Subsequent events (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

On October 29, 2018, the Company, Employers Mutual and their subsidiary and affiliated insurance companies (collectively the "EMC Insurance Companies") announced that they had made a strategic decision to exit personal lines business so that more time and resources can be dedicated to the commercial, reinsurance and life business. Personal lines premiums written currently comprise approximately six percent of the Company's total premiums written. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company expects to incur approximately $1.0 million of expense associated with the severance costs and write-off of personal lines software currently in development. During 2019, the Company expects to incur approximately $1.0 million of additional severance costs. In addition, the amortization of personal lines software currently in use will be accelerated over the transition period, which is expected to be approximately 18 months.