Validus 10-K 19 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'VALIDUS HOLDINGS LTD	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001348259	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	93,363,830	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$2,735.50

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013—$5,522,853; 2012—$5,008,514)	$5,542,258	$5,085,334
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013—$751,734; 2012—$1,112,929)	751,778	1,114,250
Other investments, at fair value (cost: 2013—$637,728; 2012—$583,068)	618,316	564,448
Cash and cash equivalents	1,056,346	1,219,379
Total investments and cash	7,968,698	7,983,411
Investments in affiliates	141,243	172,329
Premiums receivable	697,233	802,159
Deferred acquisition costs	134,269	146,588
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	103,251	99,593
Securities lending collateral	3,392	225
Loss reserves recoverable	370,154	439,967
Paid losses recoverable	80,080	46,435
Intangible assets	106,407	110,569
Goodwill	20,393	20,393
Accrued investment income	18,876	21,321
Other assets	202,436	177,274
Total assets	9,846,432	10,020,264
Liabilities	'	'
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	3,030,399	3,517,573
Unearned premiums	824,496	894,362
Reinsurance balances payable	154,874	138,550
Securities lending payable	3,858	691
Deferred income taxes	19,086	20,259
Net payable for investments purchased	19,383	38,346
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	278,187	167,577
Notes payable to operating affiliates	439,272	0
Senior notes payable	247,198	247,090
Debentures payable	541,416	540,709
Total liabilities	5,558,169	5,565,157
Commitments and contingent liabilities	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	86,512	'
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2013—154,488,497; 2012—152,698,191; Outstanding: 2013—96,044,312; 2012—107,921,259)	27,036	26,722
Treasury shares (2013—58,444,185; 2012—44,776,932)	-10,228	-7,836
Additional paid-in-capital	1,677,894	2,160,478
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-617	-2,953
Retained earnings	2,010,009	1,844,416
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus	3,704,094	4,020,827
Noncontrolling interest	497,657	434,280
Total shareholders' equity	4,201,751	4,455,107
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity	$9,846,432	$10,020,264

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'	'	'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	$5,522,853	$5,008,514	'	'
Short-term investments, at amortized cost	751,734	1,112,929	'	'
Other investments, at amortized cost	$637,728	$583,068	'	'
Shareholders' equity	'	'	'	'
Common shares, shares authorized	571,428,571	571,428,571	'	'
Common shares, par value	$0.18	$0.18	'	'
Common shares, shares issued	154,488,497	152,698,191	134,503,065	132,838,111
Common shares, shares outstanding	96,044,312	107,921,259	99,471,080	'
Treasury stock, common shares	58,444,185	44,776,932	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	$2,401,106	$2,166,440	$2,124,691
Reinsurance premiums ceded	-372,585	-307,506	-289,241
Net premiums written	2,028,521	1,858,934	1,835,450
Change in unearned premiums	73,524	14,282	-33,307
Net premiums earned	2,102,045	1,873,216	1,802,143
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses	0	17,701	0
Net investment income	96,072	107,936	112,296
Net realized gains on investments	3,258	18,233	28,532
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	-58,481	17,585	-19,991
Income (loss) from investment affiliate	4,790	-964	0
Other income	8,343	22,396	5,718
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	2,505	4,798	-22,124
Total revenues	2,158,532	2,060,901	1,906,574
Expenses	'	'	'
Losses and loss expenses	793,932	999,446	1,244,401
Policy acquisition costs	360,310	334,698	314,184
General and administrative expenses	315,265	263,652	197,497
Share compensation expenses	27,630	26,709	34,296
Finance expenses	64,177	53,857	54,817
Transaction expenses	0	0	17,433
Total expenses	1,561,314	1,678,362	1,862,628
Income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	597,218	382,539	43,946
Tax (expense)	-383	-2,501	-824
Income from operating affiliates	14,289	12,580	0
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	-68,763	0	0
Net income	542,361	392,618	43,122
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-9,695	15,820	-21,793
Net income available to Validus	532,666	408,438	21,329
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,954	3,648	-1,146
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,954	3,648	-1,146
Comprehensive income available to Validus	$530,712	$412,086	$20,183
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding	'	'	'
Basic (shares)	102,202,274	97,184,110	98,607,439
Diluted (shares)	103,970,289	102,384,923	100,928,284
Basic earnings per share available to common shareholders	$5.02	$4.13	$0.14
Diluted earnings per share available to common shareholders	$4.94	$3.99	$0.14
Cash dividends declared per share	$3.20	$1	$1

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common shares	Treasury shares	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	Retained earnings
In Thousands
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	'	$23,247	($6,096)	$1,860,960	($5,455)	$1,632,175
Common shares issued, net	'	291	'	4,594	'	'
Repurchase of common shares	'	'	-35	-5,960	'	'
Share compensation expenses	'	'	'	34,296	'	'
Reclassification adjustments	'	'	'	'	0	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,146	'	'	'	-1,146	'
Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	-109,775
Net income	43,122	'	'	'	'	43,122
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-21,793	'	'	'	'	-21,793
Noncontrolling interest	0	'	'	'	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	3,448,425	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,448,425	23,538	-6,131	1,893,890	-6,601	1,543,729
Common shares issued, net	'	3,184	'	498,136	'	'
Repurchase of common shares	'	'	-1,705	-258,257	'	'
Share compensation expenses	'	'	'	26,709	'	'
Reclassification adjustments	'	'	'	'	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	3,648	'	'	'	3,648	'
Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	-107,751
Net income	392,618	'	'	'	'	392,618
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	15,820	'	'	'	'	15,820
Noncontrolling interest	434,280	'	'	'	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	4,455,107	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	4,020,827	26,722	-7,836	2,160,478	-2,953	1,844,416
Common shares issued, net	'	314	'	898	'	'
Repurchase of common shares	'	'	-2,392	-511,112	'	'
Share compensation expenses	'	'	'	27,630	'	'
Reclassification adjustments	'	'	'	'	4,290	-4,290
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-1,954	'	'	'	-1,954	'
Dividends	'	'	'	'	'	-362,783
Net income	542,361	'	'	'	'	542,361
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-9,695	'	'	'	'	-9,695
Noncontrolling interest	497,657	'	'	'	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	4,201,751	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$3,704,094	$27,036	($10,228)	$1,677,894	($617)	$2,010,009

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$542,361	$392,618	$43,122
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Share compensation expenses	27,630	26,709	34,296
Loss on sale of subsidiary	3,237	0	0
Bargain purchase gain	0	-49,702	0
Amortization of discount on senior notes	108	108	108
(Income) loss from investment affiliate	-4,790	964	0
Net realized (gains) on investments	-3,258	-18,233	-28,532
Net unrealized losses (gains) on investments	58,481	-17,585	19,991
Amortization of intangible assets	4,162	10,159	4,162
(Income) from operating affiliates	-14,289	-12,580	0
Foreign exchange losses (gains) included in net income	1,912	-16,123	9,659
Amortization of premium on fixed maturities	19,093	24,289	31,150
Change in:	'	'	'
Premiums receivable	127,442	19,860	-77,634
Deferred acquisition costs	12,319	-1,875	2,392
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	-3,658	3,116	-19,964
Loss reserves recoverable	69,910	40,708	-89,232
Paid losses recoverable	-33,807	54,248	-62,566
Income taxes recoverable	0	522	1,216
Accrued investment income	2,499	7,404	7,750
Other assets	-80,718	-9,618	-574
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	-472,883	116,902	596,325
Unearned premiums	-69,866	-17,148	43,866
Reinsurance balances payable	-4,724	-12,365	56,041
Deferred income taxes	-1,008	1,040	-8,146
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	85,121	-253	-18,290
Net cash provided by operating activities	265,274	543,165	545,140
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds on sales of investments	4,370,548	3,393,740	4,058,495
Proceeds on maturities of investments	490,459	548,226	353,006
Purchases of fixed maturities	-5,392,728	-3,726,611	-4,551,070
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments, net	358,494	74,954	-215,055
(Purchases) sales of other investments	-53,054	-479,856	3,967
(Increase) decrease in securities lending collateral	-3,167	7,771	14,631
Redemption from (purchase of) investment in operating affiliates, net	-64,657	91,500	0
Purchase of investment in investment affiliate	-14,492	-12,835	0
Proceeds on sale of subsidiary	21,388	0	11,000
Cash (redeemed) in deconsolidation of subsidiary	0	0	-67,808
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	0	17,196	0
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-157,895	-268,915	-392,834
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	'	'	'
Net proceeds on issuance of notes payable to operating affiliates	438,859	0	0
Issuance of common shares, net	1,211	3,015	4,885
Purchases of common shares under share repurchase program	-513,504	-259,962	-5,995
Dividends paid	-360,071	-110,037	-107,691
Increase (decrease) in securities lending payable	3,167	-7,771	-14,631
Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest	72,790	0	0
Third party investment in noncontrolling interest	58,500	450,100	192,113
Subscriptions received in advance	35,000	19,400	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-264,048	94,745	68,681
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-6,364	17,540	-8,883
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-163,033	386,535	212,104
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	1,219,379	832,844	620,740
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	1,056,346	1,219,379	832,844
Taxes paid (recovered) during the period	-3,682	3,832	-4,632
Interest paid during the period	$52,191	$43,249	$43,777

Nature_of_the_business

Nature of the business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Nature Of Business [Abstract]	'
Nature of the business	'
	. Nature of the business
	Validus Holdings, Ltd. (together with its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries, the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of Bermuda on October 19, 2005. The Company provides reinsurance coverage, insurance coverage and insurance linked securities management through three distinct global operating segments, Validus Re, AlphaCat and Talbot. Validus Re is a Bermuda-based reinsurance segment focused on short tail lines of reinsurance. AlphaCat is a Bermuda-based investment adviser, managing capital from third parties and the Company in insurance linked securities and other investments in the property catastrophe reinsurance space. Talbot is a specialty insurance segment, primarily operating within the Lloyd's insurance market through Syndicate 1183.
	On November 30, 2012, pursuant to a merger agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. ("Flagstone") in exchange for 0.1935 Company common shares and $2.00 cash per Flagstone common share (the "Flagstone Acquisition"). For segmental reporting purposes, the results of Flagstone’s operations since the acquisition date have been included within the Validus Re segment in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 5 "Business combination" for further information.
	On April 25, 2013, the Company acquired Longhorn Re, Ltd. (now called Validus Re Americas, Ltd.), a single contract, Bermuda-domiciled crop reinsurer, for cash equal to its tangible net assets.
	On October 9, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its wholly-owned Cyprus-domiciled subsidiary, Flagstone Alliance Insurance and Reinsurance plc for net cash proceeds of $21,400.

Basis_of_preparation_and_conso

Basis of preparation and consolidation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of preparation and consolidation	'
	. Basis of preparation and consolidation
	These Consolidated Financial Statements include Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). To facilitate comparison of information, certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes a reclassification of $19,400 from cash flows provided by operating activities to cash flows provided by financing activities to revise the presentation of subscriptions received in advance from third party investors. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes that the amounts included in the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include:
	•reserve for losses and loss expenses;
	•premium estimates for business written on a line slip or proportional basis;
	•the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets;
	•reinsurance recoverable balances including the provision for uncollectible amounts; and
	•investment valuation of financial assets.
	The term “ASC” used in these notes refers to Accounting Standard Codification issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

Significant_accounting_policie

Significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant accounting policies	'
	. Significant accounting policies
	The following is a summary of significant accounting policies adopted by the Company.
	(a)	Premiums
	Insurance premiums written are recorded in accordance with the terms of underlying policies. Reinsurance premiums written are recorded at the inception of the policy and are estimated based on information received from brokers, ceding companies and reinsureds, and any subsequent differences arising on such estimates will be recorded in the periods in which they are determined. Premiums written are earned on a pro-rated basis over the term of the policy. For contracts and policies written on a losses occurring basis, the risk period is generally the same as the contract or policy terms. For contracts written on a policies attaching basis, the risk period is based on the terms of the underlying contracts and policies and is generally assumed to be 24 months. The portion of the premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the underlying contracts and policies in force is recorded as unearned premiums.
	Reinstatement premiums are recorded at the time a loss event occurs and coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under predefined contract terms; such premiums are then earned over the remaining risk period. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on our estimate of losses and loss expenses, which reflects management’s judgment, as described in Note 3(c) "Reserve for losses and loss expenses" below.
	(b)	Policy acquisition costs
	Policy acquisition costs are costs that vary with, and are directly related to, the successful production of new and renewal business, and consist principally of commissions and brokerage expenses. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions earned on reinsurance ceded. These costs are deferred and amortized over the periods in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums and anticipated claims expenses. The realizable value of the Company’s deferred acquisition costs is determined without consideration of investment income. Policy acquisition costs also include profit commissions. Profit commissions are recognized on a basis consistent with our estimate of losses and loss expenses.
	(c)	Reserve for losses and loss expenses
	The reserve for losses and loss expenses includes reserves for unpaid reported losses and for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). The reserve for unpaid reported losses and loss expenses is established by management based on reports from brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represents the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that have been reported to, or specifically identified by, the Company. The reserve for incurred but not reported losses and loss expenses is established by management based on actuarially determined estimates of ultimate losses and loss expenses. Inherent in the estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they become known. Prior period development arises from changes to these estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss and loss expense reserves established in previous calendar years.
	(d)	Reinsurance
	In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the potential amount of loss arising from claims events by reinsuring certain levels of risk assumed in various areas of exposure with other insurers or reinsurers. The accounting for reinsurance ceded depends on the method of reinsurance. If the policy is on a “losses occurring” basis, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) on a pro-rata basis over the period the reinsurance coverage is provided. If the policy is a “risks attaching” policy, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) in line with the earning of the gross premiums to which the risk attaching policy relates. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded applicable to the unexpired term of policies in force. Mandatory reinstatement premiums ceded are recorded at the time the loss event occurs and expensed over the remaining risk period. Reinsurance recoverables are based on contracts in force at the time of the underlying loss event. The method for determining the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expenses involves the actuarial estimates of unpaid losses and loss expenses as well as a determination of the Company’s ability to cede unpaid losses and loss expenses under its reinsurance treaties. The use of different assumptions could have a material effect on the provision for uncollectible reinsurance. To the extent the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurers was to deteriorate due to adverse events affecting the reinsurance industry, such as a large number of major catastrophes, actual uncollectible amounts could be significantly greater than the Company’s provision. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the underlying liabilities.
	(e)	Investments
	All investments are carried at fair value with interest and dividend income and realized and unrealized gains and losses included in net income for the year.
	All investment transactions are recorded on a first-in-first-out basis and realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of amortized cost. Interest on fixed maturity securities is recorded in net investment income when earned and is adjusted for any amortization of premium or accretion of discount.
	For mortgage-backed securities, and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the resultant change in effective yields and maturities are recognized retrospectively. Prepayment fees or call premiums that are only payable to the Company when a security is called prior to its maturity, are earned when received and reflected in net investment income.
	Short-term investments comprise investments with a remaining maturity of less than one year at time of purchase and money market funds held at the Company’s investment managers.
	The fair value of other investments is generally recorded on the basis of the net asset valuation criteria established by the managers of the investments, normally based upon the governing documents of such investments. In addition, due to a lag in reporting, some of the fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s reporting date. In these circumstances, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month’s or prior quarter's fund valuation, adjusting these valuations for capital calls, redemptions or distributions and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, it uses all credible information available. This includes utilizing preliminary estimates reported by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has reported results, or other valuation methods, as necessary. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the period they become known as a change in estimate.
	(f)	Fair value of financial instruments
	Fair value is defined as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date reflecting the highest and best use valuation concepts. The guidance for “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure” provides a framework for measuring fair value by creating a hierarchy of fair value measurements that distinguishes market data between observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions by the reporting entity. The guidance further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements. The guidance applies broadly to most existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements (including both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities) but does not require any new fair value measurements. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance in effect as of the balance sheet date regarding certain market conditions that allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.
	(g)	Derivative instruments
	Fair Value Hedges
	The Company uses derivative instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risk. A foreign currency forward exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the value of our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies but rather allow the Company to establish a rate of exchange for a future point in time. The foreign currency forward exchange contracts are recorded as derivatives at fair value as either assets or liabilities, depending on their rights or obligations, with changes in fair value recorded as a net foreign exchange gain or loss in the Company’s Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in value or cash flow of the hedged item. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation process includes linking derivatives to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual currency basis. If the ratio obtained with this method is within the range of 80% to 125%, the Company considers the hedge effective.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. To the extent that the Company discontinues hedge accounting, because, based on management’s assessment, the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in current period net income through foreign exchange gains (losses).
	Cash Flow Hedges
	The Company uses derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate exposure associated with certain assets and liabilities. These derivatives are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are reclassified into earnings when the variability of the cash flow of the hedged item impacts earnings. Gains and losses on derivative contracts that are reclassified from OCI to current period earnings are included in the line item in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in which the cash flows of the hedged item are recorded. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded immediately in current period earnings.
	To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in value or cash flow of the hedged item. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation process includes linking derivatives to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet.  The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis (when required), whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual contract basis. The Company currently applies the long haul method when assessing the hedge's effectiveness.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the Company becomes aware that it is not probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, and gains and losses that were accumulated in OCI are recognized immediately in earnings.
	(h)	Cash and cash equivalents
	The Company considers time deposits and money market funds with an original maturity of 30 days or less as equivalent to cash.
	(i)	Foreign exchange
	The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company and the majority of its subsidiaries. For these companies, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses included in earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rate in effect at the time of the underlying transaction.
	Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at prevailing year end exchange rates. Revenue and expenses of such foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The net effect of translation differences between functional and reporting currencies in foreign operations, net of applicable deferred income taxes, is included in AOCI.
	(j)	Stock plans
	The Company accounts for its stock plans in accordance with the U.S. GAAP fair value recognition provisions for “Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, the Company recognizes the compensation expense for stock option grants, restricted share grants and performance share awards based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant over the requisite service period.
	(k)	Warrants
	The Company has accounted for certain warrant contracts issued to our sponsoring investors in conjunction with the capitalization of the Company, and which may be settled by the Company using either the physical settlement or net-share settlement methods, in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging, Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.” Accordingly, the fair value of these warrants has been recorded in equity as an addition to additional paid-in capital.
	(l)	Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Earnings per diluted common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and share equivalents excluding any anti-dilutive effects of warrants, options and other awards under stock plans.
	(m)	Income taxes and uncertain tax provisions
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP “Income Taxes” guidance. Consistent with this guidance, the Company records deferred income taxes which reflect the tax effect of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their respective tax bases.
	The Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes under current Bermuda law. The Company has operations in subsidiary form in various other jurisdictions around the world, including but not limited to the U.K., U.S., Switzerland and Canada, that are subject to relevant taxes in those jurisdictions.
	The Company recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by tax authorities. The Company would recognize accruals for any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expenses.
	(n)	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in business combinations in accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations.”
	A purchase price paid that is in excess of the fair value of the net assets (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset, and is not amortized. Where the total fair value of net assets acquired exceeds consideration paid (“negative goodwill”), the acquirer will record a gain as a result of the bargain purchase, to be recognized through the consolidated statements of comprehensive income at the close of the transaction.
	Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Refer to Note 6 "Goodwill and other intangible assets" for further information.
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or change in the assessment of future operations. In performing this test, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.” Similarly, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment described in ASC Topic 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - General Intangibles Other than Goodwill."
	If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	(o)	Investments in affiliates
	Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss from such investments in its results for the period.
	(p)	Variable interest entities
	The Company determines whether it has relationships with entities defined as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with ASC Topic 810 "Consolidation." Entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support or in which the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristic of a controlling financial interest are referred to as variable interest entities. A VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to be the primary beneficiary.
	The primary beneficiary is defined as the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. At inception of the VIE, as well as following an event that requires reassessment, the Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary based on an analysis of the Company's level of involvement in the VIE, the contractual terms, and the overall structure of the VIE. Those VIEs that have all the attributes of an investment company are assessed under ASC Topic 810, excluding the changes that were as a result of the issuance of FASB Statement No. 167 "Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)."
	The Company accounts for its investments in the AlphaCat Insurance Linked Securities (“ILS”) Funds as variable interest entities. See Note 9 "Investments in affiliates" for further details.
	(q)	Noncontrolling interests
	The Company accounts for its noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation.” Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented as a mezzanine item, between liabilities and shareholders' equity, in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet and the non-redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented within shareholders' equity in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity. The net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest is presented separately in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Refer to Note 9, "Investments in affiliates" for further details.

Recent_accounting_pronouncemen

Recent accounting pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent accounting pronouncements	'
	. Recent accounting pronouncements
	(a)	Adoption of New Accounting Standards
	Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities" ("ASU 2011-11"). The objective of ASU 2011-11 was to enhance disclosures by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments in relation to netting arrangements.
	Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
	In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” (“ASU 2013-01”). The objective of ASU 2013-01 was to address implementation issues about the scope of ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments clarify that the scope of ASU 2011-11 applies to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Entities with other types of financial assets and financial liabilities subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement also are affected because these amendments make them no longer subject to the disclosure requirements in ASU 2011-11.
	ASU 2011-11 and 2013-01 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2013. The adoption of these new accounting standards impacts disclosures only; therefore they did not have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 11: "Derivative instruments."
	Technical Corrections and Improvements
	In October 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-04, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” (“ASU 2012-04”). The objective of ASU 2012-04 is to clarify the Codification, correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. Additionally, the amendments will make the Codification easier to understand and the fair value measurement guidance easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing needed clarifications. The amendments that did not have transition guidance were effective upon issuance. The amendments that were subject to transition guidance were effective for the Company on January 1, 2013. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). The objective of ASU 2013-02 was to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. The amendments became effective for the Company on January 1, 2013. Refer to Note 21 "Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income."
	Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2013-10, “Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes” (“ASU 2013-10”). The amendments in ASU 2013-10 permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate also referred to as the overnight index swap (“OIS”) rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes in addition to U.S. Treasury rate and LIBOR. The amendments also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. Before the amendments in this update, only the U.S. Treasury rate and the LIBOR swap rate were considered benchmark interest rates. The amendments were effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013 and adoption did not have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	(b)	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity” (ASU 2013-05). The objective of this update is to resolve the diversity in practice about whether Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation-Overall, or Subtopic 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters-Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary within a foreign entity. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has chosen not to early adopt this guidance and does not expect adoption to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In June 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2013-08, “Financial Services - Investment Companies - Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements” (ASU 2013-08). The amendments in this Update change the assessment of whether an entity is an investment company by developing a new two-tiered approach for that assessment, which requires an entity to possess certain fundamental characteristics while allowing judgment in assessing other typical characteristics. The new approach requires an entity to assess all of the characteristics of an investment company and consider its purpose and determine whether it is an investment company. The amendments in this Update are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (ASU 2013-11). This Update applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. An unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business_combination

Business combination	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business combination	'
	. Business combination
	On November 30, 2012, pursuant to a merger agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings, S.A. ("Flagstone") in exchange for 0.1935 Company common shares and $2.00 cash per Flagstone common share (the "Flagstone Acquisition"). The Flagstone Acquisition was undertaken to enhance the Company's leadership position in the property catastrophe reinsurance industry and to create a company with greater size and economies of scale.
	For segmental reporting purposes, the results of Flagstone’s operations since the acquisition date have been included within the Validus Re segment in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The aggregate purchase price paid by the Company was $646,037 for adjusted tangible net assets acquired of $689,742. Reduced investment yields and lower returns on equity have led to many publicly traded reinsurance companies trading at discounts. This was the primary factor responsible for a purchase price less than the fair value of Flagstone's net assets, and the recognition of a bargain purchase gain on acquisition.
	The estimates of fair values for tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined by management based on various market and income analyses and asset appraisals. Significant judgment was required to arrive at these estimates of fair value and changes to assumptions used could have led to materially different results.
	In addition, at closing, the Company recorded a $2,595 intangible asset for the acquired Flagstone customer relationships. This intangible asset was related to the acquired broker distribution network and was fair valued using a variation of the income approach. Under this approach, the Company estimated the present value of expected future cash flows to an assumed hypothetical market participant resulting from the existing Flagstone customer relationships, considering attrition, and discounting at a weighted average cost of capital. In addition, the Company also recorded a $3,402 intangible asset for the acquired Flagstone brand name.
	The composition of the purchase price and the fair value of net assets acquired is summarized as follows:
	Total allocable purchase price
		Flagstone shares outstanding at November 30, 2012	73,852,137
		Exchange ratio	0.1935
		Validus common shares issued, gross of taxes withheld	14,290,389
		Validus share price at acquisition	$	34.87
		Total value of Validus shares issued			$	498,306
		Total cash consideration paid at $2.00 per Flagstone share			147,731
		Total allocable purchase price			646,037
	Tangible assets acquired
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	159,339
		Investments	1,323,002
		Receivables (a)	171,620
		Other assets	129,245
		Tangible assets acquired			$	1,783,206
	Liabilities acquired
		Net loss reserves and paid losses recoverable	$	639,641
		Unearned premiums, net of expenses	104,592
		Debentures payable	250,657
		Other liabilities	98,574
		Liabilities acquired			$	1,093,464
	Net tangible assets acquired, at fair value				689,742
	Bargain purchase gain before establishment of intangible assets				43,705
		Intangible asset—customer relationships and brand name			5,997
	Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of Flagstone				$	49,702
	(a)	Premiums receivable of $171,620 were net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,216.
	The Company also incurred transaction and termination expenses related to the Flagstone Acquisition. Transaction expenses included legal and financial advisory services. Termination expenses are primarily comprised of severance costs in connection with certain Flagstone employment contracts that have been terminated. Finally, the customer relationships and brand name intangible assets have been fully amortized at the acquisition date as it was not expected to significantly contribute to the Company’s future cash flows beyond December 31, 2012. The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses has been presented as a separate line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and is composed of the following:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-12
	Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of Flagstone	$	49,702
	Transaction expenses	(5,760		)
	Termination expenses	(20,244		)
	Amortization of intangible asset—customer relationships and brand name	(5,997		)
	Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses	$	17,701
	Supplemental Pro Forma Information
	Operating results of Flagstone have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the November 30, 2012 acquisition date. The following selected unaudited pro forma financial information has been provided to present a summary of the combined results of the Company and Flagstone, assuming the transaction had been effected on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma data is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent results that would have occurred if the transaction had taken place on the basis assumed above.
		Year ended			Year ended
		31-Dec-12			31-Dec-11
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Revenues
	Gross premiums written	$	2,536,535		$	2,914,388
	Reinsurance premiums ceded	(397,008		)	(520,506		)
	Net premiums written	2,139,527			2,393,882
	Change in unearned premiums	86,935			(20,261		)
	Net premiums earned	2,226,462			2,373,621
	Net investment income	126,140			143,472
	Net realized gains on investments	63,601			37,366
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	5,654			(47,101		)
	(Loss) from investment affiliate	(964		)	—
	Other income	29,984			11,152
	Foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,363			(26,605		)
	Total revenues	2,452,240			2,491,905
	Expenses
	Losses and loss expenses	1,242,449			1,920,936
	Policy acquisition costs	413,579			429,509
	General and administrative expenses	323,061			282,183
	Share compensation expenses	30,750			35,427
Transaction expenses	—			17,433
Finance expenses	64,306			66,485
Total expenses	2,074,145			2,751,973
Income before taxes and income from operating affiliates	378,095			(260,068		)
Tax (expense)	(3,385		)	(773		)
Income (loss) from operating affiliates	12,868			(922		)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	387,578		$	(261,763	)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	19,366			(21,662		)
Net income (loss)	$	406,944		$	(283,425	)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	14,685			(24,515		)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	$	421,629		$	(307,940	)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	3.73		$	(3.20	)
Earnings (loss) per diluted share	$	3.62		$	(3.20	)
The following selected audited information has been provided to present a summary of the results of Flagstone that have been included within the Validus Re segment in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	From Acquisition Date to
	31-Dec-12
Net premiums written	$	11,305
Total revenue	26,778
Total expenses	(17,061		)
Net income	$	9,717

Goodwill_and_other_intangible_

Goodwill and other intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and other intangible assets	'
	. Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Following the Flagstone Acquisition on November 30, 2012, the Company recorded intangible assets (including certain amortization thereon) and a gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses. Intangible assets of $5,997 were recognized in the Validus Re segment as a result of the Flagstone Acquisition (relating to customer relationships and brand name). As of December 31, 2012, the customer relationships and brand name intangible assets have been fully amortized as they were not expected to significantly contribute to the Company’s future cash flows beyond December 31, 2012.
	Following the acquisition of Talbot Holdings Ltd. on July 2, 2007, the Company recorded intangible assets for Syndicate Capacity, Trademark and Distribution Network (including certain amortization thereon) and goodwill. Syndicate Capacity represents Talbot’s authorized premium income limit to write insurance business in the Lloyd’s market. Talbot has owned 100% of Syndicate 1183’s capacity since 2002 and there are no third party tenure rights. The capacity is renewed annually at no cost to Talbot, but may be freely purchased or sold, subject to Lloyd’s approval. The ability to write insurance business under the syndicate capacity is indefinite with the premium income limit being set yearly by Talbot, subject to Lloyd’s approval. Trademark and Distribution Network were estimated to have finite useful economic lives of 10 years on acquisition and are being amortized on a straight line basis over such periods. Syndicate Capacity and goodwill are estimated to have indefinite useful lives. Goodwill includes amounts related to the value of the workforce. The goodwill and intangibles are recorded entirely in the Company’s Talbot segment.
	The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in the Talbot segment:
		Goodwill		Intangible assets		Intangible assets			Total
				with an		with a
				indefinite life		finite life
	Gross balance at December 31, 2013	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	41,616		$	153,852
	Accumulated amortization	—		—		(27,052		)	(27,052		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2013	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	14,564		$	126,800
	Gross balance at December 31, 2012	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	41,616		$	153,852
	Accumulated amortization	—		—		(22,890		)	(22,890		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2012	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	18,726		$	130,962
	Gross balance at December 31, 2011	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	41,616		$	153,852
	Accumulated amortization	—		—		(18,728		)	(18,728		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2011	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	22,888		$	135,124
	The estimated remaining amortization expense for the Trademark and Distribution Network is as follows:
	2014	$	4,162
	2015	4,162
	2016	4,162
	2017	2,078
	2018 and thereafter	—
		$	14,564
	As described in Note 3(n) "Goodwill and other intangible assets," the Company performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was not more likely than not that either goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired. As a result, no quantitative impairment tests were performed during the year ended December 31, 2013. The factors assessed in making this determination included the overall insurance industry outlook, business strategy, premium rates, earnings sustainability, market capitalization and the regulatory and political environment.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	. Investments
	(a)	Fixed maturity, short-term and other investments
	The Company's investments in fixed maturities, short-term investments and other investments are classified as trading and carried at fair value, with related net unrealized gains or losses included in earnings.
	The amortized cost (or cost), gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost or Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value
	U.S. government and government agency	$	1,368,826		$	2,589			$	(6,736	)		$	1,364,679
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	454,578			6,511				(2,021		)		459,068
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	42,978			459				(317		)		43,120
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	305,450			8,310				(2,261		)		311,499
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	16,530			143				(914		)		15,759
	U.S. corporate	1,328,960			9,208				(5,684		)		1,332,484
	Non-U.S. corporate	711,581			5,917				(3,173		)		714,325
	Bank loans	712,859			5,659				(1,402		)		717,116
	Catastrophe bonds	72,000			2,551				—				74,551
	Asset-backed securities	509,091			1,409				(843		)		509,657
	Total fixed maturities	5,522,853			42,756				(23,351		)		5,542,258
	Total short-term investments	751,734			45				(1		)		751,778
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	3,141			83				(921		)		2,303
	Hedge funds (a)	584,518			71,641				(95,076		)		561,083
	Private equity investments	12,333			1,410				(258		)		13,485
	Investment funds	31,537			92				—				31,629
	Mutual funds	6,199			3,617				—				9,816
	Total other investments	637,728			76,843				(96,255		)		618,316
	Total investments including noncontrolling interest	$	6,912,315		$	119,644			$	(119,607	)		$	6,912,352
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	(512,121	)	$	(62,850	)		$	85,569			$	(489,402	)
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest (b)	$	(18,365	)	$	—			$	—			$	(18,365	)
	Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	6,381,829		$	56,794			$	(34,038	)		$	6,404,585
	(a)	Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
	(b)	Included in the Total investments balance are investments held by two AlphaCat ILS funds which are consolidated by the Company but in which the Company has an equity interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest.
	The amortized cost (or cost), gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost or Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value
	U.S. government and government agency	$	1,091,357		$	7,957			$	(84	)		$	1,099,230
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	295,602			6,904				(227		)		302,279
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	41,286			800				(23		)		42,063
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	375,368			13,708				(202		)		388,874
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	106,536			1,266				(1,346		)		106,456
	U.S. corporate	1,189,173			21,681				(681		)		1,210,173
	Non-U.S. corporate	582,115			11,373				(223		)		593,265
	Bank loans	663,217			10,593				(427		)		673,383
	Catastrophe bonds	56,757			481				(291		)		56,947
	Asset-backed securities	607,103			5,767				(206		)		612,664
	Total fixed maturities	5,008,514			80,530				(3,710		)		5,085,334
	Total short-term investments	1,112,929			1,349				(28		)		1,114,250
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	4,677			299				(219		)		4,757
	Hedge funds (a)	559,335			21,814				(42,623		)		538,526
	Private equity investments	12,857			94				—				12,951
	Mutual funds	6,199			2,015				—				8,214
	Total other investments	583,068			24,222				(42,842		)		564,448
	Total investments	$	6,704,511		$	106,101			$	(46,580	)		$	6,764,032
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	(450,000	)	$	(19,427	)		$	36,690			$	(432,737	)
	Total investments, excluding noncontrolling interest	$	6,254,511		$	86,674			$	(9,890	)		$	6,331,295
	(a)	Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio as at December 31, 2013 and 2012. Investment ratings are the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating for each investment security, presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. For investments where Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are not available, Fitch ratings are used and presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating.
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Estimated Fair Value			% of Total			Estimated Fair Value				% of Total
	AAA	$	788,490		14.2	%		$	1,062,794			20.9	%
	AA	2,378,491			42.9	%		1,862,322				36.6	%
	A	1,174,562			21.2	%		1,049,969				20.6	%
	BBB	420,559			7.6	%		374,447				7.4	%
	Total investment-grade fixed maturities	4,762,102			85.9	%		4,349,532				85.5	%
	BB	350,678			6.3	%		373,907				7.4	%
B	390,430			7	%		330,416				6.5	%
CCC	4,659			0.1	%		4,483				0.1	%
CC	2,731			0.1	%		3,259				0.1	%
D/NR	31,658			0.6	%		23,737				0.4	%
Total non-investment grade fixed maturities	780,156			14.1	%		735,802				14.5	%
Total fixed maturities	$	5,542,258		100	%		$	5,085,334			100	%
The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for fixed maturity securities held at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown below by contractual maturity. Actual maturity may differ from contractual maturity because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
	December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	688,855		$	692,768			$	526,529			$	530,499
Due after one year through five years	3,603,459			3,613,847				2,971,118				3,018,544
Due after five years through ten years	396,389			395,633				418,377				424,304
Due after ten years	3,079			3,095				3,483				3,993
	4,691,782			4,705,343				3,919,507				3,977,340
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities	831,071			836,915				1,089,007				1,107,994
Total	$	5,522,853		$	5,542,258			$	5,008,514			$	5,085,334
(b)	Net investment income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:
	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	99,216		$	105,937			$	111,983
Other investments	—			2,790				—
Cash and cash equivalents	4,713			7,259				7,285
Securities lending income	6			14				58
Total gross investment income	103,935			116,000				119,326
Investment expenses	(7,863		)	(8,064		)		(7,030		)
Total net investment income	$	96,072		$	107,936			$	112,296
(c)	Net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments
The following represents an analysis of net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments:
	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
Gross realized gains	$	31,402		$	38,905			$	45,026
Gross realized (losses)	(28,144		)	(20,672		)		(16,494		)
Net realized gains on investments	3,258			18,233				28,532
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(58,481		)	17,585				(19,991		)
Total net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments before noncontrolling interest	(55,223		)	35,818				8,541
Noncontrolling interest (a)	1,836			17,263				—
Total net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments after noncontrolling interest	$	(53,387	)	$	53,081			$	8,541
(a)	Includes realized (gains) and net unrealized losses on investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors.
(d)	Pledged investments
The following tables outline investments pledged as collateral under the Company's credit and other facilities. For further details of the facilities, please refer to Note 19: “Debt and financing arrangements”:
		December 31, 2013
Description		Commitment			Issued and Outstanding				Investments pledged as collateral
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility		$	400,000		$	—			$	—
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility		525,000			358,567				507,620
$200,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility		200,000			16,726				130,256
Talbot FAL facility		25,000			25,000				30,801
PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility		10,000			294				—
AlphaCat Reinsurance secured letter of credit facility		24,800			24,800				24,806
IPC bi-lateral facility		40,000			20,177				98,465
$375,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility		375,000			305,686				454,458
		$	1,599,800		$	751,250			$	1,246,406
		31-Dec-12
Description		Commitment			Issued and Outstanding				Investments pledged as collateral
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility		$	400,000		$	—			$	—
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility		525,000			376,570				517,210
$500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility		500,000			92,402				125,991
Talbot FAL facility		25,000			25,000				41,372
PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility		10,000			219				—
IPC bi-lateral facility		80,000			40,613				98,593
$550,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility		550,000			381,019				416,414
		$	2,090,000		$	915,823			$	1,199,580
In addition, $3,021,893 of cash and cash equivalents and investments were pledged during the normal course of business as at December 31, 2013 (2012: $2,316,727). Of those, $2,942,508 were held in trust (2012: $2,270,716). Pledged assets are generally for the benefit of the Company's cedants and policyholders, to support AlphaCat's fully collateralized reinsurance transactions and to facilitate the accreditation of Talbot as an alien insurer/reinsurer by certain regulators.
(e)    Securities lending
The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby certain securities from its portfolio are loaned to third parties for short periods of time through a lending agent. The Company retains all economic interest in the securities it lends and receives a fee from the borrower for the temporary use of the securities. Collateral in the form of cash, government securities and letters of credit is required at a rate of 102% of the market value of the loaned securities and is held by a third party.

