Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
General	General First Acceptance Corporation (the “Company”) is a holding company based in Nashville, Tennessee with operating subsidiaries whose primary operations include the selling, servicing, and underwriting of non-standard personal automobile insurance and related products. In 2016, our insurance operations generated revenue from selling non-standard personal automobile insurance products and related products in 17 states and conducted our servicing and underwriting operations in 14 states. In December 2016, we closed all of our retail locations and ceased writing new business in the state of Missouri. The Company issued policies of insurance through three wholly-owned subsidiaries: First Acceptance Insurance Company, Inc., First Acceptance Insurance Company of Georgia, Inc. and First Acceptance Insurance Company of Tennessee, Inc. (collectively, the “Insurance Companies”).
Basis of Consolidation and Reporting	Basis of Consolidation and Reporting The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries which are all wholly owned. The accounts of First Acceptance Statutory Trust I (“FAST I”) are not consolidated since it does not meet the requirements for consolidation of FASB ASC 810, Consolidation (see Note 10). These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. It also requires disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investments	Investments Investments, available-for-sale at fair value, include bonds with fixed principal payment schedules and mortgage-backed securities which are amortized using the retrospective method. These securities and investments in mutual funds are carried at fair value with the corresponding unrealized appreciation or depreciation, net of deferred income taxes, reported in other comprehensive (loss) income. Premiums and discounts on collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are amortized over a period based on estimated future principal payments, including prepayments. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. The most significant determinants of prepayments are the difference between interest rates on the underlying mortgages and the current mortgage loan rates and the structure of the security. Other factors affecting prepayments include the size, type, and age of underlying mortgages, the geographic location of the mortgaged properties, and the credit worthiness of the borrowers. Variations from anticipated prepayments will affect the life and yield of these securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market, and credit risk. Fair values of securities fluctuate based on changing market conditions. Significant changes in market conditions could materially affect portfolio value in the near term. Management reviews investments for impairment on a quarterly basis. Fair values of investments are based on prices quoted in the most active market for each security. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is estimated based on the fair value of comparable securities, discounted cash flow models or similar methods. Any decline in the fair value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed to be other-than-temporary would result in a reduction in the amortized cost of the security. If management can assert that it does not intend to sell an impaired fixed maturity security and it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then an entity must separate other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) into the following two components: (i) the amount related to credit losses, which are charged against income, and (ii) the amount related to all other factors, which are recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income. The credit-related portion of an OTTI is measured by comparing a security’s amortized cost to the present value of its current expected cash flows discounted at its effective yield prior to the impairment charge. If management intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, an impairment charge is required to reduce the amortized cost of that security to fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales and redemptions of securities are computed based on specific identification.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash consist of bank demand deposits and other highly-liquid investments. All investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered cash equivalents. At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 the Company had restricted cash equivalents of $18.6 million and $9.4 million, respectively.
Other Investments	Other Investments Other investments consist of limited partnership interests and an investment in the common stock of a real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Limited partnership interests are recorded at net asset value which approximates fair value. Valuations are based upon the GAAP financial statements of the partnerships which are required to be audited annually. The common stock of the REIT is recorded at a fair value with the corresponding unrealized appreciation or depreciation, net of deferred income taxes, reported in other comprehensive (loss) income. The change in net asset value of limited partnership interests and any dividends paid by the REIT are recorded in investment income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Insurance premiums earned include policy and renewal fees and are recognized on a pro-rata basis over the respective terms of the policies. Written premiums are recorded as of the effective date of the policies for the full policy premium, although most policyholders elect to pay on a monthly installment basis. Premiums and fees are generally collected in advance of providing risk coverage, minimizing the Company’s exposure to credit risk. Premiums receivable are recorded net of an estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts. Commission and fee income includes installment fees recognized when billed, commissions and fees from ancillary products recognized on a pro-rata basis over the respected terms of the contracts, and commissions and related policy fees, written for third-party insurance companies, recognized, at the date the customer is initially billed or as of the effective date of the insurance policy, whichever is later. A liability for returned commissions is established for the amount of commission income received that the Company estimates (based on historical experience) will be returned to third-party insurance companies as a result of policy cancellations.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance for the deferred taxes is established based upon management’s estimate of whether it is more likely than not that the Company would not realize tax benefits in future periods to the full extent available. Changes in the valuation allowance are recognized in income during the period in which the circumstances that cause such a change in management’s estimate occur. The Company accounts for income tax uncertainties under the provisions of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company has recognized no additional liability or reduction in deferred tax assets for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Any interest and penalties incurred in connection with income taxes are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes. The Company is generally not subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for taxable years prior to 2012.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets (generally ranging from three to five years) using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lives of the respective leases or the service lives of the improvements. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Equipment under capitalized lease obligations is stated at the present value of the minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term.
Foreclosed Real Estate Held for Sale	Foreclosed Real Estate Held for Sale Foreclosed real estate held for sale is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The Company periodically reviews its portfolio of foreclosed real estate held for sale using current information including (i) independent appraisals, (ii) general economic factors affecting the area where the property is located, (iii) recent sales activity and asking prices for comparable properties and (iv) costs to sell and/or develop that would serve to lower the expected proceeds from the disposal of the real estate. Gains (losses) realized on liquidation are recorded directly to operations and included in revenues. Foreclosed real estate held for sale assets of $0.2 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are included within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. On May 4, 2016, the Company sold one tract of land resulting in a gain of $1.2 million.
