Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Short-term investments, trading, at fair value	$ 186,167	$ 281,002
Short-term investments, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014-$13,022; 2013-$32,477)	12,923	32,504
Fixed maturity investments, trading, at fair value	3,433,007	3,381,719
Fixed maturity investments, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	856,218	859,387
Fixed maturity investments, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014 - $225,595; 2013-$210,825)	228,386	213,860
Equities, trading, at fair value	158,674	182,033
Other investments, at fair value	646,765	569,293
Total investments	5,522,140	5,519,798
Cash and cash equivalents	645,823	643,841
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	607,159	397,657
Accrued interest receivable	37,801	38,864
Accounts receivable	64,690	75,351
Premiums receivable	136,865	111,748
Income taxes recoverable	5,531	5,481
Deferred tax assets	32,089	34,295
Reinsurance balances recoverable	1,256,230	1,363,819
Funds held by reinsured companies	201,622	237,789
Goodwill and intangible assets	149,394	150,071
Other assets	49,963	41,441
TOTAL ASSETS	8,709,307	8,620,155
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	4,042,130	4,219,905
Policy benefits for life and annuity contracts	1,255,264	1,273,100
Unearned premium	75,848	70,698
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable	223,860	281,028
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	113,888	97,103
Income taxes payable	21,377	23,721
Deferred tax liabilities	48,142	53,328
Loans payable	485,239	452,446
Other liabilities	68,348	70,444
TOTAL LIABILITIES	6,334,096	6,541,773
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	361,333	100,859
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Treasury shares at cost (Series A non-voting convertible ordinary shares 2014: 2,972,892; 2013: 2,972,892)	(421,559)	(421,559)
Additional paid-in capital	962,989	962,145
Accumulated other comprehensive income	14,538	13,978
Retained earnings	1,211,044	1,181,457
Total Enstar Group Limited Shareholders' Equity	1,786,558	1,755,523
Noncontrolling interest	227,320	222,000
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	2,013,078	1,977,523
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	8,709,307	8,620,155
Share Capital - Ordinary Shares [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shares	13,847	13,803
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	13,847	13,803
Series A Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shares	2,973	2,973
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	2,973
Series C Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Ordinary shares	$ 2,726	$ 2,726