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value measurements	'
	. Fair value measurements
	(a) Classification within the fair value hierarchy
	Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Under U.S. GAAP, a company must determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy for each fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs, which refer broadly to assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, into three levels. It gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
	The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
	Level 1 - Fair values are measured based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.
	Level 2 - Fair values are measured based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 - Fair values are measured based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs reflect our own judgments about assumptions where there is little, if any, market activity for that asset or liability that market participants might use.
	The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the instrument. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment.
	Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This may lead us to change the selection of our valuation technique (for example, from market to cash flow approach) or may cause us to use multiple valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. These circumstances could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels within the fair value hierarchy.
	There have been no material changes in the Company's valuation techniques during the period, or periods, represented by these Consolidated Financial Statements. The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of each class of financial instrument recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3			Total
	U.S. government and government agency	$	—			$	1,364,679	$	—		$	1,364,679
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	—				459,068		—			459,068
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	—				43,120		—			43,120
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				311,499		—			311,499
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				15,759		—			15,759
	U.S. corporate	—				1,332,484		—			1,332,484
	Non-U.S. corporate	—				714,325		—			714,325
	Bank loans	—				717,116		—			717,116
	Catastrophe bonds	—				74,551		—			74,551
	Asset-backed securities	—				509,657		—			509,657
	Total fixed maturities	—				5,542,258		—			5,542,258
	Total short-term investments	747,215				4,563		—			751,778
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	—				—		2,303			2,303
	Hedge funds (a)	—				—		561,083			561,083
	Private equity investments	—				—		13,485			13,485
	Investment funds	—				31,629		—			31,629
	Mutual funds	—				9,816		—			9,816
	Total other investments	—				41,445		576,871			618,316
	Total investments including noncontrolling interest	$	747,215			$	5,588,266	$	576,871		$	6,912,352
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	—			$	—	$	(489,402	)	$	(489,402	)
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest (b)	$	(18,365	)		$	—	$	—		$	(18,365	)
	Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	728,850			$	5,588,266	$	87,469		$	6,404,585
	(a)	Included in the hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
	(b)	Included in the Total investments balance are investments held by two AlphaCat ILS funds which are consolidated by the Company but in which the Company has an equity interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest.
	At December 31, 2012, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3			Total
	U.S. government and government agency	$	—			$	1,099,230	$	—		$	1,099,230
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	—				302,279		—			302,279
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	—				42,063		—			42,063
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				388,874		—			388,874
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				106,456		—			106,456
	U.S. corporate	—				1,210,173		—			1,210,173
	Non-U.S. corporate	—				593,265		—			593,265
	Bank loans	—				673,383		—			673,383
	Catastrophe bonds	—				56,947		—			56,947
	Asset-backed securities	—				612,664		—			612,664
	Total fixed maturities	—				5,085,334		—			5,085,334
	Total short-term investments	1,063,175				51,075		—			1,114,250
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	—				—		4,757			4,757
	Hedge funds (a)	—				—		538,526			538,526
	Private equity investments	—				—		12,951			12,951
	Mutual funds	—				8,214		—			8,214
	Total other investments	—				8,214		556,234			564,448
	Total investments including noncontrolling interest	$	1,063,175			$	5,144,623	$	556,234		$	6,764,032
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	—			$	—	$	(432,737	)	$	(432,737	)
	Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	1,063,175			$	5,144,623	$	123,497		$	6,331,295
	(a)	Included in the hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
	At December 31, 2013, Level 3 investments, excluding the noncontrolling interests, totaled $87,469 (2012: $123,497), representing 1.4% (2012: 2.0%) of total investments.
	(b) Level 1 assets measured at fair value
Short term investments
Level 1 - Short term investments consist primarily of highly liquid securities, all with maturities less than one year from the date of purchase. The fair value of the Company's portfolio of short term investments are generally determined using amortized cost which approximates fair value. The Company determined that certain of its short-term investments held in highly liquid money market-type funds should be included in Level 1 as their fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets.
(c) Level 2 assets measured at fair value
Fixed maturity investments
Fixed maturity investments included in Level 2 are U.S. government and government agency, non-U.S. government and government agency, U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, U.S. corporate, non-U.S. corporate, bank loans, catastrophe bonds and asset-backed securities.
In general, the Company's fixed maturity investment portfolios are priced using pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors, as well as broker quotations. The pricing vendors provide pricing for a high volume of liquid securities that are actively traded. For securities that do not trade on an exchange, the pricing services generally utilize market data and other observable inputs in matrix pricing models to determine month end prices. Prices are generally verified using third party data. Securities which are priced by an index provider are generally included in the index.
In general, broker-dealers value securities through their trading desks based on observable inputs. The methodologies include mapping securities based on trade data, bids or offers, observed spreads, and performance on newly issued securities. Broker-dealers also determine valuations by observing secondary trading of similar securities. Prices obtained from broker quotations are considered non-binding, however they are based on observable inputs and by observing secondary trading of similar securities obtained from active, non-distressed markets.
The Company considers these Level 2 inputs as they are corroborated with other market observable inputs. The techniques generally used to determine the fair value of the Company's fixed maturity investments are detailed below by asset class.
U.S. government and government agency
Level 2 - U.S. government and government agency securities consist primarily of debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and mortgage pass-through agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association. Fixed maturity investments included in U.S. government and government agency securities are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources and integrate other observations from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The fair value of each security is individually computed using analytical models which incorporate option adjusted spreads and other daily interest rate data.
Non-U.S. government and government agency
Level 2 - Non-U.S. government and government agency securities consist of debt securities issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations (also known as sovereign debt securities). Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services who employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets.
U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions
Level 2 - The Company's U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivisions portfolio contains debt securities issued by U.S. domiciled state and municipal entities. These securities are generally priced by independent pricing services using the techniques described for U.S. government and government agency securities described above.
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities
Level 2 - The Company's agency residential mortgage-backed investments are primarily priced by pricing services using a mortgage pool specific model which utilizes daily inputs from the active to be announced ("TBA") market which is very liquid, as well as the U.S. treasury market. The model also utilizes additional information, such as the weighted average maturity, weighted average coupon and other available pool level data which is provided by the sponsoring agency. Valuations are also corroborated with daily active market quotes.
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities
Level 2 - The Company's non-agency mortgage-backed investments include non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments. The Company has no fixed maturity investments classified as sub-prime held in its fixed maturity investments portfolio. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services using an option adjusted spread model or other relevant models, which principally utilize inputs including benchmark yields, available trade information or broker quotes, and issuer spreads. The pricing services also review collateral prepayment speeds, loss severity and delinquencies among other collateral performance indicators for the securities valuation, when applicable.
U.S. corporate
Level 2 - Corporate debt securities consist primarily of investment-grade debt of a wide variety of U.S. corporate issuers and industries. The Company's corporate fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security and obtain credit data, as well as other observations, from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk. In certain instances, securities are individually evaluated using a spread which is added to the U.S. treasury curve or a security specific swap curve as appropriate.
Non-U.S. corporate
Level 2 - Non-U.S. corporate debt securities consist primarily of investment-grade debt of a wide variety of non-U.S. corporate issuers and industries. The Company's non-U.S. corporate fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security and obtain credit data, as well as other observations, from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk.
Bank loans
Level 2 - The Company's bank loan investments consist primarily of below-investment-grade debt of a wide variety of corporate issuers and industries. The Company's bank loans are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security and obtain credit data, as well as other observations, from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk.
Catastrophe bonds
Level 2 - Catastrophe bonds are based on broker or underwriter bid indications.
Asset-backed securities
Level 2 - Asset backed securities include mostly investment-grade debt securities backed by pools of loans with a variety of underlying collateral, including automobile loan receivables, student loans, credit card receivables, and collateralized loan obligations originated by a variety of financial institutions. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bids and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services determine the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using historical prepayment and default projections for the underlying collateral and current market data. In addition, a spread is applied to the relevant benchmark and used to discount the cash flows noted above to determine the fair value of the securities held in this sector.
Short term investments
Level 2 - Short term investments consist primarily of highly liquid securities, all with maturities less than one year from the date of purchase. The fair value of the Company's portfolio of short term investments are generally determined using amortized cost which approximates fair value. The Company has determined that, other than highly liquid money market-type funds, the remaining securities are classified within Level 2 because these securities are typically not actively traded due to their approaching maturity and, as such, their amortized cost approximates fair value.
Investment fund
Level 2 - Investment fund consists of a pooled investment which is invested in fixed income securities with high credit ratings. The investment fund is only open to Lloyd’ trust fund participants. The fair value of units in the investment fund is based on the net asset value of the fund as reported by Lloyd’s Treasury & Investment Management.
Mutual funds
Level 2 - Mutual funds consist of two investment funds which are invested in various quoted investments. The fair value of units in the mutual funds are based on the net asset value of the funds as reported by the fund manager.
There have not been any transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2012.
(d) Level 3 assets measured at fair value
Other investments
Level 3 includes financial instruments that are valued using market approach and income approach valuation techniques. These models incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs. The Company's hedge funds, a fund of hedge funds and private equity investments are the only financial instruments in this category as at December 31, 2013. For each respective hedge fund investment, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the fund administrators and investment managers to ensure that the hedge fund investments are following fair value principles consistent with U.S. GAAP in determining the net asset value (“NAV”).
Within the hedge fund industry, there is a general lack of transparency necessary to facilitate a detailed independent assessment of the values placed on the securities underlying the NAV provided by the fund manager or fund administrator. To address this, on a quarterly basis, we perform a number of monitoring procedures designed to assist us in the assessment of the quality of the information provided by managers and administrators. These procedures include, but are not limited to, regular review and discussion of each fund's performance with its manager and regular evaluation of fund performance against applicable benchmarks.
Fund of hedge funds
The fund of hedge funds includes a side pocket. When redemption requests are submitted, the timing of receipt of proceeds on the side pocket is unknown. The fund's administrator provides a monthly reported NAV with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the fund administrator's November 30, 2013 NAV was used as a basis for fair value measurement in the Company's December 31, 2013 balance sheet. The fund manager provides an estimate of the fund NAV at December 31, 2013 based on the estimated performance provided from the underlying funds. To determine the reasonableness of the NAV, the Company compares the one-month delayed fund administrator's NAV to the fund manager's estimated NAV that incorporates relevant valuation sources on a timely basis. Material variances are recorded in the current reporting period while immaterial variances are recorded in the following reporting period. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the fund of hedge funds is classified as a Level 3 asset.
Hedge funds
The hedge funds were valued at $561,083 at December 31, 2013. The hedge funds consist of an investment in four Paulson & Co. managed funds (the "Paulson hedge funds") and one investment fund assumed from the Flagstone Acquisition (the "Flagstone investment funds").
The Paulson hedge funds' administrator provides monthly reported NAVs with a one-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the funds' administrator's November 30, 2013 NAV was used as a partial basis for fair value measurement in the Company's December 31, 2013 balance sheet. The fund manager provides an estimate of the NAV as at December 31, 2013 based on estimated performance. The Company adjusts fair value to the fund manager's estimated NAV that incorporates relevant valuation sources on a timely basis. To determine the reasonableness of the estimated NAV, the Company assesses the variance between the fund manager's estimated NAV and the fund administrator's NAV. Material variances are recorded in the current reporting period while immaterial variances are recorded in the following reporting period. Historically, our valuation estimates have not materially differed from the subsequent NAVs.
The Flagstone investment fund's administrators provide quarterly NAVs with a one-quarter delay in valuation. As a result, the September 30, 2013 NAV was used as a basis for fair value measurement in the Company's December 31, 2013 balance sheet.
As these valuation techniques incorporate both observable and significant unobservable inputs, both the Paulson hedge funds and the Flagstone investment funds are classified as Level 3 assets. The Paulson hedge funds are subject to quarterly liquidity.
Private equity investments
Private equity investments consist of investments in three private equity funds assumed from the Flagstone Acquisition. The private equity investment's fund administrators provide quarterly or semi-annual NAVs with a one quarter or a six month delay in valuation. As a result, the September 30, 2013 NAV was used as a basis for fair value measurement in the Company's December 31, 2013 balance sheet. As this valuation technique incorporates both observable and significant unobservable inputs, the private equity investments are classified as Level 3 assets.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Total Fair Market Value			Total Fair Market Value
Level 3 investments—Beginning of period	$	556,234		$	8,880
Purchases	99,037			572,287
Sales	(82,000		)	(1,682		)
Issuances	—			—
Settlements	—			—
Realized gains	6,132			100
Unrealized (losses)	(2,532		)	(21,018		)
Amortization	—			—
Transfers into Level 3 during the year	—			920
Transfers from Level 3 during the year	—			(3,253		)
Level 3 investments—End of period	$	576,871		$	556,234
Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	(489,402	)	$	(432,737	)
Level 3 investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	87,469		$	123,497
(a)	Includes Level 3 investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
There have not been any transfers into or out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2013. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, there was a transfer of an investment into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This transfer was due to the conversion of a bank loan to other investments. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, there was a transfer of a private equity investment out of Level 3 “Other investments” to “Investments in affiliates.” Refer to Note 9 “Investments in affiliates.”
(e) Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
U.S. GAAP guidance about the fair value of financial instruments are also applicable to disclosures of financial instruments not carried at fair value, except for certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts and investments in affiliates. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents (including restricted amounts), accrued investment income, other assets, net payable for investments purchased and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated their fair values at December 31, 2013, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.

Investments_in_affiliates

Investments in affiliates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investment in affiliates	'
	. Investments in affiliates
	The following table presents the Company's investments in affiliates as at the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Investment affiliate	$	34,500		$	15,218
	Operating affiliates	106,743			157,111
	Investments in affiliates	$	141,243		$	172,329
	(a)	Investment affiliate
	Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.
	On December 20, 2011, the Company entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Assignor”) and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the “General Partner”) pursuant to which the Company has assumed 100% of the Assignor’s interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the “Partnership”) representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the “Commitment”), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the “Transferred Interest”). The Transferred Interest is governed by the terms of an Amended and Restated Exempted Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of July 2, 2010 (the “Limited Partnership Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Limited Partnership Agreement, the Commitment will expire on July 2, 2015. The Partnership provides quarterly capital account statements with a three-month delay in its valuation. As a result, the Partnership's September 30, 2013 capital account statement was used as the basis for calculating the Company's share of partnership.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending investments in the Company’s investment affiliate balances for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Investment in affiliate, beginning of period	$	15,218		$	3,253
	Capital contributions	14,492			14,365
	Net unrealized (loss) on investments (a)	—			(1,436		)
	Income (loss) from investment affiliate	4,790			(964		)
	Investment in affiliate, end of period	$	34,500		$	15,218
	(a)	Until March 31, 2012, this investment was included in "Other investments" as a level 3 investment in the fair value hierarchy, hence the change in fair value was included in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments.
	The following table presents the Company’s investment in the Partnership as at December 31, 2013:
		Investment at cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Carrying value
	Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.	$	32,110		—	%		6.7	%		$	34,500
	The following table presents the Company’s investment in the Partnership as at December 31, 2012:
		Investment at cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Carrying value
	Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.	$	17,618		—	%		6.7	%		$	15,218
	(b)	Operating affiliates
	AlphaCat Re 2011 Ltd.
	On May 25, 2011, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. ("AlphaCat Re 2011"), a special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance. AlphaCat Re 2011 was a market facing entity.
	At the time of formation, the Company had a majority voting equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011 and, as a result, the financial statements of AlphaCat Re 2011 were included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. On December 23, 2011, AlphaCat Re 2011 completed a secondary offering of its common shares to third party investors, along with a partial sale of the Company's common shares to one of the third party investors.
	As a result of these transactions, the Company maintained an equity interest in AlphaCat Re 2011, however its share of AlphaCat Re 2011’s outstanding voting rights decreased to 43.7%. As a result of the Company’s voting interest falling below 50%, the individual assets and liabilities and corresponding noncontrolling interest of AlphaCat Re 2011 were derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as at December 31, 2011 and the remaining investment in AlphaCat Re 2011 has been treated as an equity method investment effective January 1, 2012.
	AlphaCat Re 2011 is now considered "off-risk" as the risk periods for all reinsurance contracts written by the Company have expired. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2013 partial returns of investment were made to the investors of AlphaCat Re 2011. The Company's portion of the returns of investment was $54,914.
	AlphaCat Re 2012, Ltd.
	On May 29, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat Re 2012, Ltd. ("AlphaCat Re 2012"), a special purpose reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance with a particular focus on windstorm risks for Florida domiciled insurance companies. AlphaCat Re 2012 was a market facing entity.
	The Company holds an equity interest of 37.9% and a voting interest of 49.0% in AlphaCat Re 2012, therefore the investment has been treated as an equity method investment.
	AlphaCat Re 2012 is now considered "off-risk" as the risk periods for all reinsurance contracts written by the Company have expired. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2013, partial returns of investment were made to the investors of AlphaCat Re 2012. The Company's portion of the returns of investment was $31,743.
	AlphaCat Master Fund Ltd. and AlphaCat Reinsurance Ltd.
	The Company utilizes AlphaCat Master Fund Ltd. (the “Master Fund”) and AlphaCat Reinsurance Ltd. (“AlphaCat Re”) for the purpose of investing in capital market products and writing collateralized reinsurance, respectively, on behalf of certain AlphaCat operating entities. Master Fund and AlphaCat Re are market facing entities which enter into transactions on behalf of AlphaCat 2013, Ltd., AlphaCat 2014, Ltd. and the AlphaCat ILS funds. The Company owns all of the voting equity interest in Master Fund and AlphaCat Re and, as a result, their financial statements are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
	AlphaCat 2013, Ltd.
	On December 17, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat 2013, Ltd. ("AlphaCat 2013"), an entity formed for the purpose of investing in collateralized reinsurance. The Company holds an equity interest of 19.7% and a voting interest of 40.9% in AlphaCat 2013, therefore the investment has been treated as an equity method investment. AlphaCat 2013 deploys its capital through transactions entered into by AlphaCat Re.
	AlphaCat 2014, Ltd.
	On December 20, 2013, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing AlphaCat 2014, Ltd. (“AlphaCat 2014”), an entity formed for the purpose of writing collateralized reinsurance and retrocessional contracts for the January 1, 2014 renewal season. The Company holds an equity interest of 19.6% and a voting interest of 42.3% in AlphaCat 2014, therefore the investment has been treated as an equity method investment. AlphaCat 2014 deploys its capital through transactions entered into by AlphaCat Re.
	AlphaCat ILS funds
	The AlphaCat ILS funds invest in instruments with returns linked to property catastrophe reinsurance, retrocession and insurance linked securities ("ILS") contracts. Two of the three funds are variable interest entities and are consolidated by the Company as the primary beneficiary. The other fund is also a variable interest entity, however, it is not consolidated as the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company holds an equity interest of 9.1% in this fund, therefore it has been treated as an equity method investment. AlphaCat ILS funds all deploy their capital through the Master Fund and AlphaCat Re. The Company's maximum exposure to any of the funds is the amount of capital invested less any subsequent return of capital.
	The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending investment in operating affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		AlphaCat Re 2011			AlphaCat Re 2012				AlphaCat 2013				AlphaCat 2014			AlphaCat ILS fund		Total
	As at December 31, 2012	$	62,792		$	29,319			$	45,000			$	—		$	20,000	$	157,111
	Purchase of shares	—			—				—				22,000			—		22,000
	Return of investment	(54,914		)	(31,743		)		—				—			—		(86,657		)
	Income (loss) from operating affiliates	1,931			3,737				6,744				(18		)	1,895		14,289
	As at December 31, 2013	$	9,809		$	1,313			$	51,744			$	21,982		$	21,895	$	106,743
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		AlphaCat Re 2011			AlphaCat Re 2012				AlphaCat 2013				AlphaCat ILS fund			Total
	As at December 31, 2011	$	53,031		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	53,031
	Purchase of shares	—			26,500				45,000				20,000			91,500
	Income from operating affiliates	9,761			2,819				—				—			12,580
	As at December 31, 2012	$	62,792		$	29,319			$	45,000			$	20,000		$	157,111
	The following table presents the Company's investments in AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012, AlphaCat 2013, AlphaCat 2014, and the AlphaCat ILS fund in the Consolidated Financial Statements as at December 31, 2013:
		Investment in operating affiliates
		Cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Carrying value
	AlphaCat Re 2011	$	9,882		43.7	%		22.3	%		$	9,809
	AlphaCat Re 2012	654			49	%		37.9	%		1,313
	AlphaCat 2013	45,000			40.9	%		19.7	%		51,744
	AlphaCat 2014	22,000			42.3	%		19.6	%		21,982
	AlphaCat ILS fund	20,000			—	%		9.1	%		21,895
Total	$	97,536								$	106,743
The following table presents the Company's investments in AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012, AlphaCat 2013 and the AlphaCat ILS fund in the Consolidated Financial Statements as at December 31, 2012:
	Investment in operating affiliates
	Investment at cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Share of net asset value
AlphaCat Re 2011	$	41,389		43.7	%		22.3	%		$	62,792
AlphaCat Re 2012	26,500			49	%		37.9	%		29,319
AlphaCat 2013	45,000			40.9	%		19.7	%		45,000
AlphaCat ILS fund	20,000			—	%		11.8	%		20,000
Total	$	132,889								$	157,111
The following table presents certain summarized financial information of the AlphaCat entities as at December 31, 2013 and for the year then ended:
	Combined investees summarized financial data
	Total assets			Total liabilities				Total revenue				Net income
AlphaCat Re 2011	$	49,134		$	13,216			$	(3,698	)		$	8,680
AlphaCat Re 2012	$	7,767		$	4,737			$	12,283			$	9,869
AlphaCat 2013	$	266,189		$	3,792			$	48,945			$	34,252
AlphaCat 2014	$	158,623		$	93			$	—			$	(89	)
AlphaCat ILS funds (a)	$	239,071		$	57			$	21,506			$	19,242
(a) AlphaCat ILS funds information includes all funds, including those where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
(c)	Notes payable and (income) attributable to operating affiliates
Notes are issued during the course of a year by Master Fund and AlphaCat Re to AlphaCat 2013, the AlphaCat ILS funds (collectively the “feeder funds”) and any similarly-structured future feeder fund, such as AlphaCat 2014, in order to fund the purchase of capital market products and to write collateralized reinsurance on their behalf. The Company’s investments in the feeder funds, together with investments made by third parties, are provided as consideration for these notes to Master Fund and AlphaCat Re, which are consolidated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The effective economic interest in Master Fund and AlphaCat Re that results from these transactions is represented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Notes payable to operating affiliates. The subsequent income or loss generated by the relevant capital market products or collateralized reinsurance is transferred to the operating affiliates as (income) loss attributable to operating affiliate investors in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The (income) loss attributable to operating affiliate investors had not been returned to investors at December 31, 2013 and was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Notes issued during the year ended December 31, 2013 amounted to $439,272 (2012: $nil). As the underlying capital market products and collateralized reinsurance typically have at least a twelve month duration, no repayment of these notes occurred during the year ended December 31, 2013. The notes do not have any principal amount, since the final amount payable is dependent on the income or loss as discussed above. They also do not have any stated maturity date, since full repayment is dependent on the settlement of the underlying transactions.
The following table presents the notes payable to the AlphaCat entities as at December 31, 2013:
	December 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012
AlphaCat 2013	$	223,809		$	—
AlphaCat ILS funds	215,463			—
Notes payable to operating affiliates	$	439,272		$	—
The portion of notes payable to operating affiliates that were due to the Company, as an investor in the affiliates, and third party investors as at December 31, 2013 amounted to $63,654 and $375,618, respectively.
The following table presents the (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
	2013			2012				2011
AlphaCat 2013	$	(47,329	)	$	—			$	—
AlphaCat ILS funds	(21,434		)	—				—
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	$	(68,763	)	$	—			$	—
The portion of (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors that was due to the Company, as an investor in the affiliates, and third party investors for the year ended December 31, 2013 amounted to $11,437 and $57,326, respectively.

Noncontrolling_interest

Noncontrolling interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling interest	'
	. Noncontrolling interest
	On April 2, 2012, the Company joined with other investors in capitalizing PaCRe Ltd. ("PaCRe"), a Class 4 Bermuda reinsurer formed for the purpose of writing high excess property catastrophe reinsurance. The Company has an equity interest of 10% and the remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors. The Company has a majority voting equity interest in PaCRe and as a result, the financial statements of PaCRe are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
	The portion of PaCRe’s earnings attributable to third party investors is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest. PaCRe's shareholder rights do not include redemption features within the control of the third party shareholders. The third party equity is recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
	The portion of the two consolidated AlphaCat ILS funds attributable to third party investors is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest. The AlphaCat ILS funds have rights that enable shareholders, subject to certain limitations, to redeem their shares. The third party equity is therefore recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest. When and if a redemption notice is received, the amounts will be reclassified to a liability.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of redeemable noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling interest for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest			Noncontrolling interest			Total
	As at December 31, 2011	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Issuance of shares	—			450,100			450,100
	(Loss) attributable to third parties	—			(15,820		)	(15,820		)
	As at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	434,280		$	434,280
	Issuance of shares	92,190			58,500			150,690
	Income attributable to third parties	4,818			4,877			9,695
	Redemption of shares	(10,496		)	—			(10,496		)
	As at December 31, 2013	$	86,512		$	497,657		$	584,169

Derivative_instruments_used_in

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative instruments used in hedging activities	'
	. Derivative instruments
	The Company enters into derivative instruments for risk management purposes, specifically to hedge unmatched foreign currency exposures and interest rate exposures. As at December 31, 2013, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in the Euro, Chilean Peso, Australian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, Norwegian Krone and British Pound Sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rates. As at December 31, 2013, the Company held two interest rate swaps to fix the payment of interest on the Company's 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, as well as three interest rate swaps and one cross-currency interest rate swap to fix the payment of interest and mitigate the foreign exchange rate impact on Flagstone's 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures.
	As part of the Flagstone Acquisition, the Company assumed foreign currency forward contracts which were not designated as hedging instruments. The contracts expired on July 15, 2013, following which the Company entered into new foreign currency contracts that aligned with the Company's foreign currency hedging strategy. As of December 31, 2013, all foreign currency forward contracts were designated as hedging instruments.
	The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the fair value derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			As at December 31, 2013								As at December 31, 2012
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:		Net notional exposure			Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)			Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Net notional exposure		Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)
	Currency swaps		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	17,153	$	—	$	772
	Foreign currency forward contracts		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	310,541	$	—	$	394
	(a)	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			As at December 31, 2013								As at December 31, 2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:		Net notional exposure			Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)			Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Net notional exposure		Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)
	Foreign currency forward contracts		$	163,576		$	1,167		$	2,313	$	35,976	$	—	$	223
	Interest rate swap contracts		$	552,263		$	—		$	911	$	289,800	$	—	$	220
	(a)	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	(a)	Derivative instruments designated as a fair value hedge
	The Company designates its derivative instruments as fair value hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivatives to specific assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedges, both at inception and on an on-going basis and determines whether the hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the linked hedged items.
	The following table provides the total impact on earnings, recognized in income within foreign exchange gains (losses), relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as fair value hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		$	1,947		$	1,017
	Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		$	(1,947	)	$	(912	)
	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)		$	—		$	105
	(b)	Derivative instruments designated as a cash flow hedge
	The Company designates its interest rate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges and formally and contemporaneously documents all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items and links the hedging derivatives to specific assets and liabilities. The Company assesses the effectiveness of the hedges, both at inception and on an on-going basis and determines whether the hedges are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the linked hedged items. The Company currently applies the long haul method when assessing the hedge's effectiveness.
	The following table provides the total impact on other comprehensive (loss) income and earnings relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as cash flow hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Interest rate swap contracts		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Amount of effective portion recognized in other comprehensive income		$	11,107		$	1,588
	Amount of effective portion subsequently reclassified to earnings		$	(11,107	)	$	(1,588	)
	Amount of ineffective portion excluded from effectiveness testing		$	—		$	—
	The above balances relate to interest payments and have therefore been classified as finance expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	(c)	Balance sheet offsetting
	There was no balance sheet offsetting activity as at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	The Company currently provides cash collateral as security for interest rate swap contracts. The Company does not provide cash collateral or financial instruments as security for foreign currency forward contracts. Our derivative instruments are generally traded under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements, which establish terms that apply to all transactions. On a periodic basis, the amounts receivable from or payable to the counterparties are settled in cash.
	The Company has not elected to settle multiple transactions with an individual counterparty on a net basis.

Premiums_receivable

Premiums receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Premiums receivable	'
	. Premiums receivable
	Premiums receivable are composed of premiums in the course of collection, net of commissions and brokerage, and premiums accrued but unbilled, net of commissions and brokerage. It is common practice in the insurance and reinsurance industry for premiums to be paid on an installment basis, therefore significant amounts will be considered unbilled and will not become due until a future date, which is typically no later than expiration of the underlying coverage period. The following is a breakdown of the components of premiums receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Premiums			Premiums		Total
		in course			accrued
		of collection			but unbilled
	Balance as at December 31, 2012	$	214,891		$	587,268	$	802,159
	Change during 2013	(141,189		)	36,263		(104,926		)
	Balance as at December 31, 2013	$	73,702		$	623,531	$	697,233
	Balance as at December 31, 2011	$	175,111		$	471,243	$	646,354
	Change during 2012	39,780			116,025		155,805
	Balance as at December 31, 2012	$	214,891		$	587,268	$	802,159

Reserve_for_losses_and_loss_ex

Reserve for losses and loss expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]	'
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	'
	. Reserve for losses and loss expenses
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses are based in part upon the estimation of case reserves from broker, insured and ceding company reported data. The Company also uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate ultimate expected losses and loss expenses, from which incurred but not reported losses can be calculated. The period of time from the occurrence of a loss to the reporting of a loss to the Company and to the settlement of the Company's liability may be several months or years. During this period, additional facts and trends may be revealed. As these factors become apparent, reserves will be adjusted, sometimes requiring an increase or decrease in the overall reserves of the Company, and at other times requiring a reallocation of incurred but not reported reserves to specific case reserves. These estimates are reviewed and adjusted regularly, and such adjustments, if any, are reflected in earnings in the period in which they become known. While management believes that it has made a reasonable estimate of ultimate losses, there can be no assurances that ultimate losses and loss expenses will not exceed this estimate.
	The following table represents an analysis of paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses incurred and a reconciliation of the beginning and ending unpaid losses and loss expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	$	3,517,573		$	2,631,143		$	2,035,973
	Losses and loss expenses recoverable	(439,967		)	(372,485		)	(283,134		)
	Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	3,077,606			2,258,658			1,752,839
	Net reserves (disposed) acquired	(36,519		)	639,641			—
	Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred in respect of losses occurring in:
	Current year	999,380			1,174,415			1,400,520
	Prior years	(205,448		)	(174,969		)	(156,119		)
	Total incurred losses and loss expenses	793,932			999,446			1,244,401
	Less net losses and loss expenses paid in respect of losses occurring in:
	Current year	(244,682		)	(182,146		)	(266,247		)
	Prior years	(916,796		)	(653,874		)	(476,779		)
	Total net paid losses	(1,161,478		)	(836,020		)	(743,026		)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	(13,296		)	15,881			4,444
	Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year	2,660,245			3,077,606			2,258,658
	Losses and loss expenses recoverable	370,154			439,967			372,485
	Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year	$	3,030,399		$	3,517,573		$	2,631,143
	Incurred losses and loss expenses comprise:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Gross losses and loss expenses	$	924,986		$	1,192,494		$	1,555,275
	Reinsurance recoverable	(131,054		)	(193,048		)	(310,874		)
	Net incurred losses and loss expenses	$	793,932		$	999,446		$	1,244,401
	The December 31, 2013 and 2012 gross reserves balances comprise reserves for reported claims of $1,537,881 and $1,719,098, respectively, and reserves for claims incurred but not reported of $1,492,518 and $1,798,475, respectively. The net favorable development on prior years by segment and line of business is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Property			Marine			Specialty			Total (a)
	Validus Re	$	(81,610	)	$	26,705		$	(4,353	)	$	(59,258	)
	Talbot	(45,692		)	(46,092		)	(54,406		)	(146,190		)
	Net (favorable) development	$	(127,302	)	$	(19,387	)	$	(58,759	)	$	(205,448	)
	Validus Re property and specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower claims emergence on attritional losses, although the property lines experienced unfavorable development due to increased estimate of ultimate losses on New Zealand earthquakes. Validus Re marine lines experienced unfavorable development primarily due to an increased estimate of ultimate losses on Costa Concordia. Talbot experienced favorable development across all lines, primarily due to lower than expected claims development on attritional losses.
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Property			Marine			Specialty			Total (a)
	Validus Re	$	(45,733	)	$	(11,298	)	$	(15,530	)	$	(72,561	)
	Talbot	(26,263		)	(40,060		)	(36,085		)	(102,408		)
	Net (favorable) development	$	(71,996	)	$	(51,358	)	$	(51,615	)	$	(174,969	)
	Validus Re property and marine lines experienced favorable development primarily due to a reduction in the loss estimates on attritional losses, partially offset by increases in loss estimates on notable losses. Validus Re specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims development on attritional losses. Talbot experienced favorable development across all lines, primarily due to lower than expected development on attritional losses.
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Property			Marine			Specialty			Total (a)
	Validus Re	$	(49,020	)	$	(10,234	)	$	(9,356	)	$	(68,610	)
	Talbot	(22,169		)	(31,382		)	(33,958		)	(87,509		)
	Net (favorable) development	$	(71,189	)	$	(41,616	)	$	(43,314	)	$	(156,119	)
	(a)	AlphaCat has not had any development on prior accident years.
	Validus Re property and marine lines experienced favorable development primarily due to a reduction in the loss estimates on both large, non-notable loss events and attritional losses. Validus Re specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims development on attritional losses, partially offset by adverse development on large, non-notable loss events. Talbot property lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims development on large, non-notable losses and attritional losses. Talbot marine and specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected development on attritional losses.

Accounts_payable

Accounts payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'
	. Accounts payable and accrued expenses
	The following are the components of accounts payable and accrued expenses:
		Years Ended
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accrued interest on debt	$	10,686	$	10,662
	Accrued income attributable to operating affiliates	68,763		—
	Trade and compensation payables	198,738		156,915
	Total	$	278,187	$	167,577

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	. Reinsurance
	The Company enters into reinsurance and retrocession agreements in order to mitigate its accumulation of loss, reduce its liability on individual risks, enable it to underwrite policies with higher limits and increase its aggregate capacity. The cession of insurance and reinsurance does not legally discharge the Company from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, and the Company is required to pay the loss and bear collection risk if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance or retrocession agreement. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the underlying liabilities.
	(a)	Effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned
	The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Validus Re								AlphaCat							Talbot						Eliminations						Total
		Written				Earned				Written				Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
	Direct	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	544,722		$	519,045		$	—		$	—		$	544,722		$	519,045
	Assumed	1,242,522				1,360,735				147,009				137,939			547,168			532,069			(80,315		)	(78,833		)	1,856,384			1,951,910
	Ceded	(226,264		)		(226,798		)		(525		)		(525		)	(226,111		)	(220,420		)	80,315			78,833			(372,585		)	(368,910		)
	Total	$	1,016,258			$	1,133,937			$	146,484			$	137,414		$	865,779		$	830,694		$	—		$	—		$	2,028,521		$	2,102,045
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Validus Re								AlphaCat							Talbot						Eliminations						Total
		Written				Earned				Written				Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
	Direct	$	1,551			$	364			$	—			$	—		$	548,940		$	535,508		$	—		$	—		$	550,491		$	535,872
	Assumed	1,130,408				1,174,681				21,603				17,666			529,696			529,544			(65,758		)	(73,934		)	1,615,949			1,647,957
	Ceded	(144,578		)		(151,774		)		—				—			(228,686		)	(232,773		)	65,758			73,934			(307,506		)	(310,613		)
	Total	$	987,381			$	1,023,271			$	21,603			$	17,666		$	849,950		$	832,279		$	—		$	—		$	1,858,934		$	1,873,216
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Validus Re								AlphaCat							Talbot						Eliminations						Total
		Written				Earned				Written				Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
	Direct	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	510,200		$	480,432		$	—		$	—		$	510,200		$	480,432
	Assumed	1,114,493				1,092,951				75,727				65,966			503,922			507,383			(79,651		)	(75,976		)	1,614,491			1,590,324
	Ceded	(150,718		)		(127,026		)		—				—			(218,174		)	(217,563		)	79,651			75,976			(289,241		)	(268,613		)
	Total	$	963,775			$	965,925			$	75,727			$	65,966		$	795,948		$	770,252		$	—		$	—		$	1,835,450		$	1,802,143
	(b)	Credit risk
	The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentration of credit risk arising from its exposure to individual reinsurers. The reinsurance program is generally placed with reinsurers whose rating, at the time of placement, is A- or better, as rated by Standard & Poor’s, or the equivalent with other rating agencies. Exposure to a single reinsurer is also controlled with restrictions dependent on rating. At December 31, 2013, 96.7% (2012: 97.9%) of reinsurance recoverables (which includes loss reserves recoverable and recoverables on paid losses) were fully collateralized or from reinsurers rated A- or better and included $196,840 of total IBNR recoverable (2012: $185,255).
	Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer are as follows:
		December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
		Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total			Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total
	Top 10 reinsurers	$	340,253			75.6	%		$	360,234			74.1	%
	Other reinsurers’ balances > $1 million	100,784				22.4	%		115,262				23.7	%
	Other reinsurers’ balances < $1 million	9,197				2	%		10,906				2.2	%
	Total	$	450,234			100	%		$	486,402			100	%
			December 31, 2013
	Top 10 Reinsurers		Rating		Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total
	Lloyd's Syndicates		A+		$	73,398			16.3	%
	National Indemnity		AA+		51,037				11.3	%
	Everest Re		A+		48,055				10.7	%
	Hannover Re		AA-		41,483				9.2	%
	Fully Collateralized		NR		36,683				8.1	%
	Third Point Reinsurance Ltd		A-		30,428				6.8	%
	Swiss Re		AA-		20,022				4.4	%
	Transatlantic Re		A+		14,114				3.1	%
	XL Re		A+		12,673				2.8	%
	Munich Re		AA-		12,360				2.7	%
	Total				$	340,253			75.6	%
			December 31, 2012
	Top 10 Reinsurers		Rating		Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total
	Lloyd’s Syndicates		A+		$	71,469			14.7	%
	National Indemnity		AA+		59,941				12.3	%
	Everest Re		A+		51,340				10.6	%
	Fully Collateralized		NR		47,445				9.8	%
	Hannover Re		AA-		40,552				8.3	%
	Munich Re		AA-		20,954				4.3	%
	Transatlantic Re		A+		20,320				4.2	%
	Swiss Re		AA-		16,992				3.5	%
	Allianz		AA-		16,367				3.4	%
	XL Re		A		14,854				3.1	%
	Total				$	360,234			74.1	%
	NR: Not rated
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the provision for uncollectible reinsurance relating to reinsurance recoverables was $5,794 and $6,602, respectively. To estimate the provision for uncollectible reinsurance, the reinsurance recoverable is first allocated to applicable reinsurers. This determination is based on a process rather than an estimate, although an element of judgment is applied, especially in relation to ceded IBNR. The Company then uses default factors to determine the portion of a reinsurer’s balance deemed to be uncollectible. Default factors require considerable judgment and are determined in part using the current rating, or rating equivalent, of each reinsurer as well as other key considerations and assumptions.

Share_capital

Share capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Share capital	'
	. Share capital
	(a)	Authorized and issued
	The Company’s authorized share capital is 571,428,571 common shares with a par value of $0.175 per share. The holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends. Holders of common shares are allocated one vote per share, provided that, if the controlled shares of any shareholder or group of related shareholders constitute more than 9.09 percent of the outstanding common shares of the Company, their voting power will be reduced to 9.09 percent.
	The Company may from time to time repurchase its securities, including common shares, Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures and Senior Notes. On October 31, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an increase in the Company's common share repurchase authorization to $500,000. This amount was in addition to the $1,567,380 of common shares repurchased by the Company through October 31, 2013 under its previously authorized share repurchase programs.
	The Company has repurchased approximately 56,805,310 common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $1,720,349 from the inception of its share repurchase program to December 31, 2013. The Company had $347,031 remaining under its authorized share repurchase program as of December 31, 2013.
	The Company expects the purchases under its share repurchase program to be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, form and amount of the share repurchases under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the Company’s capital position relative to internal and rating agency targets, legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.
	On November 30, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Flagstone from a group of institutional and other investors. Pursuant to a merger agreement, the Company acquired all of Flagstone's outstanding common shares in exchange for the Company's common shares and cash. The Company issued 14,202,664 common shares, net of 87,725 shares withheld for income taxes, valued at $34.87 per share as partial consideration for the acquisition. In addition, 1,638,875 common shares recorded in treasury are owned by Validus UPS, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As part of the Flagstone Acquisition, warrants to acquire Flagstone shares were converted into 121,942 warrants to acquire the Company's common shares. In accordance with the merger agreement, these warrants had a $62.02 strike price and expired without being exercised on December 31, 2013.
	The following table is a summary of the common shares issued and outstanding:
		Common Shares
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2012	152,698,191
	Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	796,838
	Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	14,381
	Options exercised	351,509
	Warrants exercised	591,480
	Direct issuance of common stock	1,266
	Performance shares vested, net of shares withheld	31,897
	Deferred share units vested, net of shares withheld	2,935
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2013	154,488,497
	Treasury shares, December 31, 2013	(58,444,185	)
	Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2013	96,044,312
		Common Shares
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2011	134,503,065
	Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	1,572,634
	Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	15,173
	Options exercised	439,065
	Warrants exercised	326,715
	Direct issuance of common stock	15,841,539
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2012	152,698,191
	Treasury shares, December 31, 2012	(44,776,932	)
	Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2012	107,921,259
		Common Shares
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2010	132,838,111
	Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	569,104
	Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	9,497
	Employee seller shares vested	197,174
	Options exercised	459,932
	Warrants exercised	428,884
	Direct issuance of common stock	363
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2011	134,503,065
	Treasury shares, December 31, 2011	(35,031,985	)
	Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2011	99,471,080
	(b)	Warrants
	The Company had total outstanding warrants as at December 31, 2013 of 5,296,056 (2012: 6,410,472), with each warrant providing the holder with the option to purchase a common share. No further warrants are anticipated to be issued.
	The warrants may be settled using either the physical settlement or net-share settlement methods. The warrants have been classified as equity instruments, in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging, Contracts in Entity’s own Equity.” The warrants were measured at fair value and recorded in additional paid-in capital.
	The fair value of each warrant issued was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The volatility assumption used, of approximately 30.0%, was derived from the historical volatility of the share price of a range of publicly-traded Bermuda reinsurance companies of a similar business nature to the Company. No allowance was made for any potential illiquidity associated with the private trading of the Company’s shares. The other assumptions in the warrant-pricing model were as follows:
		July 24,			February 3,			December 15,
		2007			2006			2005
		Issuance			Issuance			Issuance
	Warrants issued	256,409			8,593			8,446,727
	Average strike price	$	20		$	17.5		$	17.5
	Volatility	30		%	30		%	30		%
	Risk-free rate	4.5		%	4.5		%	4.5		%
	Expected dividend yield	0		%	0		%	0		%
	Expected term (years)	8			10			10
	Calculated fair value per warrant	$	11.28		$	8.89		$	8.89
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, 1,114,416 warrants were exercised which resulted in the issuance of 591,480 common shares. During the year ended December 31, 2012, 628,147 warrants were exercised which resulted in the issuance of 326,715 common shares. Holders of the outstanding warrants are entitled to exercise the warrant in whole or in part at any time until the expiration date.
	(c)	Deferred share units
	Under the terms of the Company’s Director Stock Compensation Plan, non-management directors may elect to receive their director fees in deferred share units rather than cash. The number of share units distributed in case of election under the plan is equal to the amount of the annual retainer fee otherwise payable to the director on such payment date divided by 100% of the fair market value of a share on such payment date. Additional deferred share units are issued in lieu of dividends that accrue on these deferred share units. There were no outstanding deferred share units at December 31, 2013 (2012: 5,001).
	As of February 16, 2013, John Hendrickson became an employee director. As a result, his 5,039 deferred share units vested and 2,935 common shares were issued to him, net of shares withheld for taxes.
	(d)	Dividends
	On February 6, 2013, the Company declared a special dividend in the amount of $2.00 per common share and $2.00 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable (the "2013 Special Dividend"). The 2013 Special Dividend was paid on February 26, 2013 to shareholders and warrant holders of record as of February 19, 2013.
	In addition, the Company announced four quarterly cash dividends of $0.30 per common share and $0.30 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, during the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012: $0.25). These dividends were paid on March 29, 2013, June 28, 2013, September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013 to holders of record on March 15, 2013, June 14, 2013, September 13, 2013 and December 13, 2013, respectively.

Retirement_plans

Retirement plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement plans	'
	. Retirement plans
	The Company provides pension benefits to eligible employees through various plans which are managed externally and sponsored by the Company. The Company’s contributions are expensed as incurred. The Company’s expenses for its defined contribution retirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $7,621, $9,233 and $7,591, respectively.

