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iso4217:USD The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Unlike the Fund's returns, however, they do not reflect any fees or expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index consists of U.S. Treasury Bills maturing in 90 days. Investors may not invest in the Index directly. Unlike the Fund's returns, the Index does not reflect any fees or expenses. The HFRX Absolute Return Index measures the comprehensive overall returns of hedge funds. Investors may not invest in the Index directly. This information shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of an index of funds with similar investment objectives. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's current fiscal year. The Fund's adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, until at least January 31, 2014, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any taxes, front-end or contingent deferred loads, borrowing interest, brokerage fees and commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 1.95%, 2.20%, 2.95% and 2.45% of each class's net assets, respectively, for Class I, Class A, Class C and Class R shares. Expense waivers and reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. This agreement may be terminated only by the Fund's Board of Trustees, on 60 days written notice to the adviser. The Fund's adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund, at least until January 31, 2014 to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short) , taxes and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser)), do not exceed 1.59% and 1.34% of its average daily net assets of the Retail Class shares and Institutional Class shares, respectively of the Fund. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. This agreement may be terminated only by the Fund's Board of Trustees, on 60 days written notice to the Fund's adviser. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's current fiscal year. The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance consisting of 24 developed market country indices. Investors cannot invest directly in an index or benchmark. The HFRX Equity Hedge Index is designed to be representative of equity hedge strategies which maintain positions both long and short in primarily equity and equity derivative securities. A wide variety of investment processes can be employed to arrive at an investment decision, including both quantitative and fundamental techniques; strategies can be broadly diversified or narrowly focused on specific sectors and can range broadly in terms of levels of net exposure, leverage employed, holding period, concentrations of market capitalizations and valuation ranges of typical portfolios. The referenced index is shown for general market comparisons and is not meant to represent the Fund. Investors cannot invest in an index; unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund. The Fund's adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and to reimburse expenses, at least until January 31 , 2014, to ensure that t otal annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund services providers (other than the Adviser)) will not exceed 1. 35 %, 2. 10 % and 1. 10 % of average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class C and Class I shares, respectively. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits. This agreement may be terminated only by the Fund's Board of Trustees, on 60 days written notice to the adviser. Northern Lights Fund Trust 485BPOS false 0001314414 2012-09-30 2013-01-28 2013-01-28 2013-01-28 13D Activist Fund Portfolio Turnover:  The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal period, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 76% of the average value of its portfolio. 0.76 Performance: The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund's returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.  The bar chart shows performance of the Fund's Class I shares for each full calendar year since the Fund's inception.  Returns for Class A, which are not presented will vary from the returns of Class I shares.  The performance table compares the performance of the Fund's Class I and Class A shares over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index.  You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Class C shares commenced operations on December 11, 2012. <strike/>Because Class C shares have less than a full calendar year of performance, no information is presented at this time, but will be presented here in future filings.  Updated performance information is available at no cost by visiting <strike/>www.13DActivistFund.com or by calling 1-877-413-3228. Class I Annual Total Return For Calendar Years Ended December 31 0.2127 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20004 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000029185Member row primary compact * ~ Best Quarter 0.1250 2012-03-31 Worst Quarter -0.0382 2012-06-30 <table style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"> <tr style="FONT-SIZE: 0px"> <td width="105"> </td> <td width="212"> </td> <td width="74"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid" valign="top" width="105"> Best Quarter </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid" valign="top" width="212"> Frist Quarter 2012 </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid" valign="top" width="74"> 12.50% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid" valign="top" width="105"> Worst Quarter </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid" valign="top" width="212"> Second Quarter 2012 </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid" valign="top" width="74"> (3.82)% </td> </tr> </table> Performance Table 0.2127 0.2108 0.1995 0.1977 0.1382 0.1717 0.2097 0.2078 0.1600 0.1660 2011-12-28 2011-12-28 2011-12-28 2011-12-28 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20005 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000029185Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).  After tax returns for Class A shares will vary from Class I shares. After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Because Class C shares have less than a full calendar year of performance, no information is presented at this time, but will be presented here in future filings. The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund's returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. After tax returns for Class A shares will vary from Class I shares. Unlike the Fund's returns, however, they do not reflect any fees or expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. 1-877-413-3228 www.13DActivistFund.com Average Annual Total Returns (For periods ended December 31, 2012) Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Investment Objective: The Fund's investment objective is capital appreciation. Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund.  More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Purchase Shares on page <strike/>11 of the Fund's Prospectus. 0.0575 0.0000 0.0000 0.0100 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 -0.0200 -0.0200 -0.0200 0.0150 0.0150 0.0150 0.0025 0.0100 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0175 0.0250 0.0150 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20001 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000029185Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20002 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000029185Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 50000 Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example:  This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. 