Deferred Acquisition Costs	Deferred Acquisition Costs Deferred acquisition costs include premium taxes and other variable underwriting and direct sales costs incurred in connection with writing successful new and renewal business. These costs are deferred and amortized over the policy period in which the related premiums are earned, to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future unearned premiums and anticipated investment income. Advertising costs are expensed when incurred and are not a part of deferred acquisition costs. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $18.9 million, $16.3 million and $11.4 million, respectively, and is included within insurance operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are attributable to the Company’s insurance operations and were initially recorded at their estimated fair values at their dates of acquisition. Identifiable intangible assets with an indefinite life, (trade name and state insurance licenses) are not amortized for financial statement purposes while those with a definite life (policy renewal rights, customer relationships, and software licenses) are amortized in proportion to projected policy expirations or life of the asset. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, identifiable intangible assets were $7.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively, stated net of accumulated amortization expense of $1.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding fiscal years is $0.8 million, $0.6 million, $0.5 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million. Effective with an accounting change made during the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company performs required annual impairment tests of its goodwill and identifiable intangible assets as of October 1st of each year. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that goodwill or identifiable intangible assets may be impaired, an interim impairment test would be required. For goodwill impairment analysis purposes, the Company considers the Titan Agencies to be a separate reporting unit (see note 18). The Company follows the accounting guidelines, which allows companies to waive comparing the fair value of goodwill and intangible assets to their carrying amounts in assessing the recoverability of these assets if, based on qualitative factors, it is more likely than not that the fair value of the goodwill and intangible assets is greater than their carrying amounts. Based on recent entity-specific events, the Company elected to prepare a quantitative analysis for its annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2016. This review did not indicate any impairment.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves are undiscounted and represent case-basis estimates of reported losses and estimates based on certain actuarial assumptions regarding the past experience of reported losses, including an estimate of losses incurred but not reported. Management believes that the loss and loss adjustment reserves are adequate to cover the ultimate associated liability. However, such estimates may be more or less than the amount ultimately paid when the claims are finally settled.
Evaluation of Going Concern	Evaluation of Going Concern Conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued. Management’s evaluation determined that the Company does not have substantial doubt continuing one year after the financial statements are issued.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) jointly issued a new revenue recognition standard, Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” that will supersede virtually all revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This guidance had an effective date for public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption not permitted. In July 2015, the FASB issued a one-year deferral of this effective date with the option for entities to early adopt at the original effective date. The standard is intended to increase comparability across industries and jurisdictions. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The new standard will not change accounting guidance for insurance contracts. The Company has revenue from non-insurance arrangements, such as commissionable ancillary products, which will fall under this guidance. The Company has not finalized the impact, if any, on our consolidated financial statements at this time. However, based on the initial evaluation of this guidance as it relates to these non-insurance arrangements, the Company does not expect the future impacts to be material. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” which requires companies to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements are issued. The evaluation will be required for each annual and interim reporting period. This guidance has an effective date for public companies for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim reporting periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this requirement effective December 31, 2016 which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement” to clarify how customers in cloud computing arrangements should determine whether the arrangement includes a software license. The amendment also eliminates today’s requirement that customers analogize to the leases standard when determining the assets acquired in a software licensing arrangement. For calendar year-end entities, the guidance was effective January 1, 2016 with the option to apply the guidance either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company has elected to apply this guidance prospectively, which resulted in $5 thousand of software licenses included in identifiable intangibles assets on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. Prior to this guidance, these licenses would have been included in property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-09, “Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts” which requires insurance companies to make additional disclosures about short-term duration contracts. This guidance has an effective date for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this requirement effective December 31, 2016, and these disclosures are included in note 9. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-20): Recognition and Measure of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” which requires entities to measure many equity investments at fair value and recognize changes in fair value in net income (loss), as opposed to the current practice of other comprehensive income (loss). The requirement does not apply to equity investments that result in consolidation, those accounted for under the equity method and certain others. The guidance provides a new measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. Under this alternative, these investments can be measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. The Company believes that its other investment in a REIT will fall under the guidance of the new measurement alternative and that future changes in fair value will be recognized in net income (loss), as opposed to the current practice of other comprehensive income (loss). The Company has not determined the impact on future consolidated financial statements once this is adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” which requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheets as lease liabilities with corresponding right-of-use assets, but recognize expense in a manner similar to the current accounting treatment. The guidance also eliminates the current real estate-specific provisions and changes the guidance on sale-leaseback transactions, initial direct costs and lease executory costs for all entities. The guidance could have broad implications for an entity’s finances and operations and will require additional disclosures. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in their financial statements. The Company’s lease arrangements fall under this guidance and will be required to be shown on its consolidated balance sheet. The Company is currently evaluating controls and processes to ensure this guidance is reflected properly on future consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)” which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses will be based on relevant information, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The expected increases and decreases in the credit loss will be reflected on the consolidated statement of comprehensive (loss) income. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not determined the impact on future consolidated financial statements once this is adopted. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments, including how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities will have to apply the guidance retrospectively, but if it is impracticable to do so for an issue, the amendments related to that issue would be applied prospectively. The Company has not determined the impact on future consolidated financial statements once this is adopted. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure an impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The standard will be applied prospectively. The guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed by public business entities for periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company believes that it will be reasonably able to comply with these requirements.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid $0.2 million, $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in income taxes and $4.2 million, $1.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in interest.
Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share	Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share Basic net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares, while diluted net (loss) income per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of such common shares and dilutive share equivalents. Dilutive share equivalents may result from the assumed exercise of employee stock options and restricted stock units and are calculated using the treasury stock method.