Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (8,437)	$ (17)	$ (6,939)
Unrealized investment gains (losses):
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period	(2,139)	(274)	1,678
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	571
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of tax	(2,139)	(274)	1,107
Less: reclassification adjustments to:
Net realized investment gains included in net income (loss)	(877)	702	735
Income tax expense	0	0	250
Total reclassifications included in net income (loss), net of tax	(877)	702	485
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,262)	(976)	622
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(9,699)	(993)	(6,317)
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(81)	(4)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Conifer	$ (9,699)	$ (912)	$ (6,313)