Stock_plans

Stock plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock plans	'
	. Stock plans
	Stock plans
	(a)	Long Term Incentive Plan and Short Term Incentive Plan
	The Company’s Amended and Restated 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) provides for grants to employees of options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, dividend equivalents or other share-based awards. In addition, the Company may issue restricted share awards or restricted share units in connection with awards issued under its annual Short Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”). The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP and STIP are 13,126,896 shares of which 1,768,372 shares are remaining. The LTIP and STIP are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. No SARs have been granted to date. Grant prices are established at the fair market value of the Company’s common shares at the date of grant.
	i.	Options
	Options may be exercised for voting common shares upon vesting. Options have a life of 10 years and vest either pro rata or at the end of the required service period from the date of grant. Fair value of the option awards at the date of grant is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
	Expected volatility is based on stock price volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies. The Company used the simplified method consistent with U.S. GAAP authoritative guidance on stock compensation expenses to estimate expected lives for options granted during the period as historical exercise data was not available and the options met the requirement as set out in the guidance.
	The Company has not granted any stock option awards since September 4, 2009.
	Share compensation expenses in respect of options of $nil were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012 : $142, 2011: $1,770). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.
	A modification event was triggered as a result of the 2013 Special Dividend. In accordance with the terms of the LTIP under which the options were issued, an adjustment was required to protect the holders of such stock options from changes in the value of the stock options following the declaration of the 2013 Special Dividend. The modification of the options included a decrease in the exercise price of each stock option and an increase in the number of shares underlying each stock option. The fair value of the options before and after the modification was unchanged.
	Activity with respect to options for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2012	1,823,947			$	6.52		$	20.69
	Options regranted (modified)	1,833,414			6.76			19.02
	Options exercised	(351,509	)		5.94			22.91
	Options cancelled (modified)	(1,733,139	)		6.76			20.12
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2013	1,572,713			$	6.66		$	18.88
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,572,713			$	6.66		$	18.88
	Activity with respect to options for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
		Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2011	2,263,012			$	6.69		$	20.12
	Options exercised	(439,065	)		7.44			17.73
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2012	1,823,947			$	6.52		$	20.69
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	1,823,947			$	6.52		$	20.69
	Activity with respect to options for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
		Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2010	2,723,684			$	6.74		$	20.19
	Options exercised	(459,932	)		6.98			20.55
	Options forfeited	(740	)		10.3			20.39
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2011	2,263,012			$	6.69		$	20.12
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2011	2,188,566			$	6.63		$	20.01
	At December 31, 2013, there were no (2012: $nil; 2011: $141) unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of options. Share compensation expenses with respect to the year ended December 31, 2011 have been recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.2 years.
	ii.	Restricted share awards
	Restricted shares granted under the LTIP and STIP vest either pro rata or at the end of the required service period and contain certain restrictions during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $27,750 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012: $25,145; 2011: $27,428). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	2,170,547			$	29.24
	Restricted share awards granted	1,594,672			36.07
	Restricted share awards vested	(969,562	)		28.12
	Restricted share awards forfeited	(110,912	)		28.34
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2013	2,684,745			$	33.74
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	3,003,547			$	25.77
	Restricted share awards granted	921,506			31.47
	Restricted share awards vested	(1,719,855	)		24.4
	Restricted share awards forfeited	(34,651	)		27.85
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	2,170,547			$	29.24
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010	3,114,039			$	24.33
	Restricted share awards granted	621,254			31.92
	Restricted share awards vested	(712,692	)		24.85
	Restricted share awards forfeited	(19,054	)		26.63
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	3,003,547			$	25.77
	At December 31, 2013, there were $69,219 (2012: $43,952; 2011: $40,809) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years (2012: 2.6 years; 2011: 2.4 years).
	iii.	Restricted share units
	Restricted share units under the LTIP and STIP vest either ratably or at the end of the required service period and contain certain restrictions during the vesting period, relating to, among other things, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Share compensation expenses of $585 were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012: $499; 2011: $456). The expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period.
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2012	47,238			$	29.61
	Restricted share units granted	36,635			36.11
	Restricted share units vested	(21,814	)		28.17
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	4,459			30.7
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2013	66,518			$	33.74
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
	Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011	53,312			$	27.6
Restricted share units granted	16,633			31.77
Restricted share units vested	(22,818	)		26.49
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	1,504			28.66
Restricted share units forfeited	(1,393	)		28.57
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2012	47,238			$	29.61
Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
	Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2010	47,049			$	25.04
Restricted share units granted	18,388			32.1
Restricted share units vested	(13,340	)		24.72
Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	1,215			27.3
Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011	53,312			$	27.6
At December 31, 2013, there were $1,678 (2012: $978; 2011: $985) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of restricted share units that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.4 years (2012: 2.6 years; 2011: 2.7 years).
iv.	Performance share awards
The performance share awards contain a performance based component. The performance component relates to the compounded growth in the Dividend Adjusted Book Value per Diluted Share (“DBVPS”) over a three year period. For performance share awards granted during the period, the grant date is based on the DBVPS at the end of the most recent financial reporting year. The Dividend Adjusted Performance Period End DBVPS will be the DBVPS three years after the grant date DBVPS. The fair value estimate earns over the requisite attribution period and the estimate will be reassessed at the end of each performance period which will reflect any adjustments in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income in the period in which they are determined.
Share compensation expenses of $(705) were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012: $923; 2011: $2,349). The share compensation expenses represent the proportionate accrual of the fair value of each grant based on the remaining vesting period. The negative expense is due to a reversal of expenses on unvested performance share awards based on a review of current and projected performance criteria.
Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
	Performance Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	220,845			$	31.81
Performance share awards granted	38,386			36.11
Performance share awards vested	(39,094	)		28.7
Performance share awards forfeited	(18,701	)		31.05
Performance share awards conversion adjustment	(99,616	)		33.05
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2013	101,820			$	33.56
Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
	Performance Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	279,019			$	30.77
Performance share awards granted	41,128			31.38
Performance share awards forfeited	(99,302	)		28.7
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	220,845			$	31.81
Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
	Performance Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010	132,401			$	28.7
Performance share awards granted	146,618			32.64
Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	279,019			$	30.77
At December 31, 2013, there were $1,642 (2012: $3,328; 2011: $5,677) of total unrecognized share compensation expenses in respect of performance share awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years (2012: 1.7 years; 2011: 2.1 years).
(b)	Employee seller shares
Pursuant to the Share Sale Agreement for the purchase of Talbot Holdings, Ltd. (“Talbot”), the Company issued 1,209,741 restricted shares to Talbot employees (the “employee seller shares”). Upon consummation of the acquisition, the employee seller shares were validly issued, fully-paid and non-assessable and entitled to vote and participate in distributions and dividends in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws. However, the employee seller shares were subject to a restricted period during which they were subject to forfeiture (as implemented by repurchase by the Company for a nominal amount). Forfeiture of employee seller shares would have generally occurred in the event that any such Talbot employee’s employment terminated, with certain exceptions, prior to the end of the restricted period. The restricted period ended for 25% of the employee seller shares on each anniversary of the closing date of July 2, 2007 for all Talbot employees other than Talbot’s Chairman, such that on July 2, 2011 the potential for forfeiture was completely extinguished.
As of July 2, 2011, the employee seller shares were fully expensed. There were no share compensation expenses recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012: $nil; 2011: $2,293).
Activity with respect to unvested employee seller shares for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
	Employee Seller Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2010	197,879			$	22.01
Employee seller shares vested	(197,174	)		22.01
Employee seller shares forfeited	(705	)		22.01
Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2011	—			$	—
At December 31, 2011, there were no unrecognized share compensation expenses respect of employee seller shares.
(c)	Total share compensation expenses
The breakdown of share compensation expenses by award type was as follows:
	Years Ended
	December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012			December 31,
								2011
Options	$	—			$	142		$	1,770
Restricted share awards	27,750				25,145			27,428
Restricted share units	585				499			456
Performance share awards	(705		)		923			2,349
Employee seller shares	—				—			2,293
Total	$	27,630			$	26,709		$	34,296

Debt_and_financing_arrangement

Debt and financing arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt and financing arrangements	'
	. Debt and financing arrangements
	(a)	Financing structure and finance expenses
	The financing structure as at December 31, 2013 was:
		Commitment			Issued and outstanding (a)				Drawn
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000		$	150,000			$	150,000
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	200,000			139,800				139,800
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	137,866			137,866				137,866
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	113,750			113,750				113,750
	Total debentures payable	601,616			541,416				541,416
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	250,000			250,000				247,198
	Total debentures and senior notes payable	851,616			791,416				788,614
	$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	400,000			—				—
	$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility	525,000			358,567				—
	$200,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility	200,000			16,726				—
	Talbot FAL facility	25,000			25,000				—
	PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility	10,000			294				—
	AlphaCat Reinsurance secured letter of credit facility	24,800			24,800				—
	IPC bi-lateral facility	40,000			20,177				—
	$375,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility	375,000			305,686				—
	Total credit and other facilities	1,599,800			751,250				—
	Total debt and financing arrangements	$	2,451,416		$	1,542,666			$	788,614
	The financing structure as at December 31, 2012 was:
		Commitment			Issued and outstanding (a)				Drawn
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000		$	150,000			$	150,000
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	200,000			139,800				139,800
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	137,159			137,159				137,159
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	113,750			113,750				113,750
	Total debentures payable	600,909			540,709				540,709
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	250,000			250,000				247,090
	Total debentures and senior notes payable	850,909			790,709				787,799
	$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	400,000			—				—
	$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility	525,000			376,570				—
	$500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility	500,000			92,402				—
	Talbot FAL facility	25,000			25,000				—
	PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility	10,000			219				—
	IPC bi-lateral facility	80,000			40,613				—
	$550,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility	550,000			381,019				—
	Total credit and other facilities	2,090,000			915,823				—
	Total debt and financing arrangements	$	2,940,909		$	1,706,532			$	787,799
	(a)	Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not necessarily drawn borrowings.
	(b)	Senior notes and junior subordinated deferrable debentures
	The following table summarizes the key terms of the Company's senior notes and junior subordinated deferrable debentures as at the issuance date for each placement.
	Description	Issuance date	Commitment		Maturity date	Fixed/Spread			Interest payments due
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2006	$	150,000	June 15, 2036	9.069	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (c)	August 23, 2006	$	137,866	September 15, 2036	3.54	%	(a)	Quarterly
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 21, 2007	$	200,000	June 15, 2037	8.48	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (c)	June 8, 2007	$	88,750	July 30, 2037	3	%	(a)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (c)	September 20, 2007	$	25,000	September 15, 2037	3.1	%	(a)	Quarterly
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	January 26, 2010	$	250,000	January 26, 2040	8.875	%	(b)	Semi-annually in arrears
	(a)	Variable interest rate is the three-month LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus spread as noted in the table.
	(b)	Fixed interest rate.
	(c)	For the Flagstone 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, the table summarizes the Company's participation as at the date of the Flagstone Acquisition, November 30, 2012.
	The following table summarizes the key terms of the Company's senior notes and junior subordinated deferrable debentures as at December 31, 2013:
	Description	Issuance date	Commitment		Maturity date	Fixed/Spread			Interest payments due
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2006	$	150,000	June 15, 2036	5.831	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	August 23, 2006	$	137,866	September 15, 2036	6.463	%	(b)	Quarterly
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 21, 2007	$	200,000	June 15, 2037	5.18	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	8-Jun-07	$	88,750	July 30, 2037	5.9	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	20-Sep-07	$	25,000	September 15, 2037	5.983	%	(b)	Quarterly
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	26-Jan-10	$	250,000	January 26, 2040	8.875	%	(a)	Semi-annually in arrears
	(a)	Fixed interest rate.
	(b)	Interest rate has been fixed as a result of interest rate swap contracts entered into by the Company.
	Senior Notes
The Senior Notes due 2040 (the “2010 Senior Notes”) were part of a registered public offering. They are redeemable at the Company's option in whole, but not in part, at any time upon the occurrence of certain tax events as described in the prospectus supplement of the 2010 Senior Notes. Debt issuance costs were deferred as an asset and are amortized over the life of the 2010 Senior Notes. There were no redemptions made during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
The 2010 Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The 2010 Senior Notes will be effectively junior to all of the Company’s future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt, and will rank senior to all our existing and future subordinated debt. The 2010 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries.
Future payments of principal of $250,000 on the 2010 Senior Notes are all expected to be after 2016.
Junior subordinated deferrable debentures
The Company participated in private placements of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures due 2036 and 2037 (respectively, the “2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures” and "2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures").
Debt issuance costs for the 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures were deferred as an asset and were amortized to income over the five year optional redemption periods. They are redeemable at the Company's option at par. There were no redemptions made during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
As part of the acquisition of Flagstone, the Company assumed junior subordinated deferrable debentures due 2036 and 2037 (respectively, the “Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures” and “Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures”). These debentures are redeemable quarterly at par. There were no redemptions made during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Future payments of principal of $541,416 on the debentures discussed above are all expected to be after 2016.
(c)	Credit facilities
(i)	$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility and $525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility
On March 9, 2012, the Company entered into a $400,000 four-year unsecured credit facility with Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Lloyds Securities Inc. and Suntrust Bank, as co-documentation agents and the lenders party thereto, which provides for letter of credit and revolving credit availability for the Company (the “Four Year Unsecured Facility”) (the full $400,000 of which is available for letters of credit and/or revolving loans). The Four Year Unsecured Facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks. Letters of credit under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company and its subsidiaries. Loans under the Four Year Unsecured Facility are available for the general corporate and working capital purposes of the Company. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Unsecured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Unsecured Facility do not exceed $500,000.
Also on March 9, 2012, the Company entered into a $525,000 four-year secured credit facility, with the same parties, which provides for letter of credit availability for the Company (the “Four Year Secured Facility” and together with the Four Year Unsecured Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The Four Year Secured Facility was also provided by a syndicate of commercial banks. Letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility will be available to support obligations in connection with the insurance business of the Company. The Company may request that existing lenders under the Four Year Secured Facility or prospective additional lenders agree to make available additional commitments from time to time so long as the aggregate commitments under the Four Year Secured Facility do not exceed $700,000. The obligations of the Company under the Four Year Secured Facility are secured by cash and securities deposited into cash collateral accounts from time to time with The Bank of New York Mellon.
As of December 31, 2013, there were $358,567 in outstanding letters of credit under the Four Year Secured Facility (2012: $376,570) and $nil outstanding under the Four Year Unsecured Facility (2012: $nil).
The Credit Facilities contain covenants that include, among other things (i) the requirement that the Company initially maintain a minimum level of consolidated net worth of at least $2,600,000 and, commencing with the end of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012, to be increased quarterly by an amount equal to 50.0% of the Company’s consolidated net income (if positive) for such quarter plus 50.0% of the aggregate increases in the consolidated shareholders’ equity of the Company during such fiscal quarter by reason of the issuance and sale of common equity interests of the Company, including upon any conversion of debt securities of the Company into such equity interests, (ii) the requirement that the Company maintain at all times a consolidated total debt to consolidated total capital ratio not greater than 0.35:1.00, and (iii) the requirement that Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. and any other material insurance subsidiaries maintain a financial strength rating by A.M. Best of not less than “B++” (Fair).  In addition, the Credit Facilities contain customary negative covenants applicable to the Company, including limitations on the ability to pay dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests at any time that the Company is otherwise in default with respect to certain provisions under the respective Credit Facilities, limitations on the ability to incur liens, sell assets, merge or consolidate with others, enter into transactions with affiliates, and limitations on the ability of its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness. The Credit Facilities also contain customary affirmative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default for credit facilities of its type. As of December 31, 2013, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Credit Facilities.
On March 9, 2012, upon entering into the Credit Facilities, the Company terminated its (a) three-year bi-lateral $60,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, dated March 12, 2010, (b) $340,000 three-year unsecured credit facility, dated March 12, 2010 and (c) $500,000 five-year secured credit facility, dated March 12, 2007. No early termination penalties were incurred.
(ii)	$25,000 Talbot FAL facility
On November 29, 2007, Talbot entered into a $100,000 standby Letter of Credit facility (the “Talbot FAL facility”) to provide Funds at Lloyd’s for the 2008 and 2009 underwriting years of account; this facility is guaranteed by the Company and is secured against the assets of Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. The Talbot FAL facility was provided by a syndicate of commercial banks arranged by Lloyds TSB Bank plc and ING Bank N.V., London Branch.
On November 19, 2009, the Company entered into an Amendment and Restatement of the Talbot FAL facility to reduce the commitment from $100,000 to $25,000. The Talbot FAL facility has also been extended to support the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 underwriting years of account. As of December 31, 2013 the Company had $25,000 (2012: $25,000) in outstanding letters of credit under the Talbot FAL facility.
As amended, the Talbot FAL facility contains affirmative covenants that include requirements for consolidated net worth and debt to capital ratios in line with those in place for the Credit Facilities and discussed above. The Talbot FAL facility also contains restrictions on our ability to incur debt at our subsidiaries, incur liens, sell assets and merge or consolidate with others. Other than in respect of existing and future preferred and hybrid securities, the payment of dividends and other payments in respect of equity interests are not permitted at any time that we are in default with respect to certain provisions under the Talbot FAL facility. As of December 31, 2013 and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Talbot FAL facility.
(iii)	$40,000 IPC bi-lateral facility
The Company assumed an existing evergreen letter of credit facility through the acquisition of IPC (the "IPC bi-lateral facility"). As of December 31, 2013, $20,177 of outstanding letters of credit were issued under the IPC bi-lateral facility (2012: $40,613). As of December 31, 2013 and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the IPC bi-lateral facility.
(iv)	$200,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility
On August 10, 2009, the Company entered into an uncommitted secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility with Citibank Europe plc (the “Secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility”). During the year ended December 31, 2013, the aggregate amount of letters of credit available under this facility was reduced from $500,000 to $200,000. As of December 31, 2013, $16,726 (2012: $92,402) of letters of credit were outstanding under the Secured bi-lateral facility. The Secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility has no fixed termination date and as of December 31, 2013, the Company is in compliance with all terms and covenants thereof.
(v)	$10,000 PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility
On May 11, 2012, PaCRe (as "Borrower") and its subsidiary, PaCRe Investments, Ltd. (as "Guarantor") entered into a secured evergreen credit and letter of credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. This facility provides for revolving borrowings by the Borrower and for letters of credit issued by the Borrower to be used to support its reinsurance obligations in aggregate amount of $10,000. As of December 31, 2013, $294 (2012: $219) of letters of credit were outstanding under this facility. As of December 31, 2013, and throughout the reporting periods presented, PaCRe was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions thereof.
(vi)	$24,800 AlphaCat reinsurance secured letter of credit facility
On January 2, 2013 AlphaCat Reinsurance Ltd. (as "Borrower") entered into a secured evergreen letter of credit facility with Comerica Bank. This facility provides for letters of credit issued by the Borrower to be used to support its reinsurance obligations in aggregate amount of $10,000. During the year ended December 31, 2013 the size of the facility was increased to a total of $24,800. As of December 31, 2013, $24,800 (2012: $nil) of letters of credit were outstanding under this facility. As of December 31, 2013, and throughout the reporting periods presented, AlphaCat Reinsurance Ltd., was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions thereof.
(vii)	$375,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility
As part of the Flagstone Acquisition, the Company assumed an evergreen Letters of Credit Master Agreement between Citibank Europe Plc and Flagstone Reassurance Suisse, S.A. (the “Flagstone Bi-Lateral Facility”). During the year ended December 31, 2013, the aggregate amount of letters of credit available under this facility was reduced from $550,000 to $375,000. At December 31, 2013, the Flagstone Bi-Lateral Facility had $305,686 (2012: $381,019) letters of credit issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2013, and throughout the reporting periods presented, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Flagstone Bi-Lateral Facility.
(d)	Finance expenses
Finance expenses consist of interest on our junior subordinated deferrable debentures, senior notes, the amortization of debt offering costs, fees relating to our credit facilities, bank charges, AlphaCat financing fees and the costs of FAL as follows:
	Years Ended
	31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	8,868		$	6,964			$	9,768
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	7,341			8,922				12,115
Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	8,259			459				—
Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	6,222			327				—
2010 Senior Notes due 2040	22,388			22,388				22,388
Credit facilities	6,544			11,999				6,492
Bank charges	507			269				218
AlphaCat Re 2011 fees (a)	—			—				3,609
AlphaCat ILS funds fees (b)	3,866			2,432				—
Talbot FAL Facility	182			97				227
Total finance expenses	$	64,177		$	53,857			$	54,817
(a)	Included preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011.
(b)	Includes finance expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012 by AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. in relation to the AlphaCat ILS funds and fund-raising for AlphaCat 2014 and AlphaCat 2013 respectively.

Income_taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income taxes	'
	. Income taxes
	The Company provides for income taxes based upon amounts reported in the financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws. The Company is registered in Bermuda and is subject to Bermuda law with respect to taxation. Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and has received an undertaking from the Bermuda Minister of Finance that, in the event of any Bermuda income or capital gains taxes being imposed, the Company will be exempt from those taxes until March 31, 2035.
	The Company has subsidiaries and branches with operations in several jurisdictions outside Bermuda, including but not limited to the United Kingdom (U.K.), the United States (U.S.), Switzerland, Luxembourg and Canada that are subject to relevant taxes in those jurisdictions. Within Note 25 "Segment information" of these Consolidated Financial Statements, gross premiums written are allocated to the territory of coverage exposure and therefore do not correlate to pre-tax income generated in any of the territories identified.
	The Company’s income (loss) before income tax for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was generated in the following jurisdictions:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Income before tax—Bermuda	$	601,583		$	369,675			$	42,230
	Income before tax—United Kingdom	4,668			10,277				1,415
	(Loss) income before tax—United States	(464		)	3,075				—
	(Loss) before tax—Switzerland	(225		)	(3,381		)		—
	Income before tax—Canada	57			391				301
	(Loss) income before tax—Other	(8,401		)	2,502				—
	Income before tax—Total	$	597,218		$	382,539			$	43,946
	Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of current and deferred tax. Income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Current income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,781		$	1,328			$	8,977
	Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(1,398		)	1,173				(8,153		)
	Total income tax expense	$	383		$	2,501			$	824
	The table below is a reconciliation of the actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 to the amount computed by applying the effective tax rate of 0% under Bermuda law to income before taxes:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Expected tax expense at Bermuda statutory rate of 0%	$	—		$	—			$	—
	Foreign tax expense (benefit) at local expected tax rates	(2,399		)	4,882				1,773
	Total expected tax expense (benefit)	(2,399		)	4,882				1,773
	Valuation allowance	4,967			—				—
	Tax exempt income and expenses not deductible	(263		)	—				—
	Impact of enacted changes in tax rates	(407		)	(1,611		)		—
	Prior years tax adjustments	(461		)	(770		)		(949		)
	Other	(1,054		)	—				—
	Actual income tax expense	$	383		$	2,501			$	824
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily represent the tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial statement purposes and such values as measured by tax laws and regulations in countries in which the operations are taxable. Deferred tax assets may also represent the tax effect of tax loss carryforwards
	In assessing whether deferred tax assets can be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the deferred tax asset will be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in the period during which those temporary differences and tax loss carryforwards become deductible. The Company considers the reversal of the deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be reduced in the future if estimates of future taxable income are reduced.
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Deferred tax asset
	Tax losses carried forward	$	(185,955	)	$	(175,032	)
	Timing differences	(10,918		)	(4,366		)
	Other	(128		)	—
	Deferred tax asset, gross of valuation allowance	(197,001		)	(179,398		)
	Valuation allowance	177,656			170,791
	Net deferred tax asset	$	(19,345	)	$	(8,607	)
	Deferred tax liability
	Lloyd's underwriting profit taxable in future periods	$	33,744		$	25,732
	Other	4,687			3,134
	Deferred tax liability	38,431			28,866
	Net deferred tax liability	$	19,086		$	20,259
	The Company has undistributed earnings in several foreign subsidiaries. If such earnings were to be distributed, as dividends or otherwise, they may be subject to taxation. As a general rule, the Company will reinvest these undistributed earnings and only distribute earnings if they can be distributed in a tax free manner.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had net operating and capital loss carry forwards inclusive of cumulative currency translation adjustments as follows:
	Tax Jurisdiction		Losses carried forward		Tax effect			Expiration
	United Kingdom		38,601		8,299			None
	United States		31,024		10,859			2026-2033
	Switzerland		254,463		53,647			2014-2019
	Luxembourg		387,504		113,151			None
	The valuation allowance as at December 31, 2013 of $177,656 (2012: $170,791), relates to tax loss carry forwards of subsidiaries in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the United States. The Company believes it is necessary to establish a full valuation allowance against the tax assets related to former Flagstone subsidiaries and for its U.S. operations, primarily due to uncertainty regarding the ability of these entities to generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize the loss carry forwards and realize the deferred tax assets. There was no change in the position taken during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	The Company has reviewed historical taxable income and future taxable income projections for its U.K. operations and has determined that in its judgment substantially all of the U.K. tax loss carry forwards and temporary differences will more likely than not be realized as reductions to future taxable income within a reasonable period. As noted above, losses can be carried forward indefinitely in the United Kingdom.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company has no accrued liabilities for tax, interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions.
	The Company has open examinations by tax authorities in India. The Company believes that these examinations will be concluded within the next 24 months; however, it is not currently possible to estimate the outcome of these examinations. The Company has open tax years that are potentially subject to examinations by local tax authorities, in the following major tax jurisdictions: the United Kingdom, 2012 and 2013; the United States, 2010 to 2013; Switzerland, 2009 to 2013; and Canada, 2009 to 2013.

Accumulated_other_comprehensiv

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	'
	. Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), by component for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Beginning balance	(2,953	)	(6,601	)
	Amounts reclassified to retained earnings	4,290		—
	Current period foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,954	)	3,648
	Ending balance	(617	)	(2,953	)

Commitments_and_contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and contingencies	'
	. Commitments and contingencies
	(a)	Concentrations of credit risk
	The Company’s investments are managed following prudent standards of diversification. The Company attempts to limit its credit exposure by purchasing high quality fixed income investments to maintain an average portfolio, excluding bank loans, credit quality of AA- or higher, with mortgage and commercial mortgage-backed issues having an aggregate weighted average credit quality of AAA. In addition, the Company limits its exposure to any single issuer to 3% of its investment portfolio or less, excluding government and agency securities. With the exception of the Company’s bank loan portfolio, which represents 10.4% of the Company's total investments as at December 31, 2013, the minimum credit rating of any security purchased is Baa3/BBB-. In the case where currently held investments are downgraded below Baa3/BBB-, the Company tolerates a holding of up to 2% of its investment portfolio in aggregate market value, or 10% with written authorization. Excluding bank loans, 1.5% of the portfolio had a split rating below Baa3/BBB- as at December 31, 2013. The Company did not have an aggregate exposure to any single issuer of more than 1.0% of its investment portfolio, other than with respect to government and agency securities as at December 31, 2013.
	The Company underwrites a significant amount of its reinsurance business through three particular brokers as set out below. There is credit risk associated with payments of insurance and reinsurance balances to the Company if these brokers are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. These companies are large, well established, and there are no indications they are financially distressed. There were no other brokers or parties insured or reinsured that accounted for more than 10% of gross premiums written for the periods mentioned.
	The following table shows the percentage of gross premiums written by broker for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	Aon Benfield Group Ltd.	29.8	%	26.5	%		23.8	%
	Marsh & McLennan	21.4	%	29.4	%		25.9	%
	Willis Group Holdings Ltd.	19.1	%	16.1	%		17	%
	(b)	Employment agreements
	The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain individuals that provide for executive benefits and severance payments under certain circumstances.
	(c)	Operating leases
	The Company leases office space and office equipment under operating leases. Total rent expense with respect to these operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately $10,214 (2012: $7,670, 2011: $5,752). Future minimum lease commitments are as follows:
	2014	$	11,293
	2015	9,849
	2016	8,723
	2017	8,449
	2018 and thereafter	19,129
		$	57,443
	(d)	Funds at Lloyd’s
	The amounts provided under the Talbot FAL Facility would become a liability of the Company in the event of Syndicate 1183 declaring a loss at a level which would call on this arrangement.
	Talbot operates in Lloyd’s through a corporate member, Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”), which is the sole participant in Syndicate 1183. Lloyd’s sets T02’s required capital annually based on Syndicate 1183’s business plan, rating environment and reserving environment together with input arising from Lloyd’s discussions with, inter alia, regulatory and rating agencies. Such capital, called Funds at Lloyd’s (“FAL”), comprises: cash, investments and undrawn letters of credit provided by various banks.
	The amounts of cash, investments and letters of credit provided for each year of account as follows:
		2014 Underwriting Year			2013 Underwriting Year				2012 Underwriting Year
	Talbot FAL facility	$	25,000		$	25,000			$	25,000
	Group funds	450,000			403,700				448,800
	Total	$	475,000		$	428,700			$	473,800
	The amounts which the Company provides as FAL are not available for distribution to the Company for the payment of dividends. Talbot’s corporate member may also be required to maintain funds under the control of Lloyd’s in excess of its capital requirement and such funds also may not be available for distribution to the Company for the payment of dividends.
	(e)	Lloyd’s Central Fund
	Whenever a member of Lloyd’s is unable to pay its debts to policyholders, such debts may be payable by the Lloyd’s Central Fund. If Lloyd’s determines that the Central Fund needs to be increased, it has the power to assess premium levies on current Lloyd’s members up to 3% of a member’s underwriting capacity in any one year. The Company does not believe that any assessment is likely in the foreseeable future and has not provided any allowance for such an assessment. However, based on the Company’s 2014 estimated premium income at Lloyd’s of £625,000, the December 31, 2013 exchange rate of £1 equals $1.6561 and assuming the maximum 3% assessment the Company would be assessed approximately $31,052.
	(f)	Aquiline Commitment
	As discussed in Note 9 "Investments in affiliates", the Company entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, pursuant to which it assumed a total capital commitment of $50,000 which will expire on July 2, 2015. The Company’s remaining commitment at December 31, 2013 was $17,890.

Related_party_transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related party transactions	'
	. Related party transactions
	The transactions listed below are classified as related party transactions as each counterparty has either a direct or indirect shareholding in the Company.
	Aquiline Capital Partners, LLC and its related companies (“Aquiline”), which own 3,446,643 shares in the Company, hold warrants to purchase 2,756,088 shares, and has two employees on the Company’s Board of Directors who do not receive compensation from the Company, are shareholders of Group Ark Insurance Holdings Ltd. (“Group Ark”). Christopher E. Watson, a director of the Company, also serves as a director of Group Ark. Pursuant to reinsurance agreements with a subsidiary of Group Ark, the Company recognized gross premiums written during the year ended December 31, 2013 of $2,899 (2012: $7,582; 2011: $1,464), of which $242 was included in premiums receivable at December 31, 2013 (2012: $251). The Company also recognized reinsurance premiums ceded during the year ended December 31, 2013 of $85 (2012: $90; 2011: $163). The Company recorded $3,698 of loss reserves recoverable as at December 31, 2013 (2012: $3,694). Earned premium adjustments of $2,911 were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012: $7,625; 2011: $1,524).
	Aquiline was previously a shareholder of Tiger Risk Partners LLC (“Tiger Risk”). Christopher E. Watson, a director of the Company serves as a director of Tiger Risk. As of March 31, 2013, Tiger Risk was no longer a related party due to Aquiline's disposal of its investment. Pursuant to certain reinsurance contracts, the Company recognized brokerage expenses paid to Tiger Risk during the year ended December 31, 2013 of $nil (2012: $2,424; 2011: $1,142), of which no amounts were included in accounts payable and accrued expenses as at December 31, 2013 (2012: $964).
	On November 24, 2009, the Company entered into an Investment Management Agreement with Conning, Inc. (“Conning”) to manage a portion of the Company’s investment portfolio. Aquiline acquired Conning on June 16, 2009. Jeffrey W. Greenberg, a director of the Company, serves as a director of Conning Holdings Corp., the parent company of Conning. Investment management fees earned by Conning for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $500 (2012: $809; 2011: $783), of which $283 were included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2013 (2012: $201).
	On December 20, 2011, the Company entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Aquiline Capital Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Assignor”) and Aquiline Capital Partners II GP (Offshore) Ltd., a Cayman Islands company limited by shares (the “General Partner”) pursuant to which the Company assumed 100% of the Assignor’s interest in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. (the “Partnership”) representing a total capital commitment of $50,000 (the “Commitment”), as a limited partner in the Partnership (the “Transferred Interest”). Messrs. Greenberg and Watson, directors of the Company, serve as managing principal and senior principal, respectively, of Aquiline Capital Partners LLC. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred $1,236 (2012: $2,979; 2011: $nil ) in partnership fees and made $14,492 (2012: $14,365; 2011: $3,253) of capital contributions. There were no balances included in accounts payable and accrued expenses as at December 31, 2013 or 2012.
	Certain shareholders of the Company and their affiliates, as well as employers of entities associated with directors or officers have purchased insurance and/or reinsurance from the Company in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes these transactions were settled for arms length consideration.

Earnings_per_share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per share	'
	. Earnings per share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and earnings per diluted share available to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	Basic earnings per share
	Net income	$	542,361		$	392,618		$	43,122
	(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9,695		)	15,820			(21,793		)
	Net income available to Validus	$	532,666		$	408,438		$	21,329
	Less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	(19,214		)	(6,693		)	(7,644		)
	Income available to common shareholders	$	513,452		$	401,745		$	13,685
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	102,202,274			97,184,110			98,607,439
	Basic earnings per share available to common shareholders	$	5.02		$	4.13		$	0.14
	Earnings per diluted share
	Net income	$	542,361		$	392,618		$	43,122
	(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9,695		)	15,820			(21,793		)
	Net income available to Validus	$	532,666		$	408,438		$	21,329
	Less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	(19,214		)	—			(7,644		)
	Income available to common shareholders	$	513,452		$	408,438		$	13,685
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	102,202,274			97,184,110			98,607,439
	Share equivalents:
	Warrants	—			3,137,956			—
	Stock options	1,026,543			769,618			776,204
	Unvested restricted shares	741,472			1,293,239			1,544,641
	Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding	103,970,289			102,384,923			100,928,284
	Earnings per diluted share available to common shareholders	$	4.94		$	3.99		$	0.14
	Share equivalents that would result in the issuance of common shares of 366,821, 199,446 and 181,105 were outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively but were not included in the computation of earnings per diluted share because the effect would be antidilutive.

Segment_information

Segment information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment information	'
	. Segment information
	The Company conducts its operations worldwide through three operating segments, which have been determined under U.S. GAAP segment reporting to be Validus Re, AlphaCat and Talbot. During the first quarter of 2012, to better align the Company’s operating and reporting structure with its current strategy, there was a change in the segment structure. This change included the AlphaCat group of companies as a separate operating segment. The AlphaCat segment includes the Company’s investments in AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012, AlphaCat 2013, AlphaCat 2014, PaCRe and the AlphaCat ILS funds. The Company’s operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed and have capital allocated separately because each segment requires different strategies.
	Validus Re Segment
	The Validus Re segment is focused on short-tail lines of reinsurance. The primary lines in which the segment conducts business are property, marine and specialty which includes agriculture, aerospace and aviation, financial lines of business, nuclear, terrorism, life, accident & health, workers’ compensation, crisis management, contingency, motor, technical lines and composite.
	On November 30, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Flagstone. The primary lines in which Flagstone conducted business were property catastrophe reinsurance, property pro rata and per-risk excess and short tail specialty and casualty reinsurance such as aviation, energy, personal accident and health, satellite, marine and workers' compensation catastrophe. For segmental reporting purposes, the results of Flagstone’s operations since the acquisition date have been included within the Validus Re segment in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	AlphaCat Segment
	The AlphaCat segment manages strategic relationships that leverage the Company’s underwriting and investment expertise and earns management, performance and underwriting fees primarily from the Company’s operating affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012, AlphaCat 2013 and AlphaCat 2014, as well as investments in PaCRe and the AlphaCat ILS funds.
	Talbot Segment
	The Talbot segment focuses on a wide range of marine and energy, war, political violence, commercial property, financial institutions, contingency, bloodstock, accident & health and aviation classes of business on an insurance or facultative reinsurance basis and principally property, aerospace and marine classes of business on a treaty reinsurance basis.
	Corporate and eliminations
	The Company has a corporate function ("corporate"), which includes the activities of the parent company, and which carries out certain functions for the group. Corporate includes ‘non-core’ underwriting expenses, predominantly general and administrative and stock compensation expenses. Corporate also denotes the activities of certain key executives such as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. For internal reporting purposes, corporate is reflected separately, however corporate is not considered an operating segment under these circumstances. Other reconciling items include, but are not limited to, the elimination of inter segment revenues and expenses and unusual items that are not allocated to segments. Corporate also includes the gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses in connection with the acquisition of Flagstone in 2012, as well as transaction expenses relating to the costs incurred in connection with the proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. in 2011.
	The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and "Corporate":
	Year Ended December 31, 2013		Validus Re Segment				AlphaCat Segment				Talbot Segment				Corporate &				Total
															Eliminations
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written		$	1,242,522			$	147,009			$	1,091,890			$	(80,315	)		$	2,401,106
	Reinsurance premiums ceded		(226,264		)		(525		)		(226,111		)		80,315				(372,585		)
	Net premiums written		1,016,258				146,484				865,779				—				2,028,521
	Change in unearned premiums		117,679				(9,070		)		(35,085		)		—				73,524
	Net premiums earned		1,133,937				137,414				830,694				—				2,102,045
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses		430,026				17,569				346,337				—				793,932
	Policy acquisition costs		180,779				13,853				170,738				(5,060		)		360,310
	General and administrative expenses		91,260				18,765				136,458				68,782				315,265
	Share compensation expenses		7,668				468				9,613				9,881				27,630
	Total underwriting deductions		709,733				50,655				663,146				73,603				1,497,137
	Underwriting income (loss)		$	424,204			$	86,759			$	167,548			$	(73,603	)		$	604,908
	Net investment income		81,346				3,865				18,061				(7,200		)		96,072
	Other income		8,445				26,424				1,819				(28,345		)		8,343
	Finance expenses		(16,111		)		(5,734		)		(259		)		(42,073		)		(64,177		)
	Operating income (loss) before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors		497,884				111,314				187,169				(151,221		)		645,146
	Tax benefit (expense)		272				—				(671		)		16				(383		)
	Income from operating affiliates		—				14,289				—				—				14,289
	(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors		—				(68,763		)		—				—				(68,763		)
	Net operating income (loss)		$	498,156			$	56,840			$	186,498			$	(151,205	)		$	590,289
	Net realized (losses) gains on investments		(1,382		)		4,084				556				—				3,258
	Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(41,388		)		(3,893		)		(13,200		)		—				(58,481		)
	Income from investment affiliate		4,790				—				—				—				4,790
	Foreign exchange gains (losses)		7,394				(816		)		(3,531		)		(542		)		2,505
	Net income (loss)		$	467,570			$	56,215			$	170,323			$	(151,747	)		$	542,361
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		—				(9,695		)		—				—				(9,695		)
	Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus		$	467,570			$	46,520			$	170,323			$	(151,747	)		$	532,666
	Selected ratios:
	Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		81.8		%		99.6		%		79.3		%						84.5		%
	Losses and loss expenses		37.9		%		12.8		%		41.7		%						37.8		%
	Policy acquisition costs		16		%		10.1		%		20.5		%						17.1		%
	General and administrative expenses (a)		8.7		%		14		%		17.6		%						16.3		%
	Expense ratio		24.7		%		24.1		%		38.1		%						33.4		%
	Combined ratio		62.6		%		36.9		%		79.8		%						71.2		%
	Total assets		$	5,326,076			$	1,558,453			$	2,891,682			$	70,221			$	9,846,432
	(a)	Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
	Year Ended December 31, 2012		Validus Re Segment				AlphaCat Segment				Talbot Segment				Corporate &				Total
															Eliminations
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written		$	1,131,959			$	21,603			$	1,078,636			$	(65,758	)		$	2,166,440
	Reinsurance premiums ceded		(144,578		)		—				(228,686		)		65,758				(307,506		)
	Net premiums written		987,381				21,603				849,950				—				1,858,934
	Change in unearned premiums		35,890				(3,937		)		(17,671		)		—				14,282
	Net premiums earned		1,023,271				17,666				832,279				—				1,873,216
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses		575,416				—				424,030				—				999,446
	Policy acquisition costs		154,362				1,774				183,926				(5,364		)		334,698
	General and administrative expenses		63,048				7,532				133,281				59,791				263,652
Share compensation expenses		7,763				279				7,789				10,878				26,709
Total underwriting deductions		800,589				9,585				749,026				65,305				1,624,505
Underwriting income (loss)		$	222,682			$	8,081			$	83,253			$	(65,305	)		$	248,711
Net investment income		88,727				3,748				21,310				(5,849		)		107,936
Other income		5,085				23,229				2,033				(7,951		)		22,396
Finance expenses		(8,943		)		(3,061		)		(162		)		(41,691		)		(53,857		)
Operating income (loss) before taxes and income from operating affiliates		307,551				31,997				106,434				(120,796		)		325,186
Tax (expense)		(168		)		—				(2,229		)		(104		)		(2,501		)
Income from operating affiliates		—				12,580				—				—				12,580
Net operating income (loss)		$	307,383			$	44,577			$	104,205			$	(120,900	)		$	335,265
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses (a)		—				—				—				17,701				17,701
Net realized gains on investments		12,026				216				5,991				—				18,233
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		35,033				(19,509		)		2,061				—				17,585
(Loss) from investment affiliate		(964		)		—				—				—				(964		)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		2,664				44				2,527				(437		)		4,798
Net income (loss)		$	356,142			$	25,328			$	114,784			$	(103,636	)		$	392,618
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—				15,820				—				—				15,820
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus		$	356,142			$	41,148			$	114,784			$	(103,636	)		$	408,438
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		87.2		%		100		%		78.8		%						85.8		%
Losses and loss expenses		56.2		%		0		%		50.9		%						53.4		%
Policy acquisition costs		15.1		%		10		%		22.1		%						17.9		%
General and administrative expenses (b)		6.9		%		44.2		%		16.9		%						15.5		%
Expense ratio		22		%		54.2		%		39		%						33.4		%
Combined ratio		78.2		%		54.2		%		89.9		%						86.8		%
Total Assets		$	6,206,084			$	805,513			$	2,968,224			$	40,443			$	10,020,264
(a)	The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arose from the acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses which included legal, financial advisory, audit related services and termination expenses.
(b)	Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
Year Ended December 31, 2011		Validus Re Segment				AlphaCat Segment				Talbot Segment				Corporate &				Total
														Eliminations
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written		$	1,114,493			$	75,727			$	1,014,122			$	(79,651	)		$	2,124,691
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(150,718		)		—				(218,174		)		79,651				(289,241		)
Net premiums written		963,775				75,727				795,948				—				1,835,450
Change in unearned premiums		2,150				(9,761		)		(25,696		)		—				(33,307		)
Net premiums earned		965,925				65,966				770,252				—				1,802,143
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		749,305				10,000				485,096				—				1,244,401
Policy acquisition costs		154,582				7,946				157,334				(5,678		)		314,184
General and administrative expenses		44,663				10,929				112,072				29,833				197,497
Share compensation expenses		9,309				107				8,582				16,298				34,296
Total underwriting deductions		957,859				28,982				763,084				40,453				1,790,378
Underwriting income (loss)		$	8,066			$	36,984			$	7,168			$	(40,453	)		$	11,765
Net investment income		93,248				3,245				25,380				(9,577		)		112,296
Other income		7,390				11,466				3,485				(16,623		)		5,718
Finance expenses		(7,777		)		(3,659		)		(227		)		(43,154		)		(54,817		)
Operating income (loss) before taxes		100,927				48,036				35,806				(109,807		)		74,962
Tax (expense)		(18		)		—				(651		)		(155		)		(824		)
Net operating income (loss)		$	100,909			$	48,036			$	35,155			$	(109,962	)		$	74,138
Net realized gains on investments		21,138				531				6,863				—				28,532
Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(14,698		)		(1,341		)		(3,952		)		—				(19,991		)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(19,524		)		(464		)		(2,188		)		52				(22,124		)
Transaction expenses (a)		—				—				—				(17,433		)		(17,433		)
Net income (loss)		$	87,825			$	46,762			$	35,878			$	(127,343	)		$	43,122
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		—				(21,793		)		—				—				(21,793		)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus		$	87,825			$	24,969			$	35,878			$	(127,343	)		$	21,329
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		86.5		%		100		%		78.5		%						86.4		%
Losses and loss expenses		77.6		%		15.2		%		63		%						69.1		%
Policy acquisition costs		16		%		12		%		20.4		%						17.4		%
General and administrative expenses (b)		5.6		%		16.7		%		15.7		%						12.9		%
Expense ratio		21.6		%		28.7		%		36.1		%						30.3		%
Combined ratio		99.2		%		43.9		%		99.1		%						99.4		%
Total assets		$	4,604,965			$	223,889			$	2,775,632			$	13,985			$	7,618,471
(a)	The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.
(b)	Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
The following table sets forth the gross premiums written by line of business for the periods indicated:
		Gross Premiums Written
		Year Ended December 31, 2013				Year Ended December 31, 2012				Year Ended December 31, 2011
Property		$	1,164,687			$	1,060,297			$	1,099,303
Marine		570,008				649,421				569,981
Specialty		666,411				456,722				455,407
		$	2,401,106			$	2,166,440			$	2,124,691
The Company’s exposures are generally diversified across geographic zones. The following tables set forth the gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure for the periods indicated:
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Gross Premiums Written
	Validus Re				AlphaCat				Talbot				Eliminations				Total				%
United States	$	466,555			$	50,848			$	93,357			$	(10,673	)		$	600,087			25.1	%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)	71,421				14,801				142,294				(9,263		)		219,253				9.1	%
Australia and New Zealand	22,882				2,216				11,097				(607		)		35,588				1.5	%
Europe	68,685				2,533				51,667				(4,270		)		118,615				4.9	%
Latin America and Caribbean	7,225				—				155,798				(8,970		)		154,053				6.4	%
Japan	43,055				653				5,971				(979		)		48,700				2	%
Canada	4,277				818				10,768				(1,406		)		14,457				0.6	%
Rest of the world (b)	29,401				—				92,652				(5,065		)		116,988				4.9	%
Sub-total, non United States	246,946				21,021				470,247				(30,560		)		707,654				29.4	%
Worldwide including United States (a)	179,709				75,140				80,538				(11,166		)		324,221				13.5	%
Other locations non-specific (c)	349,312				—				447,748				(27,916		)		769,144				32	%
Total	$	1,242,522			$	147,009			$	1,091,890			$	(80,315	)		$	2,401,106			100	%
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Gross Premiums Written
	Validus Re				AlphaCat				Talbot				Eliminations				Total				%
United States	$	388,728			$	12,638			$	77,561			$	(5,073	)		$	473,854			21.9	%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)	72,050				279				156,593				(12,409		)		216,513				10	%
Australia and New Zealand	26,582				217				12,851				(546		)		39,104				1.7	%
Europe	73,510				1,332				50,262				(2,429		)		122,675				5.7	%
Latin America and Caribbean	9,069				—				149,091				(6,811		)		151,349				7	%
Japan	30,591				—				6,630				(401		)		36,820				1.7	%
Canada	2,811				—				12,243				(740		)		14,314				0.7	%
Rest of the world (b)	31,308				—				91,130				(5,775		)		116,663				5.4	%
Sub-total, non United States	245,921				1,828				478,800				(29,111		)		697,438				32.2	%
Worldwide including United States (a)	171,011				7,137				65,084				(3,938		)		239,294				11	%
Other locations non-specific (c)	326,299				—				457,191				(27,636		)		755,854				34.9	%
Total	$	1,131,959			$	21,603			$	1,078,636			$	(65,758	)		$	2,166,440			100	%
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Gross Premiums Written
	Validus Re				AlphaCat				Talbot				Eliminations				Total				%
United States	$	294,133			$	53,168			$	84,128			$	(6,608	)		$	424,821			20	%
Worldwide excluding United States (a)	73,001				—				160,261				(12,587		)		220,675				10.3	%
Australia and New Zealand	31,071				—				10,530				(827		)		40,774				1.9	%
Europe	75,675				1,238				52,018				(4,086		)		124,845				5.9	%
Latin America and Caribbean	22,582				—				127,909				(10,046		)		140,445				6.6	%
Japan	31,440				—				7,380				(580		)		38,240				1.8	%
Canada	17,082				—				10,583				(831		)		26,834				1.3	%
Rest of the world (b)	19,913				—				76,577				(6,014		)		90,476				4.3	%
Sub-total, non United States	270,764				1,238				445,258				(34,971		)		682,289				32.1	%
Worldwide including United States (a)	206,684				21,321				50,722				(3,984		)		274,743				12.9	%
Other locations non-specific (c)	342,912				—				434,014				(34,088		)		742,838				35	%
Total	$	1,114,493			$	75,727			$	1,014,122			$	(79,651	)		$	2,124,691			100	%
(a)	Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.
(b)	Represents risks in one geographic zone.
(c)	The Other locations non-specific category refers to business for which an analysis of exposure by geographic zone is not applicable, such as marine and aerospace risks, since these exposures can span multiple geographic areas and, in some instances, are not fixed locations.

