross Unrealized Gains	10,169	8,167
Gross Unrealized Losses	2,235	2,965
Amortized Cost	159,465	163,529
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | Utilities and telecom [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	13,832	13,980
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,279	2,355
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	11,553	11,625
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | Financial services [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	58,047	59,224
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,495	3,404
Gross Unrealized Losses	454	588
Amortized Cost	54,006	56,408
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | Other business - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	73,277	70,139
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,704	2,076
Gross Unrealized Losses	1,287	1,830
Amortized Cost	71,860	69,893
Fixed maturities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | Other consumer - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	22,243	25,388
Gross Unrealized Gains	691	332
Gross Unrealized Losses	494	547
Amortized Cost	22,046	25,603
Fixed maturities [Member] | Redeemable preferred stocks [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	449	800
Gross Unrealized Gains	6	8
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	443	792
Fixed maturities [Member] | Redeemable preferred stocks [Member] | Financial services [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	256	608
Gross Unrealized Gains	6	8
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	250	600
Fixed maturities [Member] | Redeemable preferred stocks [Member] | Other consumer - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	193	192
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	193	192
Equity securities [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	21,703	18,924
Gross Unrealized Gains	9,734	6,955
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	11,969	11,969
Equity securities [Member] | Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks [Member] | Utilities and telecom [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	1,459	1,403
Gross Unrealized Gains	495	439
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	964	964
Equity securities [Member] | Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks [Member] | Financial services [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	6,192	6,083
Gross Unrealized Gains	848	739
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	5,344	5,344
Equity securities [Member] | Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks [Member] | Other business - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	217	226
Gross Unrealized Gains	170	179
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	47	47
Equity securities [Member] | Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks [Member] | Other consumer - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	13,835	11,212
Gross Unrealized Gains	8,221	5,598
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	5,614	5,614
Other invested assets [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	2,968	2,995
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	2,968	2,995
Policy loans [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	2,179	2,202
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	2,179	2,202
Real estate [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	38	38
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	38	38
Investments in unconsolidated trusts [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by type and industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	1,238	1,238
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Amortized Cost	$1,238	$1,238

Investments_Part_II_Details

Investments, Part II (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$2,364
Due after one year through five years	17,062
Due after five years through ten years	107,650
Due after ten years	81,828
Varying maturities	1,141
Totals	210,045	214,888
Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	2,305
Due after one year through five years	16,477
Due after five years through ten years	103,404
Due after ten years	77,553
Varying maturities	995
Totals	$200,734	$207,568

Investments_Part_III_Details

Investments, Part III (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	$238,171	$240,285
Amortized Cost	219,126	226,010
Unrealized Gains	19,045	14,275
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	33,235	47,691
12 months or longer	10,034	11,985
Total	43,269	59,676
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	1,217	1,611
12 months or longer	1,111	1,384
Total	2,328	2,995
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	20,433	33,898
Amortized Cost	19,989	32,469
Unrealized Gains	444	1,429
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	4,626	3,695
12 months or longer	503	2,692
Total	5,129	6,387
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	56	7
12 months or longer	1	23
Total	57	30
Obligations of states and political subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	21,764	11,459
Amortized Cost	20,837	10,778
Unrealized Gains	927	681
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	5,993
12 months or longer	0
Total	5,993
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	36
12 months or longer	0
Total	36
Utilities and telecom [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	15,291	15,383
Amortized Cost	12,517	12,589
Unrealized Gains	2,774	2,794
Financial services [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	64,495	65,915
Amortized Cost	59,600	62,352
Unrealized Gains	4,895	3,563
Other business - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	73,494	70,365
Amortized Cost	71,907	69,940
Unrealized Gains	1,587	425
Other consumer - diversified [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	36,271	36,792
Amortized Cost	27,853	31,409
Unrealized Gains	8,418	5,383
Other Investment [Member]
Schedule of investments aggregated by industry [Abstract]
Carrying Value	6,423	6,473
Amortized Cost	6,423	6,473
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Corporate securities [Member]
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	22,616	43,996
12 months or longer	9,531	9,293
Total	32,147	53,289
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months	1,125	1,604
12 months or longer	1,110	1,361
Total	$2,235	$2,965

Investments_Part_IV_Details

Investments, Part IV (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	$251,443	$248,821
Fixed maturities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	210,045	214,888
Equity securities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	21,703	18,924
Cash equivalents [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	19,695	15,009
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	35,506	28,157
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Fixed maturities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	15,811	13,148
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash equivalents [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	19,695	15,009
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	213,673	218,450
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fixed maturities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	207,781	212,674
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	5,892	5,776
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash equivalents [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	2,264	2,214
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fixed maturities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	2,264	2,214
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash equivalents [Member]
Financial instruments carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Assets at fair value	$0	$0

Investments_Part_V_Details

Investments, Part V (Details) (Fixed maturities [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Fixed maturities [Member]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$2,214
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income	50
Balance, end of period	$2,264

Fair_Values_of_Financial_Instr2

Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturities	$210,045	[1]	$214,888	[1]
Equity securities	21,703	[1]	18,924	[1]
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	19,695		16,375
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Policy loans	2,179		2,202
Real estate	38		38
Investment in unconsolidated trusts	1,238		1,238
Liabilities [Abstract]
Junior subordinated debentures, net	33,738		33,738
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Other invested assets	2,968		2,995
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturities	210,045	[1]	214,888	[1]
Equity securities	21,703	[1]	18,924	[1]
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	19,695		16,375
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Policy loans	2,179		2,202
Real estate	38		38
Investment in unconsolidated trusts	1,238		1,238
Liabilities [Abstract]
Junior subordinated debentures, net	33,738		33,738
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Other invested assets	$2,968		$2,995
[1]	See Note 7 for a description of the fair value hierarchy as well as a disclosure of levels for classes of these financial assets.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$9,279
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,100	866
Ending balance	12,379
Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	9,279
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	3,718
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-618
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,100
Ending balance	$12,379