XML 127 R93.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Investment Securities (Rollforward of Fair Value Measurements by Level) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments $ 6,950.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure $ 6,766.5us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure $ 6,950.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure    
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   286.5wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings 182.0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings    
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI   (253.6)wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome 11.6wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome    
Amortization/Accretion   (44.1)us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments 52.2us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments    
Purchases   5,602.1us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments 4,635.5us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments    
Sales   (6,387.5)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment (4,979.8)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment    
Net change in investments related to purchases and sales of consolidated/unconsolidated affiliates   21.5wtm_NetChangeInInvestmentsRelatedToPurchasesAndSalesOfConsolidatedunconsolidatedAffiliates      
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Exchange   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredonRecurringBasisExchange      
Transfers in   97.8wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn 217.6wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn    
Transfers out   (97.8)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut (217.6)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut    
Fair value investments   5,991.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure 6,766.5us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure 6,950.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure  
Maximum price difference provided by pricing services 1.3wtm_MaximumDifferencesBetweenPricesProvidedByPricingServicesConsideredOutliers 1.0wtm_MaximumDifferencesBetweenPricesProvidedByPricingServicesConsideredOutliers      
Net realized and unrealized investment gains   283.9us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments 161.7us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments 118.2us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments  
Discontinued Operations          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fixed maturity investments reclassified to assets held for sale (1)     (236.3)wtm_TradingSecuritiesDebtReclassifiedToAssetsHeldForSale
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember
(338.1)wtm_TradingSecuritiesDebtReclassifiedToAssetsHeldForSale
/ us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis
= us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember
 
Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   6,863.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
7,402.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
   
Fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   4,784.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
5,266.8us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Convertible fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   20.5us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
80.5us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Other long-term investments          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Carrying value of investment accounted for using the equity method   23.2us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
     
Other long-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   385.0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
262.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Short-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments         630.6us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
Fair value investments   871.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
635.9us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
  630.6us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
Level 1 Inputs          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments 1,355.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
1,376.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
1,355.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   88.1wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
221.9wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI   (24.8)wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
(0.3)wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Amortization/Accretion   (0.6)us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
(1.0)us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Purchases   1,599.2us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
862.1us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Sales   (2,197.1)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
(1,078.9)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Net change in investments related to purchases and sales of consolidated/unconsolidated affiliates   (2.7)wtm_NetChangeInInvestmentsRelatedToPurchasesAndSalesOfConsolidatedunconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
     
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Exchange   4.7wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredonRecurringBasisExchange
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
     
Transfers in   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
1.8wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Transfers out   (0.2)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Fair value investments   843.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
1,376.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
   
Level 1 Inputs | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   1,712.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
1,998.2us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
   
Level 1 Inputs | Fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   155.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
340.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Level 1 Inputs | Convertible fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
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= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Level 1 Inputs | Other long-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
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= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Level 1 Inputs | Short-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   868.8us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
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= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
621.5us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
   
Level 2 Inputs          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments 5,206.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
4,982.2us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
5,206.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   163.4wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
(56.9)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI   (222.8)wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
12.5wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Amortization/Accretion   (43.6)us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
(51.2)us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Purchases   3,772.4us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
3,689.6us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Sales   (4,122.6)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
(3,842.8)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Net change in investments related to purchases and sales of consolidated/unconsolidated affiliates   24.2wtm_NetChangeInInvestmentsRelatedToPurchasesAndSalesOfConsolidatedunconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
     
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Exchange   (13.0)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredonRecurringBasisExchange
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
     
Transfers in   97.8wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
119.4wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Transfers out   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
(97.2)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Fair value investments   4,638.0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
4,982.2us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
   
Level 2 Inputs | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   4,640.9us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
4,996.6us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
   
Level 2 Inputs | Fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   4,552.2us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
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= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
4,833.5us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Level 2 Inputs | Convertible fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   12.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
74.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Level 2 Inputs | Other long-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
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0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Level 2 Inputs | Forward contracts | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Change in fair value of derivatives, included in other revenue     (0.1)us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
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= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
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= us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember
   
Level 2 Inputs | Short-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   2.9us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
14.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
   
Level 3 Inputs | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   510.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
407.6us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
   
Level 3 Inputs | Fixed maturity investments          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments 92.9us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
93.0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
92.9us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   2.2wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
(2.7)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI   (1.0)wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0.3wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Amortization/Accretion   0.1us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Purchases   71.7us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
37.9us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Sales   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
(6.3)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Net change in investments related to purchases and sales of consolidated/unconsolidated affiliates   0wtm_NetChangeInInvestmentsRelatedToPurchasesAndSalesOfConsolidatedunconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
     
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Exchange   8.3wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredonRecurringBasisExchange
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
     
Transfers in 90.3wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
90.3wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Transfers out   (97.6)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
(119.4)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Fair value investments   76.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
93.0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Number of investments   6wtm_NumberOfInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
3wtm_NumberOfInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Level 3 Inputs | Fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   76.7us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
93.0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember
   
Level 3 Inputs | Common equity securities          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments 37.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
46.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
37.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   6.2wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
1.0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI   0wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
0wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Amortization/Accretion   0us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
0us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Purchases   5.0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
8.8us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Sales   (17.1)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Net change in investments related to purchases and sales of consolidated/unconsolidated affiliates   0wtm_NetChangeInInvestmentsRelatedToPurchasesAndSalesOfConsolidatedunconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
     
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Exchange   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredonRecurringBasisExchange
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
     
Transfers in   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Transfers out   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
(1.0)wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Fair value investments   40.2us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
46.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
   
Level 3 Inputs | Convertible fixed maturity investments          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments 0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
6.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   0.6wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI   0wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Amortization/Accretion   0us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Purchases   1.5us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Sales   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Net change in investments related to purchases and sales of consolidated/unconsolidated affiliates   0wtm_NetChangeInInvestmentsRelatedToPurchasesAndSalesOfConsolidatedunconsolidatedAffiliates
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Exchange   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredonRecurringBasisExchange
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
     
Transfers in   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
6.1wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Transfers out   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Fair value investments   8.2us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
6.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Level 3 Inputs | Convertible fixed maturity investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   8.2us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
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/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
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6.1us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember
   
Level 3 Inputs | Other long-term investments          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments 259.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
262.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
259.3us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   26.0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
18.7wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Foreign currency gains (losses) through OCI   (5.0)wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
(0.9)wtm_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Amortization/Accretion   0us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
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0us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments
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= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Purchases   152.3us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
37.1us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Sales   (50.7)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
(51.8)us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment
/ us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis
= us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
= us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember
   
Net change in investments related to purchases and sales of consolidated/unconsolidated affiliates   0wtm_NetChangeInInvestmentsRelatedToPurchasesAndSalesOfConsolidatedunconsolidatedAffiliates
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Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Exchange   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredonRecurringBasisExchange
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Transfers in   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
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0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersIn
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/ us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis
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Transfers out   0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
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0wtm_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTransfersOut
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Fair value investments   385.0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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262.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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Level 3 Inputs | Other long-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   385.0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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/ us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis
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262.4us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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Carrying value of investment accounted for using the equity method   23.2us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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26.6us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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35.0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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Level 3 Inputs | Short-term investments | Fair value measured on a recurring basis          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Fair value investments   0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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0us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
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Prospector          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Net realized and unrealized investment gains   4.3us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
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20.6us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
/ us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis
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Short-term investments          
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]          
Net realized and unrealized investment gains   $ 2.8us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
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$ 0.2us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments
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