Statutory_and_regulatory_requi

Statutory and regulatory requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory and regulatory requirements [Abstract]	'
Statutory and regulatory requirements	'
	. Statutory and regulatory requirements
	Validus Holdings, Ltd. has operations which are subject to laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, the most significant of which are Bermuda, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
	As a holding company, Validus Holdings, Ltd.’s principal sources of income are dividends or other sources of permitted distributions from its subsidiaries. These funds provide the cash flow required for dividend payments to the Company’s shareholders. The holding company has no material restrictions on its ability to make distributions to shareholders however, the ability of our (re)insurance subsidiaries to make distributions is limited by the applicable laws and regulations of the various countries in which we operate. The Company’s subsidiaries are required to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity which provide restrictions on declaring dividends and distributions. The statutory capital and surplus as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Required statutory capital and surplus (a)	$	1,285,905	$	1,415,578
	Actual statutory capital and surplus (b)	3,908,068		4,232,956
	(a)	Required statutory capital and surplus includes Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland), Ltd. (Bermuda Branch), PaCRe, Ltd., IPCRe Limited, Validus Re Americas, Ltd., Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd., AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Mont Fort Re Ltd. Required statutory capital and surplus also includes $440,163 of Funds at Lloyd’s as at December, 31, 2013 (2012: $556,239).
	(b)	Actual statutory capital and surplus includes Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd. Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. is the parent company of the other five Bermuda based insurance subsidiaries.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, statutory net income was $703,762, $467,920 and $160,531, respectively. Statutory net income is inclusive of the eight Bermuda based insurance subsidiaries. The statutory net income attributable to PaCRe, Ltd. is calculated as the Company’s effective 10% equity interest.
	As at December 31, 2013, the Company's regulated subsidiaries have the ability to distribute up to $515,362 of unrestricted net assets as dividend payments and/or return of capital to Validus Holdings, Ltd. (2012: $814,151) without prior regulatory approval. As noted below, under “United Kingdom,” additional net assets of $227,555 became available for distribution during the second quarter of 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2013, actual dividends paid to Validus Holdings, Ltd. from its subsidiaries were $1,009,000 (2012: $734,000).
	(a)	Bermuda
	The Company has eight Bermuda based insurance subsidiaries, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., a Class 4 insurer, Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland), Ltd. (Bermuda Branch), a Class 4 insurer, PaCRe, Ltd., a Class 4 insurer, IPCRe Limited (“IPCRe”) (formerly known as Validus Re Americas, Ltd.), a Class 3A Insurer, Validus Re Americas, Ltd., a Class 3A Insurer, Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd. (“TIBL”), a Class 3 Insurer, AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd., a Class 3 Insurer, and Mont Fort Re Ltd., a Class 3 Insurer. The Company also has two Bermuda based insurance affiliates, AlphaCat Re 2011, Ltd. and AlphaCat Re 2012, Ltd., both Special Purpose Insurers (“SPI”). Each of these Bermuda insurance subsidiaries and affiliates is registered under the Insurance Act.
	The ability of certain of these subsidiaries to pay dividends to us is limited under Bermuda law and regulations. The Insurance Act provides that each of the Class 4 Bermuda subsidiaries may not declare or pay, in any financial year, dividends of more than 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus (as shown on its statutory balance sheet in relation to the previous financial year) unless it files with the BMA at least seven days prior to the payment, an affidavit signed by at least two directors and such subsidiary's principal representative, stating that in their opinion such subsidiary will continue to satisfy the required margins following declaration of those dividends, however, there is no additional requirement for BMA approval. In addition, before reducing its total statutory capital by 15% or more (as set out in its previous years' statutory financial statements) each of the Class 3A and Class 4 Bermuda subsidiaries must make application to the BMA for permission to do so; such application shall consist of an affidavit signed by at least two directors and such subsidiary's principal representative stating that in their opinion the proposed reduction in capital will not cause such subsidiaries to fail to meet its relevant margins, and such other information as the BMA may require. The Insurance Act provides that each of the insurance subsidiaries may declare or pay any dividends during any financial year as long as it does not cause the subsidiary to fail to meet its relevant margins subject to the restrictions set out herein and other than in respect of IPCRe. The Class 3 subsidiaries, before reducing by 15% or more of its total statutory capital, as set out in its previous year's financial statements, shall apply to the BMA for its approval and shall provide such information as it may require. The Company's primary restrictions on net assets of insurance subsidiaries consist of regulatory requirements placed upon the regulated insurance subsidiaries to hold minimum amounts of total statutory capital and surplus and there were no other material restrictions on net assets in place as of December 31, 2013.
	The Company's principal operating subsidiary in Bermuda maintains a branch office in Singapore. As the branch office is not considered a separate entity for regulatory purposes, the required and actual statutory capital and surplus amount includes amounts, as set out above, related to the applicable branch office. The branch office is subject to additional minimum capital or asset requirements in their country of domicile. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the actual capital and assets for the branch exceeded the relevant local regulatory requirements.
	(b)	United Kingdom
	As disclosed in Note 22 “Commitments and contingencies (d) Funds at Lloyd’s,” Syndicate 1183 and Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Ltd (“T02”) are subject to regulation by the Council of Lloyd’s. Syndicate 1183 and T02 are also subject to regulation by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) under the Financial Services and Market Act 2000.
	T02 is a corporate member of Lloyd’s. As a corporate member of Lloyd’s, T02 is bound by the rules of the Society of Lloyd’s, which are prescribed by Bye-laws and Requirements made by the Council of Lloyd’s under powers conferred by the Lloyd’s Act 1982. These rules (among other matters) prescribe T02’s membership subscription, the level of its contribution to the Lloyd’s central fund and the assets it must deposit with Lloyd’s in support of its underwriting. The Council of Lloyd’s has broad power to sanction breaches of its rules, including the power to restrict or prohibit a member’s participation on Lloyd’s syndicates. The capital required to support a Syndicate’s underwriting capacity, or “Funds at Lloyd’s”, is assessed annually and is determined by Lloyd’s in accordance with the rules of the Society of Lloyd’s. The capital to support the underwriting of Syndicate 1183 is provided in the form of a letter of credit and funds held at Lloyd’s. The amount provided as Funds at Lloyd’s is not available for distribution to the Company for the payment of dividends.
	Each year, during the second quarter, the corporate member applies to Lloyd’s to release accumulated funds, whether syndicate profits, interest on Funds at Lloyd’s or other which are in excess of the agreed Funds at Lloyd’s amount. The approved release for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $227,555 (2012: $122,688). At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the actual capital and assets exceeded the relevant local regulatory requirements.
	(c)	Switzerland
	Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland), Ltd. ("Validus Re Swiss") (formerly Flagstone Réassurance Suisse SA), is a société anonyme headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland as of February 1, 2014. The conduct of reinsurance business by a company headquartered in Switzerland requires a license granted by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority ("FINMA").
	Validus Re Swiss is funded by equity in the form of paid in capital by shares and in share premium. Under Swiss corporate law as modified by insurance supervisory law, a non-life insurance company is obliged to contribute to statutory legal reserves a minimum of 20% of any annual profit up to 50% of statutory capital, being paid in share capital. Validus Re Swiss has been substantially funded by share premium. Share premium can be distributed to shareholders without being subject to withholding tax. However, the distribution of any special dividend to shareholders remains subject to the approval of FINMA which has regard to the maintenance of solvency and the interests of reinsureds and creditors. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the actual capital and assets exceeded the relevant local regulatory requirements.

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent events	'
	. Subsequent events
	(a)	Quarterly Dividend
	On February 5, 2014, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per common share and $0.30 per common share equivalent for which each outstanding warrant is exercisable, payable on March 31, 2014 to holders of record as of March 14, 2014.
	(b)	Share Repurchase Authorization
	On February 5, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company announced an increase in the Company's common share purchase authorization to $500,000. This amount is in addition to the $1,774,436 of common shares repurchased by the Company through February 5, 2014 under its previously authorized share repurchase programs. The Company expects the repurchases to be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing, form and amount of the share repurchases under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, the Company's capital position relative to internal and rating agency targets, legal requirements and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board at any time.

Condensed_unaudited_quarterly_

Condensed unaudited quarterly financial information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed unaudited quarterly financial information	'
	. Condensed unaudited quarterly financial data
		Quarters Ended
		December 31, 2013			September 30, 2013			June 30,			March 31,
								2013			2013
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written	$	237,273		$	356,760		$	702,313		$	1,104,760
	Reinsurance premiums ceded	(24,558		)	(39,415		)	(121,396		)	(187,216		)
	Net premiums written	212,715			317,345			580,917			917,544
	Change in unearned premiums	279,523			213,943			(33,459		)	(386,483		)
	Net premiums earned	492,238			531,288			547,458			531,061
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses	206,152			177,965			265,044			144,771
	Policy acquisition costs	84,647			94,900			87,152			93,611
	General and administrative expenses	82,930			81,089			70,967			80,279
	Share compensation expenses	8,147			10,527			6,638			2,318
	Total underwriting deductions	381,876			364,481			429,801			320,979
	Underwriting income	$	110,362		$	166,807		$	117,657		$	210,082
	Net investment income	24,204			20,009			26,210			25,649
	Other income	4,046			(2,806		)	4,418			2,685
	Finance expenses	(16,925		)	(15,317		)	(17,566		)	(14,369		)
	Operating income before taxes, (income) from operating affiliates and (income) loss attributable to operating affiliate investors	$	121,687		$	168,693		$	130,719		$	224,047
	Tax (expense) benefit	(603		)	(5		)	(93		)	318
	Income from operating affiliates	5,510			1,463			3,793			3,523
	(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors (a)	(26,607		)	(11,815		)	(20,264		)	(10,077		)
	Net operating income	$	99,987		$	158,336		$	114,155		$	217,811
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments	4,448			(6,320		)	3,409			1,721
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,137			69,967			(141,348		)	(7,237		)
	Gain from investment affiliate	516			1,044			1,753			1,477
	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(2,230		)	6,036			(8,223		)	6,922
	Net income (loss)	$	122,858		$	229,063		$	(30,254	)	$	220,694
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(27,526		)	(45,694		)	60,976			2,549
	Net income available to Validus	$	95,332		$	183,369		$	30,722		$	223,243
	Earnings per share
	Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
	Basic	98,454,907			99,834,563			103,133,188			107,386,438
	Diluted	102,928,482			103,613,766			104,734,643			110,052,999
	Basic earnings per share available to common shareholders	$	0.95		$	1.82		$	0.28		$	1.94
	Earnings per diluted share available to common shareholders	$	0.93		$	1.77		$	0.28		$	1.9
	Selected ratios:
	Losses and loss expenses	41.9		%	33.5		%	48.4		%	27.3		%
	Expense ratio	35.7		%	35.1		%	30.1		%	33.2		%
	Combined ratio	77.6		%	68.6		%	78.5		%	60.5		%
	(a)    This amount had been shown within finance expenses for each of the three months ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2013.
		Quarters Ended
		December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written	$	311,847		$	390,215		$	627,089		$	837,289
	Reinsurance premiums ceded	(35,659		)	(45,743		)	(119,052		)	(107,052		)
	Net premiums written	276,188			344,472			508,037			730,237
	Change in unearned premiums	223,098			130,632			(60,410		)	(279,038		)
	Net premiums earned	499,286			475,104			447,627			451,199
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses	458,310			155,455			153,692			231,989
	Policy acquisition costs	81,814			98,623			76,129			78,132
	General and administrative expenses	65,095			70,547			61,635			66,375
	Share compensation expenses	7,126			7,345			6,800			5,438
	Total underwriting deductions	612,345			331,970			298,256			381,934
	Underwriting (loss) income	$	(113,059	)	$	143,134		$	149,371		$	69,265
	Net investment income	28,802			25,489			25,885			27,760
	Other income	187			7,324			5,994			8,891
Finance expenses	(14,510		)	(9,362		)	(13,706		)	(16,279		)
Operating (loss) income before taxes and (loss) income from operating affiliates	$	(98,580	)	$	166,585		$	167,544		$	89,637
Tax (expense)	(615		)	(1,343		)	(404		)	(139		)
(Loss) income from operating affiliates	(614		)	6,235			3,592			3,367
Net operating (loss) income	$	(99,809	)	$	171,477		$	170,732		$	92,865
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses (a)	21,485			(3,784		)	—			—
Net realized (losses) gains on investments	(4,516		)	9,063			6,154			7,532
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(35,857		)	86,345			(53,574		)	20,671
(Loss) from investment affiliate	(406		)	(160		)	(398		)	—
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,181			1,103			(652		)	3,166
Net (loss) income	$	(117,922	)	$	264,044		$	122,262		$	124,234
Net loss (income) attributable (available) to noncontrolling interest	27,206			(56,746		)	45,360			—
Net (loss) income (attributable) available to Validus	$	(90,716	)	$	207,298		$	167,622		$	124,234
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic	97,688,338			93,368,775			98,254,186			99,425,140
Diluted	97,688,338			98,236,490			103,667,967			105,096,090
Basic (loss) earnings per share (attributable) available to common shareholders	$	(0.94	)	$	2.2		$	1.69		$	1.23
(Loss) earnings per diluted share (attributable) available to common shareholders	$	(0.94	)	$	2.11		$	1.62		$	1.18
Selected Ratios:
Losses and loss expenses	91.8		%	32.7		%	34.3		%	51.4		%
Expense ratio	30.9		%	37.2		%	32.3		%	33.2		%
Combined ratio	122.7		%	69.9		%	66.6		%	84.6		%
(a)	The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arose from the acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses which included legal, financial advisory, audit related services and termination expenses.
	Quarters Ended
	December 31, 2011			September 30, 2011			June 30,			March 31,
							2011			2011
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	278,279		$	391,129		$	605,387		$	849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(16,489		)	(30,586		)	(132,346		)	(109,820		)
Net premiums written	261,790			360,543			473,041			740,076
Change in unearned premiums	226,556			98,081			(47,401		)	(310,543		)
Net premiums earned	488,346			458,624			425,640			429,533
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	334,829			226,067			207,307			476,198
Policy acquisition costs	81,253			77,405			78,230			77,296
General and administrative expenses	52,253			35,926			60,841			48,477
Share compensation expenses	7,237			7,382			7,628			12,049
Total underwriting deductions	475,572			346,780			354,006			614,020
Underwriting income (loss)	$	12,774		$	111,844		$	71,634		$	(184,487	)
Net investment income	28,080			27,747			26,494			29,975
Other income	3,517			—			595			1,606
Finance expenses	(13,520		)	(10,935		)	(16,361		)	(14,001		)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	$	30,851		$	128,656		$	82,362		$	(166,907	)
Tax benefit (expense)	226			(2,538		)	29			1,459
Net operating income (loss)	$	31,077		$	126,118		$	82,391		$	(165,448	)
Net realized gains on investments	5,355			5,246			11,552			6,379
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	2,159			(27,848		)	18,526			(12,828		)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	266			(19,932		)	(1,991		)	(467		)
Transaction expenses (a)	(3,850		)	(13,583		)	—			—
Net income (loss)	$	35,007		$	70,001		$	110,478		$	(172,364	)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(7,683		)	(13,516		)	(594		)	—
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	$	27,324		$	56,485		$	109,884		$	(172,364	)
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic	99,137,696			98,961,795			98,385,924			97,944,340
Diluted	101,324,291			100,823,335			104,562,450			97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to common shareholders	$	0.26		$	0.55		$	1.1		$	(1.78	)
Earnings (loss) per diluted share available (attributable) to common shareholders	$	0.25		$	0.54		$	1.05		$	(1.78	)
Selected Ratios:
Losses and loss expenses	68.6		%	49.3		%	48.7		%	110.9		%
Expense ratio	28.8		%	26.3		%	34.5		%	32.1		%
Combined ratio	97.4		%	75.6		%	83.2		%	143		%
(a)	The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company’s proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

Schedule_I_Summary_of_investme

Schedule I - Summary of investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE I
	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
	At December 31, 2013
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
		Amortized		Fair		Amount at which
		cost		value		shown on the
						Balance Sheet
	U.S. government and government agency	$	1,368,826	$	1,364,679	$	1,364,679
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	454,578		459,068		459,068
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	42,978		43,120		43,120
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	305,450		311,499		311,499
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	16,530		15,759		15,759
	U.S. corporate	1,328,960		1,332,484		1,332,484
	Non-U.S. corporate	711,581		714,325		714,325
	Bank loans	712,859		717,116		717,116
	Catastrophe bonds	72,000		74,551		74,551
	Asset-backed securities	509,091		509,657		509,657
	Total fixed maturities	5,522,853		5,542,258		5,542,258
	Total short-term investments	751,734		751,778		751,778
	Total other investments	637,728		618,316		618,316
	Total	$	6,912,315	$	6,912,352	$	6,912,352

Schedule_II_Condensed_financia

Schedule II - Condensed financial information of registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE II
	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	BALANCE SHEETS
	As at December 31, 2013 and 2012
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share information)
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	20,385		$	19,666
	Investment in subsidiaries on an equity basis	4,273,592			4,587,611
	Balances due from subsidiaries	29,048			31,250
	Other assets	3,767			4,632
	Total assets	$	4,326,792		$	4,643,159
	LIABILITIES
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	25,500		$	25,242
	Senior notes payable	247,198			247,090
	Debentures payable	350,000			350,000
	Total liabilities	$	622,698		$	622,332
	Commitments and contingent liabilities
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2013—154,488,497; 2012—152,698,191; Outstanding: 2013—96,044,312; 2012—107,921,259)	$	27,036		$	26,722
	Treasury shares (2013—58,444,185; 2012—44,776,932)	(10,228		)	(7,836		)
	Additional paid-in capital	1,677,894			2,160,478
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	(617		)	(2,953		)
	Retained earnings	2,010,009			1,844,416
	Total shareholders’ equity	$	3,704,094		$	4,020,827
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,326,792		$	4,643,159
	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
	STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012			Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Revenues
	Net investment income	$	14		$	3		$	6
	Other income	36			—			5,321
	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(382		)	(469		)	158
	Total revenues	(332		)	(466		)	5,485
	Expenses
	General and administrative expenses	84,143			66,576			44,276
	Share compensation expenses	6,329			8,503			11,598
	Finance expenses	45,868			45,203			49,530
	Transaction expenses	—			—			16,285
	Total expenses	136,340			120,282			121,689
	(Loss) before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(136,672		)	(120,748		)	(116,204		)
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	669,338			529,186			137,533
	Net income	$	532,666		$	408,438		$	21,329
	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Continued)
	STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012			Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
	Net income	$	532,666		$	408,438		$	21,329
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
	Equity in net earnings of subsidiary	(669,338		)	(529,186		)	(137,533		)
	Dividends received from subsidiaries	1,009,000			734,000			200,000
	Share compensation expenses	6,329			8,503			11,598
	Amortization of discount on senior notes	108			108			108
	Change in:
	Other assets	865			115			1,058
	Balances due from subsidiaries	4,329			(35,522		)	—
Balances due to subsidiaries	—			(45,808		)	(729		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(10,876		)	7,640			(4,321		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	873,083			548,288			91,510
Cash flows (used in) investing activities
Investment in subsidiaries	—			(166,582		)	—
Net cash (used in) investing activities	—			(166,582		)	—
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
Issuance of common shares, net	1,211			3,015			4,885
Purchases of common shares under repurchase program	(513,504		)	(259,962		)	(5,995		)
Dividends paid	(360,071		)	(110,037		)	(107,691		)
Net cash (used in) financing activities	(872,364		)	(366,984		)	(108,801		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	719			14,722			(17,291		)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	19,666			4,944			22,235
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	20,385		$	19,666		$	4,944

Schedule_III_Supplementary_ins

Schedule III - Supplementary insurance information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, for Insurance Companies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE III
	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	As at and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
		As at and for the year ended December 31, 2013
		Deferred			Reserve			Unearned			Net		Net			Losses		Amortization			Other		Net
		Acquisition			for Losses			Premiums			Premiums		Investment			and Loss		of Deferred			Operating		Premiums
		Costs			and Loss						Earned		Income			Expenses		Acquisition			Expenses		Written
					Expenses													Costs
	Validus Re	$	52,835		$	1,723,465		$	296,115		$	1,133,937	$	81,346		$	430,026	$	180,779		$	98,928	$	1,016,258
	AlphaCat	1,755			17,612			16,062			137,414		3,865			17,569		13,853			19,233		146,484
	Talbot	88,656			1,362,574			535,659			830,694		18,061			346,337		170,738			146,071		865,779
	Corporate & Eliminations	(8,977		)	(73,252		)	(23,340		)	—		(7,200		)	—		(5,060		)	78,663		—
	Total	$	134,269		$	3,030,399		$	824,496		$	2,102,045	$	96,072		$	793,932	$	360,310		$	342,895	$	2,028,521
		As at and for the year ended December 31, 2012
		Deferred			Reserve			Unearned			Net		Net			Losses		Amortization			Other		Net
		Acquisition			for Losses			Premiums			Premiums		Investment			and Loss		of Deferred			Operating		Premiums
		Costs			and Loss						Earned		Income			Expenses		Acquisition			Expenses		Written
					Expenses													Costs
	Validus Re	$	75,138		$	2,122,895		$	414,343		$	1,023,271	$	88,727		$	575,416	$	154,362		$	70,811	$	987,381
	AlphaCat	713			5,000			6,992			17,666		3,748			—		1,774			7,811		21,603
	Talbot	79,747			1,480,307			494,883			832,279		21,310			424,030		183,926			141,070		849,950
	Corporate & Eliminations	(9,010		)	(90,629		)	(21,856		)	—		(5,849		)	—		(5,364		)	70,669		—
	Total	$	146,588		$	3,517,573		$	894,362		$	1,873,216	$	107,936		$	999,446	$	334,698		$	290,361	$	1,858,934
		As at and for the year ended December 31, 2011
		Deferred			Reserve			Unearned			Net		Net			Losses		Amortization			Other		Net
		Acquisition			for Losses			Premiums			Premiums		Investment			and Loss		of Deferred			Operating		Premiums
		Costs			and Loss						Earned		Income			Expenses		Acquisition			Expenses		Written
					Expenses													Costs
	Validus Re	$	57,911		$	1,350,849		$	318,092		$	965,925	$	93,248		$	749,305	$	154,582		$	53,972	$	963,775
	AlphaCat	314			10,000			3,055			65,966		3,245			10,000		7,946			11,036		75,727
	Talbot	74,345			1,377,561			481,261			770,252		25,380			485,096		157,334			120,654		795,948
	Corporate & Eliminations	(11,065		)	(107,267		)	(30,026		)	—		(9,577		)	—		(5,678		)	46,131		—
	Total	$	121,505		$	2,631,143		$	772,382		$	1,802,143	$	112,296		$	1,244,401	$	314,184		$	231,793	$	1,835,450

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE IV
	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	REINSURANCE
	As at and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
		Direct gross		Ceded to		Assumed		Net amount		Percentage
				other companies		from other				of amount
						companies				assumed to net
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	544,722	$	372,585	$	1,856,384	$	2,028,521	92	%
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	550,491		307,506		1,615,949		1,858,934		87	%
	Year Ended December 31, 2011	510,200		289,241		1,614,491		1,835,450		88	%

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_infor

Schedule VI - Supplemental information for property-casualty underwriters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Text Block]	'
	SCHEDULE VI
	VALIDUS HOLDINGS, LTD.
	SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY
	INSURANCE OPERATIONS
	As at and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011
	(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
	Affiliation with	Deferred		Reserves for		Reserves for		Net		Net		Losses and loss					Net paid		Amortization of		Net
	registrant	acquisition		losses		unearned		earned		investment		expenses					losses		deferred		premiums
		costs		and loss		premiums		premiums		income		incurred related to					and loss		acquisition		written
				expenses								Current		Prior			expenses		costs
												year		year
	Consolidated Subsidiaries
	2013	$	134,269	$	3,030,399	$	824,496	$	2,102,045	$	96,072	$	999,380	$	(205,448	)	$	1,161,478	$	360,310	$	2,028,521
	2012	146,588		3,517,573		894,362		1,873,216		107,936		1,174,415		(174,969		)	836,020		334,698		1,858,934
	2011	121,505		2,631,143		772,382		1,802,143		112,296		1,400,520		(156,119		)	743,026		314,184		1,835,450

Significant_accounting_policie1

Significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of preparation	'
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	These Consolidated Financial Statements include Validus Holdings, Ltd. and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). To facilitate comparison of information, certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
Use of estimates	'
	The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes that the amounts included in the Consolidated Financial Statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include:
	•reserve for losses and loss expenses;
	•premium estimates for business written on a line slip or proportional basis;
	•the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets;
	•reinsurance recoverable balances including the provision for uncollectible amounts; and
	•investment valuation of financial assets.
	The term “ASC” used in these notes refers to Accounting Standard Codification issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).
Premiums	'
	Insurance premiums written are recorded in accordance with the terms of underlying policies. Reinsurance premiums written are recorded at the inception of the policy and are estimated based on information received from brokers, ceding companies and reinsureds, and any subsequent differences arising on such estimates will be recorded in the periods in which they are determined. Premiums written are earned on a pro-rated basis over the term of the policy. For contracts and policies written on a losses occurring basis, the risk period is generally the same as the contract or policy terms. For contracts written on a policies attaching basis, the risk period is based on the terms of the underlying contracts and policies and is generally assumed to be 24 months. The portion of the premiums written applicable to the unexpired terms of the underlying contracts and policies in force is recorded as unearned premiums.
	Reinstatement premiums are recorded at the time a loss event occurs and coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under predefined contract terms; such premiums are then earned over the remaining risk period. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on our estimate of losses and loss expenses, which reflects management’s judgment, as described in Note 3(c) "Reserve for losses and loss expenses" below.
Policy acquisition costs	'
	Policy acquisition costs are costs that vary with, and are directly related to, the successful production of new and renewal business, and consist principally of commissions and brokerage expenses. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions earned on reinsurance ceded. These costs are deferred and amortized over the periods in which the related premiums are earned. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premiums and anticipated claims expenses. The realizable value of the Company’s deferred acquisition costs is determined without consideration of investment income. Policy acquisition costs also include profit commissions. Profit commissions are recognized on a basis consistent with our estimate of losses and loss expenses.
Reserves for losses and loss expenses	'
	The reserve for losses and loss expenses includes reserves for unpaid reported losses and for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). The reserve for unpaid reported losses and loss expenses is established by management based on reports from brokers, ceding companies and insureds and represents the estimated ultimate cost of events or conditions that have been reported to, or specifically identified by, the Company. The reserve for incurred but not reported losses and loss expenses is established by management based on actuarially determined estimates of ultimate losses and loss expenses. Inherent in the estimate of ultimate losses and loss expenses are expected trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which may vary significantly as claims are settled. Accordingly, ultimate losses and loss expenses may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are reviewed regularly and, as experience develops and new information becomes known, the reserves are adjusted as necessary. Such adjustments, if any, will be recorded in earnings in the period in which they become known. Prior period development arises from changes to these estimates recognized in the current year that relate to loss and loss expense reserves established in previous calendar years.
Reinsurance	'
	In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the potential amount of loss arising from claims events by reinsuring certain levels of risk assumed in various areas of exposure with other insurers or reinsurers. The accounting for reinsurance ceded depends on the method of reinsurance. If the policy is on a “losses occurring” basis, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) on a pro-rata basis over the period the reinsurance coverage is provided. If the policy is a “risks attaching” policy, reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any commissions thereon are earned) in line with the earning of the gross premiums to which the risk attaching policy relates. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded applicable to the unexpired term of policies in force. Mandatory reinstatement premiums ceded are recorded at the time the loss event occurs and expensed over the remaining risk period. Reinsurance recoverables are based on contracts in force at the time of the underlying loss event. The method for determining the reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expenses involves the actuarial estimates of unpaid losses and loss expenses as well as a determination of the Company’s ability to cede unpaid losses and loss expenses under its reinsurance treaties. The use of different assumptions could have a material effect on the provision for uncollectible reinsurance. To the extent the creditworthiness of the Company’s reinsurers was to deteriorate due to adverse events affecting the reinsurance industry, such as a large number of major catastrophes, actual uncollectible amounts could be significantly greater than the Company’s provision. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the underlying liabilities.
Investments	'
	All investments are carried at fair value with interest and dividend income and realized and unrealized gains and losses included in net income for the year.
	All investment transactions are recorded on a first-in-first-out basis and realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of amortized cost. Interest on fixed maturity securities is recorded in net investment income when earned and is adjusted for any amortization of premium or accretion of discount.
	For mortgage-backed securities, and any other holdings for which there is a prepayment risk, prepayment assumptions are evaluated and revised as necessary. Any adjustments required due to the resultant change in effective yields and maturities are recognized retrospectively. Prepayment fees or call premiums that are only payable to the Company when a security is called prior to its maturity, are earned when received and reflected in net investment income.
	Short-term investments comprise investments with a remaining maturity of less than one year at time of purchase and money market funds held at the Company’s investment managers.
Other investments	'
	The fair value of other investments is generally recorded on the basis of the net asset valuation criteria established by the managers of the investments, normally based upon the governing documents of such investments. In addition, due to a lag in reporting, some of the fund managers, fund administrators, or both, are unable to provide final fund valuations as of the Company’s reporting date. In these circumstances, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month’s or prior quarter's fund valuation, adjusting these valuations for capital calls, redemptions or distributions and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, it uses all credible information available. This includes utilizing preliminary estimates reported by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has reported results, or other valuation methods, as necessary. Actual final fund valuations may differ, perhaps materially so, from the Company’s estimates and these differences are recorded in the period they become known as a change in estimate.
Fair value of financial instruments	'
	Fair value is defined as the price received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date reflecting the highest and best use valuation concepts. The guidance for “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure” provides a framework for measuring fair value by creating a hierarchy of fair value measurements that distinguishes market data between observable independent market inputs and unobservable market assumptions by the reporting entity. The guidance further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements. The guidance applies broadly to most existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements (including both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities) but does not require any new fair value measurements. The Company has adopted all authoritative guidance in effect as of the balance sheet date regarding certain market conditions that allow for fair value measurements that incorporate unobservable inputs where active market transaction based measurements are unavailable.
Derivative instruments	'
	Fair Value Hedges
	The Company uses derivative instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency risk. A foreign currency forward exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the value of our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies but rather allow the Company to establish a rate of exchange for a future point in time. The foreign currency forward exchange contracts are recorded as derivatives at fair value as either assets or liabilities, depending on their rights or obligations, with changes in fair value recorded as a net foreign exchange gain or loss in the Company’s Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in value or cash flow of the hedged item. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation process includes linking derivatives to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual currency basis. If the ratio obtained with this method is within the range of 80% to 125%, the Company considers the hedge effective.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. To the extent that the Company discontinues hedge accounting, because, based on management’s assessment, the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, the derivative will continue to be carried in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value, with changes in its fair value recognized in current period net income through foreign exchange gains (losses).
	Cash Flow Hedges
	The Company uses derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate exposure associated with certain assets and liabilities. These derivatives are recorded at fair value. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are reclassified into earnings when the variability of the cash flow of the hedged item impacts earnings. Gains and losses on derivative contracts that are reclassified from OCI to current period earnings are included in the line item in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in which the cash flows of the hedged item are recorded. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded immediately in current period earnings.
	To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in value or cash flow of the hedged item. The Company formally documents all relationships between designated hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The documentation process includes linking derivatives to specific assets or liabilities on the balance sheet.  The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis (when required), whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The Company assesses the effectiveness of its designated hedges on an individual contract basis. The Company currently applies the long haul method when assessing the hedge's effectiveness.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument; or the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the Company becomes aware that it is not probable that the forecasted transaction will occur, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value, and gains and losses that were accumulated in OCI are recognized immediately in earnings.
Cash and cash equivalents	'
	The Company considers time deposits and money market funds with an original maturity of 30 days or less as equivalent to cash.
Foreign exchange	'
	The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of the Company and the majority of its subsidiaries. For these companies, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date with the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses included in earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are revalued at the exchange rate in effect at the time of the underlying transaction.
	Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated at prevailing year end exchange rates. Revenue and expenses of such foreign operations are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The net effect of translation differences between functional and reporting currencies in foreign operations, net of applicable deferred income taxes, is included in AOCI.
Stock plans	'
	The Company accounts for its stock plans in accordance with the U.S. GAAP fair value recognition provisions for “Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, the Company recognizes the compensation expense for stock option grants, restricted share grants and performance share awards based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant over the requisite service period.
Warrants	'
	The Company has accounted for certain warrant contracts issued to our sponsoring investors in conjunction with the capitalization of the Company, and which may be settled by the Company using either the physical settlement or net-share settlement methods, in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging, Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity.” Accordingly, the fair value of these warrants has been recorded in equity as an addition to additional paid-in capital.
Earnings per share	'
	Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Earnings per diluted common share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and share equivalents excluding any anti-dilutive effects of warrants, options and other awards under stock plans.
Income taxes and uncertain tax provisions	'
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP “Income Taxes” guidance. Consistent with this guidance, the Company records deferred income taxes which reflect the tax effect of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their respective tax bases.
	The Company and its Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are not subject to any income, withholding or capital gains taxes under current Bermuda law. The Company has operations in subsidiary form in various other jurisdictions around the world, including but not limited to the U.K., U.S., Switzerland and Canada, that are subject to relevant taxes in those jurisdictions.
	The Company recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by tax authorities. The Company would recognize accruals for any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expenses.
Goodwill and intangible assets	'
	The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in business combinations in accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations.”
	A purchase price paid that is in excess of the fair value of the net assets (“goodwill”) arising from a business combination is recorded as an asset, and is not amortized. Where the total fair value of net assets acquired exceeds consideration paid (“negative goodwill”), the acquirer will record a gain as a result of the bargain purchase, to be recognized through the consolidated statements of comprehensive income at the close of the transaction.
	Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Refer to Note 6 "Goodwill and other intangible assets" for further information.
	Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or change in the assessment of future operations. In performing this test, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.” Similarly, the Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment described in ASC Topic 350 "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - General Intangibles Other than Goodwill."
	If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Investments in affiliates	'
	Investments in which the Company has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss from such investments in its results for the period.
Variable interest entities	'
	The Company determines whether it has relationships with entities defined as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with ASC Topic 810 "Consolidation." Entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk to allow the entity to finance its activities without additional financial support or in which the equity investors, as a group, do not have the characteristic of a controlling financial interest are referred to as variable interest entities. A VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to be the primary beneficiary.
	The primary beneficiary is defined as the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. At inception of the VIE, as well as following an event that requires reassessment, the Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary based on an analysis of the Company's level of involvement in the VIE, the contractual terms, and the overall structure of the VIE. Those VIEs that have all the attributes of an investment company are assessed under ASC Topic 810, excluding the changes that were as a result of the issuance of FASB Statement No. 167 "Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)."
	The Company accounts for its investments in the AlphaCat Insurance Linked Securities (“ILS”) Funds as variable interest entities. See Note 9 "Investments in affiliates" for further details.
Noncontrolling interest	'
	The Company accounts for its noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation.” Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented as a mezzanine item, between liabilities and shareholders' equity, in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet and the non-redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented within shareholders' equity in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity. The net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest is presented separately in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Refer to Note 9, "Investments in affiliates" for further details.

