XML 175 R5.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Total
Common shares and paid-in surplus
Retained earnings
AOCI, after-tax
Parent [Member]
Total
Non-controlling Interests
Total Equity includes Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011   $ 1,261.3us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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$ 2,789.7us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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$ 36.7us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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  $ 4,087.7us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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$ 580.2us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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$ 4,667.9us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity                
Net income 193.4us-gaap_ProfitLoss 0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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207.4us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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  207.4us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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(14.0)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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193.4us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in unconsolidated affiliates, after tax 57.7wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates 0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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57.7wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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  57.7wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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57.7wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax 39.6us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax 0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
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0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
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39.6us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
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0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
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39.6us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
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Net change in pension liability and other accumulated comprehensive items (2.9)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease 0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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(2.1)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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(0.8)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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(2.9)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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Comprehensive income 301.8us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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207.4us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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95.2us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  302.6us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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(14.8)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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287.8us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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Dividends declared on common shares   0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
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(6.6)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
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0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
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  (6.6)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
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0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
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(6.6)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
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Dividends/distributions to non-controlling interests   0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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  0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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(39.1)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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(39.1)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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Issuances of common shares   5.8us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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  5.8us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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5.8us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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Repurchases and retirements of common shares (669.1)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue (221.3)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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(447.8)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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  (669.1)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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(669.1)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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Contribution or Distribution to/ from Non-Controlling Interests   0wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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0wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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0wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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1.6wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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1.6wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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Amortization of restricted share and option awards   13.6us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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  13.6us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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0.8us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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14.4us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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Allocation of fair value of net assets acquired to non-controlling interests   (2.2)wtm_NoncontrollingInterestLossRecognizedInEquity
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0wtm_NoncontrollingInterestLossRecognizedInEquity
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0wtm_NoncontrollingInterestLossRecognizedInEquity
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  0wtm_NoncontrollingInterestLossRecognizedInEquity
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Deconsolidation of Hamer and Bri-Mar   0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
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0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
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0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
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(4.5)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
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(4.5)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
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Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012   1,057.2us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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2,542.7us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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131.9us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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  3,731.8us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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526.4us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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4,258.2us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity                
Net income 309.4us-gaap_ProfitLoss 0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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321.8us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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321.8us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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  (12.4)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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309.4us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in unconsolidated affiliates, after tax (98.1)wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates 0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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(98.1)wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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(98.1)wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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  0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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(98.1)wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Translation   0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
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0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
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2.7wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
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2.7wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
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2.7wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
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Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax 2.7us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax              
Net change in pension liability and other accumulated comprehensive items 20.8wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease 0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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15.6wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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15.6wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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20.8wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
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Comprehensive income 247.2us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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321.8us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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(79.8)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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  242.0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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(7.2)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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234.8us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
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(39.7)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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Issuances of common shares   1.0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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1.0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
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Repurchases and retirements of common shares (79.8)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue (23.8)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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(79.8)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
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11.5wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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17.6us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
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2,802.3us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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52.1us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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  3,905.5us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
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491.9us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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4,397.4us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity                
Net income 290.6us-gaap_ProfitLoss 0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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312.7us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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0us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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312.7us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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  (22.1)us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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290.6us-gaap_ProfitLoss
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Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in unconsolidated affiliates, after tax 75.3wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates 0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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75.3wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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75.3wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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  0wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
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75.3wtm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEquityinUnrealizedGainsLossesfromInvestmentsinUnconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Foreign Currency Translation   0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
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(168.2)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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(168.2)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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  (0.3)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
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(168.5)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslation
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax (168.5)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax              
Net change in pension liability and other accumulated comprehensive items (11.7)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease 0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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(8.7)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
(8.7)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  (3.0)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(11.7)wtm_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxOtherPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Comprehensive income 207.8us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest 0us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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312.7us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
(101.6)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  211.1us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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(25.4)us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
185.7us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Dividends declared on common shares   0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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(6.2)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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(6.2)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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  0us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
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(6.2)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Dividends/distributions to non-controlling interests   0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
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0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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  (40.7)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(40.7)us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Issuances of common shares   4.8us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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4.8us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
4.8us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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Repurchases and retirements of common shares (134.5)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue (37.1)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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(97.4)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
(134.5)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  0us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(134.5)us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Contribution or Distribution to/ from Non-Controlling Interests   0wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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0wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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  8.3wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
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= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
8.3wtm_ChangeInNoncontrollingOwnership
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination   0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
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0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
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0us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  122.1us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
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= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
122.1us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Partners' Capital Account, Redemptions   0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions
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0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions
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0us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions
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  (14.0)us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions
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= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
(14.0)us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Amortization of restricted share and option awards   15.9us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
15.9us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_ParentMember
  0.8us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
16.7us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014 $ 3,996.6us-gaap_StockholdersEquity $ 1,034.7us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockIncludingAdditionalPaidInCapitalMember
$ 3,011.4us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember
$ (49.5)us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
  $ 3,996.6us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= us-gaap_CommonStockMember
$ 543.0us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
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$ 4,539.6us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
/ us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis
= wtm_TotalEquityIncludesNoncontrollingInterestMember