Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flow from operating activities [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 14,710	$ 5,342	$ 1,261
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,385	1,166	869
Amortization of investment premium or discount, net	1,546	3,909	5,346
Share-based compensation	2,367	2,846	4,420
Changes in operating assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Income taxes, net	6,153	4,596	(16,485)
Other	(1,444)	(15,158)	8,486
Cash flow from investing activities [Abstract]
Sales, maturities and redemptions of investments securities	92,744	38,038	81,812
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,026)	(976)	(2,147)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	45,000	0
Tax impact related to share-based compensation	0	0	589
Issuance of common stock for share-based awards	39	103	361
Purchases of FedNat Holding Company common stock	(5,061)	(10,616)	(11,317)
Dividends paid	(4,184)	(4,251)	(4,677)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(21,805)	11,635	21,555
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning-of-period	86,228	74,593	53,038
Cash and cash equivalents at end-of-period	64,423	86,228	74,593
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flow from operating activities [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	14,710	5,342	1,261
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net realized and unrealized investment (gains) losses	765	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	(30,895)	(16,902)	(10,691)
Amortization of investment premium or discount, net	141	88	73
Share-based compensation	1,183	2,846	4,420
Changes in operating assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes, net of other comprehensive (loss) income	(230)	(2,057)	2,127
Income taxes, net	(2,141)	6,411	2,978
Due to subsidiaries	(9,317)	20,468	23,574
Other	1,497	1,450	3,786
Net cash provided by operating activities	(24,287)	17,646	27,528
Cash flow from investing activities [Abstract]
Capital contributions to consolidated subsidiaries, net	(30,000)	(25,000)	0
Sales, maturities and redemptions of investments securities	54,543	42,979	76,928
Purchases of investment securities	(61,009)	(26,828)	(83,724)
Purchases of property and equipment	(639)	(102)	(299)
Net cash used in investing activities	(37,105)	(8,951)	(7,095)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	45,000	0
Tax impact related to share-based compensation	0	0	589
Issuance of common stock for share-based awards	39	103	361
Purchases of FedNat Holding Company common stock	(5,061)	(10,616)	(11,317)
Dividends from consolidated subsidiaries	27,990	0	0
Dividends paid	(4,184)	(4,251)	(4,677)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	18,784	30,236	(15,044)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(42,608)	38,931	5,389
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning-of-period	46,717	7,786	2,397
Cash and cash equivalents at end-of-period	$ 4,109	$ 46,717	$ 7,786