743 1094 1469 2519 253 779 1331 2836 153 474 818 1791 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20003 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000029185Member row primary compact * ~ The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be: Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund.  Many factors affect the Fund's net asset value and performance. · Conflicts of Interest Risk:  An affiliate of the adviser publishes reports on all material 13D filings to subscribers.  Subscribers may make their own investment decisions using information contained in the reports.  If subscribers buy or sell securities that are described in the reports, this could negatively impact the price of securities bought or sold by the Fund. · Limited History of <strike></strike>Operation:  The Fund <strike></strike>has a limited history of operation and the adviser has not previously managed a mutual fund. · Management Risk:  The adviser's dependence on its activist strategy and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular securities in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.   · Market Risk:  Overall stock market risks will affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests.  Factors such as economic growth, market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the U.S. securities markets.  When the value of the Fund's investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money. · Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which makes the value of the Fund's shares more susceptible to certain risks than shares of a diversified investment company.  The Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer. · Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk.  The value of small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which makes the value of the Fund's shares more susceptible to certain risks than shares of a diversified investment company. The Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer. As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Principal Investment Strategies:  The Fund's investment adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in common stocks of U.S. companies of any market capitalization that are the target of shareholder activism.  The adviser defines an activist situation as one where an investor holds more than 5% of a company's shares and either (A) has a history of activist investing and/or (B) has a publicly disclosed catalyst for change such as seeking Board seats, improving operations and/or corporate governance practices, approving a merger, spinning-off an operating division or selling a significant amount of company assets (such an investor being referred to herein as an "activist").  The adviser derives its activist information primarily from legally-mandated filings known as "13D" filings.  Rules adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 require a shareholder that acquires more than 5% of a company's shares to file a form with the Securities and Exchange Commission known as a Schedule 13D that discloses the investor's identity and its intent to influence management.  The adviser reviews all material activist situations (from a universe that is expected to exceed 200 situations at any given time) and makes investment decisions based on its knowledge of the activist investor involved, the industry, the shareholder base, the activist's average cost, its strategy and the adviser's determination of the chance of success and potential impact on share price. The adviser uses the following selection guidelines to create and manage the Fund's investment portfolio: Selecting Investment Universe: Identify companies where an activist investor is involved. Weighting Investments: Different weights will be given to each investment depending on the (i) type of activist intent stated, (ii) the activist involved, and (iii) the adviser's assessment of company fundamentals and the potential impact of an activist's campaign. Exiting Investments: Exiting an investment will be an integral part of the investment strategy. Primary exit triggers are when: (i) the activist sells a material amount, (ii) the activist's goal is reached, (iii) an activist becomes a passive investor, (iv) in the adviser's opinion, the investment thesis has changed or is no longer true, or (v) more attractive investments are available. While the adviser's guidelines will define the trading horizon, this horizon may change based on other events.  For example, an early exit may be warranted after the activist has attained most of its goals.  The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it can invest a greater percentage of its assets in any one issuer than a diversified fund. Bandon Isolated Alpha Fixed Income Fund Portfolio Turnover:  The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 548% <strike/>of the average value of its portfolio. 5.48 Performance: The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund’s Class I shares for the full calendar year since the Fund's inception. The performance table compares the performance of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index and a supplemental index. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-477-8100. Performance Bar Chart For Calendar Year Ended December 31, Return does not reflect sales charge and would be lower if it did. -0.001 0.0521 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20011 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030703Member row primary compact * ~ Best Quarter: 0.0280 2012-03-31 Worst Quarter: -0.0196 2012-06-30 <table style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"> <tr style="FONT-SIZE: 0px"> <td width="128"> </td> <td width="136"> </td> <td width="88"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="128"> Best Quarter: </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="136"> 3/31/12 <strike></strike> </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="88"> <strike></strike>2.80% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="128"> Worst Quarter: </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="136"> <strike></strike>6/30/12 </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="88"> <strike></strike>(1.96)% </td> </tr> </table> Performance Table 0.0521 0.0252 -0.0387 -0.0187 -0.0338 -0.0177 -0.0099 -0.0059 0.0413 0.0174 0.0481 0.0232 0.0011 0.0011 0.0088 -0.0144 2010-12-31 2010-12-31 2010-12-31 2010-12-31 2010-12-31 2010-12-31 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20012 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030703Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rate and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on a shareholder’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your Fund shares in tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRA”). After-tax returns are shown for only Class I shares and after tax returns for other classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rate and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Return does not reflect sales charge and would be lower if it did. Actual after-tax returns depend on a shareholder's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your Fund shares in tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts ("IRA"). The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund's returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. After-tax returns are shown for only Class I shares and after tax returns for other classes will vary. 1-855-477-8100 Average Annual Total Returns (For periods ended December 31, 2012) Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in the Fund.  