Derivatives (Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)) (Details) - White Mountains Life Re - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in other revenues and carrying values of instruments
Change in fair value of derivatives, included in other revenue	$ (2.0)	$ (8.8)	$ (72.4)
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	0.0	20.1	56.4	$ 69.2
Fixed income/interest rate
Realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in other revenues and carrying values of instruments
Change in fair value of derivatives, included in other revenue	1.8	6.4	(33.7)
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	0.0	0.5
Foreign exchange
Realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in other revenues and carrying values of instruments
Change in fair value of derivatives, included in other revenue	(4.8)	(7.3)	(1.3)
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	0.0	14.8
Equity
Realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in other revenues and carrying values of instruments
Change in fair value of derivatives, included in other revenue	1.0	(7.9)	(37.4)
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	$ 0.0	$ 4.8
Level 3 | Projected Surrender Assumption [Member]
Realized and unrealized derivative gains (losses) recognized in other revenues and carrying values of instruments
Change in fair value of derivatives, included in other revenue			$ 0.2