Business_combination_Tables

Business combination (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Composition of purchase price and fair value of net assets acquired	'
	The composition of the purchase price and the fair value of net assets acquired is summarized as follows:
	Total allocable purchase price
		Flagstone shares outstanding at November 30, 2012	73,852,137
		Exchange ratio	0.1935
		Validus common shares issued, gross of taxes withheld	14,290,389
		Validus share price at acquisition	$	34.87
		Total value of Validus shares issued			$	498,306
		Total cash consideration paid at $2.00 per Flagstone share			147,731
		Total allocable purchase price			646,037
	Tangible assets acquired
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	159,339
		Investments	1,323,002
		Receivables (a)	171,620
		Other assets	129,245
		Tangible assets acquired			$	1,783,206
	Liabilities acquired
		Net loss reserves and paid losses recoverable	$	639,641
		Unearned premiums, net of expenses	104,592
		Debentures payable	250,657
		Other liabilities	98,574
		Liabilities acquired			$	1,093,464
	Net tangible assets acquired, at fair value				689,742
	Bargain purchase gain before establishment of intangible assets				43,705
		Intangible asset—customer relationships and brand name			5,997
	Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of Flagstone				$	49,702
	(a)	Premiums receivable of $171,620 were net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,216.
Components of gain on bargain purchase	'
	The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses has been presented as a separate line item in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and is composed of the following:
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-12
	Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of Flagstone	$	49,702
	Transaction expenses	(5,760		)
	Termination expenses	(20,244		)
	Amortization of intangible asset—customer relationships and brand name	(5,997		)
	Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses	$	17,701
Pro forma information	'
	The following selected unaudited pro forma financial information has been provided to present a summary of the combined results of the Company and Flagstone, assuming the transaction had been effected on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma data is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent results that would have occurred if the transaction had taken place on the basis assumed above.
		Year ended			Year ended
		31-Dec-12			31-Dec-11
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Revenues
	Gross premiums written	$	2,536,535		$	2,914,388
	Reinsurance premiums ceded	(397,008		)	(520,506		)
	Net premiums written	2,139,527			2,393,882
	Change in unearned premiums	86,935			(20,261		)
	Net premiums earned	2,226,462			2,373,621
	Net investment income	126,140			143,472
	Net realized gains on investments	63,601			37,366
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	5,654			(47,101		)
	(Loss) from investment affiliate	(964		)	—
	Other income	29,984			11,152
	Foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,363			(26,605		)
	Total revenues	2,452,240			2,491,905
	Expenses
	Losses and loss expenses	1,242,449			1,920,936
	Policy acquisition costs	413,579			429,509
	General and administrative expenses	323,061			282,183
	Share compensation expenses	30,750			35,427
	Transaction expenses	—			17,433
	Finance expenses	64,306			66,485
	Total expenses	2,074,145			2,751,973
	Income before taxes and income from operating affiliates	378,095			(260,068		)
	Tax (expense)	(3,385		)	(773		)
	Income (loss) from operating affiliates	12,868			(922		)
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	387,578		$	(261,763	)
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	19,366			(21,662		)
	Net income (loss)	$	406,944		$	(283,425	)
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	14,685			(24,515		)
	Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	$	421,629		$	(307,940	)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	3.73		$	(3.20	)
	Earnings (loss) per diluted share	$	3.62		$	(3.20	)
Summary of results of acquired company since acquisition	'
	The following selected audited information has been provided to present a summary of the results of Flagstone that have been included within the Validus Re segment in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
		From Acquisition Date to
		31-Dec-12
	Net premiums written	$	11,305
	Total revenue	26,778
	Total expenses	(17,061		)
	Net income	$	9,717

Goodwill_and_other_intangible_1

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets	'
	The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets included in the Talbot segment:
		Goodwill		Intangible assets		Intangible assets			Total
				with an		with a
				indefinite life		finite life
	Gross balance at December 31, 2013	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	41,616		$	153,852
	Accumulated amortization	—		—		(27,052		)	(27,052		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2013	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	14,564		$	126,800
	Gross balance at December 31, 2012	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	41,616		$	153,852
	Accumulated amortization	—		—		(22,890		)	(22,890		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2012	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	18,726		$	130,962
	Gross balance at December 31, 2011	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	41,616		$	153,852
	Accumulated amortization	—		—		(18,728		)	(18,728		)
	Net balance at December 31, 2011	$	20,393	$	91,843	$	22,888		$	135,124
Estimated remaining amortization expense	'
	The estimated remaining amortization expense for the Trademark and Distribution Network is as follows:
	2014	$	4,162
	2015	4,162
	2016	4,162
	2017	2,078
	2018 and thereafter	—
		$	14,564

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'
	The amortized cost (or cost), gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost or Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value
	U.S. government and government agency	$	1,368,826		$	2,589			$	(6,736	)		$	1,364,679
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	454,578			6,511				(2,021		)		459,068
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	42,978			459				(317		)		43,120
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	305,450			8,310				(2,261		)		311,499
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	16,530			143				(914		)		15,759
	U.S. corporate	1,328,960			9,208				(5,684		)		1,332,484
	Non-U.S. corporate	711,581			5,917				(3,173		)		714,325
	Bank loans	712,859			5,659				(1,402		)		717,116
	Catastrophe bonds	72,000			2,551				—				74,551
	Asset-backed securities	509,091			1,409				(843		)		509,657
	Total fixed maturities	5,522,853			42,756				(23,351		)		5,542,258
	Total short-term investments	751,734			45				(1		)		751,778
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	3,141			83				(921		)		2,303
	Hedge funds (a)	584,518			71,641				(95,076		)		561,083
	Private equity investments	12,333			1,410				(258		)		13,485
	Investment funds	31,537			92				—				31,629
	Mutual funds	6,199			3,617				—				9,816
	Total other investments	637,728			76,843				(96,255		)		618,316
	Total investments including noncontrolling interest	$	6,912,315		$	119,644			$	(119,607	)		$	6,912,352
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	(512,121	)	$	(62,850	)		$	85,569			$	(489,402	)
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest (b)	$	(18,365	)	$	—			$	—			$	(18,365	)
	Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	6,381,829		$	56,794			$	(34,038	)		$	6,404,585
	(a)	Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
	(b)	Included in the Total investments balance are investments held by two AlphaCat ILS funds which are consolidated by the Company but in which the Company has an equity interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest.
	The amortized cost (or cost), gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments at December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost or Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains				Gross Unrealized Losses				Estimated Fair Value
	U.S. government and government agency	$	1,091,357		$	7,957			$	(84	)		$	1,099,230
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	295,602			6,904				(227		)		302,279
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	41,286			800				(23		)		42,063
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	375,368			13,708				(202		)		388,874
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	106,536			1,266				(1,346		)		106,456
	U.S. corporate	1,189,173			21,681				(681		)		1,210,173
	Non-U.S. corporate	582,115			11,373				(223		)		593,265
	Bank loans	663,217			10,593				(427		)		673,383
	Catastrophe bonds	56,757			481				(291		)		56,947
	Asset-backed securities	607,103			5,767				(206		)		612,664
	Total fixed maturities	5,008,514			80,530				(3,710		)		5,085,334
	Total short-term investments	1,112,929			1,349				(28		)		1,114,250
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	4,677			299				(219		)		4,757
	Hedge funds (a)	559,335			21,814				(42,623		)		538,526
	Private equity investments	12,857			94				—				12,951
	Mutual funds	6,199			2,015				—				8,214
	Total other investments	583,068			24,222				(42,842		)		564,448
	Total investments	$	6,704,511		$	106,101			$	(46,580	)		$	6,764,032
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	(450,000	)	$	(19,427	)		$	36,690			$	(432,737	)
	Total investments, excluding noncontrolling interest	$	6,254,511		$	86,674			$	(9,890	)		$	6,331,295
	(a)	Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
Investment ratings on fixed maturities	'
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding the investment ratings of the Company’s fixed maturities portfolio as at December 31, 2013 and 2012. Investment ratings are the lower of Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s rating for each investment security, presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. For investments where Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s ratings are not available, Fitch ratings are used and presented in Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating.
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Estimated Fair Value			% of Total			Estimated Fair Value				% of Total
	AAA	$	788,490		14.2	%		$	1,062,794			20.9	%
	AA	2,378,491			42.9	%		1,862,322				36.6	%
	A	1,174,562			21.2	%		1,049,969				20.6	%
	BBB	420,559			7.6	%		374,447				7.4	%
	Total investment-grade fixed maturities	4,762,102			85.9	%		4,349,532				85.5	%
	BB	350,678			6.3	%		373,907				7.4	%
	B	390,430			7	%		330,416				6.5	%
	CCC	4,659			0.1	%		4,483				0.1	%
	CC	2,731			0.1	%		3,259				0.1	%
	D/NR	31,658			0.6	%		23,737				0.4	%
	Total non-investment grade fixed maturities	780,156			14.1	%		735,802				14.5	%
	Total fixed maturities	$	5,542,258		100	%		$	5,085,334			100	%
Fixed maturities investments by contractual maturity	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value amounts for fixed maturity securities held at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown below by contractual maturity. Actual maturity may differ from contractual maturity because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
		Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Estimated Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	688,855		$	692,768			$	526,529			$	530,499
	Due after one year through five years	3,603,459			3,613,847				2,971,118				3,018,544
	Due after five years through ten years	396,389			395,633				418,377				424,304
	Due after ten years	3,079			3,095				3,483				3,993
		4,691,782			4,705,343				3,919,507				3,977,340
	Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities	831,071			836,915				1,089,007				1,107,994
	Total	$	5,522,853		$	5,542,258			$	5,008,514			$	5,085,334
Net investment income	'
	Net investment income was derived from the following sources:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Fixed maturities and short-term investments	$	99,216		$	105,937			$	111,983
	Other investments	—			2,790				—
	Cash and cash equivalents	4,713			7,259				7,285
	Securities lending income	6			14				58
	Total gross investment income	103,935			116,000				119,326
	Investment expenses	(7,863		)	(8,064		)		(7,030		)
	Total net investment income	$	96,072		$	107,936			$	112,296
Net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	'
	The following represents an analysis of net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents
	Gross realized gains	$	31,402		$	38,905			$	45,026
	Gross realized (losses)	(28,144		)	(20,672		)		(16,494		)
	Net realized gains on investments	3,258			18,233				28,532
	Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(58,481		)	17,585				(19,991		)
	Total net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments before noncontrolling interest	(55,223		)	35,818				8,541
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	1,836			17,263				—
	Total net realized gains and net unrealized (losses) gains on investments after noncontrolling interest	$	(53,387	)	$	53,081			$	8,541
	(a)	Includes realized (gains) and net unrealized losses on investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors.
Investments pledged as collateral	'
	The following tables outline investments pledged as collateral under the Company's credit and other facilities. For further details of the facilities, please refer to Note 19: “Debt and financing arrangements”:
			December 31, 2013
	Description		Commitment			Issued and Outstanding				Investments pledged as collateral
	$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility		$	400,000		$	—			$	—
	$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility		525,000			358,567				507,620
	$200,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility		200,000			16,726				130,256
	Talbot FAL facility		25,000			25,000				30,801
	PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility		10,000			294				—
	AlphaCat Reinsurance secured letter of credit facility		24,800			24,800				24,806
	IPC bi-lateral facility		40,000			20,177				98,465
	$375,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility		375,000			305,686				454,458
			$	1,599,800		$	751,250			$	1,246,406
			31-Dec-12
	Description		Commitment			Issued and Outstanding				Investments pledged as collateral
	$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility		$	400,000		$	—			$	—
	$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility		525,000			376,570				517,210
	$500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility		500,000			92,402				125,991
	Talbot FAL facility		25,000			25,000				41,372
	PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility		10,000			219				—
	IPC bi-lateral facility		80,000			40,613				98,593
	$550,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility		550,000			381,019				416,414
			$	2,090,000		$	915,823			$	1,199,580

Fair_value_measurements_Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value hierarchy - allocation of investments	'
	At December 31, 2013, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3			Total
	U.S. government and government agency	$	—			$	1,364,679	$	—		$	1,364,679
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	—				459,068		—			459,068
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	—				43,120		—			43,120
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				311,499		—			311,499
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				15,759		—			15,759
	U.S. corporate	—				1,332,484		—			1,332,484
	Non-U.S. corporate	—				714,325		—			714,325
	Bank loans	—				717,116		—			717,116
	Catastrophe bonds	—				74,551		—			74,551
	Asset-backed securities	—				509,657		—			509,657
	Total fixed maturities	—				5,542,258		—			5,542,258
	Total short-term investments	747,215				4,563		—			751,778
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	—				—		2,303			2,303
	Hedge funds (a)	—				—		561,083			561,083
	Private equity investments	—				—		13,485			13,485
	Investment funds	—				31,629		—			31,629
	Mutual funds	—				9,816		—			9,816
	Total other investments	—				41,445		576,871			618,316
	Total investments including noncontrolling interest	$	747,215			$	5,588,266	$	576,871		$	6,912,352
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	—			$	—	$	(489,402	)	$	(489,402	)
	Redeemable noncontrolling interest (b)	$	(18,365	)		$	—	$	—		$	(18,365	)
	Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	728,850			$	5,588,266	$	87,469		$	6,404,585
	(a)	Included in the hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
	(b)	Included in the Total investments balance are investments held by two AlphaCat ILS funds which are consolidated by the Company but in which the Company has an equity interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest.
	At December 31, 2012, the Company’s investments were allocated between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3			Total
	U.S. government and government agency	$	—			$	1,099,230	$	—		$	1,099,230
	Non-U.S. government and government agency	—				302,279		—			302,279
	U.S. states, municipalities and political subdivision	—				42,063		—			42,063
	Agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				388,874		—			388,874
	Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities	—				106,456		—			106,456
	U.S. corporate	—				1,210,173		—			1,210,173
	Non-U.S. corporate	—				593,265		—			593,265
	Bank loans	—				673,383		—			673,383
	Catastrophe bonds	—				56,947		—			56,947
	Asset-backed securities	—				612,664		—			612,664
	Total fixed maturities	—				5,085,334		—			5,085,334
	Total short-term investments	1,063,175				51,075		—			1,114,250
	Other investments
	Fund of hedge funds	—				—		4,757			4,757
	Hedge funds (a)	—				—		538,526			538,526
	Private equity investments	—				—		12,951			12,951
	Mutual funds	—				8,214		—			8,214
	Total other investments	—				8,214		556,234			564,448
	Total investments including noncontrolling interest	$	1,063,175			$	5,144,623	$	556,234		$	6,764,032
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	—			$	—	$	(432,737	)	$	(432,737	)
	Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	1,063,175			$	5,144,623	$	123,497		$	6,331,295
	(a)	Included in the hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
Reconciliation of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Total Fair Market Value			Total Fair Market Value
	Level 3 investments—Beginning of period	$	556,234		$	8,880
	Purchases	99,037			572,287
	Sales	(82,000		)	(1,682		)
	Issuances	—			—
	Settlements	—			—
	Realized gains	6,132			100
	Unrealized (losses)	(2,532		)	(21,018		)
	Amortization	—			—
	Transfers into Level 3 during the year	—			920
	Transfers from Level 3 during the year	—			(3,253		)
	Level 3 investments—End of period	$	576,871		$	556,234
	Noncontrolling interest (a)	$	(489,402	)	$	(432,737	)
	Level 3 investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$	87,469		$	123,497
	(a)	Includes Level 3 investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.

Investments_in_affiliates_Tabl

Investments in affiliates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Information about the Company's investments in affiliates, including summarized financial information	'
	The following table presents the Company's investments in affiliates as at the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Investment affiliate	$	34,500		$	15,218
	Operating affiliates	106,743			157,111
	Investments in affiliates	$	141,243		$	172,329
Summary of notes payable to AlphaCat entities	'
	The following table presents the notes payable to the AlphaCat entities as at December 31, 2013:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	AlphaCat 2013	$	223,809		$	—
	AlphaCat ILS funds	215,463			—
	Notes payable to operating affiliates	$	439,272		$	—
Schedule of income attributable to operating affiliate investors	'
	The following table presents the (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		December 31,			December 31,				December 31,
		2013			2012				2011
	AlphaCat 2013	$	(47,329	)	$	—			$	—
	AlphaCat ILS funds	(21,434		)	—				—
	(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	$	(68,763	)	$	—			$	—
Investment Affiliates [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Information about the Company's investments in affiliates, including summarized financial information	'
	The following table presents the Company’s investment in the Partnership as at December 31, 2013:
		Investment at cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Carrying value
	Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.	$	32,110		—	%		6.7	%		$	34,500
	The following table presents the Company’s investment in the Partnership as at December 31, 2012:
		Investment at cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Carrying value
	Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.	$	17,618		—	%		6.7	%		$	15,218
Reconciliation of beginning and ending investment in affiliate balances	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending investments in the Company’s investment affiliate balances for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Investment in affiliate, beginning of period	$	15,218		$	3,253
	Capital contributions	14,492			14,365
	Net unrealized (loss) on investments (a)	—			(1,436		)
	Income (loss) from investment affiliate	4,790			(964		)
	Investment in affiliate, end of period	$	34,500		$	15,218
	(a)	Until March 31, 2012, this investment was included in "Other investments" as a level 3 investment in the fair value hierarchy, hence the change in fair value was included in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments.
Operating Affiliates [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Information about the Company's investments in affiliates, including summarized financial information	'
	The following table presents the Company's investments in AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012, AlphaCat 2013, AlphaCat 2014, and the AlphaCat ILS fund in the Consolidated Financial Statements as at December 31, 2013:
		Investment in operating affiliates
		Cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Carrying value
	AlphaCat Re 2011	$	9,882		43.7	%		22.3	%		$	9,809
	AlphaCat Re 2012	654			49	%		37.9	%		1,313
	AlphaCat 2013	45,000			40.9	%		19.7	%		51,744
	AlphaCat 2014	22,000			42.3	%		19.6	%		21,982
	AlphaCat ILS fund	20,000			—	%		9.1	%		21,895
	Total	$	97,536								$	106,743
	The following table presents the Company's investments in AlphaCat Re 2011, AlphaCat Re 2012, AlphaCat 2013 and the AlphaCat ILS fund in the Consolidated Financial Statements as at December 31, 2012:
		Investment in operating affiliates
		Investment at cost			Voting ownership %			Equity ownership %			Share of net asset value
	AlphaCat Re 2011	$	41,389		43.7	%		22.3	%		$	62,792
	AlphaCat Re 2012	26,500			49	%		37.9	%		29,319
	AlphaCat 2013	45,000			40.9	%		19.7	%		45,000
	AlphaCat ILS fund	20,000			—	%		11.8	%		20,000
	Total	$	132,889								$	157,111
	The following table presents certain summarized financial information of the AlphaCat entities as at December 31, 2013 and for the year then ended:
		Combined investees summarized financial data
		Total assets			Total liabilities				Total revenue				Net income
	AlphaCat Re 2011	$	49,134		$	13,216			$	(3,698	)		$	8,680
	AlphaCat Re 2012	$	7,767		$	4,737			$	12,283			$	9,869
	AlphaCat 2013	$	266,189		$	3,792			$	48,945			$	34,252
	AlphaCat 2014	$	158,623		$	93			$	—			$	(89	)
	AlphaCat ILS funds (a)	$	239,071		$	57			$	21,506			$	19,242
	(a) AlphaCat ILS funds information includes all funds, including those where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.
Reconciliation of beginning and ending investment in affiliate balances	'
	The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending investment in operating affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		AlphaCat Re 2011			AlphaCat Re 2012				AlphaCat 2013				AlphaCat 2014			AlphaCat ILS fund		Total
	As at December 31, 2012	$	62,792		$	29,319			$	45,000			$	—		$	20,000	$	157,111
	Purchase of shares	—			—				—				22,000			—		22,000
	Return of investment	(54,914		)	(31,743		)		—				—			—		(86,657		)
	Income (loss) from operating affiliates	1,931			3,737				6,744				(18		)	1,895		14,289
	As at December 31, 2013	$	9,809		$	1,313			$	51,744			$	21,982		$	21,895	$	106,743
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		AlphaCat Re 2011			AlphaCat Re 2012				AlphaCat 2013				AlphaCat ILS fund			Total
	As at December 31, 2011	$	53,031		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	53,031
	Purchase of shares	—			26,500				45,000				20,000			91,500
	Income from operating affiliates	9,761			2,819				—				—			12,580
	As at December 31, 2012	$	62,792		$	29,319			$	45,000			$	20,000		$	157,111

Noncontrolling_interest_Tables

Noncontrolling interest (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Recondiliation of beginning and ending balances of noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of redeemable noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling interest for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Redeemable noncontrolling interest			Noncontrolling interest			Total
	As at December 31, 2011	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Issuance of shares	—			450,100			450,100
	(Loss) attributable to third parties	—			(15,820		)	(15,820		)
	As at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	434,280		$	434,280
	Issuance of shares	92,190			58,500			150,690
	Income attributable to third parties	4,818			4,877			9,695
	Redemption of shares	(10,496		)	—			(10,496		)
	As at December 31, 2013	$	86,512		$	497,657		$	584,169

Derivative_instruments_used_in1

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Location and fair value amount of derivative instruments reported on the balance sheet	'
	The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the fair value derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			As at December 31, 2013								As at December 31, 2012
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:		Net notional exposure			Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)			Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Net notional exposure		Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)
	Currency swaps		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	17,153	$	—	$	772
	Foreign currency forward contracts		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	310,541	$	—	$	394
	(a)	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The following table summarizes information on the location and amount of the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
			As at December 31, 2013								As at December 31, 2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:		Net notional exposure			Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)			Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Net notional exposure		Asset Derivative at Fair Value (a)		Liability Derivative at Fair Value (a)
	Foreign currency forward contracts		$	163,576		$	1,167		$	2,313	$	35,976	$	—	$	223
	Interest rate swap contracts		$	552,263		$	—		$	911	$	289,800	$	—	$	220
	(a)	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Location and amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments reported on in the income statement	'
	The following table provides the total impact on earnings, recognized in income within foreign exchange gains (losses), relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as fair value hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative		$	1,947		$	1,017
	Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged		$	(1,947	)	$	(912	)
	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)		$	—		$	105
Location and amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments reported on in the comprehensive income and earnings	'
	The following table provides the total impact on other comprehensive (loss) income and earnings relating to the derivative instruments formally designated as cash flow hedges along with the impact of the related hedged items for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Interest rate swap contracts		Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Amount of effective portion recognized in other comprehensive income		$	11,107		$	1,588
	Amount of effective portion subsequently reclassified to earnings		$	(11,107	)	$	(1,588	)
	Amount of ineffective portion excluded from effectiveness testing		$	—		$	—

Premiums_receivable_Tables

Premiums receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of premiums receivable	'
	The following is a breakdown of the components of premiums receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Premiums			Premiums		Total
		in course			accrued
		of collection			but unbilled
	Balance as at December 31, 2012	$	214,891		$	587,268	$	802,159
	Change during 2013	(141,189		)	36,263		(104,926		)
	Balance as at December 31, 2013	$	73,702		$	623,531	$	697,233
	Balance as at December 31, 2011	$	175,111		$	471,243	$	646,354
	Change during 2012	39,780			116,025		155,805
	Balance as at December 31, 2012	$	214,891		$	587,268	$	802,159

Reserve_for_losses_and_loss_ex1

Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]	'
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	'
	The following table represents an analysis of paid and unpaid losses and loss expenses incurred and a reconciliation of the beginning and ending unpaid losses and loss expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	$	3,517,573		$	2,631,143		$	2,035,973
	Losses and loss expenses recoverable	(439,967		)	(372,485		)	(283,134		)
	Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	3,077,606			2,258,658			1,752,839
	Net reserves (disposed) acquired	(36,519		)	639,641			—
	Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred in respect of losses occurring in:
	Current year	999,380			1,174,415			1,400,520
	Prior years	(205,448		)	(174,969		)	(156,119		)
	Total incurred losses and loss expenses	793,932			999,446			1,244,401
	Less net losses and loss expenses paid in respect of losses occurring in:
	Current year	(244,682		)	(182,146		)	(266,247		)
	Prior years	(916,796		)	(653,874		)	(476,779		)
	Total net paid losses	(1,161,478		)	(836,020		)	(743,026		)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	(13,296		)	15,881			4,444
	Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year	2,660,245			3,077,606			2,258,658
	Losses and loss expenses recoverable	370,154			439,967			372,485
	Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year	$	3,030,399		$	3,517,573		$	2,631,143
	Incurred losses and loss expenses comprise:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Gross losses and loss expenses	$	924,986		$	1,192,494		$	1,555,275
	Reinsurance recoverable	(131,054		)	(193,048		)	(310,874		)
	Net incurred losses and loss expenses	$	793,932		$	999,446		$	1,244,401
Prior year development by segment and line of business	'
	The net favorable development on prior years by segment and line of business is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Property			Marine			Specialty			Total (a)
	Validus Re	$	(81,610	)	$	26,705		$	(4,353	)	$	(59,258	)
	Talbot	(45,692		)	(46,092		)	(54,406		)	(146,190		)
	Net (favorable) development	$	(127,302	)	$	(19,387	)	$	(58,759	)	$	(205,448	)
	Validus Re property and specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower claims emergence on attritional losses, although the property lines experienced unfavorable development due to increased estimate of ultimate losses on New Zealand earthquakes. Validus Re marine lines experienced unfavorable development primarily due to an increased estimate of ultimate losses on Costa Concordia. Talbot experienced favorable development across all lines, primarily due to lower than expected claims development on attritional losses.
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Property			Marine			Specialty			Total (a)
	Validus Re	$	(45,733	)	$	(11,298	)	$	(15,530	)	$	(72,561	)
	Talbot	(26,263		)	(40,060		)	(36,085		)	(102,408		)
	Net (favorable) development	$	(71,996	)	$	(51,358	)	$	(51,615	)	$	(174,969	)
	Validus Re property and marine lines experienced favorable development primarily due to a reduction in the loss estimates on attritional losses, partially offset by increases in loss estimates on notable losses. Validus Re specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims development on attritional losses. Talbot experienced favorable development across all lines, primarily due to lower than expected development on attritional losses.
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Property			Marine			Specialty			Total (a)
	Validus Re	$	(49,020	)	$	(10,234	)	$	(9,356	)	$	(68,610	)
	Talbot	(22,169		)	(31,382		)	(33,958		)	(87,509		)
	Net (favorable) development	$	(71,189	)	$	(41,616	)	$	(43,314	)	$	(156,119	)
	(a)	AlphaCat has not had any development on prior accident years.
	Validus Re property and marine lines experienced favorable development primarily due to a reduction in the loss estimates on both large, non-notable loss events and attritional losses. Validus Re specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims development on attritional losses, partially offset by adverse development on large, non-notable loss events. Talbot property lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected claims development on large, non-notable losses and attritional losses. Talbot marine and specialty lines experienced favorable development primarily due to lower than expected development on attritional losses.

Accounts_payable_Tables

Accounts payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Components of accounts payable and accrued expenses	'
	The following are the components of accounts payable and accrued expenses:
		Years Ended
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accrued interest on debt	$	10,686	$	10,662
	Accrued income attributable to operating affiliates	68,763		—
	Trade and compensation payables	198,738		156,915
	Total	$	278,187	$	167,577

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned	'
	The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and earned for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Validus Re								AlphaCat							Talbot						Eliminations						Total
		Written				Earned				Written				Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
	Direct	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	544,722		$	519,045		$	—		$	—		$	544,722		$	519,045
	Assumed	1,242,522				1,360,735				147,009				137,939			547,168			532,069			(80,315		)	(78,833		)	1,856,384			1,951,910
	Ceded	(226,264		)		(226,798		)		(525		)		(525		)	(226,111		)	(220,420		)	80,315			78,833			(372,585		)	(368,910		)
	Total	$	1,016,258			$	1,133,937			$	146,484			$	137,414		$	865,779		$	830,694		$	—		$	—		$	2,028,521		$	2,102,045
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Validus Re								AlphaCat							Talbot						Eliminations						Total
		Written				Earned				Written				Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
	Direct	$	1,551			$	364			$	—			$	—		$	548,940		$	535,508		$	—		$	—		$	550,491		$	535,872
	Assumed	1,130,408				1,174,681				21,603				17,666			529,696			529,544			(65,758		)	(73,934		)	1,615,949			1,647,957
	Ceded	(144,578		)		(151,774		)		—				—			(228,686		)	(232,773		)	65,758			73,934			(307,506		)	(310,613		)
	Total	$	987,381			$	1,023,271			$	21,603			$	17,666		$	849,950		$	832,279		$	—		$	—		$	1,858,934		$	1,873,216
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Validus Re								AlphaCat							Talbot						Eliminations						Total
		Written				Earned				Written				Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
	Direct	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	510,200		$	480,432		$	—		$	—		$	510,200		$	480,432
	Assumed	1,114,493				1,092,951				75,727				65,966			503,922			507,383			(79,651		)	(75,976		)	1,614,491			1,590,324
	Ceded	(150,718		)		(127,026		)		—				—			(218,174		)	(217,563		)	79,651			75,976			(289,241		)	(268,613		)
	Total	$	963,775			$	965,925			$	75,727			$	65,966		$	795,948		$	770,252		$	—		$	—		$	1,835,450		$	1,802,143
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'
	Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer are as follows:
		December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
		Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total			Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total
	Top 10 reinsurers	$	340,253			75.6	%		$	360,234			74.1	%
	Other reinsurers’ balances > $1 million	100,784				22.4	%		115,262				23.7	%
	Other reinsurers’ balances < $1 million	9,197				2	%		10,906				2.2	%
	Total	$	450,234			100	%		$	486,402			100	%
			December 31, 2013
	Top 10 Reinsurers		Rating		Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total
	Lloyd's Syndicates		A+		$	73,398			16.3	%
	National Indemnity		AA+		51,037				11.3	%
	Everest Re		A+		48,055				10.7	%
	Hannover Re		AA-		41,483				9.2	%
	Fully Collateralized		NR		36,683				8.1	%
	Third Point Reinsurance Ltd		A-		30,428				6.8	%
	Swiss Re		AA-		20,022				4.4	%
	Transatlantic Re		A+		14,114				3.1	%
	XL Re		A+		12,673				2.8	%
	Munich Re		AA-		12,360				2.7	%
	Total				$	340,253			75.6	%
			December 31, 2012
	Top 10 Reinsurers		Rating		Reinsurance Recoverable				% of Total
	Lloyd’s Syndicates		A+		$	71,469			14.7	%
	National Indemnity		AA+		59,941				12.3	%
	Everest Re		A+		51,340				10.6	%
	Fully Collateralized		NR		47,445				9.8	%
	Hannover Re		AA-		40,552				8.3	%
	Munich Re		AA-		20,954				4.3	%
	Transatlantic Re		A+		20,320				4.2	%
	Swiss Re		AA-		16,992				3.5	%
	Allianz		AA-		16,367				3.4	%
	XL Re		A		14,854				3.1	%
	Total				$	360,234			74.1	%
	NR: Not rated

Share_capital_Tables

Share capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'
	The following table is a summary of the common shares issued and outstanding:
		Common Shares
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2012	152,698,191
	Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	796,838
	Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	14,381
	Options exercised	351,509
	Warrants exercised	591,480
	Direct issuance of common stock	1,266
	Performance shares vested, net of shares withheld	31,897
	Deferred share units vested, net of shares withheld	2,935
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2013	154,488,497
	Treasury shares, December 31, 2013	(58,444,185	)
	Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2013	96,044,312
		Common Shares
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2011	134,503,065
	Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	1,572,634
	Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	15,173
	Options exercised	439,065
	Warrants exercised	326,715
	Direct issuance of common stock	15,841,539
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2012	152,698,191
	Treasury shares, December 31, 2012	(44,776,932	)
	Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2012	107,921,259
		Common Shares
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2010	132,838,111
	Restricted share awards vested, net of shares withheld	569,104
	Restricted share units vested, net of shares withheld	9,497
	Employee seller shares vested	197,174
	Options exercised	459,932
	Warrants exercised	428,884
	Direct issuance of common stock	363
	Common shares issued, December 31, 2011	134,503,065
	Treasury shares, December 31, 2011	(35,031,985	)
	Common shares outstanding, December 31, 2011	99,471,080
Assumptions used in warrant-pricing model	'
	The other assumptions in the warrant-pricing model were as follows:
		July 24,			February 3,			December 15,
		2007			2006			2005
		Issuance			Issuance			Issuance
	Warrants issued	256,409			8,593			8,446,727
	Average strike price	$	20		$	17.5		$	17.5
	Volatility	30		%	30		%	30		%
	Risk-free rate	4.5		%	4.5		%	4.5		%
	Expected dividend yield	0		%	0		%	0		%
	Expected term (years)	8			10			10
	Calculated fair value per warrant	$	11.28		$	8.89		$	8.89

Stock_plans_Tables

Stock plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Options, activity during the period	'
	Activity with respect to options for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2012	1,823,947			$	6.52		$	20.69
	Options regranted (modified)	1,833,414			6.76			19.02
	Options exercised	(351,509	)		5.94			22.91
	Options cancelled (modified)	(1,733,139	)		6.76			20.12
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2013	1,572,713			$	6.66		$	18.88
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,572,713			$	6.66		$	18.88
	Activity with respect to options for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
		Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2011	2,263,012			$	6.69		$	20.12
	Options exercised	(439,065	)		7.44			17.73
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2012	1,823,947			$	6.52		$	20.69
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2012	1,823,947			$	6.52		$	20.69
	Activity with respect to options for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
		Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2010	2,723,684			$	6.74		$	20.19
	Options exercised	(459,932	)		6.98			20.55
	Options forfeited	(740	)		10.3			20.39
	Options outstanding, December 31, 2011	2,263,012			$	6.69		$	20.12
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2011	2,188,566			$	6.63		$	20.01
Restricted share awards, activity during the period	'
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	2,170,547			$	29.24
	Restricted share awards granted	1,594,672			36.07
	Restricted share awards vested	(969,562	)		28.12
	Restricted share awards forfeited	(110,912	)		28.34
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2013	2,684,745			$	33.74
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	3,003,547			$	25.77
	Restricted share awards granted	921,506			31.47
	Restricted share awards vested	(1,719,855	)		24.4
	Restricted share awards forfeited	(34,651	)		27.85
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	2,170,547			$	29.24
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share awards for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010	3,114,039			$	24.33
	Restricted share awards granted	621,254			31.92
	Restricted share awards vested	(712,692	)		24.85
	Restricted share awards forfeited	(19,054	)		26.63
	Restricted share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	3,003,547			$	25.77
Restricted share unit awards, activity during the period	'
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2012	47,238			$	29.61
	Restricted share units granted	36,635			36.11
	Restricted share units vested	(21,814	)		28.17
	Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	4,459			30.7
	Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2013	66,518			$	33.74
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011	53,312			$	27.6
	Restricted share units granted	16,633			31.77
	Restricted share units vested	(22,818	)		26.49
	Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	1,504			28.66
	Restricted share units forfeited	(1,393	)		28.57
	Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2012	47,238			$	29.61
	Activity with respect to unvested restricted share units for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
		Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2010	47,049			$	25.04
	Restricted share units granted	18,388			32.1
	Restricted share units vested	(13,340	)		24.72
	Restricted share units issued in lieu of cash dividends	1,215			27.3
	Restricted share units outstanding, December 31, 2011	53,312			$	27.6
Performance share awards, activity during the period	'
	Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:
		Performance Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	220,845			$	31.81
	Performance share awards granted	38,386			36.11
	Performance share awards vested	(39,094	)		28.7
	Performance share awards forfeited	(18,701	)		31.05
	Performance share awards conversion adjustment	(99,616	)		33.05
	Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2013	101,820			$	33.56
	Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2012 was as follows:
		Performance Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	279,019			$	30.77
	Performance share awards granted	41,128			31.38
	Performance share awards forfeited	(99,302	)		28.7
	Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2012	220,845			$	31.81
	Activity with respect to unvested performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
		Performance Share Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2010	132,401			$	28.7
	Performance share awards granted	146,618			32.64
	Performance share awards outstanding, December 31, 2011	279,019			$	30.77
Employee seller shares, activity during the period	'
	Activity with respect to unvested employee seller shares for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
		Employee Seller Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2010	197,879			$	22.01
	Employee seller shares vested	(197,174	)		22.01
	Employee seller shares forfeited	(705	)		22.01
	Employee seller shares outstanding, December 31, 2011	—			$	—
Total share compensation expenses	'
	The breakdown of share compensation expenses by award type was as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012			December 31,
									2011
	Options	$	—			$	142		$	1,770
	Restricted share awards	27,750				25,145			27,428
	Restricted share units	585				499			456
	Performance share awards	(705		)		923			2,349
	Employee seller shares	—				—			2,293
	Total	$	27,630			$	26,709		$	34,296

Debt_and_financing_arrangement1

Debt and financing arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Schedule of financing structure	'
	The financing structure as at December 31, 2013 was:
		Commitment			Issued and outstanding (a)				Drawn
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000		$	150,000			$	150,000
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	200,000			139,800				139,800
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	137,866			137,866				137,866
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	113,750			113,750				113,750
	Total debentures payable	601,616			541,416				541,416
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	250,000			250,000				247,198
	Total debentures and senior notes payable	851,616			791,416				788,614
	$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	400,000			—				—
	$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility	525,000			358,567				—
	$200,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility	200,000			16,726				—
	Talbot FAL facility	25,000			25,000				—
	PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility	10,000			294				—
	AlphaCat Reinsurance secured letter of credit facility	24,800			24,800				—
	IPC bi-lateral facility	40,000			20,177				—
	$375,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility	375,000			305,686				—
	Total credit and other facilities	1,599,800			751,250				—
	Total debt and financing arrangements	$	2,451,416		$	1,542,666			$	788,614
	The financing structure as at December 31, 2012 was:
		Commitment			Issued and outstanding (a)				Drawn
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	150,000		$	150,000			$	150,000
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	200,000			139,800				139,800
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	137,159			137,159				137,159
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	113,750			113,750				113,750
	Total debentures payable	600,909			540,709				540,709
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	250,000			250,000				247,090
	Total debentures and senior notes payable	850,909			790,709				787,799
	$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility	400,000			—				—
	$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility	525,000			376,570				—
	$500,000 secured bi-lateral letter of credit facility	500,000			92,402				—
	Talbot FAL facility	25,000			25,000				—
	PaCRe senior secured letter of credit facility	10,000			219				—
	IPC bi-lateral facility	80,000			40,613				—
	$550,000 Flagstone bi-lateral facility	550,000			381,019				—
	Total credit and other facilities	2,090,000			915,823				—
	Total debt and financing arrangements	$	2,940,909		$	1,706,532			$	787,799
	(a)	Indicates utilization of commitment amount, not necessarily drawn borrowings.
Components of finance expenses	'
	Finance expenses consist of interest on our junior subordinated deferrable debentures, senior notes, the amortization of debt offering costs, fees relating to our credit facilities, bank charges, AlphaCat financing fees and the costs of FAL as follows:
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	$	8,868		$	6,964			$	9,768
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	7,341			8,922				12,115
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	8,259			459				—
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	6,222			327				—
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	22,388			22,388				22,388
	Credit facilities	6,544			11,999				6,492
	Bank charges	507			269				218
	AlphaCat Re 2011 fees (a)	—			—				3,609
	AlphaCat ILS funds fees (b)	3,866			2,432				—
	Talbot FAL Facility	182			97				227
	Total finance expenses	$	64,177		$	53,857			$	54,817
	(a)	Included preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011.
	(b)	Includes finance expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012 by AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. in relation to the AlphaCat ILS funds and fund-raising for AlphaCat 2014 and AlphaCat 2013 respectively.
Debt Information At Issuance [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Summary of key terms of debt instruments	'
	The following table summarizes the key terms of the Company's senior notes and junior subordinated deferrable debentures as at the issuance date for each placement.
	Description	Issuance date	Commitment		Maturity date	Fixed/Spread			Interest payments due
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2006	$	150,000	June 15, 2036	9.069	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (c)	August 23, 2006	$	137,866	September 15, 2036	3.54	%	(a)	Quarterly
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 21, 2007	$	200,000	June 15, 2037	8.48	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (c)	June 8, 2007	$	88,750	July 30, 2037	3	%	(a)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures (c)	September 20, 2007	$	25,000	September 15, 2037	3.1	%	(a)	Quarterly
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	January 26, 2010	$	250,000	January 26, 2040	8.875	%	(b)	Semi-annually in arrears
	(a)	Variable interest rate is the three-month LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus spread as noted in the table.
	(b)	Fixed interest rate.
	(c)	For the Flagstone 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, the table summarizes the Company's participation as at the date of the Flagstone Acquisition, November 30, 2012
Debt Outstanding [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Summary of key terms of debt instruments	'
	The following table summarizes the key terms of the Company's senior notes and junior subordinated deferrable debentures as at December 31, 2013:
	Description	Issuance date	Commitment		Maturity date	Fixed/Spread			Interest payments due
	2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 15, 2006	$	150,000	June 15, 2036	5.831	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	August 23, 2006	$	137,866	September 15, 2036	6.463	%	(b)	Quarterly
	2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	June 21, 2007	$	200,000	June 15, 2037	5.18	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	8-Jun-07	$	88,750	July 30, 2037	5.9	%	(b)	Quarterly
	Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures	20-Sep-07	$	25,000	September 15, 2037	5.983	%	(b)	Quarterly
	2010 Senior Notes due 2040	26-Jan-10	$	250,000	January 26, 2040	8.875	%	(a)	Semi-annually in arrears
	(a)	Fixed interest rate.
	(b)	Interest rate has been fixed as a result of interest rate swap contracts entered into by the Company.