More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Purchase Shares on page <strike/>26 of the Fund's Prospectus. 0.0000 0.0575 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0100 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0175 0.0175 0.0175 0.0175 0.0000 0.0025 0.0100 0.0050 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0004 0.0004 0.0004 0.0004 0.0254 0.0279 0.0354 0.0304 -0.0055 -0.0055 -0.0055 -0.0055 0.0199 0.0224 0.0299 0.0249 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20008 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030703Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20009 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030703Member row primary compact * ~ 2014-01-31 You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in the Fund. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 25000 Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's current fiscal year. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Investment Objective: The Fund seeks consistent positive returns throughout various fixed income market cycles. Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund.  Many factors affect the Fund's net asset value and performance.   · Closed-End Funds Risk:  Closed-end funds are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund.  As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in a closed-end fund and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in preferred stocks and fixed income securities.  Closed end funds are subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund and may trade below NAV. · Credit Risk:  There is a risk that issuers and counterparties will not make payments on securities and other investments held by the Fund, resulting in losses to the Fund.  In addition, the credit quality of securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer's financial condition changes.  High yield or junk bonds are more susceptible to these risks than debt of higher quality issuers. · Derivatives Risk:  The Fund's use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments.  Derivatives are subject to leverage and credit risk. · Emerging Market Risk:  Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights.  Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default.  Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid. · Fixed Income Risk:  The value of the Fund's investments in fixed income securities and derivatives will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities and derivatives owned by the Fund.  On the other hand, if rates fall, the value of the fixed income securities and derivatives generally increases. Your investment will decline in value if the value of the Fund's investments decreases.   · Foreign Currency Risk:  Currency trading risks include market risk, credit risk and country risk.  Market risk results from adverse changes in exchange rates in the currencies the Fund is long or short.  Credit risk results because a currency-trade counterparty may default.  Country risk arises because a government may interfere with transactions in its currency. · Foreign Investment Risk:  Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.  Investing in emerging markets imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. · High-Yield Bond Risk:  Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default.  An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund's ability to sell its bonds.  The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund's share price. · Issuer-Specific Risk:  The value of a specific security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole.  The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than those of larger issuers. The value of certain types of securities can be more volatile due to increased sensitivity to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. · Leverage Risk:  Using derivatives to increase the Fund's combined long and short exposure creates leverage, which can magnify the Fund's potential for gain or loss and, therefore, amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund's share price. <strike></strike>· Liquidity Risk:  Liquidity risk exists when particular investments of the Fund would be difficult to purchase or sell, possibly preventing the Fund from selling such illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price, or possibly requiring the Fund to dispose of other investments at unfavorable times or prices in order to satisfy its obligations. · Management Risk:  The adviser's and sub-advisers' judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, securities and derivatives in which the Fund invests (long or short) may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results.  Additionally, the adviser's judgments about the potential performance of the sub-advisers may also prove incorrect and may not produce the desired results. · Market Risk:  Overall securities and derivatives market risks may affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests.  Factors such as domestic and foreign economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the securities and derivatives markets.  When the value of the Fund's investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money. · Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Risk:  The default rate on underlying mortgage loans or asset loans may be higher than anticipated, potentially reducing payments to the Fund.  Default rates are sensitive to overall economic conditions such as unemployment, wage levels and economic growth rates.  Mortgage-backed securities are susceptible maturity risk because issuers of securities are able to prepay principal due on these securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. · Non-Diversification Risk:  As a non-diversified fund, the Fund may invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers.  The Fund's performance may be more sensitive to any single economic, business, political or regulatory occurrence than the value of shares of a diversified investment company. · Preferred Stock Risk:  Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of preferred stock. Preferred stocks are also subject to credit and default risk, which is the possibility that an issuer of preferred stock will fail to make its dividend payments. · Short Position Risk:  The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the short position instrument increases in value between the date of the short position sale and the date on which the Fund purchases an offsetting position.  Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks, including greater reliance on the ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument.  