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Significant Accounting Policies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The National Security Group, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries:  National Security Insurance Company (NSIC), National Security Fire and Casualty Company (NSFC) and NATSCO, Inc. (NATSCO).  NSFC includes a wholly-owned subsidiary, Omega One Insurance Company (Omega).  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring items, necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been included. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.  The financial information presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which includes information and disclosures not presented herein.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Among the more significant estimates included in these consolidated financial statements are reserves for future life insurance policy benefits, liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses, reinsurance recoverable associated with loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, assessments of other-than-temporary impairments on investments and accruals for contingencies.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each year. The adjusted weighted average shares outstanding were 2,494,480 in 2014 and 2,466,600 in 2013.

Reclassifications
Certain 2013 amounts have been reclassified from the prior year consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation.

Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash balances which are generally held in non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts. Through December 31, 2012, these balances were insured by the FDIC with no balance limits. On January 1, 2013, $250,000 per entity account balance limits were reinstated. At March 31, 2014, the net amount exceeding FDIC insured limits was $2,913,000 at one financial institution. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. Management of the Company reviews financial information of the financial institution on a quarterly basis and believes the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Policy receivables are reported at unpaid balances. Policy receivables are generally offset by associated unearned premium liabilities and are not subject to significant credit risk. Receivables from agents, less provision for credit losses, are composed of balances due from independent agents. At March 31, 2014, the single largest balance due from one agent totaled $953,000.

Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to policyholders. A failure of a reinsurer to meet their obligation could result in losses to the insurance subsidiaries. Allowances for losses are established if amounts are believed to be uncollectible. At March 31, 2014 and 2013, no amounts were deemed uncollectible. The Company, at least annually, evaluates the financial condition of all reinsurers and evaluates any potential concentrations of credit risk. At March 31, 2014, management does not believe the Company is exposed to any significant credit risk related to its reinsurance program.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance applies to all entities with unrecognized tax benefits that also have tax loss or tax credit carryforwards in the same tax jurisdiction as of the reporting date. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2014. This guidance did not have a material effect on results of operations or financial position.