Income_taxes_Tables

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company’s income (loss) before income tax for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was generated in the following jurisdictions:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Income before tax—Bermuda	$	601,583		$	369,675			$	42,230
	Income before tax—United Kingdom	4,668			10,277				1,415
	(Loss) income before tax—United States	(464		)	3,075				—
	(Loss) before tax—Switzerland	(225		)	(3,381		)		—
	Income before tax—Canada	57			391				301
	(Loss) income before tax—Other	(8,401		)	2,502				—
	Income before tax—Total	$	597,218		$	382,539			$	43,946
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of current and deferred tax. Income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Current income tax expense (benefit)	$	1,781		$	1,328			$	8,977
	Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(1,398		)	1,173				(8,153		)
	Total income tax expense	$	383		$	2,501			$	824
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below is a reconciliation of the actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 to the amount computed by applying the effective tax rate of 0% under Bermuda law to income before taxes:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Expected tax expense at Bermuda statutory rate of 0%	$	—		$	—			$	—
	Foreign tax expense (benefit) at local expected tax rates	(2,399		)	4,882				1,773
	Total expected tax expense (benefit)	(2,399		)	4,882				1,773
	Valuation allowance	4,967			—				—
	Tax exempt income and expenses not deductible	(263		)	—				—
	Impact of enacted changes in tax rates	(407		)	(1,611		)		—
	Prior years tax adjustments	(461		)	(770		)		(949		)
	Other	(1,054		)	—				—
	Actual income tax expense	$	383		$	2,501			$	824
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Deferred tax asset
	Tax losses carried forward	$	(185,955	)	$	(175,032	)
	Timing differences	(10,918		)	(4,366		)
	Other	(128		)	—
	Deferred tax asset, gross of valuation allowance	(197,001		)	(179,398		)
	Valuation allowance	177,656			170,791
	Net deferred tax asset	$	(19,345	)	$	(8,607	)
	Deferred tax liability
	Lloyd's underwriting profit taxable in future periods	$	33,744		$	25,732
	Other	4,687			3,134
	Deferred tax liability	38,431			28,866
	Net deferred tax liability	$	19,086		$	20,259
Schedule of Net Operating Loss and Capital Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had net operating and capital loss carry forwards inclusive of cumulative currency translation adjustments as follows:
	Tax Jurisdiction		Losses carried forward		Tax effect			Expiration
	United Kingdom		38,601		8,299			None
	United States		31,024		10,859			2026-2033
	Switzerland		254,463		53,647			2014-2019
	Luxembourg		387,504		113,151			None

Accumulated_other_comprehensiv1

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in AOCI	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), by component for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Beginning balance	(2,953	)	(6,601	)
	Amounts reclassified to retained earnings	4,290		—
	Current period foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,954	)	3,648
	Ending balance	(617	)	(2,953	)

Commitments_and_contingencies_

Commitments and contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Percentage of gross premiums written by broker	'
	The following table shows the percentage of gross premiums written by broker for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	Aon Benfield Group Ltd.	29.8	%	26.5	%		23.8	%
	Marsh & McLennan	21.4	%	29.4	%		25.9	%
	Willis Group Holdings Ltd.	19.1	%	16.1	%		17	%
Future minimum lease commitments	'
	Future minimum lease commitments are as follows:
	2014	$	11,293
	2015	9,849
	2016	8,723
	2017	8,449
	2018 and thereafter	19,129
		$	57,443
Components of required capital	'
	The amounts of cash, investments and letters of credit provided for each year of account as follows:
		2014 Underwriting Year			2013 Underwriting Year				2012 Underwriting Year
	Talbot FAL facility	$	25,000		$	25,000			$	25,000
	Group funds	450,000			403,700				448,800
	Total	$	475,000		$	428,700			$	473,800

Earnings_per_share_Tables

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and earnings per diluted share available to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	Basic earnings per share
	Net income	$	542,361		$	392,618		$	43,122
	(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9,695		)	15,820			(21,793		)
	Net income available to Validus	$	532,666		$	408,438		$	21,329
	Less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	(19,214		)	(6,693		)	(7,644		)
	Income available to common shareholders	$	513,452		$	401,745		$	13,685
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	102,202,274			97,184,110			98,607,439
	Basic earnings per share available to common shareholders	$	5.02		$	4.13		$	0.14
	Earnings per diluted share
	Net income	$	542,361		$	392,618		$	43,122
	(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(9,695		)	15,820			(21,793		)
	Net income available to Validus	$	532,666		$	408,438		$	21,329
	Less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	(19,214		)	—			(7,644		)
	Income available to common shareholders	$	513,452		$	408,438		$	13,685
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	102,202,274			97,184,110			98,607,439
	Share equivalents:
	Warrants	—			3,137,956			—
	Stock options	1,026,543			769,618			776,204
	Unvested restricted shares	741,472			1,293,239			1,544,641
	Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding	103,970,289			102,384,923			100,928,284
	Earnings per diluted share available to common shareholders	$	4.94		$	3.99		$	0.14

Segment_information_Tables

Segment information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Results of operating segments and corporate segment	'
	The following tables summarize the results of our operating segments and "Corporate":
	Year Ended December 31, 2013		Validus Re Segment				AlphaCat Segment				Talbot Segment				Corporate &				Total
															Eliminations
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written		$	1,242,522			$	147,009			$	1,091,890			$	(80,315	)		$	2,401,106
	Reinsurance premiums ceded		(226,264		)		(525		)		(226,111		)		80,315				(372,585		)
	Net premiums written		1,016,258				146,484				865,779				—				2,028,521
	Change in unearned premiums		117,679				(9,070		)		(35,085		)		—				73,524
	Net premiums earned		1,133,937				137,414				830,694				—				2,102,045
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses		430,026				17,569				346,337				—				793,932
	Policy acquisition costs		180,779				13,853				170,738				(5,060		)		360,310
	General and administrative expenses		91,260				18,765				136,458				68,782				315,265
	Share compensation expenses		7,668				468				9,613				9,881				27,630
	Total underwriting deductions		709,733				50,655				663,146				73,603				1,497,137
	Underwriting income (loss)		$	424,204			$	86,759			$	167,548			$	(73,603	)		$	604,908
	Net investment income		81,346				3,865				18,061				(7,200		)		96,072
	Other income		8,445				26,424				1,819				(28,345		)		8,343
	Finance expenses		(16,111		)		(5,734		)		(259		)		(42,073		)		(64,177		)
	Operating income (loss) before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors		497,884				111,314				187,169				(151,221		)		645,146
	Tax benefit (expense)		272				—				(671		)		16				(383		)
	Income from operating affiliates		—				14,289				—				—				14,289
	(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors		—				(68,763		)		—				—				(68,763		)
	Net operating income (loss)		$	498,156			$	56,840			$	186,498			$	(151,205	)		$	590,289
	Net realized (losses) gains on investments		(1,382		)		4,084				556				—				3,258
	Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(41,388		)		(3,893		)		(13,200		)		—				(58,481		)
	Income from investment affiliate		4,790				—				—				—				4,790
	Foreign exchange gains (losses)		7,394				(816		)		(3,531		)		(542		)		2,505
	Net income (loss)		$	467,570			$	56,215			$	170,323			$	(151,747	)		$	542,361
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		—				(9,695		)		—				—				(9,695		)
	Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus		$	467,570			$	46,520			$	170,323			$	(151,747	)		$	532,666
	Selected ratios:
	Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		81.8		%		99.6		%		79.3		%						84.5		%
	Losses and loss expenses		37.9		%		12.8		%		41.7		%						37.8		%
	Policy acquisition costs		16		%		10.1		%		20.5		%						17.1		%
	General and administrative expenses (a)		8.7		%		14		%		17.6		%						16.3		%
	Expense ratio		24.7		%		24.1		%		38.1		%						33.4		%
	Combined ratio		62.6		%		36.9		%		79.8		%						71.2		%
	Total assets		$	5,326,076			$	1,558,453			$	2,891,682			$	70,221			$	9,846,432
	(a)	Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
	Year Ended December 31, 2012		Validus Re Segment				AlphaCat Segment				Talbot Segment				Corporate &				Total
															Eliminations
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written		$	1,131,959			$	21,603			$	1,078,636			$	(65,758	)		$	2,166,440
	Reinsurance premiums ceded		(144,578		)		—				(228,686		)		65,758				(307,506		)
	Net premiums written		987,381				21,603				849,950				—				1,858,934
	Change in unearned premiums		35,890				(3,937		)		(17,671		)		—				14,282
	Net premiums earned		1,023,271				17,666				832,279				—				1,873,216
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses		575,416				—				424,030				—				999,446
	Policy acquisition costs		154,362				1,774				183,926				(5,364		)		334,698
	General and administrative expenses		63,048				7,532				133,281				59,791				263,652
	Share compensation expenses		7,763				279				7,789				10,878				26,709
	Total underwriting deductions		800,589				9,585				749,026				65,305				1,624,505
	Underwriting income (loss)		$	222,682			$	8,081			$	83,253			$	(65,305	)		$	248,711
	Net investment income		88,727				3,748				21,310				(5,849		)		107,936
	Other income		5,085				23,229				2,033				(7,951		)		22,396
	Finance expenses		(8,943		)		(3,061		)		(162		)		(41,691		)		(53,857		)
	Operating income (loss) before taxes and income from operating affiliates		307,551				31,997				106,434				(120,796		)		325,186
	Tax (expense)		(168		)		—				(2,229		)		(104		)		(2,501		)
	Income from operating affiliates		—				12,580				—				—				12,580
	Net operating income (loss)		$	307,383			$	44,577			$	104,205			$	(120,900	)		$	335,265
	Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses (a)		—				—				—				17,701				17,701
Net realized gains on investments		12,026				216				5,991				—				18,233
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments		35,033				(19,509		)		2,061				—				17,585
(Loss) from investment affiliate		(964		)		—				—				—				(964		)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)		2,664				44				2,527				(437		)		4,798
Net income (loss)		$	356,142			$	25,328			$	114,784			$	(103,636	)		$	392,618
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—				15,820				—				—				15,820
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus		$	356,142			$	41,148			$	114,784			$	(103,636	)		$	408,438
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		87.2		%		100		%		78.8		%						85.8		%
Losses and loss expenses		56.2		%		0		%		50.9		%						53.4		%
Policy acquisition costs		15.1		%		10		%		22.1		%						17.9		%
General and administrative expenses (b)		6.9		%		44.2		%		16.9		%						15.5		%
Expense ratio		22		%		54.2		%		39		%						33.4		%
Combined ratio		78.2		%		54.2		%		89.9		%						86.8		%
Total Assets		$	6,206,084			$	805,513			$	2,968,224			$	40,443			$	10,020,264
(a)	The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arose from the acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses which included legal, financial advisory, audit related services and termination expenses.
(b)	Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
Year Ended December 31, 2011		Validus Re Segment				AlphaCat Segment				Talbot Segment				Corporate &				Total
														Eliminations
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written		$	1,114,493			$	75,727			$	1,014,122			$	(79,651	)		$	2,124,691
Reinsurance premiums ceded		(150,718		)		—				(218,174		)		79,651				(289,241		)
Net premiums written		963,775				75,727				795,948				—				1,835,450
Change in unearned premiums		2,150				(9,761		)		(25,696		)		—				(33,307		)
Net premiums earned		965,925				65,966				770,252				—				1,802,143
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses		749,305				10,000				485,096				—				1,244,401
Policy acquisition costs		154,582				7,946				157,334				(5,678		)		314,184
General and administrative expenses		44,663				10,929				112,072				29,833				197,497
Share compensation expenses		9,309				107				8,582				16,298				34,296
Total underwriting deductions		957,859				28,982				763,084				40,453				1,790,378
Underwriting income (loss)		$	8,066			$	36,984			$	7,168			$	(40,453	)		$	11,765
Net investment income		93,248				3,245				25,380				(9,577		)		112,296
Other income		7,390				11,466				3,485				(16,623		)		5,718
Finance expenses		(7,777		)		(3,659		)		(227		)		(43,154		)		(54,817		)
Operating income (loss) before taxes		100,927				48,036				35,806				(109,807		)		74,962
Tax (expense)		(18		)		—				(651		)		(155		)		(824		)
Net operating income (loss)		$	100,909			$	48,036			$	35,155			$	(109,962	)		$	74,138
Net realized gains on investments		21,138				531				6,863				—				28,532
Net unrealized (losses) on investments		(14,698		)		(1,341		)		(3,952		)		—				(19,991		)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains		(19,524		)		(464		)		(2,188		)		52				(22,124		)
Transaction expenses (a)		—				—				—				(17,433		)		(17,433		)
Net income (loss)		$	87,825			$	46,762			$	35,878			$	(127,343	)		$	43,122
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		—				(21,793		)		—				—				(21,793		)
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus		$	87,825			$	24,969			$	35,878			$	(127,343	)		$	21,329
Selected ratios:
Net premiums written / Gross premiums written		86.5		%		100		%		78.5		%						86.4		%
Losses and loss expenses		77.6		%		15.2		%		63		%						69.1		%
Policy acquisition costs		16		%		12		%		20.4		%						17.4		%
General and administrative expenses (b)		5.6		%		16.7		%		15.7		%						12.9		%
Expense ratio		21.6		%		28.7		%		36.1		%						30.3		%
Combined ratio		99.2		%		43.9		%		99.1		%						99.4		%
Total assets		$	4,604,965			$	223,889			$	2,775,632			$	13,985			$	7,618,471
(a)	The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.
(b)	Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.
Gross premiums written by line of business	'
	The following table sets forth the gross premiums written by line of business for the periods indicated:
			Gross Premiums Written
			Year Ended December 31, 2013				Year Ended December 31, 2012				Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Property		$	1,164,687			$	1,060,297			$	1,099,303
	Marine		570,008				649,421				569,981
	Specialty		666,411				456,722				455,407
			$	2,401,106			$	2,166,440			$	2,124,691
Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure	'
	The following tables set forth the gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure for the periods indicated:
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Gross Premiums Written
		Validus Re				AlphaCat				Talbot				Eliminations				Total				%
	United States	$	466,555			$	50,848			$	93,357			$	(10,673	)		$	600,087			25.1	%
	Worldwide excluding United States (a)	71,421				14,801				142,294				(9,263		)		219,253				9.1	%
	Australia and New Zealand	22,882				2,216				11,097				(607		)		35,588				1.5	%
	Europe	68,685				2,533				51,667				(4,270		)		118,615				4.9	%
	Latin America and Caribbean	7,225				—				155,798				(8,970		)		154,053				6.4	%
	Japan	43,055				653				5,971				(979		)		48,700				2	%
	Canada	4,277				818				10,768				(1,406		)		14,457				0.6	%
	Rest of the world (b)	29,401				—				92,652				(5,065		)		116,988				4.9	%
	Sub-total, non United States	246,946				21,021				470,247				(30,560		)		707,654				29.4	%
	Worldwide including United States (a)	179,709				75,140				80,538				(11,166		)		324,221				13.5	%
	Other locations non-specific (c)	349,312				—				447,748				(27,916		)		769,144				32	%
	Total	$	1,242,522			$	147,009			$	1,091,890			$	(80,315	)		$	2,401,106			100	%
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Gross Premiums Written
		Validus Re				AlphaCat				Talbot				Eliminations				Total				%
	United States	$	388,728			$	12,638			$	77,561			$	(5,073	)		$	473,854			21.9	%
	Worldwide excluding United States (a)	72,050				279				156,593				(12,409		)		216,513				10	%
	Australia and New Zealand	26,582				217				12,851				(546		)		39,104				1.7	%
	Europe	73,510				1,332				50,262				(2,429		)		122,675				5.7	%
	Latin America and Caribbean	9,069				—				149,091				(6,811		)		151,349				7	%
	Japan	30,591				—				6,630				(401		)		36,820				1.7	%
	Canada	2,811				—				12,243				(740		)		14,314				0.7	%
	Rest of the world (b)	31,308				—				91,130				(5,775		)		116,663				5.4	%
	Sub-total, non United States	245,921				1,828				478,800				(29,111		)		697,438				32.2	%
	Worldwide including United States (a)	171,011				7,137				65,084				(3,938		)		239,294				11	%
	Other locations non-specific (c)	326,299				—				457,191				(27,636		)		755,854				34.9	%
	Total	$	1,131,959			$	21,603			$	1,078,636			$	(65,758	)		$	2,166,440			100	%
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Gross Premiums Written
		Validus Re				AlphaCat				Talbot				Eliminations				Total				%
	United States	$	294,133			$	53,168			$	84,128			$	(6,608	)		$	424,821			20	%
	Worldwide excluding United States (a)	73,001				—				160,261				(12,587		)		220,675				10.3	%
	Australia and New Zealand	31,071				—				10,530				(827		)		40,774				1.9	%
	Europe	75,675				1,238				52,018				(4,086		)		124,845				5.9	%
	Latin America and Caribbean	22,582				—				127,909				(10,046		)		140,445				6.6	%
	Japan	31,440				—				7,380				(580		)		38,240				1.8	%
	Canada	17,082				—				10,583				(831		)		26,834				1.3	%
	Rest of the world (b)	19,913				—				76,577				(6,014		)		90,476				4.3	%
	Sub-total, non United States	270,764				1,238				445,258				(34,971		)		682,289				32.1	%
	Worldwide including United States (a)	206,684				21,321				50,722				(3,984		)		274,743				12.9	%
	Other locations non-specific (c)	342,912				—				434,014				(34,088		)		742,838				35	%
	Total	$	1,114,493			$	75,727			$	1,014,122			$	(79,651	)		$	2,124,691			100	%
	(a)	Represents risks in two or more geographic zones.
	(b)	Represents risks in one geographic zone.
	(c)	The Other locations non-specific category refers to business for which an analysis of exposure by geographic zone is not applicable, such as marine and aerospace risks, since these exposures can span multiple geographic areas and, in some instances, are not fixed locations.

Statutory_and_regulatory_requi1

Statutory and regulatory requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Statutory and regulatory requirements [Abstract]	'
Statutory amounts based on regulatory requirements	'
	The statutory capital and surplus as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Required statutory capital and surplus (a)	$	1,285,905	$	1,415,578
	Actual statutory capital and surplus (b)	3,908,068		4,232,956
	(a)	Required statutory capital and surplus includes Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland), Ltd. (Bermuda Branch), PaCRe, Ltd., IPCRe Limited, Validus Re Americas, Ltd., Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd., AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Mont Fort Re Ltd. Required statutory capital and surplus also includes $440,163 of Funds at Lloyd’s as at December, 31, 2013 (2012: $556,239).
	(b)	Actual statutory capital and surplus includes Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd. Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. is the parent company of the other five Bermuda based insurance subsidiaries.

Condensed_unaudited_quarterly_1

Condensed unaudited quarterly financial information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Condensed Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
		Quarters Ended
		December 31, 2013			September 30, 2013			June 30,			March 31,
								2013			2013
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written	$	237,273		$	356,760		$	702,313		$	1,104,760
	Reinsurance premiums ceded	(24,558		)	(39,415		)	(121,396		)	(187,216		)
	Net premiums written	212,715			317,345			580,917			917,544
	Change in unearned premiums	279,523			213,943			(33,459		)	(386,483		)
	Net premiums earned	492,238			531,288			547,458			531,061
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses	206,152			177,965			265,044			144,771
	Policy acquisition costs	84,647			94,900			87,152			93,611
	General and administrative expenses	82,930			81,089			70,967			80,279
	Share compensation expenses	8,147			10,527			6,638			2,318
	Total underwriting deductions	381,876			364,481			429,801			320,979
	Underwriting income	$	110,362		$	166,807		$	117,657		$	210,082
	Net investment income	24,204			20,009			26,210			25,649
	Other income	4,046			(2,806		)	4,418			2,685
	Finance expenses	(16,925		)	(15,317		)	(17,566		)	(14,369		)
	Operating income before taxes, (income) from operating affiliates and (income) loss attributable to operating affiliate investors	$	121,687		$	168,693		$	130,719		$	224,047
	Tax (expense) benefit	(603		)	(5		)	(93		)	318
	Income from operating affiliates	5,510			1,463			3,793			3,523
	(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors (a)	(26,607		)	(11,815		)	(20,264		)	(10,077		)
	Net operating income	$	99,987		$	158,336		$	114,155		$	217,811
	Net realized gains (losses) on investments	4,448			(6,320		)	3,409			1,721
	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	20,137			69,967			(141,348		)	(7,237		)
	Gain from investment affiliate	516			1,044			1,753			1,477
	Foreign exchange (losses) gains	(2,230		)	6,036			(8,223		)	6,922
	Net income (loss)	$	122,858		$	229,063		$	(30,254	)	$	220,694
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(27,526		)	(45,694		)	60,976			2,549
	Net income available to Validus	$	95,332		$	183,369		$	30,722		$	223,243
	Earnings per share
	Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
	Basic	98,454,907			99,834,563			103,133,188			107,386,438
	Diluted	102,928,482			103,613,766			104,734,643			110,052,999
	Basic earnings per share available to common shareholders	$	0.95		$	1.82		$	0.28		$	1.94
	Earnings per diluted share available to common shareholders	$	0.93		$	1.77		$	0.28		$	1.9
	Selected ratios:
	Losses and loss expenses	41.9		%	33.5		%	48.4		%	27.3		%
	Expense ratio	35.7		%	35.1		%	30.1		%	33.2		%
	Combined ratio	77.6		%	68.6		%	78.5		%	60.5		%
	(a)    This amount had been shown within finance expenses for each of the three months ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2013.
		Quarters Ended
		December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
		(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
	Underwriting income
	Gross premiums written	$	311,847		$	390,215		$	627,089		$	837,289
	Reinsurance premiums ceded	(35,659		)	(45,743		)	(119,052		)	(107,052		)
	Net premiums written	276,188			344,472			508,037			730,237
	Change in unearned premiums	223,098			130,632			(60,410		)	(279,038		)
	Net premiums earned	499,286			475,104			447,627			451,199
	Underwriting deductions
	Losses and loss expenses	458,310			155,455			153,692			231,989
	Policy acquisition costs	81,814			98,623			76,129			78,132
	General and administrative expenses	65,095			70,547			61,635			66,375
	Share compensation expenses	7,126			7,345			6,800			5,438
	Total underwriting deductions	612,345			331,970			298,256			381,934
	Underwriting (loss) income	$	(113,059	)	$	143,134		$	149,371		$	69,265
	Net investment income	28,802			25,489			25,885			27,760
	Other income	187			7,324			5,994			8,891
	Finance expenses	(14,510		)	(9,362		)	(13,706		)	(16,279		)
Operating (loss) income before taxes and (loss) income from operating affiliates	$	(98,580	)	$	166,585		$	167,544		$	89,637
Tax (expense)	(615		)	(1,343		)	(404		)	(139		)
(Loss) income from operating affiliates	(614		)	6,235			3,592			3,367
Net operating (loss) income	$	(99,809	)	$	171,477		$	170,732		$	92,865
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses (a)	21,485			(3,784		)	—			—
Net realized (losses) gains on investments	(4,516		)	9,063			6,154			7,532
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(35,857		)	86,345			(53,574		)	20,671
(Loss) from investment affiliate	(406		)	(160		)	(398		)	—
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,181			1,103			(652		)	3,166
Net (loss) income	$	(117,922	)	$	264,044		$	122,262		$	124,234
Net loss (income) attributable (available) to noncontrolling interest	27,206			(56,746		)	45,360			—
Net (loss) income (attributable) available to Validus	$	(90,716	)	$	207,298		$	167,622		$	124,234
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic	97,688,338			93,368,775			98,254,186			99,425,140
Diluted	97,688,338			98,236,490			103,667,967			105,096,090
Basic (loss) earnings per share (attributable) available to common shareholders	$	(0.94	)	$	2.2		$	1.69		$	1.23
(Loss) earnings per diluted share (attributable) available to common shareholders	$	(0.94	)	$	2.11		$	1.62		$	1.18
Selected Ratios:
Losses and loss expenses	91.8		%	32.7		%	34.3		%	51.4		%
Expense ratio	30.9		%	37.2		%	32.3		%	33.2		%
Combined ratio	122.7		%	69.9		%	66.6		%	84.6		%
(a)	The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arose from the acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses which included legal, financial advisory, audit related services and termination expenses.
	Quarters Ended
	December 31, 2011			September 30, 2011			June 30,			March 31,
							2011			2011
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Underwriting income
Gross premiums written	$	278,279		$	391,129		$	605,387		$	849,896
Reinsurance premiums ceded	(16,489		)	(30,586		)	(132,346		)	(109,820		)
Net premiums written	261,790			360,543			473,041			740,076
Change in unearned premiums	226,556			98,081			(47,401		)	(310,543		)
Net premiums earned	488,346			458,624			425,640			429,533
Underwriting deductions
Losses and loss expenses	334,829			226,067			207,307			476,198
Policy acquisition costs	81,253			77,405			78,230			77,296
General and administrative expenses	52,253			35,926			60,841			48,477
Share compensation expenses	7,237			7,382			7,628			12,049
Total underwriting deductions	475,572			346,780			354,006			614,020
Underwriting income (loss)	$	12,774		$	111,844		$	71,634		$	(184,487	)
Net investment income	28,080			27,747			26,494			29,975
Other income	3,517			—			595			1,606
Finance expenses	(13,520		)	(10,935		)	(16,361		)	(14,001		)
Operating income (loss) before taxes	$	30,851		$	128,656		$	82,362		$	(166,907	)
Tax benefit (expense)	226			(2,538		)	29			1,459
Net operating income (loss)	$	31,077		$	126,118		$	82,391		$	(165,448	)
Net realized gains on investments	5,355			5,246			11,552			6,379
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	2,159			(27,848		)	18,526			(12,828		)
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	266			(19,932		)	(1,991		)	(467		)
Transaction expenses (a)	(3,850		)	(13,583		)	—			—
Net income (loss)	$	35,007		$	70,001		$	110,478		$	(172,364	)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(7,683		)	(13,516		)	(594		)	—
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	$	27,324		$	56,485		$	109,884		$	(172,364	)
Earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding
Basic	99,137,696			98,961,795			98,385,924			97,944,340
Diluted	101,324,291			100,823,335			104,562,450			97,944,340
Basic earnings (loss) per share available (attributable) to common shareholders	$	0.26		$	0.55		$	1.1		$	(1.78	)
Earnings (loss) per diluted share available (attributable) to common shareholders	$	0.25		$	0.54		$	1.05		$	(1.78	)
Selected Ratios:
Losses and loss expenses	68.6		%	49.3		%	48.7		%	110.9		%
Expense ratio	28.8		%	26.3		%	34.5		%	32.1		%
Combined ratio	97.4		%	75.6		%	83.2		%	143		%
(a)	The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company’s proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

Nature_of_business_Details

Nature of business (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013
	segments	Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]	Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]	Flagstone Alliance Insurance and Reinsurance Plc [Member]
Nature Of Business [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	3	'	'	'
Exchange ratio	'	0.1935	0.1935	'
Per share price paid by Company to acquire FSR common shares	'	'	$2	'
Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries	'	'	'	$21,400

Basis_of_preparation_and_conso1

Basis of preparation and consolidation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Reclassification Adjustment From Operating Activities To Financing Activities	$19,400

Significant_accounting_policie2

Significant accounting policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Assumed risk period, in months	'24 months
Derivative | Maximum	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Hedge effectiveness criteria, percent	125.00%
Derivative | Minimum	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Hedge effectiveness criteria, percent	80.00%

Business_combination_Acquisiti

Business combination (Acquisition details) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2012		Nov. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
				Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]		Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]		Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]
Total allocable purchase price	'	'	'	'		'		'
Flagstone shares outstanding at November 30, 2012	'	'	'	73,852,137		73,852,137		'
Exchange ratio	'	'	'	0.1935		0.1935		'
Validus common shares issued, gross of taxes withheld	'	'	'	14,290,389		14,290,389		'
Validus closing share price at acquisition	'	'	'	$34.87		$34.87		'
Total value of Validus shares issued	'	'	'	'		$498,306		'
Total cash consideration paid at $2.00 per Flagstone share	'	'	'	'		147,731		'
Total allocable purchase price	'	'	'	'		646,037		'
Tangible assets acquired	'	'	'	'		'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	159,339		159,339		'
Investments	'	'	'	1,323,002		1,323,002		'
Receivables	'	'	'	171,620	[1]	171,620	[1]	'
Other assets	'	'	'	129,245		129,245		'
Tangible assets acquired	'	'	'	1,783,206		1,783,206		'
Liabilities acquired	'	'	'	'		'		'
Net loss reserves and paid losses recoverable	'	'	'	639,641		639,641		'
Unearned premiums, net of expenses	'	'	'	104,592		104,592		'
Debentures payable	'	'	'	250,657		250,657		'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	98,574		98,574		'
Liabilities acquired	'	'	'	1,093,464		1,093,464		'
Net tangible assets acquired, at fair value	'	'	'	689,742		689,742		'
Bargain purchase gain before establishment of intangible assets	'	'	'	43,705		43,705		'
Intangible asset - customer relationships and brand name	'	'	'	5,997		5,997		'
Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of Flagstone	$0	$49,702	$0	'		$49,702		$49,702
[1]	Premiums receivable of $171,620 were net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,216.

Business_combination_Component

Business combination (Components of gain on bargain purchase) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Nov. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]

Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bargain purchase gain on acquisition of Flagstone

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$49,702

$0

$49,702

$49,702

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

-3,850

[1]

-13,583

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

0

-17,433

'

-5,760

Termination expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,244

Amortization of intangible asset—customer relationships and brand name

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,162

-10,159

-4,162

'

-5,997

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses

$21,485

[2]

($3,784)

[2]

$0

[2]

$0

[2]

'

'

'

'

$0

$17,701

$0

'

$17,701

[1]

The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company’s proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

[2]

The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arose from the acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses which included legal, financial advisory, audit related services and termination expenses.

Business_combination_Pro_forma

Business combination (Pro forma information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from investment affiliate	$516	$1,044	$1,753	$1,477	($406)	($160)	($398)	$0	$4,790	($964)	$0
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	5,510	1,463	3,793	3,523	-614	6,235	3,592	3,367	14,289	12,580	0
Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,536,535	2,914,388
Reinsurance premiums ceded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-397,008	-520,506
Net premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,139,527	2,393,882
Change in unearned premiums	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	86,935	-20,261
Net premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,226,462	2,373,621
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	126,140	143,472
Net realized gains on investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	63,601	37,366
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,654	-47,101
Income (loss) from investment affiliate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-964	0
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29,984	11,152
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,363	-26,605
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,452,240	2,491,905
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,242,449	1,920,936
Policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	413,579	429,509
General and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	323,061	282,183
Share compensation expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,750	35,427
Transaction expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	17,433
Finance expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	64,306	66,485
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,074,145	2,751,973
Net income before taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	378,095	-260,068
Tax (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,385	-773
Income from operating affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,868	-922
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	387,578	-261,763
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,366	-21,662
Net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	406,944	-283,425
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,685	-24,515
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$421,629	($307,940)
Basic earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.73	($3.20)
Diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.62	($3.20)

Business_combination_Results_s

Business combination (Results since acquisition) (Details) (Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Net premiums written	$11,305
Total revenue	26,778
Total expenses	-17,061
Net income	$9,717

Business_combination_Business_

Business combination Business combination (Text) (Details) (Details) (Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Exchange ratio	0.1935
Per share price paid by Company to acquire FSR common shares	$2
Aggregate purchase price	$646,037
Net tangible assets acquired, at fair value	689,742
Intangible asset - customer relationships and brand name	5,997
Acquired premiums receivable	171,620	[1]
Allowance for doubtful accounts on premiums receivable	2,216
Customer relationships [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible asset - customer relationships and brand name	2,595
Brand name [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Intangible asset - customer relationships and brand name	$3,402
[1]	Premiums receivable of $171,620 were net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,216.

Goodwill_and_other_intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$20,393	$20,393	'
Intangible assets with a finite life, net	14,564	'	'
Talbot [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	20,393	20,393	20,393
Intangible assets with an indefinite life	91,843	91,843	91,843
Intangible assets with a finite life, gross	41,616	41,616	41,616
Intangible assets with a finite life, net	14,564	18,726	22,888
Intangible assets including goodwill, gross	153,852	153,852	153,852
Accumulated amortization	-27,052	-22,890	-18,728
Intangible assets including goodwill, net	$126,800	$130,962	$135,124

Goodwill_and_other_intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Future amortization expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$4,162
2015	4,162
2016	4,162
2017	2,078
2018 and thereafter	0
Intangible assets with a finite life, net	$14,564

Goodwill_and_other_intangible_4

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Text) (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]	Talbot [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible asset - customer relationships and brand name	$5,997	'
Percentage ownership of syndicated capacity	'	100.00%
Useful lives of acquired intangible assets	'	'10 years

Investments_Gross_unrealized_g

Investments (Gross unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	$5,522,853		$5,008,514
Short-term investments, at amortized cost	751,734		1,112,929
Other investments, at amortized cost	637,728		583,068
Amortized cost	6,912,315	[1]	6,704,511
Noncontrolling interest, cost or amortized cost	-512,121	[2]	-450,000	[2]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, cost	-18,365	[1]	'
Total investments excluding non-controlling interest, cost or amortized cost	6,381,829		6,254,511
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	42,756		80,530
Short term investments, gross unrealized gains	45		1,349
Other investments, gross unrealized gains	76,843		24,222
Gross unrealized gains	119,644	[1]	106,101
Noncontrolling interest share of unrealized gains other investments	-62,850	[2]	-19,427	[2]
Total investments excluding non-controlling interest, unrealized gains	56,794		86,674
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-23,351		-3,710
Short term investments, gross unrealized losses	-1		-28
Other investments, gross unrealized losses	-96,255		-42,842
Gross unrealized losses	-119,607	[1]	-46,580
Noncontrolling interest share of unrealized losses	85,569	[2]	36,690	[2]
Total investments excluding non-controlling interest, unrealized losses	-34,038		-9,890
Total fixed maturities	5,542,258		5,085,334
Short-term investments	751,778		1,114,250
Other investments	618,316		564,448
Estimated fair value	6,912,352	[1]	6,764,032
Noncontrolling interest	-489,402	[2]	-432,737	[2]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	-18,365	[1]	'
Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	6,404,585		6,331,295
U.S. Government and Government Agency [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	1,368,826		1,091,357
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	2,589		7,957
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-6,736		-84
Total fixed maturities	1,364,679		1,099,230
Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	454,578		295,602
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	6,511		6,904
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-2,021		-227
Total fixed maturities	459,068		302,279
US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	42,978		41,286
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	459		800
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-317		-23
Total fixed maturities	43,120		42,063
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	305,450		375,368
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	8,310		13,708
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-2,261		-202
Total fixed maturities	311,499		388,874
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	16,530		106,536
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	143		1,266
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-914		-1,346
Total fixed maturities	15,759		106,456
U.S. corporate [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	1,328,960		1,189,173
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	9,208		21,681
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-5,684		-681
Total fixed maturities	1,332,484		1,210,173
Non-U.S. corporate [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	711,581		582,115
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	5,917		11,373
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-3,173		-223
Total fixed maturities	714,325		593,265
Bank loans [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	712,859		663,217
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	5,659		10,593
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-1,402		-427
Total fixed maturities	717,116		673,383
Catastrophe bonds [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	72,000		56,757
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	2,551		481
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	0		-291
Total fixed maturities	74,551		56,947
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	509,091		607,103
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized gains	1,409		5,767
Fixed maturities, gross unrealized losses	-843		-206
Total fixed maturities	509,657		612,664
Fund of hedge funds [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Other investments, at amortized cost	3,141		4,677
Other investments, gross unrealized gains	83		299
Other investments, gross unrealized losses	-921		-219
Other investments	2,303		4,757
Hedge funds [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Other investments, at amortized cost	584,518	[2]	559,335
Other investments, gross unrealized gains	71,641	[2]	21,814
Other investments, gross unrealized losses	-95,076	[2]	-42,623
Other investments	561,083	[2]	538,526
Private equity investments [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Other investments, at amortized cost	12,333		12,857
Other investments, gross unrealized gains	1,410		94
Other investments, gross unrealized losses	-258		0
Other investments	13,485		12,951
Investment funds [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Other investments, at amortized cost	31,537		'
Other investments, gross unrealized gains	92		'
Other investments, gross unrealized losses	0		'
Other investments	31,629		'
Mutual funds [Member]	'		'
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and (losses) and estimated fair value of investments	'		'
Other investments, at amortized cost	6,199		6,199
Other investments, gross unrealized gains	3,617		2,015
Other investments, gross unrealized losses	0		0
Other investments	$9,816		$8,214
[1]	Included in the Total investments balance are investments held by two AlphaCat ILS funds which are consolidated by the Company but in which the Company has an equity interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest.
[2]	Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.

Investments_Fixed_maturities_b

Investments (Fixed maturities by investment rating) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	$5,542,258	$5,085,334
Percentage of total	100.00%	100.00%
Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	4,762,102	4,349,532
Percentage of total	85.90%	85.50%
AAA [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	788,490	1,062,794
Percentage of total	14.20%	20.90%
AA [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	2,378,491	1,862,322
Percentage of total	42.90%	36.60%
A [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	1,174,562	1,049,969
Percentage of total	21.20%	20.60%
BBB [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	420,559	374,447
Percentage of total	7.60%	7.40%
Non Investment Grade [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	780,156	735,802
Percentage of total	14.10%	14.50%
BB [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	350,678	373,907
Percentage of total	6.30%	7.40%
B [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	390,430	330,416
Percentage of total	7.00%	6.50%
CCC [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	4,659	4,483
Percentage of total	0.10%	0.10%
CC [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	2,731	3,259
Percentage of total	0.10%	0.10%
D/NR [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturities	'	'
Estimated fair value	$31,658	$23,737
Percentage of total	0.60%	0.40%

Investments_Maturity_profile_o

Investments (Maturity profile of fixed maturity investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturity profile	'	'
Amortized cost	$5,522,853	$5,008,514
Estimated fair value	5,542,258	5,085,334
Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]	'	'
Maturity profile	'	'
Amortized cost	4,691,782	3,919,507
Estimated fair value	4,705,343	3,977,340
Due in one year or less [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]	'	'
Maturity profile	'	'
Amortized cost	688,855	526,529
Estimated fair value	692,768	530,499
Due after one year through five years [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]	'	'
Maturity profile	'	'
Amortized cost	3,603,459	2,971,118
Estimated fair value	3,613,847	3,018,544
Due after five years through ten years [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]	'	'
Maturity profile	'	'
Amortized cost	396,389	418,377
Estimated fair value	395,633	424,304
Due after ten years [Member] | Fixed maturities trading securities allocated to contractual maturity [Member]	'	'
Maturity profile	'	'
Amortized cost	3,079	3,483
Estimated fair value	3,095	3,993
Asset backed and mortgaged backed securities [Member] | No single maturity date [Member]	'	'
Maturity profile	'	'
Amortized cost	831,071	1,089,007
Estimated fair value	$836,915	$1,107,994

Investments_Components_of_net_

Investments (Components of net investment income) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total gross investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$103,935

$116,000

$119,326

Investment expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,863

-8,064

-7,030

Net investment income

24,204

20,009

26,210

25,649

28,802

25,489

25,885

27,760

28,080

27,747

26,494

29,975

96,072

107,936

112,296

Fixed Maturities And Short Term Investments [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total gross investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99,216

105,937

111,983

Other investments [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total gross investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

2,790

0

Cash and cash equivalents [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total gross investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,713

7,259

7,285

Securities lending income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total gross investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6

$14

$58

Investments_Realized_and_unrea

Investments (Realized and unrealized gains) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Fixed maturities, short-term and other investments and cash equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross realized gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$31,402

$38,905

$45,026

Gross realized (losses)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-28,144

-20,672

-16,494

Net realized gains on investments

4,448

-6,320

3,409

1,721

-4,516

9,063

6,154

7,532

5,355

5,246

11,552

6,379

3,258

18,233

28,532

Net unrealized (losses) on investments

20,137

69,967

-141,348

-7,237

-35,857

86,345

-53,574

20,671

2,159

-27,848

18,526

-12,828

-58,481

17,585

-19,991

Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized gains (losses) gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-55,223

35,818

8,541

Noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,836

[1]

17,263

[1]

0

[1]

Total net realized gains and change in net unrealized gains (losses) gains on investments excluding non-controlling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($53,387)

$53,081

$8,541

[1]

Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.

Investments_Pledged_investment

Investments (Pledged investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	$1,599,800	$2,090,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	751,250	915,823
Investments pledged as collateral	1,246,406	1,199,580
$400,000 syndicated unsecured letter of credit facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	400,000	400,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	0	0
Investments pledged as collateral	0	0
$525,000 syndicated secured letter of credit facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	525,000	525,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	358,567	376,570
Investments pledged as collateral	507,620	517,210
Secured Bi-Lateral Facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	200,000	500,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	16,726	92,402
Investments pledged as collateral	130,256	125,991
Talbot Fal Facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	25,000	25,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	25,000	25,000
Investments pledged as collateral	30,801	41,372
PaCRe Senior secured letter of credit facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	10,000	10,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	294	219
Investments pledged as collateral	0	0
AlphaCat Reinsurance Secured Letter of Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	24,800	'
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	24,800	0
Investments pledged as collateral	24,806	'
Ipc Bi Lateral Facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	40,000	80,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	20,177	40,613
Investments pledged as collateral	98,465	98,593
Flagstone BiLateral Facility [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	375,000	550,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	305,686	381,019
Investments pledged as collateral	$454,458	$416,414

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			PacRe Funds [Member]	PacRe Funds [Member]	PacRe Funds [Member]
				funds
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and investments pledged as collateral	$3,021,893	$2,316,727	'	'	'
Investments held in trust	$2,942,508	$2,270,716	'	'	'
Securities lending - Percent of market value required in collateral	102.00%	'	'	'	'
Company's equity interest in PacRe (percent)	'	'	10.00%	'	10.00%
Noncontrolling interest, equity in PacRe (percent)	'	'	90.00%	'	90.00%
Other Investments Number Of Funds	'	'	'	4	'

Fair_value_measurements_Detail

Fair value measurements (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Investment funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

US Treasury and Government [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Non-U.S. corporate [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Bank loans [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Catastrophe Bonds [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Asset-backed Securities [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Fund of hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Hedge funds [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Private equity investments [Member]

Investment funds [Member]

Investment funds [Member]

Investment funds [Member]

Investment funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Mutual funds [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

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Estimated fair value

$5,542,258

$5,085,334

$1,364,679

$1,099,230

$459,068

$302,279

$43,120

$42,063

$311,499

$388,874

$15,759

$106,456

$1,332,484

$1,210,173

$714,325

$593,265

$717,116

$673,383

$74,551

$56,947

$509,657

$612,664

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$5,542,258

$5,085,334

$0

$0

$5,542,258

$5,085,334

$0

$0

$1,364,679

$1,099,230

$0

$0

$1,364,679

$1,099,230

$0

$0

$459,068

$302,279

$0

$0

$459,068

$302,279

$0

$0

$43,120

$42,063

$0

$0

$43,120

$42,063

$0

$0

$311,499

$388,874

$0

$0

$311,499

$388,874

$0

$0

$15,759

$106,456

$0

$0

$15,759

$106,456

$0

$0

$1,332,484

$1,210,173

$0

$0

$1,332,484

$1,210,173

$0

$0

$714,325

$593,265

$0

$0

$714,325

$593,265

$0

$0

$717,116

$673,383

$0

$0

$717,116

$673,383

$0

$0

$74,551

$56,947

$0

$0

$74,551

$56,947

$0

$0

$509,657

$612,664

$0

$0

$509,657

$612,664

$0

$0

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Short-term investments

751,778

1,114,250

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751,778

1,114,250

747,215

1,063,175

4,563

51,075

0

0

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Other investments

618,316

564,448

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2,303

4,757

561,083

[1]

538,526

13,485

12,951

31,629

9,816

8,214

618,316

564,448

0

0

41,445

8,214

576,871

556,234

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2,303

4,757

0

0

0

0

2,303

4,757

561,083

[1]

538,526

0

[1]

0

0

[1]

0

561,083

[1]

538,526

13,485

12,951

0

0

0

0

13,485

12,951

31,629

0

31,629

0

9,816

8,214

0

0

9,816

8,214

0

0

Estimated fair value

6,912,352

[2]

6,764,032

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'

6,912,352

[2]

6,764,032

747,215

[2]

1,063,175

5,588,266

[2]

5,144,623

576,871

[2]

556,234

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Noncontrolling interest

-489,402

[1]

-432,737

[1]

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-489,402

[1]

-432,737

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

-489,402

[1],[2]

-432,737

[1],[2]

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Redeemable noncontrolling interest

-18,365

[2]

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-18,365

[2]

'

-18,365

[2]

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0

[2]

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0

[2]

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Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest

$6,404,585

$6,331,295

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$6,404,585

$6,331,295

$728,850

$1,063,175

$5,588,266

$5,144,623

$87,469

$123,497

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[1]

Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.