The Fund's losses are potentially unlimited in a short position transaction. · Turnover Risk:  A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs. As a non-diversified fund, the Fund may invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers. The Fund's performance may be more sensitive to any single economic, business, political or regulatory occurrence than the value of shares of a diversified investment company. As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Example:  This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. 202 738 1301 2834 789 1341 1919 3477 302 1035 1789 3774 252 888 1548 3317 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20010 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030703Member row primary compact * ~ The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be: Principal Investment Strategies:  Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests (long or short) at least 80% of its assets in fixed income securities.  The Fund defines fixed income securities to include: (i) bills, (ii) notes, (iii) debentures, (iv) bonds, (v) mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), (vi) asset-backed securities ("ABS"), (vii) preferred stocks, (viii) other evidences of indebtedness and (ix) closed-end funds that invest primarily in the preceding.  The Fund may also use the following fixed income derivatives: options, financial futures, options on futures and swaps.  Derivatives are instruments that derive their value from an underlying security, security index, interest rate or other reference. The Fund invests without restriction as to issuer capitalization, credit quality (including in lower-rated fixed income securities known as high yield or junk bonds) or country and without restriction as to a security's maturity, currency or structural features, such as an issuer's right to prepay.  The Fund uses fixed income options, financial futures, options on futures and swaps for hedging purposes and as substitutes for traditional securities.  The Fund also may use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Fund is considered to be "non-diversified" which means that it may invest in fewer securities than a "diversified" fund. The Fund and the adviser have requested, or intend to request, that the Securities and Exchange Commission grant an order that allows the adviser to hire a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers without shareholder approval.  Until that order is granted, shareholder approval is required if the adviser hires a new sub-adviser or sub-advisers.  However, there is no guarantee that such an order will be issued. The Fund seeks to achieve consistent positive returns by combining multiple "isolated alpha" strategies that seek additional non-market-direction-related returns that are attributable to astute individual security selection and interest rate management.  These strategies employed by the adviser or sub-advisers generally avoid fixed income beta (market directional source of return) and seek to isolate exposure to active fixed income decision making (alpha) and include: Interest Rate Management Strategies Directional Interest Rate:  Without bias to being long or short, a strategy that isolates active interest rate decision making and seeks profit to from monthly moves in market interest rates by taking either a long or short position in sovereign debt securities.  This strategy may also use derivatives, including options, financial futures, options on futures and swaps. Relative Value: Without bias to steepening or flattening, a relative value strategy that isolates active interest rate decision making and seeks to profit from monthly steepening or flattening movements in market yield curves by taking both long and short positions in sovereign debt securities.  This strategy may also use derivatives, including options, financial futures, options on futures and swaps. The interest rate management strategies seek to isolate active interest rate decision making.  Excluding sovereigns, the strategies will avoid credit exposures by taking positions that allow it to isolate interest rate movements only.  Interest rate risk management is also referred to as duration management.  Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price of a fixed income security to a change in interest rates and is expressed as a number of years.   Credit Management Strategies Directional:  A strategy that takes long or short positions in the corporate, MBS and ABS fixed income markets which seeks to generate consistent excess returns without incurring undue risk, it focuses on fundamental issuer-specific credit research and duration hedging. This strategy may also use options, financial futures, options on futures and credit default swaps. Pairs Trades:  A strategy that seeks to profit from investing long in a fixed income security that is believed to have a more favorable outlook for credit quality or potential for capital appreciation while simultaneously selling short a similar fixed income security that is believed will decline relative to the long position.   Event Driven:  A strategy that seeks to profit from purchasing fixed income securities of companies involved in publicly announced mergers, takeovers and other corporate reorganizations, and using one or more hedging strategies in connection with the purchase.  This strategy may also use options, financial futures, options on futures and credit default swaps to hedge.   Opportunistic:  A strategy that seeks returns from what are believed to be temporary dislocations in the relative value between segments of the fixed income market based upon credit quality, liquidity, structure or type of issuer while hedging interest rate risk. This strategy may also use options, financial futures, options on futures and credit default swaps. Special Situations:  A strategy that involves investing in what are believed to be undervalued fixed income securities including preferred stocks and fixed income closed-end funds based upon its analysis of the issuer's economic and financial situation.  A preferred stock issuer's special situation may be based on factors such as improving credit quality, exercise of a security's redemption or call features or proposed merger with a financially stronger entity.  A closed-end fund's special situation may be based on factors such as trading at a discount to the net asset value of its securities portfolio, being subject to conversion to an open-end fund or liquidation.  Securities are purchased that are believed to have the potential for short term gains and are often times sold when they reach a price target or the security's "situation" is no longer favorable. The credit strategies seek to isolate active credit decision making.  The various strategies will generally utilize interest rate hedging in order to isolate the target exposures from the active credit decision making without the interest rate risks typically assumed in benchmark (beta) oriented strategies. The adviser and the sub-advisers may engage in active and frequent trading to achieve the Fund's investment objective.   Allocation of Fund Assets The adviser determines the allocation of the Fund's assets among the various sub-advisers and investment strategies.  In selecting and weighting investment options, the adviser seeks to identify sub-advisers which, based on their investment styles and historical performance, have the potential, in the opinion of the adviser, to perform independently of each other and achieve positive risk-adjusted returns in various market cycles.   