Schedule II - Narrative (Details) - 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]
Interest paid									$ 19,395	$ 16,130	$ 9,114
Total parental guarantees	$ 334,200				$ 238,600				334,200	238,600
Retained earnings	1,578,312				1,395,206				1,578,312	1,395,206
Net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited	111,857	$ 49,042	$ 14,545	$ 44,847	105,940	$ 26,429	$ 51,793	$ 29,587	220,291	213,749	208,604
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value									37,185	0
Enstar Group Limited
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest paid									13,000	6,600	2,500
Total parental guarantees	334,200				238,600				334,200	238,600
Retained earnings	$ 1,578,312				$ 1,395,206				1,578,312	1,395,206
Increase in retained earnings									183,100
Net earnings attributable to Enstar Group Limited									220,291	$ 213,749	$ 208,604
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value									$ 37,200