[2]

Included in the Total investments balance are investments held by two AlphaCat ILS funds which are consolidated by the Company but in which the Company has an equity interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest.

Fair_value_measurements_Level_

Fair value measurements (Level 3 rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Noncontrolling interest	($489,402)	[1]	($432,737)	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Noncontrolling interest	-489,402	[1]	-432,737	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Level 3, beginning of period	556,234		8,880
Purchases	99,037		572,287
Sales	-82,000		-1,682
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Realized gains	6,132		100
Unrealized (losses)	-2,532		-21,018
Amortization	0		0
Transfers into Level 3 during the year	0		920
Transfers from Level 3 during the year	0		-3,253
Level 3, end of period	576,871		556,234
Noncontrolling interest	-489,402	[1],[2]	-432,737	[1],[2]
Level 3 investments excluding noncontrolling interest	$87,469		$123,497
[1]	Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.
[2]	Included in the Total investments balance are investments held by two AlphaCat ILS funds which are consolidated by the Company but in which the Company has an equity interest of less than 100%. The remaining interests are held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interest.

Fair_value_measurements_Narrat

Fair value measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		$618,316		$564,448
Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	'		6,404,585		6,331,295
Long-term Debt, Gross	'		788,614		787,799
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		618,316		564,448
Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	'		6,404,585		6,331,295
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		576,871		556,234
Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	'		87,469		123,497
Ratio of Level 3 investments to total investments (percent)	'		1.40%		2.00%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		41,445		8,214
Total investments excluding noncontrolling interest	'		5,588,266		5,144,623
Mutual funds [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		9,816		8,214
Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Number of funds	'		2		'
Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		9,816		8,214
Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		0		0
Mutual funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		9,816		8,214
Hedge funds [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Investment time lag reporting	'1 month		'		'
Other investments	'		561,083	[1]	538,526
Hedge funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	561,083	[1]	'		538,526
Hedge funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		561,083	[1]	538,526
Hedge funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		0	[1]	0
PacRe Funds [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Company's equity interest in PacRe (percent)	'		10.00%		10.00%
Noncontrolling interest, equity in PacRe (percent)	'		90.00%		90.00%
Number of funds	4		'		'
Private equity investments [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Number of funds	3		'		'
Investment time lag reporting	'6 months		'		'
Other investments	'		13,485		12,951
Private equity investments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		13,485		12,951
Private equity investments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		13,485		12,951
Private equity investments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Other investments	'		$0		$0
Investments Assumed In Flagstone Acquisition [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Number of funds	1		'		'
Hedge fund side pocket [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Investment time lag reporting	'1 month		'		'
AlphaCat ILS Fund [Member]	'		'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'		'
Number of funds	'		2		'
[1]	Included in the Hedge funds balance are investments held by PaCRe in which the Company has an equity interest of 10%. The remaining 90% interest is held by third party investors and included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as noncontrolling interest.

Investments_in_affiliates_Summ

Investments in affiliates (Summary of investments in affiliates) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments in affiliates	$141,243	$172,329
Investment Affiliates [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments in affiliates	34,500	15,218
Operating Affiliates [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments in affiliates	$106,743	$157,111

Investments_in_affiliates_Inve

Investments in affiliates (Investment affiliate) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) from investment affiliate

$516

$1,044

$1,753

$1,477

($406)

($160)

($398)

$0

$4,790

($964)

$0

Investment Affiliates [Member] | Aquiline Financial Services Fund LP [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning of period

'

'

'

15,218

'

'

'

3,253

15,218

3,253

'

Capital contributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,492

14,365

'

Net unrealized (loss) on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[1]

-1,436

[1]

'

Income (loss) from investment affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,790

-964

'

Balance, end of period

34,500

'

'

'

15,218

'

'

'

34,500

15,218

'

Investment in Aquiline - other details

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment at cost

32,110

'

'

'

17,618

'

'

'

32,110

17,618

'

Voting ownership %

0.00%

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

'

Equity ownership %

6.70%

'

'

'

6.70%

'

'

'

6.70%

6.70%

'

Carrying value

$34,500

'

'

'

$15,218

'

'

'

$34,500

$15,218

'

[1]

Until March 31, 2012, this investment was included in "Other investments" as a level 3 investment in the fair value hierarchy, hence the change in fair value was included in net unrealized (losses) gains on investments.

Investments_in_affiliates_Oper

Investments in affiliates (Operating affiliates rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	$5,510	$1,463	$3,793	$3,523	($614)	$6,235	$3,592	$3,367	$14,289	$12,580	$0
Operating Affiliates [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	157,111	'	'	'	53,031	157,111	53,031	'
Purchase of shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,000	91,500	'
Return of investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-86,657	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,289	12,580	'
Balance, end of period	106,743	'	'	'	157,111	'	'	'	106,743	157,111	'
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat Re 2011 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	62,792	'	'	'	53,031	62,792	53,031	'
Purchase of shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	'
Return of investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-54,914	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,931	9,761	'
Balance, end of period	9,809	'	'	'	62,792	'	'	'	9,809	62,792	'
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat Re 2012 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	29,319	'	'	'	0	29,319	0	'
Purchase of shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	26,500	'
Return of investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-31,743	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,737	2,819	'
Balance, end of period	1,313	'	'	'	29,319	'	'	'	1,313	29,319	'
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	45,000	'	'	'	0	45,000	0	'
Purchase of shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	45,000	'
Return of investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,744	0	'
Balance, end of period	51,744	'	'	'	45,000	'	'	'	51,744	45,000	'
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Purchase of shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,000	'	'
Return of investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-18	'	'
Balance, end of period	21,982	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,982	'	'
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat ILS Fund [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	20,000	'	'	'	0	20,000	0	'
Purchase of shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	20,000	'
Return of investment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Income from operating affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,895	0	'
Balance, end of period	$21,895	'	'	'	$20,000	'	'	'	$21,895	$20,000	'

Investments_in_affiliates_Oper1

Investments in affiliates (Operating affiliates - other details) (Details) (Operating Affiliates [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'	'
Investment at cost	$97,536		$132,889	'
Carrying value	106,743		157,111	53,031
AlphaCat Re 2011 [Member]	'		'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'	'
Investment at cost	9,882		41,389	'
Voting ownership %	43.70%		43.70%	'
Equity ownership %	22.30%		22.30%	'
Carrying value	9,809		62,792	53,031
Summarized Financial Information of Investees [Abstract]	'		'	'
Total assets	49,134		'	'
Total liabilities	13,216		'	'
Total revenue	-3,698		'	'
Net income	8,680		'	'
AlphaCat Re 2012 [Member]	'		'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'	'
Investment at cost	654		26,500	'
Voting ownership %	49.00%		49.00%	'
Equity ownership %	37.90%		37.90%	'
Carrying value	1,313		29,319	0
Summarized Financial Information of Investees [Abstract]	'		'	'
Total assets	7,767		'	'
Total liabilities	4,737		'	'
Total revenue	12,283		'	'
Net income	9,869		'	'
AlphaCat 2013 [Member]	'		'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'	'
Investment at cost	45,000		45,000	'
Voting ownership %	40.90%		40.90%	'
Equity ownership %	19.70%		19.70%	'
Carrying value	51,744		45,000	0
Summarized Financial Information of Investees [Abstract]	'		'	'
Total assets	266,189		'	'
Total liabilities	3,792		'	'
Total revenue	48,945		'	'
Net income	34,252		'	'
AlphaCat 2014 [Member]	'		'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'	'
Investment at cost	22,000		'	'
Voting ownership %	42.30%		'	'
Equity ownership %	19.60%		'	'
Carrying value	21,982		0	'
Summarized Financial Information of Investees [Abstract]	'		'	'
Total assets	158,623		'	'
Total liabilities	93		'	'
Total revenue	0		'	'
Net income	-89		'	'
AlphaCat ILS Fund [Member]	'		'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'	'
Investment at cost	20,000		20,000	'
Voting ownership %	0.00%		0.00%	'
Equity ownership %	9.10%		11.80%	'
Carrying value	21,895		20,000	0
Summarized Financial Information of Investees [Abstract]	'		'	'
Total assets	239,071	[1]	'	'
Total liabilities	57	[1]	'	'
Total revenue	21,506	[1]	'	'
Net income	$19,242	[1]	'	'
[1]	AlphaCat ILS funds information includes all funds, including those where the Company is not the primary beneficiary.

Investments_in_affiliates_Note

Investments in affiliates (Notes payable and (income) attributable to operating affiliates) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Notes payable to operating affiliates	$439,272		'		'		'		$439,272	$0	'
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	-26,607	[1]	-11,815	[1]	-20,264	[1]	-10,077	[1]	-68,763	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | AlphaCat 2013 [Member]	'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Notes payable to operating affiliates	223,809		'		'		'		223,809	0	'
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	'		'		'		'		-47,329	0	0
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | AlphaCat ILS Fund [Member]	'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Notes payable to operating affiliates	215,463		'		'		'		215,463	0	'
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	'		'		'		'		($21,434)	$0	$0
[1]	This amount had been shown within finance expenses for each of the three months ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2013.

Investments_in_affiliates_Text

Investments in affiliates (Text) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	funds
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Consolidated Funds	2	'
Notes payable to operating affiliates	$439,272	$0
Variable Funding Notes, Typical Minimum Duration	'12 months	'
AlphaCat Re 2011 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage required for consolidation	50.00%	'
AlphaCat ILS Fund [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Other Investments Number Of Funds	3	'
Aquiline Financial Services Fund II LP [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of interest assumed	100.00%	'
Related Party Transaction Capital Commitment	50,000	'
Investment time lag reporting	'3 months	'
Operating Affiliates [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	86,657	'
Notes Payable Of Operating Affiliates Portion Due to Company	63,654	'
Income Attributable To Operating Affiliates Portion Due to Company	11,437	'
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat Re 2011 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity ownership %	22.30%	22.30%
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	54,914	'
Equity Method Investment Voting Percentage	43.70%	43.70%
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat Re 2012 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity ownership %	37.90%	37.90%
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	31,743	'
Equity Method Investment Voting Percentage	49.00%	49.00%
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat 2013 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity ownership %	19.70%	19.70%
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	0	'
Equity Method Investment Voting Percentage	40.90%	40.90%
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat 2014 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity ownership %	19.60%	'
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	0	'
Equity Method Investment Voting Percentage	42.30%	'
Operating Affiliates [Member] | AlphaCat ILS Fund [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity ownership %	9.10%	11.80%
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital	0	'
Equity Method Investment Voting Percentage	0.00%	0.00%
As Investor In Third Party Economic Interests [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Payable Of Operating Affiliates Portion Due to Company	375,618	'
Income Attributable To Operating Affiliates Portion Due to Company	$57,326	'

Noncontrolling_interest_Detail

Noncontrolling interest (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

funds

funds

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Consolidated Funds

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, end of period

$86,512

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$86,512

'

'

Noncontrolling interest, beginning of period

'

'

'

434,280

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

434,280

0

'

Noncontrolling interest, end of period

497,657

'

'

'

434,280

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

497,657

434,280

0

Total, beginning of period

'

'

'

434,280

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

434,280

0

'

Issuance of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,690

450,100

'

Income (loss) attributable to third parties

27,526

45,694

-60,976

-2,549

-27,206

56,746

-45,360

0

7,683

13,516

594

0

9,695

-15,820

21,793

Redemption of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,496

'

'

Total, end of period

584,169

'

'

'

434,280

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

584,169

434,280

0

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, beginning of period

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

Issuance of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92,190

0

'

Redemption of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,496

'

'

Redeemable noncontrolling interest, end of period

86,512

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,512

0

'

Income (loss) attributable to third parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,818

0

'

Noncontrolling Interest [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interest, beginning of period

'

'

'

434,280

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

434,280

0

'

Issuance of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,500

450,100

'

Redemption of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Noncontrolling interest, end of period

497,657

'

'

'

434,280

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

497,657

434,280

'

Income (loss) attributable to third parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,877

($15,820)

'

PacRe Funds [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company's equity interest in PacRe (percent)

10.00%

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

10.00%

'

Noncontrolling interest, equity in PacRe (percent)

90.00%

'

'

'

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90.00%

90.00%

'

Derivative_instruments_used_in2

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities (Amount and balance sheet location) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foreign currency forward contracts	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	3		'
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward contracts	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Notional amount	$0		$310,541
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward contracts | Other assets	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward contracts | Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative liabilities	0	[1]	394	[1]
Not designated as hedging instruments | Currency swaps	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Notional amount	0		17,153
Not designated as hedging instruments | Currency swaps | Other assets	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Not designated as hedging instruments | Currency swaps | Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative liabilities	0	[1]	772	[1]
Designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward contracts	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Notional amount	163,576		35,976
Designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward contracts | Other assets	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative assets	1,167	[1]	0	[1]
Designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward contracts | Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative liabilities	2,313	[1]	223	[1]
Designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap contracts	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Notional amount	552,263		289,800
Designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap contracts | Other assets	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap contracts | Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Fair value, derivative liabilities	$911	[1]	$220	[1]
Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures[Member] | Interest rate swap contracts	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	2		'
Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures[Member] | Cross-currency interest rate swap	'		'
Summary of amount of derivatives designated as hedging instruments	'		'
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	1		'
[1]	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivative_instruments_used_in3

Derivative instruments used in hedging activities (Amount included in statement of operations) (Details) (Designated as hedging instruments, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value hedge | Foreign currency forward contracts | Foreign exchange gain (loss)	'	'
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges and related hedged item	'	'
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative	$1,947	$1,017
Amount of gain (loss) on hedged item recognized in income attributable to risk being hedged	-1,947	-912
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)	0	105
Cash flow hedge | Interest rate swap contracts	'	'
Derivative Instruments designated as a cash flow hedge	'	'
Amount of ineffective portion excluded from effectiveness testing	0	0
Cash flow hedge | Interest rate swap contracts | Other comprehensive income	'	'
Derivative Instruments designated as a cash flow hedge	'	'
Amount of effective portion recognized in other comprehensive income	11,107	1,588
Cash flow hedge | Interest rate swap contracts | Finance expenses	'	'
Derivative Instruments designated as a cash flow hedge	'	'
Amount of effective portion subsequently reclassified to earnings	($11,107)	($1,588)

Premiums_receivable_Details

Premiums receivable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Premiums Receivable Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$802,159	$646,354
Change during period	-104,926	155,805
Balance at end of period	697,233	802,159
Premiums in course of collection	'	'
Premiums Receivable Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	214,891	175,111
Change during period	-141,189	39,780
Balance at end of period	73,702	214,891
Premiums accrued but unbilled	'	'
Premiums Receivable Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	587,268	471,243
Change during period	36,263	116,025
Balance at end of period	$623,531	$587,268

Reserve_for_losses_and_loss_ex2

Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year

'

'

'

$3,517,573

'

'

'

$2,631,143

'

'

'

$2,035,973

$3,517,573

$2,631,143

$2,035,973

Losses and loss expenses recoverable, beginning of year

'

'

'

-439,967

'

'

'

-372,485

'

'

'

-283,134

-439,967

-372,485

-283,134

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year

'

'

'

3,077,606

'

'

'

2,258,658

'

'

'

1,752,839

3,077,606

2,258,658

1,752,839

Net reserves (disposed) acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-36,519

639,641

0

Increase (decrease) in net losses and loss expenses incurred in respect of losses occurring in:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

999,380

1,174,415

1,400,520

Prior years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-205,448

[1]

-174,969

[1]

-156,119

[1]

Total incurred losses and loss expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

793,932

999,446

1,244,401

Less net losses and loss expenses paid in respect of losses occurring in:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-244,682

-182,146

-266,247

Prior years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-916,796

-653,874

-476,779

Total net paid losses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,161,478

-836,020

-743,026

Foreign exchange

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,296

15,881

4,444

Net reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year

2,660,245

'

'

'

3,077,606

'

'

'

2,258,658

'

'

'

2,660,245

3,077,606

2,258,658

Losses and loss expenses recoverable, end of year

370,154

'

'

'

439,967

'

'

'

372,485

'

'

'

370,154

439,967

372,485

Reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year

3,030,399

'

'

'

3,517,573

'

'

'

2,631,143

'

'

'

3,030,399

3,517,573

2,631,143

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses comprise:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross losses and loss adjustment expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

924,986

1,192,494

1,555,275

Reinsurance recoverable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-131,054

-193,048

-310,874

Total incurred losses and loss expenses

206,152

177,965

265,044

144,771

458,310

155,455

153,692

231,989

334,829

226,067

207,307

476,198

793,932

999,446

1,244,401

Liability for unpaid losses and loss expenses by type

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserves, reported claims

1,537,881

'

'

'

1,719,098

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,537,881

1,719,098

'

Reserves, incurred but not reported claims

$1,492,518

'

'

'

$1,798,475

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,492,518

$1,798,475

'

[1]

AlphaCat has not had any development on prior accident years.

Reserve_for_losses_and_loss_ex3

Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Prior year development) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	($205,448)	[1]	($174,969)	[1]	($156,119)	[1]
Validus Re Segment [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-59,258	[1]	-72,561	[1]	-68,610	[1]
Talbot [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-146,190	[1]	-102,408	[1]	-87,509	[1]
Property [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-127,302		-71,996		-71,189
Property [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-81,610		-45,733		-49,020
Property [Member] | Talbot [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-45,692		-26,263		-22,169
Marine [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-19,387		-51,358		-41,616
Marine [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	26,705		-11,298		-10,234
Marine [Member] | Talbot [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-46,092		-40,060		-31,382
Specialty [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-58,759		-51,615		-43,314
Specialty [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	-4,353		-15,530		-9,356
Specialty [Member] | Talbot [Member]	'		'		'
Prior Year Development By Segment And Line Of Business [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net favorable development on prior years	($54,406)		($36,085)		($33,958)
[1]	AlphaCat has not had any development on prior accident years.

Accounts_payable_Details

Accounts payable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued interest on debt	$10,686	$10,662
Accrued income attributable to operating affiliates	68,763	0
Trade and compensation payables	198,738	156,915
Total	$278,187	$167,577

Reinsurance_Effect_on_premiums

Reinsurance (Effect on premiums written and earned) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Written:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$544,722

$550,491

$510,200

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,856,384

1,615,949

1,614,491

Ceded

-24,558

-39,415

-121,396

-187,216

-35,659

-45,743

-119,052

-107,052

-16,489

-30,586

-132,346

-109,820

-372,585

-307,506

-289,241

Net premiums written

212,715

317,345

580,917

917,544

276,188

344,472

508,037

730,237

261,790

360,543

473,041

740,076

2,028,521

1,858,934

1,835,450

Earned:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

519,045

535,872

480,432

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,951,910

1,647,957

1,590,324

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-368,910

-310,613

-268,613

Net premiums earned

492,238

531,288

547,458

531,061

499,286

475,104

447,627

451,199

488,346

458,624

425,640

429,533

2,102,045

1,873,216

1,802,143

Eliminations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Written:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-80,315

-65,758

-79,651

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,315

65,758

79,651

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Earned:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-78,833

-73,934

-75,976

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

78,833

73,934

75,976

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Written:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,551

0

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,242,522

1,130,408

1,114,493

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-226,264

-144,578

-150,718

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,016,258

987,381

963,775

Earned:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

364

0

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,360,735

1,174,681

1,092,951

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-226,798

-151,774

-127,026

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,133,937

1,023,271

965,925

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Written:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

147,009

21,603

75,727

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-525

0

0

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,484

21,603

75,727

Earned:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

137,939

17,666

65,966

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-525

0

0

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

137,414

17,666

65,966

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Written:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

544,722

548,940

510,200

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

547,168

529,696

503,922

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-226,111

-228,686

-218,174

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

865,779

849,950

795,948

Earned:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

519,045

535,508

480,432

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

532,069

529,544

507,383

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-220,420

-232,773

-217,563

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$830,694

$832,279

$770,252

Reinsurance_Reinsurance_recove

Reinsurance (Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	$450,234	$486,402
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	100.00%	100.00%
Reinsurance (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Incurred but not reported recoverable	196,840	185,255
Reinsurance Recoverables, Allowance	5,794	6,602
A Minus Or Better Rating [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	96.70%	97.90%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	340,253	360,234
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	75.60%	74.10%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Lloyds Syndicates [Member] | A (plus) [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	73,398	71,469
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	16.30%	14.70%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | National Indemnity [Member] | AA (plus) [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	51,037	59,941
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	11.30%	12.30%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Everest Re [Member] | A (plus) [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	48,055	51,340
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	10.70%	10.60%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Hannover Re [Member] | AA- [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	41,483	40,552
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	9.20%	8.30%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Fully Collateralized Reinsurers [Member] | NR [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	36,683	47,445
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	8.10%	9.80%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Third Point Re [Member] | A- Rating [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	30,428	'
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	6.80%	'
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Swiss Re [Member] | AA- [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	20,022	16,992
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	4.40%	3.50%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Transatlantic Re [Member] | A (plus) [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	14,114	20,320
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	3.10%	4.20%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | XL Re [Member] | A (plus) [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	12,673	'
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	2.80%	'
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | XL Re [Member] | A [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	'	14,854
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	'	3.10%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Munich Re [Member] | AA- [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	12,360	20,954
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	2.70%	4.30%
Top 10 reinsurers [Member] | Allianz [Member] | AA- [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	'	16,367
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	'	3.40%
Other Reinsurers Balances Greater Than One Million Dollars [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	100,784	115,262
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	22.40%	23.70%
Other Reinsurers Balances Less Than One Million Dollars [Member]	'	'
Reinsurance recoverables by reinsurer	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable	$9,197	$10,906
Percentage of total reinsurance recoverable	2.00%	2.20%

Share_capital_Summary_of_commo

Share capital (Summary of common shares issued and outstanding) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Common shares issued, beginning balance	152,698,191	134,503,065	132,838,111
Options exercised	351,509	439,065	459,932
Direct issuance of common stock	1,266	15,841,539	363
Common shares issued, ending balance	154,488,497	152,698,191	134,503,065
Treasury shares, ending balance	-58,444,185	-44,776,932	-35,031,985
Common shares outstanding, ending balance	96,044,312	107,921,259	99,471,080
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Vested, net of shares withheld	796,838	1,572,634	569,104
Restricted share units [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Vested, net of shares withheld	14,381	15,173	9,497
Employee seller shares [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Vested, net of shares withheld	'	'	197,174
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Vested, net of shares withheld	31,897	'	'
Deferred share units [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Vested, net of shares withheld	2,935	'	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Warrants exercised	591,480	326,715	428,884

Share_capital_Information_on_w

Share capital (Information on warrants) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Warrant [Member]	'
Warrant valuation assumptions:	'
Volatility	30.00%
July 24, 2007 Issuance	'
Warrant valuation assumptions:	'
Warrants issued	256,409
Average strike price	20
Volatility	30.00%
Risk-free rate	4.50%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected term (years)	'8 years
Calculated fair value per warrant	11.28
February 3, 2006 Issuance	'
Warrant valuation assumptions:	'
Warrants issued	8,593
Average strike price	17.5
Volatility	30.00%
Risk-free rate	4.50%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected term (years)	'10 years
Calculated fair value per warrant	8.89
December 15, 2005 Issuance	'
Warrant valuation assumptions:	'
Warrants issued	8,446,727
Average strike price	17.5
Volatility	30.00%
Risk-free rate	4.50%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected term (years)	'10 years
Calculated fair value per warrant	8.89

Share_capital_Narrative_Detail

Share capital (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Deferred share units [Member]

Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Warrant [Member]

Validus UPS Ltd [Member]

Special Dividend Declared [Member]

Special Dividend Declared [Member]

Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Sa [Member]

Common shares

Common share equivalents

Schedule of Common Stock Issued and Outstanding [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Shares Authorized

'

571,428,571

571,428,571

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares, par value

'

$0.18

$0.18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Voting Rights

'

'one vote per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Percent Of Outstanding Common Shares Controlled Contingent Under Voting Rights

'

9.09%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount

$500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Repurchase Program Cumulative Aggregrate Purchase Value

1,567,380

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,720,349

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share repurchase program, cumulative shares repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,805,310

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount

'

$347,031

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition Equity Interests Issued Or Issuable Number Of Shares Issued Net Of Shares Withheld

'

'

'

'

'

14,202,664

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Equity Interests Withheld For Income Taxes

'

'

'

'

'

87,725

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Validus closing share price at acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

$34.87

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury Stock, Shares

'

58,444,185

44,776,932

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,638,875

'

'

Business Combination Acquired Warrants

'

'

'

'

'

121,942

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrant strike price

'

'

'

'

'

62.02

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding

'

5,296,056

6,410,472

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Volatility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

'

'

Number of warrants exercised during period

'

1,114,416

628,147

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

591,480

326,715

428,884

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percent Of Fair Market Value Per Share On Date Of Payment Of Deferred Share Units

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Non Employee Directors Stock Compensation Plan Deferred Share Units Outstanding

'

0

5,001

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

'

'

'

'

5,039

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Net Of Shares Withheld For Taxes

'

'

'

'

2,935

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash dividends declared per share

'

$3.20

$1

$1

'

'

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

'

'

'

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

'

'

$2

$2

Retirement_plans_Details

Retirement plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined contribution plan	'	'	'
Defined contribution retirement plan expense	$7,621	$9,233	$7,591

Stock_plans_Options_activity_D

Stock plans (Options activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Options Activities	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance	1,823,947	2,263,012	2,723,684
Options regranted (modified)	1,833,414	'	'
Options exercised	-351,509	-439,065	-459,932
Options cancelled (modified)	-1,733,139	'	'
Options forfeited	'	'	-740
Options outstanding, ending balance	1,572,713	1,823,947	2,263,012
Options exercisable	1,572,713	1,823,947	2,188,566
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$6.52	$6.69	$6.74
Weighted average grant date fair value, options regranted (modified)	$6.76	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, options exercised	$5.94	$7.44	$6.98
Weighted average grant date fair value, options cancelled (modified)	$6.76	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, options forfeited	'	'	$10.30
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$6.66	$6.52	$6.69
Weighted average grant date fair value, options exercisable	$6.66	$6.52	$6.63
Weighted Average Grant Date Exercise Price	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date exercise price, beginning balance	$20.69	$20.12	$20.19
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options regranted (modified)	$19.02	'	'
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options exercised	$22.91	$17.73	$20.55
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options cancelled (modified)	$20.12	'	'
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options forfeited	'	'	$20.39
Weighted average grant date exercise price, ending balance	$18.88	$20.69	$20.12
Weighted average grant date exercise price, options exercisable	$18.88	$20.69	$20.01

Stock_plans_Other_awards_activ

Stock plans (Other awards activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Activities	'	'	'
Beginning balance	2,170,547	3,003,547	3,114,039
Granted	1,594,672	921,506	621,254
Vested	-969,562	-1,719,855	-712,692
Forfeited	-110,912	-34,651	-19,054
Ending balance	2,684,745	2,170,547	3,003,547
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$29.24	$25.77	$24.33
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$36.07	$31.47	$31.92
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$28.12	$24.40	$24.85
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	$28.34	$27.85	$26.63
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$33.74	$29.24	$25.77
Restricted share units [Member]	'	'	'
Activities	'	'	'
Beginning balance	47,238	53,312	47,049
Granted	36,635	16,633	18,388
Vested	-21,814	-22,818	-13,340
Issued in lieu of cash dividends	4,459	1,504	1,215
Forfeited	'	-1,393	'
Ending balance	66,518	47,238	53,312
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$29.61	$27.60	$25.04
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$36.11	$31.77	$32.10
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$28.17	$26.49	$24.72
Weighted average grant date fair value, issued in lieu of cash dividends	$30.70	$28.66	$27.30
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	'	$28.57	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$33.74	$29.61	$27.60
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Activities	'	'	'
Beginning balance	220,845	279,019	132,401
Granted	38,386	41,128	146,618
Vested	-39,094	'	'
Forfeited	-18,701	-99,302	'
Conversion adjustment	-99,616	'	'
Ending balance	101,820	220,845	279,019
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	$31.81	$30.77	$28.70
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$36.11	$31.38	$32.64
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$28.70	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	$31.05	$28.70	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, conversion adjustment	$33.05	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	$33.56	$31.81	$30.77
Employee seller shares [Member]	'	'	'
Activities	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	197,879
Vested	'	'	-197,174
Forfeited	'	'	-705
Ending balance	'	'	0
Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance	'	'	$22.01
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	'	'	$22.01
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	'	'	$22.01
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance	'	'	$0

Stock_plans_Components_of_shar

Stock plans (Components of share compensation expenses) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Total share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

$8,147

$10,527

$6,638

$2,318

$7,126

$7,345

$6,800

$5,438

$7,237

$7,382

$7,628

$12,049

$27,630

$26,709

$34,296

Options [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

142

1,770

Restricted Stock [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,750

25,145

27,428

Restricted share units [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

585

499

456

Performance Shares [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-705

923

2,349

Employee seller shares [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$2,293

Stock_plans_Text_Details

Stock plans (Text) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock plans (other details)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP and STIP

13,126,896

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,126,896

'

'

Remaining number of shares reserved for issuance

1,768,372

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,768,372

'

'

Share compensation expenses

$8,147

$10,527

$6,638

$2,318

$7,126

$7,345

$6,800

$5,438

$7,237

$7,382

$7,628

$12,049

$27,630

$26,709

$34,296

Options [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock plans (other details)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Life of options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

142

1,770

Unrecognized share compensation expenses

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

141

'

'

'

0

0

141

Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0 years 2 months 12 days

Restricted Stock [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock plans (other details)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,750

25,145

27,428

Unrecognized share compensation expenses

69,219

'

'

'

43,952

'

'

'

40,809

'

'

'

69,219

43,952

40,809

Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 2 months 12 days

'2 years 7 months 6 days

'2 years 4 months 24 days

Restricted share units [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock plans (other details)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

585

499

456

Unrecognized share compensation expenses

1,678

'

'

'

978

'

'

'

985

'

'

'

1,678

978

985

Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 4 months 24 days

'2 years 7 months 6 days

'2 years 8 months 12 days

Performance Shares [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock plans (other details)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-705

923

2,349

Unrecognized share compensation expenses

1,642

'

'

'

3,328

'

'

'

5,677

'

'

'

1,642

3,328

5,677

Weighted average period of recognizing share based compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 0 months 4 days

'1 year 8 months 12 days

'2 years 1 month 6 days

Performance Share Awards Performance Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'P3Y

'

'

Employee seller shares [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock plans (other details)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

2,293

Unrecognized share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

$0

Restricted stock issued under Share Sale Agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,209,741

'

'

Percentage of employee seller shares vesting annually

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

Debt_and_financing_arrangement2

Debt and financing arrangements (Schedule of finance structure) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Debt instrument, commitment	$851,616	$850,909
Debt instrument, issued and outstanding	791,416	790,709
Debt instrument, drawn	788,614	787,799
Credit facility, commitment	1,599,800	2,090,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	751,250	915,823
Debt instrument and line of credit facility amount committed, total	2,451,416	2,940,909
Debt instrument and line of credit facility outstanding, total	1,542,666	1,706,532
$400,000 Four-year unsecured credit facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	400,000	400,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	0	0
$525,000 Four-year syndicated secured credit facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	525,000	525,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	358,567	376,570
Bi-lateral secured facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	200,000	500,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	16,726	92,402
Talbot FAL Facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	25,000	25,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	25,000	25,000
PaCRe Senior secured letter of credit facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	10,000	10,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	294	219
AlphaCat Reinsurance Secured Letter of Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	24,800	'
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	24,800	0
IPC Bi Lateral Facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	40,000	80,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	20,177	40,613
Flagstone BiLateral Facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	375,000	550,000
Credit facility, issued and outstanding	305,686	381,019
2010 Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Debt instrument, commitment	250,000	250,000
Debt instrument, issued and outstanding	250,000	250,000
Debt instrument, drawn	247,198	247,090
Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures[Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Debt instrument, commitment	601,616	600,909
Debt instrument, issued and outstanding	541,416	540,709
Debt instrument, drawn	541,416	540,709
2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Debt instrument, commitment	150,000	150,000
Debt instrument, issued and outstanding	150,000	150,000
Debt instrument, drawn	150,000	150,000
2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Debt instrument, commitment	200,000	200,000
Debt instrument, issued and outstanding	139,800	139,800
Debt instrument, drawn	139,800	139,800
Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Debt instrument, commitment	137,866	137,159
Debt instrument, issued and outstanding	137,866	137,159
Debt instrument, drawn	137,866	137,159
Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of financing structure and finance expenses	'	'
Debt instrument, commitment	113,750	113,750
Debt instrument, issued and outstanding	113,750	113,750
Debt instrument, drawn	$113,750	$113,750

Debt_and_financing_arrangement3

Debt and financing arrangements (Summary of senior notes and debentures) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]

Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

2010 Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]

2010 Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Information At Issuance [Member]

Debt Outstanding [Member]

Debt Outstanding [Member]

Debt Outstanding [Member]

Debt Outstanding [Member]

Debt Outstanding [Member]

Debt Outstanding [Member]

2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]

Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

Flagstone 2007 Due July 30 2037 [Member]

Flagstone 2007 Due July 30 2037 [Member]

Flagstone 2007 Due September 15 2037 [Member]

Flagstone 2007 Due September 15 2037 [Member]

2010 Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]

2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

Flagstone 2007 Due July 30 2037 [Member]

Flagstone 2007 Due September 15 2037 [Member]

2010 Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Issuance Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Jun-06

23-Aug-06

[1]

'

21-Jun-07

8-Jun-07

[1]

'

20-Sep-07

[1]

'

26-Jan-10

15-Jun-06

23-Aug-06

21-Jun-07

8-Jun-07

20-Sep-07

26-Jan-10

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$851,616

$850,909

$150,000

$150,000

$137,866

$137,159

$200,000

$200,000

$250,000

$250,000

$150,000

$137,866

'

$200,000

$88,750

[1]

'

$25,000

[1]

'

$250,000

$150,000

$137,866

$200,000

$88,750

$25,000

$250,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Jun-36

15-Sep-36

[1]

'

15-Jun-37

30-Jul-37

[1]

'

15-Sep-37

[1]

'

26-Jan-40

15-Jun-36

15-Sep-36

15-Jun-37

30-Jul-37

15-Sep-37

26-Jan-40

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.83%

[2]

6.46%

[2]

5.18%

[2]

5.90%

[2]

5.98%

[2]

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.07%

[3]

'

'

8.48%

[3]

'

'

'

'

8.88%

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

8.88%

[4]

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.54%

[1],[5]

'

'

3.00%

[1],[5]

'

3.10%

[1],[5]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Quarterly

'Quarterly

[1]

'

'Quarterly

'Quarterly

[1]

'

'Quarterly

[1]

'

'Semi-annually in arrears

'Quarterly

'Quarterly

'Quarterly

'Quarterly

'Quarterly

'Semi-annually in arrears

[1]

For the Flagstone 2006 and 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures, the table summarizes the Company's participation as at the date of the Flagstone Acquisition, November 30, 2012.T

[2]

Interest rate has been fixed as a result of interest rate swap contracts entered into by the Company.

[3]

Fixed interest rate

[4]

Fixed interest rate.

[5]

Variable interest rate is the three-month LIBOR, reset quarterly, plus spread as noted in the table.

Recovered_Sheet1

Debt and financing Arrangements (Components of finance expenses) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

$16,925

$15,317

$17,566

$14,369

$14,510

$9,362

$13,706

$16,279

$13,520

$10,935

$16,361

$14,001

$64,177

$53,857

$54,817

Credit Facilities [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,544

11,999

6,492

Bank charges [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

507

269

218

AlphaCat Re 2011 fees [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

3,609

[1]

AlphaCat ILS Fund Fees [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,866

[2]

2,432

[2]

0

[2]

Talbot FAL Facility [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

182

97

227

2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,868

6,964

9,768

2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,341

8,922

12,115

Flagstone 2006 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,259

459

0

Flagstone 2007 Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Notes [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,222

327

0

2010 Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of financial expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$22,388

$22,388

$22,388

[1]

Included preferred share dividends and finance expenses attributable to AlphaCat Re 2011.

[2]

Includes finance expenses incurred during the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012 by AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. in relation to the AlphaCat ILS funds and fund-raising for AlphaCat 2014 and AlphaCat 2013 respectively.