By allocating its assets among a number of investment options, the Fund seeks to achieve diversification, less risk and lower volatility than if the Fund utilized a single manager or a single strategy approach.  The Fund is not required to invest with any minimum number of sub-advisers, and does not have minimum or maximum limitations with respect to allocations of the assets to any sub-adviser or investment strategy.  The adviser may change the allocation of the Fund's assets among the available investment options, and may add or remove sub-advisers, as more fully described below. Each sub-adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of its allocated portion of Fund assets.   As of the date of this Prospectus, the adviser has entered into sub-advisory agreements with the following sub-advisers with respect to the Fund.  Below is a description of each sub-adviser's investment style.  The Fund may select a variation of these strategies or another strategy offered by the sub-advisers. · Dix Hills Partners, LLC employs multiple interest rate related fixed income management strategies. · Logan Circle Partners, L.P. employs multiple credit management strategies. In addition to investments executed by the sub-advisers, the Fund's adviser may invest directly in securities, such as preferred stocks, funds, notes, certificates, options, financial futures, swaps or other derivative instruments, such as instruments indexed to baskets of underlying funds. CWC Small Cap Aggressive Value Fund Portfolio Turnover:  The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal period, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 31 <strike/>% of the average value of its portfolio. 0.31 Performance: The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.  The bar chart shows performance of the Institutional Class shares of the Fund for each full calendar year since the Fund's inception.  The performance table compares the performance of the share classes of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available at no cost by calling 1-855-881-2381 or visiting www.cwcfunds.com. Institutional Class Annual Total Return For Calendar Years Ended December 31 -0.1044 0.072 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20018 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030286Member row primary compact * ~ Best Quarter: 0.1053 2012-03-31 Worst Quarter: -0.2330 2011-09-30 <table style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="414" align="center"> <tr style="FONT-SIZE: 0px"> <td width="124"> </td> <td width="169"> </td> <td width="101"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="124"> Best Quarter: </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="150"> 1st  Quarter 2012 <strike></strike> </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="82"> 10.53% <strike></strike> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="124"> Worst Quarter: </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="150"> 3rd Quarter 2011 <strike></strike> </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="82"> (23.30)% <strike></strike> </td> </tr> </table> Performance Table 0.0720 -0.0202 0.0711 -0.0211 0.0468 -0.0177 0.0695 -0.0234 0.1635 0.0559 2010-12-31 2010-12-31 2010-12-31 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20019 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030286Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). After-tax returns for Retail class shares are not shown and would differ from those of Institutional class shares. The Russell 2000Ò Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index which is comprised of 2000 of the smallest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Unlike the Fund’s returns, however, they do not reflect any fees or expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index, but may be able to invest in exchange traded funds or other securities that attempt to track the index. After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund's returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. After-tax returns for Retail class shares are not shown and would differ from those of Institutional class shares. (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 1-855-881-2381 www.cwcfunds.com Average Annual Total Returns (For periods ended December 31, 2012) Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Investment Objective: The Fund seeks capital appreciation. Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.   0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 -0.0100 -0.0100 0.0100 0.0100 0.0025 0.0000 0.0221 0.0225 0.0346 0.0325 -0.0187 -0.0191 0.0159 0.0134 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20015 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030286Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20016 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030286Member row primary compact * ~ 2014-01-31 Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example:  This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. 162 888 1638 3614 136 822 1532 3418 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20017 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030286Member row primary compact * ~ The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be: Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program.  Many factors affect the Fund's net asset value and performance.   · ETF Risk.  ETFs are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund.  As a result, your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest exclusively in stocks. <strike></strike> · Management Risk. The advisor's reliance on its aggressive value contrarian strategy and its judgments about the value and potential appreciation securities in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect.   · Market Risk.  Overall equity market risk may affect the value of individual securities in which the Fund invests.  Factors such as domestic economic growth, interest rate levels and political events may cause common stock prices to drop decreasing the value of Fund shares. · Small Company Risk.  Stocks of small capitalization companies may be subject to more abrupt price movements than those of larger, more established companies and may be less liquid.  Small companies may have narrower markets, limited product lines, fewer financial resources, and they may be dependent on a limited management group. Is the Fund Right For You? The Fund is designed for investors with moderate-to-high risk tolerance who seek capital appreciation.  The Fund is also designed for investors seeking a small cap allocation to their overall portfolio. As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its assets in: · common stocks of small capitalization ("small cap") companies, and · exchange-traded funds that invest primarily in small cap companies. The Fund defines small cap companies as those with a market capitalization at the time of purchase within the capitalization range of $100,000,000 to $5,000,000,000 or exchange-traded funds that invest primarily in such small cap companies .   The advisor selects common stocks using its aggressive value strategy.  This strategy utilizes 3 stages to select securities: (1) screening, (2) fundamental analysis and (3) risk management.  