Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (17)	$ (6,939)	$ 280
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	(274)	1,678	(353)
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	571	(120)
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax	(274)	1,107	(233)
Less: reclassification adjustments to:
Net realized investment gains included in net income (loss)	702	735	698
Income tax expense	0	250	237
Total reclassifications included in net income (loss), net of tax	702	485	461
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(976)	622	(694)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(993)	(6,317)	(414)
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(81)	(4)	(69)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Conifer	$ (912)	$ (6,313)	$ (345)