Schedule II - Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET EARNINGS	$ 111,857	$ 49,042	$ 14,545	$ 44,847	$ 105,940	$ 26,429	$ 51,793	$ 29,587	$ 220,291	$ 213,749	$ 208,604
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED									197,815	187,085	198,143
Enstar Group Limited
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET EARNINGS									220,291	213,749	208,604
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS RELATING TO SUBSIDIARIES, NET OF TAX									(22,476)	(26,664)	(10,461)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED									$ 197,815	$ 187,085	$ 198,143