The advisor creates a contrarian universe of primarily U.S. companies by screening the entire small cap universe for companies with: · recent price under performance, · extreme corporate liquidity, and/or · fundamental valuations at low historical levels The resulting universe is then reviewed and discussed by the advisor's investment team to identify candidates for in-depth fundamental value analysis. The advisor analyzes a company using Wall Street research to come up with a baseline fundamental expectation.  Proprietary research is then used to identify stocks where fundamental expectations diverge from Wall Street.  Inputs and assumptions are reviewed by the investment committee to validate the advisor's expectations.  Analysis includes scrutiny of all major financial statements, with particular attention paid to the balance sheet, and communications with the company's management, competitors, suppliers and/or industry experts. Once the advisor has developed a two-to-three year outlook of fundamentals, it applies historical, average valuation parameters to establish a sell target.  The advisor will not purchase a stock unless it is, in the advisor's opinion, aggressively undervalued with a 50% appreciation potential from its purchase price to its sell target.  Securities are presented to the advisor's investment committee for discussion and the final buy/sell decision is made by the firm's Chief Investment Officer. The advisor seeks to manage risk by setting limits on the maximum amount of the Fund's portfolio that is invested in any particular security , <strike></strike>sector or industry .  The advisor sells a security when it reaches a price target, to maintain diversification, when it no longer meets the advisor's fundamental criteria, when it has declined 25% in price both on an absolute basis and on a relative basis in comparison to the Russell 2000 index and is not expected to recover, or to meet redemption requests. The Guardian Fund Portfolio Turnover:  The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 82% <strike/>of the average value of its portfolio. 0.82 PERFORMANCE The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund's returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.  The bar chart shows performance of the Fund's Class I shares for each full calendar year since the Fund's inception.  The performance table compares the performance of the Fund <strike></strike>over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index.   <strike></strike>You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information is available at no cost by visiting www.lacerteguardianfund.com or by calling 1-877-738-9888. Annual Total Return For Calendar Years Ended December 31 -0.1917 0.1286 0.0166 -0.0426 -0.0395 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20025 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000026581Member row primary compact * ~ Best Quarter 0.0603 2009-06-30 Worst Quarter -0.1071 2008-09-30 <table style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"> <tr style="FONT-SIZE: 0px"> <td width="105"> </td> <td width="212"> </td> <td width="74"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="105"> Best Quarter </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="212"> Second Quarter 2009 </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="74"> 6.03% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="105"> Worst Quarter </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="212"> Third Quarter 2008 </td> <td style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 9px; PADDING-RIGHT: 9px; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; PADDING-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="74"> (10.71)% </td> </tr> </table> Performance Table -0.0395 -0.0313 0.0146 -0.0439 -0.0452 0.0021 -0.0257 -0.0336 0.0058 -0.0419 0.0036 0.1600 0.0166 0.0244 2007-02-28 2010-07-02 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20026 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000026581Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).  The <strike></strike>after tax returns for Class A shares are not shown and would <strike></strike>differ from those of Class I Shares.   Returns prior to October 1, 2009, reflect total returns for the Fund's predecessor limited partnership.  The performance prior to October 1, 2009 is net of management fees and other expenses, but does not include the effect of the performance fee.  The Fund has been managed in the same style since the predecessor limited partnership's inception on March 1, 2007.  The Fund's investment goals, policies, guidelines and restrictions are, in all material respects, equivalent to the predecessor limited partnership's investment goals, policies, guidelines and restrictions.  From its inception on March 1, 2007 through October 1, 2009, the predecessor limited partnership was not subject to certain investment restrictions, diversification requirements and other restrictions of the 1940 Act of the Code, which if they had been applicable, might have adversely affected its performance.  In addition, the predecessor limited partnership was not subject to sales loads that would have adversely affected performance. After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund's returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The after tax returns for Class A shares are not shown and would differ from those of Class I Shares. Unlike the Fund's returns, however, they do not reflect any fees or expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. 1-877-738-9888 www.lacerteguardianfund.com Average Annual Total Returns (For periods ended December 31, 2012) Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation. Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund.  More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Purchase Shares on page 12 of the Fund's Prospectus. 0.0000 0.0450 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 -0.0200 -0.0200 0.0036 0.0036 0.0000 0.0025 0.0298 0.0297 0.0009 0.0009 0.0343 0.0367 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20022 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000026581Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20023 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000026581Member row primary compact * ~ You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 50000 Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's current fiscal year. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example:  This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.   346 1053 1784 3712 803 1523 2262 4197 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20024 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000026581Member row primary compact * ~ The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be: Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund.  Although the Fund will strive to meet its investment objective, there is no assurance that it will do so.  Many factors affect the Fund’s performance.  · Call Option Risk.  When the Fund writes call options on its portfolio securities it limits its opportunity to profit and, consequently, the Fund could significantly underperform the market. · ETF Risk.  ETFs are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund.  As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds.  Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the ETF.   · Issuer-Specific Risk.  The value of a specific security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. <strike></strike>· Management Risk.  The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the adviser's assessment of the attractiveness and potential appreciation of particular investments.  