Recovered_Sheet2

Debt and financing Arrangements (Text) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt and financing arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Future repayments of debt	$791,416	$790,709
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	1,599,800	2,090,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	751,250	915,823
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Percent of consolidated net income quarterly increase under covenant	50.00%	'
Percent of any net proceeds from issuance of common shares	50.00%	'
Ratio consolidated total debt to net worth under covenant	'0.35:1.00	'
Minimum level of consolidated net worth	2,600,000	'
Four-year unsecured credit facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Letter of credit facility period	'4 years	'
Line of credit facility initiation date	9-Mar-12	'
Credit facility, commitment	400,000	400,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	0	0
Aggregate commitments, maximum	500,000	'
Four-year syndicated secured credit facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Letter of credit facility period	'4 years	'
Line of credit facility initiation date	9-Mar-12	'
Credit facility, commitment	525,000	525,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	358,567	376,570
Aggregate commitments, maximum	700,000	'
Bilateral unsecured letter of credit facility [Member] | Terminated Credit Facilities [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Letter of credit facility period	'3 years	'
Credit facility, commitment	60,000	'
Three year unsecured letter of credit facility [Member] | Terminated Credit Facilities [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Letter of credit facility period	'3 years	'
Credit facility, commitment	340,000	'
Five year secured letter of credit facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	525,000	525,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	358,567	376,570
Five year secured letter of credit facility [Member] | Terminated Credit Facilities [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Letter of credit facility period	'5 years	'
Credit facility, commitment	500,000	'
Talbot FAL Facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Letter of credit facility, original commitment amount	100,000	'
Credit facility, commitment	25,000	25,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	25,000	25,000
IPC Bi Lateral Facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	40,000	80,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	20,177	40,613
Bi-lateral secured facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	200,000	500,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	16,726	92,402
PaCRe Senior secured letter of credit facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	10,000	10,000
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	10,000	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	294	219
AlphaCat Reinsurance Secured Letter of Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	24,800	'
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	10,000	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	24,800	0
Flagstone BiLateral Facility [Member]	'	'
Credit Facilities	'	'
Credit facility, commitment	375,000	550,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	305,686	381,019
2010 Senior Notes due 2040 [Member]	'	'
Debt and financing arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Future repayments of debt	250,000	250,000
Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures[Member]	'	'
Debt and financing arrangements [Line Items]	'	'
Future repayments of debt	$541,416	$540,709

Income_taxes_Components_of_tax

Income taxes (Components of tax expense) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$597,218

$382,539

$43,946

Components of income tax expense:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current income tax expense (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,781

1,328

8,977

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,398

1,173

-8,153

Total income tax expense

603

5

93

-318

615

1,343

404

139

-226

2,538

-29

-1,459

383

2,501

824

Bermuda

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

601,583

369,675

42,230

United Kingdom

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,668

10,277

1,415

United States

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-464

3,075

0

Switzerland

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-225

-3,381

0

Canada

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

57

391

301

Other tax jurisdictions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income before taxes, income from operating affiliates and (income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($8,401)

$2,502

$0

Income_taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income taxes (Reconciliation of effective tax rate) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Bermuda tax rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

Tax charge by jurisdiction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected tax expense at Bermuda statutory rate of 0%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

Foreign tax expense (benefit) at local expected tax rates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,399

4,882

1,773

Subtotal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,399

4,882

1,773

Valuation allowance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,967

0

0

Tax exempt income and expenses not deductible

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-263

0

0

Impact of enacted changes in tax rates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-407

-1,611

0

Prior years tax adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-461

-770

-949

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,054

0

0

Total income tax expense

$603

$5

$93

($318)

$615

$1,343

$404

$139

($226)

$2,538

($29)

($1,459)

$383

$2,501

$824

Income_taxes_Components_of_net

Income taxes (Components of net deferred tax liability) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax asset	'	'
Tax losses carried forward	($185,955)	($175,032)
Timing differences	-10,918	-4,366
Other	-128	0
Deferred tax asset, gross of valuation allowance	-197,001	-179,398
Valuation allowance	177,656	170,791
Net deferred tax asset	-19,345	-8,607
Deferred tax liability	'	'
Underwriting profit taxable in future periods	33,744	25,732
Other	4,687	3,134
Deferred tax liability	38,431	28,866
Net deferred tax liability	$19,086	$20,259

Income_taxes_Loss_carryforward

Income taxes (Loss carryforwards) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United States

United States

Switzerland

Switzerland

Luxembourg Tax Jurisdiction [Member]

Luxembourg Tax Jurisdiction [Member]

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

United States

Switzerland

United States

Switzerland

Operating and Capital Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Carryforwards

'

$38,601

$38,601

$31,024

$31,024

$254,463

$254,463

$387,504

$387,504

'

'

'

'

Loss Carryforwards, Tax Effect

'

$8,299

$8,296

$10,859

$10,859

$53,647

$53,647

$113,151

$113,151

'

'

'

'

Loss Carryforward Expiry Year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2026

'2014

'2033

'2019

Estimated Period For Completion of Income Tax Examinations

'24 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated_other_comprehensiv2

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	($2,953)	'	'
Current period foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,954	3,648	-1,146
Balance, end of period	-617	-2,953	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	-2,953	-6,601	'
Amounts reclassified to retained earnings	4,290	0	'
Current period foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,954	3,648	'
Balance, end of period	($617)	($2,953)	'

Commitments_and_contingencies_1

Commitments and contingencies (Investment portfolio) (Details) (Concentrations of credit risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment portfolio excluding government and agency securities [Member]	'
Concentrations Of Credit Risk [Abstract]	'
Maximum aggregate exposure to single issuer, allowed	3.00%
Aggregate exposure to single issuer, actual	1.00%
Bank Loan Portfolio [Member]	'
Concentrations Of Credit Risk [Abstract]	'
Ratio of Level 3 investments to total investments (percent)	10.40%
Investment portfolio excluding bank loans [Member]	'
Concentrations Of Credit Risk [Abstract]	'
Allowable percentage holding in downgraded investments	2.00%
Holding in aggregate market value permitted with written pre-authorization	10.00%
Percent of investment portfolio with a credit rating below the minimum required credit rating of Baa3/BBB-	1.50%

Commitments_and_contingencies_2

Commitments and contingencies (Significant brokers) (Details) (Customer Concentration Risk [Member], Gross Premiums Written [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Aon Benfield Group Ltd [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	29.80%	26.50%	23.80%
Marsh & McLennan [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	21.40%	29.40%	25.90%
Willis Group Holdings Ltd [Member]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.10%	16.10%	17.00%

Commitments_and_contingencies_3

Commitments and contingencies (Future minimum lease payments) (Details) (Office Space And Office Equipment [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Office Space And Office Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Future minimum lease commitments are as follows:	'	'	'
2014	$11,293	'	'
2015	9,849	'	'
2016	8,723	'	'
2017	8,449	'	'
2018 and thereafter	19,129	'	'
Total future minimume lease payments	57,443	'	'
Total rent expense with respect to operating leases:	'	'	'
Rent expense	$10,214	$7,670	$5,752

Commitments_and_contingencies_4

Commitments and contingencies (Lloyd's syndicate) (Details)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Talbot FAL Facility [Member]	Talbot FAL Facility [Member]	Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member]	Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member]	2014 underwriting year	2013 underwriting year	2012 underwriting year
			USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	GBP (£)	Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member]	Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member]	Lloyd's Syndicate 1183 [Member]
							USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Funds at Lloyd's and Lloyd's Central Fund	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum premium levies assessable, percent	'	'	'	'	3.00%	3.00%	'	'	'
Estimated underwriting capacity	'	'	'	'	'	£ 625,000	'	'	'
Exchange rate	'£1 equals $1.6561	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum premium levies assessable, amount	'	'	'	'	31,052	'	'	'	'
Components Of Required Capital [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Talbot FAL facility	1,599,800	2,090,000	25,000	25,000	'	'	25,000	25,000	25,000
Group funds	'	'	'	'	'	'	450,000	403,700	448,800
Cash, investments and letters of credit amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$475,000	$428,700	$473,800

Commitments_and_contingencies_5

Commitments and contingencies (Aquiline commitment) (Details) (Aquiline Capital Partners II GP Offshore Ltd [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Aquiline Capital Partners II GP Offshore Ltd [Member]	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Related Party Transaction Capital Commitment	$50,000
Related Party Transaction Remaining Commitment	$17,890

Related_party_transactions_Det

Related party transactions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Aquiline Capital Partners LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares owned by related party	3,446,643	'	'
Warrants to purchase shares	2,756,088	'	'
Group Ark Insurance Holdings Ltd [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	$2,899	$7,582	$1,464
Premiums receivable	242	251	'
Reinsurance premiums ceded	85	90	163
Related Party Transaction Loss Reserves Recoverable	3,698	3,694	'
Earned premium adjustments	2,911	7,625	1,524
Tiger Risk Partners LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Brokerage expenses	0	2,424	1,142
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	0	964	'
Conning Inc [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	283	201	'
Investment management fees	500	809	783
Aquiline Capital Partners II GP Offshore Ltd [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	0	'	'
Percentage of interest assumed	100.00%	'	'
Related Party Transaction Capital Commitment	50,000	'	'
Partnership fees incurred	1,236	2,979	0
Capital contributions	$14,492	$14,365	$3,253

Earnings_per_share_Details

Earnings per share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$122,858	$229,063	($30,254)	$220,694	($117,922)	$264,044	$122,262	$124,234	$35,007	$70,001	$110,478	($172,364)	$542,361	$392,618	$43,122
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-27,526	-45,694	60,976	2,549	27,206	-56,746	45,360	0	-7,683	-13,516	-594	0	-9,695	15,820	-21,793
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	95,332	183,369	30,722	223,243	-90,716	207,298	167,622	124,234	27,324	56,485	109,884	-172,364	532,666	408,438	21,329
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-19,214	-6,693	-7,644
Income available to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	513,452	401,745	13,685
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	98,454,907	99,834,563	103,133,188	107,386,438	97,688,338	93,368,775	98,254,186	99,425,140	99,137,696	98,961,795	98,385,924	97,944,340	102,202,274	97,184,110	98,607,439
Basic earnings per share available to common shareholders	$0.95	$1.82	$0.28	$1.94	($0.94)	$2.20	$1.69	$1.23	$0.26	$0.55	$1.10	($1.78)	$5.02	$4.13	$0.14
Diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	122,858	229,063	-30,254	220,694	-117,922	264,044	122,262	124,234	35,007	70,001	110,478	-172,364	542,361	392,618	43,122
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-27,526	-45,694	60,976	2,549	27,206	-56,746	45,360	0	-7,683	-13,516	-594	0	-9,695	15,820	-21,793
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	95,332	183,369	30,722	223,243	-90,716	207,298	167,622	124,234	27,324	56,485	109,884	-172,364	532,666	408,438	21,329
less: Dividends and distributions declared on outstanding warrants	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-19,214	0	-7,644
Income (loss) available (attributable) to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$513,452	$408,438	$13,685
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	98,454,907	99,834,563	103,133,188	107,386,438	97,688,338	93,368,775	98,254,186	99,425,140	99,137,696	98,961,795	98,385,924	97,944,340	102,202,274	97,184,110	98,607,439
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	102,928,482	103,613,766	104,734,643	110,052,999	97,688,338	98,236,490	103,667,967	105,096,090	101,324,291	100,823,335	104,562,450	97,944,340	103,970,289	102,384,923	100,928,284
Diluted earnings per share available to common shareholders	$0.93	$1.77	$0.28	$1.90	($0.94)	$2.11	$1.62	$1.18	$0.25	$0.54	$1.05	($1.78)	$4.94	$3.99	$0.14
Earnings per share (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	366,821	199,446	181,105
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number diluted shares outstanding adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	3,137,956	0
Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number diluted shares outstanding adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,026,543	769,618	776,204
Unvested restricted shares [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number diluted shares outstanding adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	741,472	1,293,239	1,544,641

Segment_information_Details

Segment information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

segments

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of operating segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

Underwriting income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

$237,273

$356,760

$702,313

$1,104,760

$311,847

$390,215

$627,089

$837,289

$278,279

$391,129

$605,387

$849,896

$2,401,106

$2,166,440

$2,124,691

Reinsurance premiums ceded

-24,558

-39,415

-121,396

-187,216

-35,659

-45,743

-119,052

-107,052

-16,489

-30,586

-132,346

-109,820

-372,585

-307,506

-289,241

Net premiums written

212,715

317,345

580,917

917,544

276,188

344,472

508,037

730,237

261,790

360,543

473,041

740,076

2,028,521

1,858,934

1,835,450

Change in unearned premiums

279,523

213,943

-33,459

-386,483

223,098

130,632

-60,410

-279,038

226,556

98,081

-47,401

-310,543

73,524

14,282

-33,307

Net premiums earned

492,238

531,288

547,458

531,061

499,286

475,104

447,627

451,199

488,346

458,624

425,640

429,533

2,102,045

1,873,216

1,802,143

Underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Losses and loss expenses

206,152

177,965

265,044

144,771

458,310

155,455

153,692

231,989

334,829

226,067

207,307

476,198

793,932

999,446

1,244,401

Policy acquisition costs

84,647

94,900

87,152

93,611

81,814

98,623

76,129

78,132

81,253

77,405

78,230

77,296

360,310

334,698

314,184

General and administrative expenses

82,930

81,089

70,967

80,279

65,095

70,547

61,635

66,375

52,253

35,926

60,841

48,477

315,265

263,652

197,497

Share compensation expenses

8,147

10,527

6,638

2,318

7,126

7,345

6,800

5,438

7,237

7,382

7,628

12,049

27,630

26,709

34,296

Total underwriting deductions

381,876

364,481

429,801

320,979

612,345

331,970

298,256

381,934

475,572

346,780

354,006

614,020

1,497,137

1,624,505

1,790,378

Underwriting income (loss)

110,362

166,807

117,657

210,082

-113,059

143,134

149,371

69,265

12,774

111,844

71,634

-184,487

604,908

248,711

11,765

Net investment income

24,204

20,009

26,210

25,649

28,802

25,489

25,885

27,760

28,080

27,747

26,494

29,975

96,072

107,936

112,296

Other income

4,046

-2,806

4,418

2,685

187

7,324

5,994

8,891

3,517

0

595

1,606

8,343

22,396

5,718

Finance expenses

-16,925

-15,317

-17,566

-14,369

-14,510

-9,362

-13,706

-16,279

-13,520

-10,935

-16,361

-14,001

-64,177

-53,857

-54,817

Operating income (loss) before taxes

121,687

168,693

130,719

224,047

-98,580

166,585

167,544

89,637

30,851

128,656

82,362

-166,907

645,146

325,186

74,962

Income tax expense

-603

-5

-93

318

-615

-1,343

-404

-139

226

-2,538

29

1,459

-383

-2,501

-824

Income from operating affiliates

5,510

1,463

3,793

3,523

-614

6,235

3,592

3,367

'

'

'

'

14,289

12,580

0

(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

-26,607

[1]

-11,815

[1]

-20,264

[1]

-10,077

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-68,763

0

0

Net operating income (loss)

99,987

158,336

114,155

217,811

-99,809

171,477

170,732

92,865

31,077

126,118

82,391

-165,448

590,289

335,265

74,138

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses

'

'

'

'

21,485

[2]

-3,784

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

'

'

'

'

0

17,701

0

Net realized gains on investments

4,448

-6,320

3,409

1,721

-4,516

9,063

6,154

7,532

5,355

5,246

11,552

6,379

3,258

18,233

28,532

Net unrealized (losses) on investments

20,137

69,967

-141,348

-7,237

-35,857

86,345

-53,574

20,671

2,159

-27,848

18,526

-12,828

-58,481

17,585

-19,991

Income (loss) from investment affiliate

516

1,044

1,753

1,477

-406

-160

-398

0

'

'

'

'

4,790

-964

0

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

-2,230

6,036

-8,223

6,922

1,181

1,103

-652

3,166

266

-19,932

-1,991

-467

2,505

4,798

-22,124

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,850

[3]

-13,583

[3]

0

[3]

0

[3]

0

0

-17,433

Net income

122,858

229,063

-30,254

220,694

-117,922

264,044

122,262

124,234

35,007

70,001

110,478

-172,364

542,361

392,618

43,122

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

-27,526

-45,694

60,976

2,549

27,206

-56,746

45,360

0

-7,683

-13,516

-594

0

-9,695

15,820

-21,793

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus

95,332

183,369

30,722

223,243

-90,716

207,298

167,622

124,234

27,324

56,485

109,884

-172,364

532,666

408,438

21,329

Selected ratios:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums written / Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

84.50%

85.80%

86.40%

Loss Ratio

41.90%

33.50%

48.40%

27.30%

91.80%

32.70%

34.30%

51.40%

68.60%

49.30%

48.70%

110.90%

37.80%

53.40%

69.10%

Acquisition Cost Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.10%

17.90%

17.40%

General and Administrative Expense Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16.30%

[4]

15.50%

[4]

12.90%

[4]

Underwriting Expense Ratio

35.70%

35.10%

30.10%

33.20%

30.90%

37.20%

32.30%

33.20%

28.80%

26.30%

34.50%

32.10%

33.40%

33.40%

30.30%

Combined ratio

77.60%

68.60%

78.50%

60.50%

122.70%

69.90%

66.60%

84.60%

97.40%

75.60%

83.20%

143.00%

71.20%

86.80%

99.40%

Total assets

9,846,432

'

'

'

10,020,264

'

'

'

7,618,471

'

'

'

9,846,432

10,020,264

7,618,471

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,242,522

1,131,959

1,114,493

Reinsurance premiums ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-226,264

-144,578

-150,718

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,016,258

987,381

963,775

Change in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

117,679

35,890

2,150

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,133,937

1,023,271

965,925

Underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Losses and loss expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

430,026

575,416

749,305

Policy acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,779

154,362

154,582

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

91,260

63,048

44,663

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,668

7,763

9,309

Total underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

709,733

800,589

957,859

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

424,204

222,682

8,066

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81,346

88,727

93,248

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,445

5,085

7,390

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-16,111

-8,943

-7,777

Operating income (loss) before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

497,884

307,551

100,927

Income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

272

-168

-18

Income from operating affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Net operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

498,156

307,383

100,909

Net realized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,382

12,026

21,138

Net unrealized (losses) on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-41,388

35,033

-14,698

Income (loss) from investment affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,790

-964

'

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,394

2,664

-19,524

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[5]

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

467,570

356,142

87,825

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

467,570

356,142

87,825

Selected ratios:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums written / Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81.80%

87.20%

86.50%

Loss Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37.90%

56.20%

77.60%

Acquisition Cost Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16.00%

15.10%

16.00%

General and Administrative Expense Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.70%

[4]

6.90%

[4]

5.60%

[4]

Underwriting Expense Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24.70%

22.00%

21.60%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62.60%

78.20%

99.20%

Total assets

5,326,076

'

'

'

6,206,084

'

'

'

4,604,965

'

'

'

5,326,076

6,206,084

4,604,965

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

147,009

21,603

75,727

Reinsurance premiums ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-525

0

0

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,484

21,603

75,727

Change in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,070

-3,937

-9,761

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

137,414

17,666

65,966

Underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Losses and loss expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,569

0

10,000

Policy acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,853

1,774

7,946

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,765

7,532

10,929

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

468

279

107

Total underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,655

9,585

28,982

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,759

8,081

36,984

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,865

3,748

3,245

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,424

23,229

11,466

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,734

-3,061

-3,659

Operating income (loss) before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

111,314

31,997

48,036

Income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income from operating affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,289

12,580

'

(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-68,763

'

'

Net operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,840

44,577

48,036

Net realized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,084

216

531

Net unrealized (losses) on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,893

-19,509

-1,341

Income (loss) from investment affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-816

44

-464

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[5]

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,215

25,328

46,762

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,695

15,820

-21,793

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,520

41,148

24,969

Selected ratios:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums written / Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.60%

100.00%

100.00%

Loss Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.80%

0.00%

15.20%

Acquisition Cost Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.10%

10.00%

12.00%

General and Administrative Expense Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14.00%

[4]

44.20%

[4]

16.70%

[4]

Underwriting Expense Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24.10%

54.20%

28.70%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36.90%

54.20%

43.90%

Total assets

1,558,453

'

'

'

805,513

'

'

'

223,889

'

'

'

1,558,453

805,513

223,889

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,091,890

1,078,636

1,014,122

Reinsurance premiums ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-226,111

-228,686

-218,174

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

865,779

849,950

795,948

Change in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-35,085

-17,671

-25,696

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

830,694

832,279

770,252

Underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Losses and loss expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

346,337

424,030

485,096

Policy acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170,738

183,926

157,334

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

136,458

133,281

112,072

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,613

7,789

8,582

Total underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

663,146

749,026

763,084

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

167,548

83,253

7,168

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,061

21,310

25,380

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,819

2,033

3,485

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-259

-162

-227

Operating income (loss) before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

187,169

106,434

35,806

Income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-671

-2,229

-651

Income from operating affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Net operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

186,498

104,205

35,155

Net realized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

556

5,991

6,863

Net unrealized (losses) on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,200

2,061

-3,952

Income (loss) from investment affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,531

2,527

-2,188

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[5]

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170,323

114,784

35,878

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170,323

114,784

35,878

Selected ratios:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums written / Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79.30%

78.80%

78.50%

Loss Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

41.70%

50.90%

63.00%

Acquisition Cost Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.50%

22.10%

20.40%

General and Administrative Expense Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17.60%

[4]

16.90%

[4]

15.70%

[4]

Underwriting Expense Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38.10%

39.00%

36.10%

Combined ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79.80%

89.90%

99.10%

Total assets

2,891,682

'

'

'

2,968,224

'

'

'

2,775,632

'

'

'

2,891,682

2,968,224

2,775,632

Corporate & Eliminations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-80,315

-65,758

-79,651

Reinsurance premiums ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,315

65,758

79,651

Net premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Change in unearned premiums

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Losses and loss expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Policy acquisition costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,060

-5,364

-5,678

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,782

59,791

29,833

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,881

10,878

16,298

Total underwriting deductions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

73,603

65,305

40,453

Underwriting income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,603

-65,305

-40,453

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,200

-5,849

-9,577

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-28,345

-7,951

-16,623

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-42,073

-41,691

-43,154

Operating income (loss) before taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,221

-120,796

-109,807

Income tax expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16

-104

-155

Income from operating affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Net operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,205

-120,900

-109,962

Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,701

[2]

'

Net realized gains on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net unrealized (losses) on investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from investment affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-542

-437

52

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-17,433

[5]

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,747

-103,636

-127,343

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-151,747

-103,636

-127,343

Selected ratios:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total assets

$70,221

'

'

'

$40,443

'

'

'

$13,985

'

'

'

$70,221

$40,443

$13,985

[1]

This amount had been shown within finance expenses for each of the three months ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2013.

[2]

The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arose from the acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses which included legal, financial advisory, audit related services and termination expenses.

[3]

The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company’s proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

[4]

Ratios are based on net premiums earned. The general and administrative expense ratio includes share compensation expenses.

[5]

The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

Segment_information_Gross_writ

Segment information (Gross written premiums by line of business) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

$237,273

$356,760

$702,313

$1,104,760

$311,847

$390,215

$627,089

$837,289

$278,279

$391,129

$605,387

$849,896

$2,401,106

$2,166,440

$2,124,691

Property [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,164,687

1,060,297

1,099,303

Marine [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

570,008

649,421

569,981

Specialty [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$666,411

$456,722

$455,407

Segment_information_Segment_ge

Segment information (Segment geographic) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

$237,273

$356,760

$702,313

$1,104,760

$311,847

$390,215

$627,089

$837,289

$278,279

$391,129

$605,387

$849,896

$2,401,106

$2,166,440

$2,124,691

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,087

473,854

424,821

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.10%

21.90%

20.00%

Worldwide excluding United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

219,253

[1]

216,513

[1]

220,675

[1]

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.10%

[1]

10.00%

[1]

10.30%

[1]

Australia and New Zealand [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,588

39,104

40,774

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

1.70%

1.90%

Europe [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

118,615

122,675

124,845

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.90%

5.70%

5.90%

Latin America and Caribbean [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

154,053

151,349

140,445

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.40%

7.00%

6.60%

Japan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,700

36,820

38,240

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

1.70%

1.80%

Canada [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,457

14,314

26,834

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.60%

0.70%

1.30%

Rest of world [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

116,988

[2]

116,663

[2]

90,476

[2]

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.90%

[2]

5.40%

[2]

4.30%

[2]

Subtotal Non United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

707,654

697,438

682,289

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29.40%

32.20%

32.10%

Worldwide including United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

324,221

[1]

239,294

[1]

274,743

[1]

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13.50%

[1]

11.00%

[1]

12.90%

[1]

Location Non Specific [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

769,144

[3]

755,854

[3]

742,838

[3]

Percent of gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32.00%

[3]

34.90%

[3]

35.00%

[3]

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,242,522

1,131,959

1,114,493

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

466,555

388,728

294,133

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

71,421

[1]

72,050

[1]

73,001

[1]

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Australia and New Zealand [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,882

26,582

31,071

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,685

73,510

75,675

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,225

9,069

22,582

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Japan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43,055

30,591

31,440

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Canada [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,277

2,811

17,082

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Rest of world [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,401

[2]

31,308

[2]

19,913

[2]

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

246,946

245,921

270,764

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

179,709

[1]

171,011

[1]

206,684

[1]

Operating Segments [Member] | Validus Re Segment [Member] | Location Non Specific [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

349,312

326,299

[3]

342,912

[3]

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

147,009

21,603

75,727

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,848

12,638

53,168

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,801

[1]

279

[1]

0

[1]

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Australia and New Zealand [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,216

217

0

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,533

1,332

1,238

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Japan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

653

0

0

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Canada [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

818

0

0

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Rest of world [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,021

1,828

1,238

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,140

[1]

7,137

[1]

21,321

[1]

Operating Segments [Member] | AlphaCat Segment [Member] | Location Non Specific [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

[3]

0

[3]

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,091,890

1,078,636

1,014,122

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,357

77,561

84,128

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

142,294

[1]

156,593

[1]

160,261

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Australia and New Zealand [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,097

12,851

10,530

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Europe [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51,667

50,262

52,018

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

155,798

149,091

127,909

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Japan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,971

6,630

7,380

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Canada [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,768

12,243

10,583

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Rest of world [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92,652

[2]

91,130

[2]

76,577

[2]

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

470,247

478,800

445,258

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,538

[1]

65,084

[1]

50,722

[1]

Operating Segments [Member] | Talbot [Member] | Location Non Specific [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

447,748

[3]

457,191

[3]

434,014

[3]

Corporate And Eliminations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-80,315

-65,758

-79,651

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,673

-5,073

-6,608

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Worldwide excluding United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,263

[1]

-12,409

[1]

-12,587

[1]

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Australia and New Zealand [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-607

-546

-827

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Europe [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,270

-2,429

-4,086

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Latin America and Caribbean [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-8,970

-6,811

-10,046

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Japan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-979

-401

-580

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Canada [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,406

-740

-831

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Rest of world [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,065

[2]

-5,775

[2]

-6,014

[2]

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Subtotal Non United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-30,560

-29,111

-34,971

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Worldwide including United States [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,166

[1]

-3,938

[1]

-3,984

[1]

Corporate And Eliminations [Member] | Location Non Specific [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written allocated to the territory of coverage exposure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross premiums written

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($27,916)

[3]

($27,636)

[3]

($34,088)

[3]

[1]

Represents risks in two or more geographic zones

[2]

Represents risks in one geographic zone

[3]

The Other locations non-specific category refers to business for which an analysis of exposure by geographic zone is not applicable, such as marine and aerospace risks, since these exposures can span multiple geographic areas and, in some instances, are not fixed locations

Statutory_and_regulatory_requi2

Statutory and regulatory requirements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory and regulatory requirements [Abstract]	'		'		'
Required statutory capital and surplus (a)	$1,285,905	[1]	$1,415,578	[1]	'
Actual statutory capital and surplus (b)	3,908,068	[2]	4,232,956	[2]	'
Statutory net income	$703,762		$467,920		$160,531
[1]	Required statutory capital and surplus includes Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland), Ltd. (Bermuda Branch), PaCRe, Ltd., IPCRe Limited, Validus Re Americas, Ltd., Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd., AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Mont Fort Re Ltd. Required statutory capital and surplus also includes $440,163 of Funds at Lloyd’s as at December, 31, 2013 (2012: $556,239).
[2]	Actual statutory capital and surplus includes Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd. Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. is the parent company of the other five Bermuda based insurance subsidiaries.

Statutory_and_regulatory_requi3

Statutory and regulatory requirements Statutory And Regulatory Requirements (Text) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

BERMUDA

BERMUDA

BERMUDA

UNITED KINGDOM

UNITED KINGDOM

UNITED KINGDOM

SWITZERLAND

PacRe Funds [Member]

PacRe Funds [Member]

Funds At Lloyd's [Member]

Funds At Lloyd's [Member]

Validus Reinsurance Ltd [Member]

subsidiaries

Class 4 Insurer [Member]

Class 3 Insurer [Member]

subsidiaries

affiliates

numberofdirectors

Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actual statutory capital and surplus (b)

$3,908,068

[1]

$4,232,956

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$440,163

$556,239

'

Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount

703,762

467,920

160,531

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

10.00%

'

'

'

Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments

515,362

814,151

'

'

'

'

'

'

227,555

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries

1,009,000

734,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Bermuda-based subsidiaries

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

Number of Bermuda-based affiliates

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Of Total Statutory Capital And Surplus Limit

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment Of Dividends Notification Period Required

'

'

'

'7 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number Of Directors Required For Affidavit

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Of Total Statutory Capital Limit

'

'

'

'

15.00%

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Approved Release Amount Of Lloyds Accumulated Funds

'

'

'

'

'

'

$227,555

$122,688

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Permitted Dividends Percentage Annual Profit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Permitted Dividends Percentage Statutory Capital

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Actual statutory capital and surplus includes Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., AlphaCat Reinsurance, Ltd. and Talbot Insurance (Bermuda), Ltd. Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. is the parent company of the other five Bermuda based insurance subsidiaries.

Subsequent_events_Details

Subsequent events (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Feb. 05, 2014

Feb. 05, 2014

Feb. 05, 2014

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common shares

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Common share equivalents

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Common shares

Common share equivalents

Subsequent events (Textuals) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash dividends declared per share

'

$3.20

$1

$1

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

'

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

$0.25

'

$0.30

$0.30

Stock repurchase program, additional authorized amount

$500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000

'

'

Share Repurchase Program Cumulative Aggregrate Purchase Value

$1,567,380

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,720,349

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,774,436

'

'

Condensed_unaudited_quarterly_2

Condensed unaudited quarterly financial information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Underwriting income	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Gross premiums written	$237,273		$356,760		$702,313		$1,104,760		$311,847		$390,215		$627,089		$837,289		$278,279		$391,129		$605,387		$849,896		$2,401,106	$2,166,440	$2,124,691
Reinsurance premiums ceded	-24,558		-39,415		-121,396		-187,216		-35,659		-45,743		-119,052		-107,052		-16,489		-30,586		-132,346		-109,820		-372,585	-307,506	-289,241
Net premiums written	212,715		317,345		580,917		917,544		276,188		344,472		508,037		730,237		261,790		360,543		473,041		740,076		2,028,521	1,858,934	1,835,450
Change in unearned premiums	279,523		213,943		-33,459		-386,483		223,098		130,632		-60,410		-279,038		226,556		98,081		-47,401		-310,543		73,524	14,282	-33,307
Net premiums earned	492,238		531,288		547,458		531,061		499,286		475,104		447,627		451,199		488,346		458,624		425,640		429,533		2,102,045	1,873,216	1,802,143
Underwriting deductions	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Losses and loss expenses	206,152		177,965		265,044		144,771		458,310		155,455		153,692		231,989		334,829		226,067		207,307		476,198		793,932	999,446	1,244,401
Policy acquisition costs	84,647		94,900		87,152		93,611		81,814		98,623		76,129		78,132		81,253		77,405		78,230		77,296		360,310	334,698	314,184
General and administrative expenses	82,930		81,089		70,967		80,279		65,095		70,547		61,635		66,375		52,253		35,926		60,841		48,477		315,265	263,652	197,497
Share compensation expenses	8,147		10,527		6,638		2,318		7,126		7,345		6,800		5,438		7,237		7,382		7,628		12,049		27,630	26,709	34,296
Total underwriting deductions	381,876		364,481		429,801		320,979		612,345		331,970		298,256		381,934		475,572		346,780		354,006		614,020		1,497,137	1,624,505	1,790,378
Underwriting income (loss)	110,362		166,807		117,657		210,082		-113,059		143,134		149,371		69,265		12,774		111,844		71,634		-184,487		604,908	248,711	11,765
Net investment income	24,204		20,009		26,210		25,649		28,802		25,489		25,885		27,760		28,080		27,747		26,494		29,975		96,072	107,936	112,296
Other income	4,046		-2,806		4,418		2,685		187		7,324		5,994		8,891		3,517		0		595		1,606		8,343	22,396	5,718
Finance expenses	-16,925		-15,317		-17,566		-14,369		-14,510		-9,362		-13,706		-16,279		-13,520		-10,935		-16,361		-14,001		-64,177	-53,857	-54,817
Operating income (loss) before taxes	121,687		168,693		130,719		224,047		-98,580		166,585		167,544		89,637		30,851		128,656		82,362		-166,907		645,146	325,186	74,962
Income tax expense	-603		-5		-93		318		-615		-1,343		-404		-139		226		-2,538		29		1,459		-383	-2,501	-824
(Loss) income from operating affiliates	5,510		1,463		3,793		3,523		-614		6,235		3,592		3,367		'		'		'		'		14,289	12,580	0
(Income) attributable to operating affiliate investors	-26,607	[1]	-11,815	[1]	-20,264	[1]	-10,077	[1]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		-68,763	0	0
Net operating income (loss)	99,987		158,336		114,155		217,811		-99,809		171,477		170,732		92,865		31,077		126,118		82,391		-165,448		590,289	335,265	74,138
Gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses	'		'		'		'		21,485	[2]	-3,784	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	'		'		'		'		0	17,701	0
Net realized gains on investments	4,448		-6,320		3,409		1,721		-4,516		9,063		6,154		7,532		5,355		5,246		11,552		6,379		3,258	18,233	28,532
Net unrealized (losses) on investments	20,137		69,967		-141,348		-7,237		-35,857		86,345		-53,574		20,671		2,159		-27,848		18,526		-12,828		-58,481	17,585	-19,991
Income (loss) from investment affiliate	516		1,044		1,753		1,477		-406		-160		-398		0		'		'		'		'		4,790	-964	0
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	-2,230		6,036		-8,223		6,922		1,181		1,103		-652		3,166		266		-19,932		-1,991		-467		2,505	4,798	-22,124
Transaction expenses	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		-3,850	[3]	-13,583	[3]	0	[3]	0	[3]	0	0	-17,433
Net income	122,858		229,063		-30,254		220,694		-117,922		264,044		122,262		124,234		35,007		70,001		110,478		-172,364		542,361	392,618	43,122
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-27,526		-45,694		60,976		2,549		27,206		-56,746		45,360		0		-7,683		-13,516		-594		0		-9,695	15,820	-21,793
Net income (loss) available (attributable) to Validus	$95,332		$183,369		$30,722		$223,243		($90,716)		$207,298		$167,622		$124,234		$27,324		$56,485		$109,884		($172,364)		$532,666	$408,438	$21,329
Earnings per share	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Basic (shares)	98,454,907		99,834,563		103,133,188		107,386,438		97,688,338		93,368,775		98,254,186		99,425,140		99,137,696		98,961,795		98,385,924		97,944,340		102,202,274	97,184,110	98,607,439
Diluted (shares)	102,928,482		103,613,766		104,734,643		110,052,999		97,688,338		98,236,490		103,667,967		105,096,090		101,324,291		100,823,335		104,562,450		97,944,340		103,970,289	102,384,923	100,928,284
Basic earnings per share available to common shareholders	$0.95		$1.82		$0.28		$1.94		($0.94)		$2.20		$1.69		$1.23		$0.26		$0.55		$1.10		($1.78)		$5.02	$4.13	$0.14
Diluted earnings per share available to common shareholders	$0.93		$1.77		$0.28		$1.90		($0.94)		$2.11		$1.62		$1.18		$0.25		$0.54		$1.05		($1.78)		$4.94	$3.99	$0.14
Selected ratios:	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Loss Ratio	41.90%		33.50%		48.40%		27.30%		91.80%		32.70%		34.30%		51.40%		68.60%		49.30%		48.70%		110.90%		37.80%	53.40%	69.10%
Underwriting Expense Ratio	35.70%		35.10%		30.10%		33.20%		30.90%		37.20%		32.30%		33.20%		28.80%		26.30%		34.50%		32.10%		33.40%	33.40%	30.30%
Combined ratio	77.60%		68.60%		78.50%		60.50%		122.70%		69.90%		66.60%		84.60%		97.40%		75.60%		83.20%		143.00%		71.20%	86.80%	99.40%
[1]	This amount had been shown within finance expenses for each of the three months ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2013.
[2]	The gain on bargain purchase, net of expenses, arose from the acquisition of Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings S.A. on November 30, 2012 and is net of transaction related expenses which included legal, financial advisory, audit related services and termination expenses.
[3]	The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company’s proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

Schedule_I_Summary_of_investme1

Schedule I - Summary of investments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	$6,912,315
Fair value	6,912,352
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	6,912,352
U.S. Government and Government Agency [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	1,368,826
Fair value	1,364,679
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	1,364,679
Non-US Government and Government Agency [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	454,578
Fair value	459,068
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	459,068
US states, municipalities, political subdivision [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	42,978
Fair value	43,120
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	43,120
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	305,450
Fair value	311,499
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	311,499
Non-Agency residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	16,530
Fair value	15,759
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	15,759
U.S. corporate [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	1,328,960
Fair value	1,332,484
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	1,332,484
Non-U.S. corporate [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	711,581
Fair value	714,325
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	714,325
Bank loans [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	712,859
Fair value	717,116
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	717,116
Catastrophe Bonds [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	72,000
Fair value	74,551
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	74,551
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	509,091
Fair value	509,657
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	509,657
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	5,522,853
Fair value	5,542,258
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	5,542,258
Short-term Investments [Member]	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	751,734
Fair value	751,778
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	751,778
Other Investments	'
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]	'
Amortized cost	637,728
Fair value	618,316
Amount at which shown on the Balance Sheet	$618,316

Schedule_II_Condensed_financia1

Schedule II - Condensed financial information of registrant Schedule II - Condensed financial information of registrant (Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,056,346	$1,219,379	$832,844	$620,740
Other assets	202,436	177,274	'	'
Total assets	9,846,432	10,020,264	7,618,471	'
LIABILITIES	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	278,187	167,577	'	'
Senior notes payable	247,198	247,090	'	'
Debentures payable	541,416	540,709	'	'
Total liabilities	5,558,169	5,565,157	'	'
Commitments and contingent liabilities	'	'	'	'
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2013—154,488,497; 2012—152,698,191; Outstanding: 2013—96,044,312; 2012—107,921,259)	27,036	26,722	'	'
Treasury shares (2013—58,444,185; 2012—44,776,932)	-10,228	-7,836	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	1,677,894	2,160,478	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-617	-2,953	'	'
Retained earnings	2,010,009	1,844,416	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	4,201,751	4,455,107	3,448,425	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	9,846,432	10,020,264	'	'
Condensed Financial Information Balance Sheet Parenthetical Data [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	571,428,571	571,428,571	'	'
Common shares, par value	$0.18	$0.18	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	154,488,497	152,698,191	134,503,065	132,838,111
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	96,044,312	107,921,259	99,471,080	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	58,444,185	44,776,932	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	20,385	19,666	4,944	22,235
Investment in subsidiaries on an equity basis	4,273,592	4,587,611	'	'
Due from Affiliates	29,048	31,250	'	'
Other assets	3,767	4,632	'	'
Total assets	4,326,792	4,643,159	'	'
LIABILITIES	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	25,500	25,242	'	'
Senior notes payable	247,198	247,090	'	'
Debentures payable	350,000	350,000	'	'
Total liabilities	622,698	622,332	'	'
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2013—154,488,497; 2012—152,698,191; Outstanding: 2013—96,044,312; 2012—107,921,259)	27,036	26,722	'	'
Treasury shares (2013—58,444,185; 2012—44,776,932)	-10,228	-7,836	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	1,677,894	2,160,478	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-617	-2,953	'	'
Retained earnings	2,010,009	1,844,416	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	3,704,094	4,020,827	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$4,326,792	$4,643,159	'	'

Schedule_II_Condensed_financia2

Schedule II - Condensed financial information of registrant Schedule II - Condensed financial information of registrant (Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment income

$24,204

$20,009

$26,210

$25,649

$28,802

$25,489

$25,885

$27,760

$28,080

$27,747

$26,494

$29,975

$96,072

$107,936

$112,296

Other income

4,046

-2,806

4,418

2,685

187

7,324

5,994

8,891

3,517

0

595

1,606

8,343

22,396

5,718

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

-2,230

6,036

-8,223

6,922

1,181

1,103

-652

3,166

266

-19,932

-1,991

-467

2,505

4,798

-22,124

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,158,532

2,060,901

1,906,574

Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General and administrative expenses

82,930

81,089

70,967

80,279

65,095

70,547

61,635

66,375

52,253

35,926

60,841

48,477

315,265

263,652

197,497

Share compensation expenses

8,147

10,527

6,638

2,318

7,126

7,345

6,800

5,438

7,237

7,382

7,628

12,049

27,630

26,709

34,296

Finance expenses

16,925

15,317

17,566

14,369

14,510

9,362

13,706

16,279

13,520

10,935

16,361

14,001

64,177

53,857

54,817

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,850

[1]

13,583

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

0

17,433

Net income

122,858

229,063

-30,254

220,694

-117,922

264,044

122,262

124,234

35,007

70,001

110,478

-172,364

542,361

392,618

43,122

Comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

530,712

412,086

20,183

Parent Company [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net investment income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14

3

6

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36

0

5,321

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-382

-469

158

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-332

-466

5,485

Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

84,143

66,576

44,276

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,329

8,503

11,598

Finance expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

45,868

45,203

49,530

Transaction expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

16,285

Total expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

136,340

120,282

121,689

(Loss) before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-136,672

-120,748

-116,204

Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

669,338

529,186

137,533

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$532,666

$408,438

$21,329

[1]

The transaction expenses relate to costs incurred in connection with the Company’s proposed acquisition of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Transaction expenses are primarily comprised of legal, financial advisory and audit related services.

Schedule_II_Condensed_financia3

Schedule II - Condensed financial information of registrant (Cash flow) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

$122,858

$229,063

($30,254)

$220,694

($117,922)

$264,044

$122,262

$124,234

$35,007

$70,001

$110,478

($172,364)

$542,361

$392,618

$43,122

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends received from subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,009,000

734,000

'

Amortization of discount on senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108

108

108

Change in:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-80,718

-9,618

-574

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85,121

-253

-18,290

Net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

265,274

543,165

545,140

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash (used in) investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-157,895

-268,915

-392,834

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common shares, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,211

3,015

4,885

Purchases of common shares under repurchase program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-513,504

-259,962

-5,995

Dividends paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-360,071

-110,037

-107,691

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-264,048

94,745

68,681

Net increase in cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-163,033

386,535

212,104

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

'

'

'

1,219,379

'

'

'

832,844

'

'

'

620,740

1,219,379

832,844

620,740

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

1,056,346

'

'

'

1,219,379

'

'

'

832,844

'

'

'

1,056,346

1,219,379

832,844

Parent Company [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

532,666

408,438

21,329

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in net earnings of subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-669,338

-529,186

-137,533

Dividends received from subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,009,000

734,000

200,000

Share compensation expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,329

8,503

11,598

Amortization of discount on senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108

108

108

Change in:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

865

115

1,058

Balances due from subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,329

-35,522

0

Balances due to subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-45,808

-729

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,876

7,640

-4,321

Net cash provided by operating activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

873,083

548,288

91,510

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value, Period Increase (Decrease)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-166,582

0

Net cash (used in) investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-166,582

0

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common shares, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,211

3,015

4,885

Purchases of common shares under repurchase program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-513,504

-259,962

-5,995

Dividends paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-360,071

-110,037

-107,691

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-872,364

-366,984

-108,801

Net increase in cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

719

14,722

-17,291

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

'

'

'

19,666

'

'

'

4,944

'

'

'

22,235

19,666

4,944

22,235

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$20,385

'

'

'

$19,666

'

'

'

$4,944

'

'

'

$20,385

$19,666

$4,944

Schedule_III_Supplementary_ins1

Schedule III - Supplementary insurance information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	$134,269	$146,588	$121,505
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	3,030,399	3,517,573	2,631,143
Unearned premiums	824,496	894,362	772,382
Net premiums earned	2,102,045	1,873,216	1,802,143
Net investment income	96,072	107,936	112,296
Losses and loss expenses	793,932	999,446	1,244,401
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	360,310	334,698	314,184
Other operating expenses	342,895	290,361	231,793
Net premiums written	2,028,521	1,858,934	1,835,450
Validus Re Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	52,835	75,138	57,911
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	1,723,465	2,122,895	1,350,849
Unearned premiums	296,115	414,343	318,092
Net premiums earned	1,133,937	1,023,271	965,925
Net investment income	81,346	88,727	93,248
Losses and loss expenses	430,026	575,416	749,305
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	180,779	154,362	154,582
Other operating expenses	98,928	70,811	53,972
Net premiums written	1,016,258	987,381	963,775
AlphaCat Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	1,755	713	314
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	17,612	5,000	10,000
Unearned premiums	16,062	6,992	3,055
Net premiums earned	137,414	17,666	65,966
Net investment income	3,865	3,748	3,245
Losses and loss expenses	17,569	0	10,000
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	13,853	1,774	7,946
Other operating expenses	19,233	7,811	11,036
Net premiums written	146,484	21,603	75,727
Talbot [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	88,656	79,747	74,345
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	1,362,574	1,480,307	1,377,561
Unearned premiums	535,659	494,883	481,261
Net premiums earned	830,694	832,279	770,252
Net investment income	18,061	21,310	25,380
Losses and loss expenses	346,337	424,030	485,096
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	170,738	183,926	157,334
Other operating expenses	146,071	141,070	120,654
Net premiums written	865,779	849,950	795,948
Corporate And Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	-8,977	-9,010	-11,065
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	-73,252	-90,629	-107,267
Unearned premiums	-23,340	-21,856	-30,026
Net premiums earned	0	0	0
Net investment income	-7,200	-5,849	-9,577
Losses and loss expenses	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	-5,060	-5,364	-5,678
Other operating expenses	78,663	70,669	46,131
Net premiums written	$0	$0	$0

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct Premiums Earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$544,722

$550,491

$510,200

Ceded Premiums Earned

24,558

39,415

121,396

187,216

35,659

45,743

119,052

107,052

16,489

30,586

132,346

109,820

372,585

307,506

289,241

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,856,384

1,615,949

1,614,491

Net amount

$212,715

$317,345

$580,917

$917,544

$276,188

$344,472

$508,037

$730,237

$261,790

$360,543

$473,041

$740,076

$2,028,521

$1,858,934

$1,835,450

Percentage of amount assumed to net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

92.00%

87.00%

88.00%

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_infor1

Schedule VI - Supplemental information for property-casualty underwriters (Details) (Consolidated Property and Casualty Insurance Entity [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Property and Casualty Insurance Entity [Member]	'	'	'
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred acquisition costs	$134,269	$146,588	$121,505
Reserves for losses and loss expenses	3,030,399	3,517,573	2,631,143
Reserves for unearned premiums	824,496	894,362	772,382
Net earned premiums	2,102,045	1,873,216	1,802,143
Net investment income	96,072	107,936	112,296
Losses and loss expenses incurred related to current year	999,380	1,174,415	1,400,520
Losses and loss expenses incurred related to prior year	-205,448	-174,969	-156,119
Net paid losses and loss expenses	1,161,478	836,020	743,026
Amortization of deferred acquisition costs	360,310	334,698	314,184
Net premiums written	$2,028,521	$1,858,934	$1,835,450