CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Short-term investments, trading, at fair value	$ 381,106	$ 410,269
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 - $302,954; 2011 - $590,588)	310,642	607,316
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value	2,361,540	2,035,369
Equities, trading, at fair value	101,072	89,981
Other investments, at fair value	389,728	192,264
Total investments	3,544,088	3,335,199
Cash and cash equivalents	644,355	850,474
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	289,111	373,191
Accrued interest receivable	28,801	26,924
Accounts receivable	21,179	50,258
Income taxes recoverable	11,493	10,559
Reinsurance balances recoverable	1,246,307	1,789,582
Funds held by reinsured companies	83,945	107,748
Goodwill	21,222	21,222
Other assets	17,969	40,981
TOTAL ASSETS	5,908,470	6,606,138
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	3,639,005	4,282,916
Reinsurance balances payable	183,059	208,540
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	91,406	75,983
Income taxes payable	16,682	16,985
Loans payable	127,158	242,710
Other liabilities	106,971	95,593
TOTAL LIABILITIES	4,164,281	4,922,727
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Treasury shares at cost (Series A non-voting convertible ordinary shares 2012: 2,972,892; 2011: 2,972,892)	(421,559)	(421,559)
Additional paid-in capital	959,191	956,329
Accumulated other comprehensive income	27,283	27,096
Retained earnings	902,947	804,836
Total Enstar Group Limited Shareholders' Equity	1,487,274	1,386,066
Noncontrolling interest	256,915	297,345
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	1,744,189	1,683,411
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	5,908,470	6,606,138
Share Capital - Ordinary Shares
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shares	13,713	13,665
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	13,713	13,665
Series A Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shares	2,973	2,973
Series B, C and D Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shares	2,726	2,726
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 2,726	$ 2,726