VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY (Carrying Amount of VIE Consolidated Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at amortized cost	$ 376,644	$ 338,021
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	29,375	38,534
Total investments	409,682	384,331
Cash and cash equivalents	74,593	53,038	$ 40,157	$ 41,446
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	156,932	181,840
Premiums receivable, net	54,854	38,594
Other asset	11,509	7,605
TOTAL ASSETS	813,127	699,254
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	158,110	97,340	$ 78,330	$ 61,016
Unearned premiums	294,022	253,960
Reinsurance Payable	79,154	61,069
Debt	4,909	4,887
Other liabilities	37,643	25,612
Total liabilities	575,271	448,495
Monarch Delaware - Variable Interest Entity [Member]
Investments
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at amortized cost	27,100	21,312
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value	1,604	1,358
Total investments	28,704	22,670
Cash and cash equivalents	15,668	14,616
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	1,070	34
Premiums receivable, net	1,584	355
Other asset	1,910	1,037
TOTAL ASSETS	48,936	38,712
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	1,659	237
Unearned premiums	8,406	1,448
Reinsurance Payable	864
Debt	4,909	4,887
Income taxes payable		8
Other liabilities	1,026	374
Total liabilities	$ 16,864	$ 6,954