The advisor's use of a "protected" option strategy is not a guarantee of positive performance. · Market Risk.  The Fund’s investments may decline in value if the stock markets perform poorly. · Put Option Risk.  When the Fund purchases a put option it may lose the entire premium paid for a put option and, consequently, the Fund could significantly underperform the market.  In addition, the seller of the option may default and not purchase the security from the Fund at the exercise price, in which case the “protection” of the put option will not be realized. · Tax Risk.  The Fund expects to generate premiums from its sale of call options. These premiums typically will result in short-term capital gains for federal income tax purposes. In addition, stocks that are protected with put options may not be eligible for long term capital gains. As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Principal Investment Strategies:  The Fund’s investment adviser seeks to achieve the Fund’s investment objective by investing primarily in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in large capitalization equity securities as well as large capitalization equity (common and preferred) securities, while (1) purchasing protective put options on the portfolio of equity securities using the adviser’s propriety analysis methodology and (2) writing call options.  The Fund defines a company as large capitalization or large-cap if its market capitalization at the time of purchase is above the lower end of the capitalization range of companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.  As of December 31, 201 <strike/>2 , the lower end of this range was $ 89 <strike/>billion . The Fund’s adviser believes the option strategy will provide a level of protection against large drops in the Fund's value.  This strategy is also commonly referred to as “hedging” or “collaring.”  It typically consists of selling covered call options and buying put options to hedge individual equities or ETFs in the Fund's portfolio.  In addition, a portion of the Fund's assets will be used to purchase options employing strategies that the Fund's adviser believes will offer additional protection to the Fund's assets as well the potential for additional portfolio appreciation. · When the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund has the right to sell a particular security at a predetermined price (exercise price) during the life of the option.  The puts are "protective" because they protect the Fund from a decline in the underlying equity's price below the strike price. · When the Fund sells a covered call option, the purchaser of the option has the right to buy a particular security at a predetermined price (exercise price) during the life of the option.  The option is "covered" because the Fund owns the security at the time it sells the option.  The income received by the Fund from selling the options will reduce any losses on the underlying securities, but only by the amount of the premiums.   In general, the adviser buys securities (including put options) and writes call options that its proprietary analysis methodology classifies as quantitatively attractive and sells securities and buys back calls when the adviser believes more compelling investments are available. Under normal conditions, the Fund invests primarily in equity securities and options purchased on equity securities. Navigator Equity Hedged Fund Portfolio Turnover:  The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 486% <strike/>of the average value of its portfolio. 4.86 Performance: The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund’s Class I shares for each full calendar year since the Fund's inception. Returns for Class A and Class C shares, which are not presented, would be different than the returns for Class I shares. <strike/>The performance table compares the performance of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index and a supplemental index. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.  Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.navigatorfund.com or by calling 1-877-766-2264. Class I Shares Annual Total Return For Calendar Years Ended December 31, -0.1138 0.0133 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualTotalReturnsBarChart20032 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030737Member row primary compact * ~ Best Quarter: 0.0601 2012-03-31 Worst Quarter: -0.1177 2011-09-30 <table style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 10pt" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"> <tr style="FONT-SIZE: 0px"> <td width="128"> </td> <td width="163"> </td> <td width="95"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="128"> Best Quarter: </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="163"> First <strike></strike>Quarter 2012 <strike></strike> </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="95"> <strike></strike>6.01% </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="128"> Worst Quarter: </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="163"> Third Quarter 2011 </td> <td style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px" valign="top" width="95"> (11.77)% </td> </tr> </table> Performance Table 0.0133 -0.0532 0.0122 -0.0541 0.0086 -0.0455 -0.0436 -0.0817 0.0034 -0.0627 0.1583 0.0477 0.0252 -0.0968 2010-12-28 2010-12-28 2010-12-28 2010-12-28 2010-12-28 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAverageAnnualReturnsTransposed20033 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030737Member column rr_PerformanceMeasureAxis compact * row primary compact * ~ After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rate and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on a shareholder’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your Fund shares in tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRA”). The following after tax returns for Class A and Class C shares are not shown and would d iffer from those of Class I Shares.   After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rate and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund's returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The following after tax returns for Class A and Class C shares are not shown and would d iffer from those of Class I Shares. Investors cannot invest in an index; unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. 1-877-766-2264 www.navigatorfund.com Average Annual Total Returns (For periods ended December 31, 2012) Actual after-tax returns depend on a shareholder's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns are not relevant if you hold your Fund shares in tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts ("IRA"). Investment Objective: The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.  You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund.  More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Purchase Shares on <strike/>page14 of the Fund's Prospectus. 0.0550 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0025 0.0100 0.0000 0.0037 0.0037 0.0036 0.0043 0.0043 0.0043 0.0180 0.0255 0.0154 -0.0002 -0.0002 -0.0001 0.0178 0.0253 0.0153 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleShareholderFees20029 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030737Member row primary compact * ~ ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleAnnualFundOperatingExpenses20030 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030737Member row primary compact * ~ 2014-01-31 You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund. Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) 50000 Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund's financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Example:  This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. 721 1083 1469 2548 256 792 1354 2884 156 485 838 1834 ~ http://www.nlft.com/20130128/role/ScheduleExpenseExampleTransposed20031 column dei_LegalEntityAxis compact cik0001314414_S000030737Member row primary compact * ~ The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be: Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund.  The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. Many factors affect the Fund's net asset value and performance. The following describes the risks the Fund may bear indirectly through investments in ETFs and ETNs as well as directly through investments in put options. · Emerging Market Risk:  Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights.  Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default.  Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid. · ETF Risk:  ETFs are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund.  As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks.  ETFs are subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund. · ETN Risk:  Like ETFs and put options, ETNs are subject to administrative and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund.  As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETNs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds.  Each ETN is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the ETN.  ETNs are subject to default risks. · Foreign Investment Risk:  Foreign investing, involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.  Investing in emerging markets imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. · Leveraging Risk:  The use of leverage, such as that embedded in options, will magnify the Fund's gains or losses. <strike></strike>· Management Risk:  The adviser's dependence on its relative strength research process and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular asset classes, ETFs and options in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. · Market Risk:  Overall securities market risks will affect the value of individual instruments in which the Fund invests.  Factors such as global economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, and political events affect the US and international securities markets.  When the value of the Fund's investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money. · Put Option Risk:  The Fund may lose the entire premium paid if the underlying index does not decrease in value.  Put options on the S&P 500 Index may not be an effective hedge because they may have imperfect correlation to the value of the Fund's ETFs, many of which may be foreign or representative of sectors outside the S&P 500 Index. · Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk:  The value of small or medium capitalization company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general. · Turnover Risk:  A higher portfolio turnover will result in higher transactional and brokerage costs. As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Principal Investment Strategies:  The Fund's adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by allocating assets across various sectors of the global equity markets by investing primarily in · exchange-traded funds that each invest primarily equity securities and · put options on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, volatility-linked exchange-traded funds and volatility-linked exchange-traded notes for hedging purposes. The Fund defines equity securities to include both (i) exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") that invest primarily in common stocks and (ii) put options on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.  The Fund invests without restriction as to capitalization, country (including emerging markets) or trading currency of the individual equity securities held by the ETFs.  However, the Fund is subject to sector limits described below.  Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities, as defined above.   Global Asset Allocation Process The adviser determines global equity sector allocations using its proprietary quantitative relative strength research process.  The adviser's research process seeks an optimal asset allocation targeting equity ETF exposure in three areas.  The adviser has defined minimum and maximum allocation parameters in each area to seek to prevent the process from steering portfolio construction into an over-concentrated position.  The three areas are: · U.S. equity markets by issuer capitalization and investment style ( 20%-80% ) · U.S. equity markets by industry sectors and sub-sectors ( 5%-50% ) · Foreign equity markets by region and country ( 10%-80% ) The adviser's proprietary research process is applied to rank investments within each of the three targeted market segments.  The issuer capitalization and investment style segment groups issuers by their relative market capitalization (e.g. small, mid or large) and by their investment style (e.g. growth or value).  Generally, growth refers to issuers with above-average profit or revenue growth, while value refers to issuers with above-average valuation as measured by price to earnings ratio.  The sector and sub-sector segment ranks investments in various subsets of the market that share similar characteristics. Securities in the top two relative strength quartiles are investment candidates subject to further research.  A representative ETF is selected for inclusion in the portfolio after it is reviewed for sufficient trading liquidity and its fit within overall portfolio diversification needs.  By selecting ETFs using this process, the adviser expects that the Fund will typically hold between 20 and 40 positions.  The adviser may engage in frequent buying and selling of securities to achieve the Fund's investment objective. <strike></strike>Hedging Process The adviser applies a hedging strategy to protect the portfolio against significant market declines.  The adviser uses a protective put hedging strategy and/or volatility-linked ETFs and/or volatility-linked ETNs to hedge the Fund's equity exposure.  In the case of protective puts, the Fund pays a price (referred to as a premium) to purchase a  put option that gives the Fund the right to sell a security at a set (strike) price even though the market price may be lower.  The protective put strategy is executed using exchange-traded S&P 500 Index put options to hedge the portfolio and to reduce volatility.  The protective put strategy seeks to limit downside loss.  Generally, S&P 500 put options have an inverse relationship to the S&P 500 Index.  In the case of volatility-related hedging, the Fund purchases ETFs and/or ETNs that invest in instruments linked to equity market volatility or the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index (VIX) futures.  Generally, volatility has an inverse relationship to the S&P 500 Index.  The Fund invests in volatility-linked instruments to benefit from the expected negative correlation between volatility and equity market returns.