Net investment income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Investment Income [Abstract]
Net realized gains on investments and investment derivatives	$ 84,752	$ 99,183
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments and investment derivatives	(16,254)	1,769
Net realized (loss) gain on foreign currencies	(3,924)	393
Dividend and interest income, net of withholding taxes	7,728	5,545
Dividends paid on securities sold, not yet purchased	(33)	(270)
Management and performance fees	(20,219)	(24,832)
Other expenses	(2,044)	(1,190)
Net investment income on investments managed by Third Point LLC	50,006	80,598
Investment income on cash held by the Catastrophe Reinsurer and Catastrophe Fund	29	0
Net gain on reinsurance contract derivatives written by the Catastrophe Reinsurer	0	763
Net investment income	50,035	81,361
Net investment gains on equity securities
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	27,823	75,709
Net investment gains on debt securities
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	55,192	34,029
Net investment losses on other investments
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	(1,195)	(9,240)
Net investment (losses) gains on investment derivatives
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	(6,253)	16,841
Net investment losses on securities sold, not yet purchased
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	(13)	(10,216)
Net investment (loss) income on cash, including foreign exchange gains (losses)
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	(4,455)	607
Net investment gains (losses) on securities purchased under and agreement to resell
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	13	(496)
Management and performance fees
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	(20,219)	(24,832)
Other investment expenses
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Change in net investment income	$ (858)	$ (1,041)