Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (FRFHF) 40-F 5 Mar 21 2020 FY Annual report (Canada) Financial data

Cover

Cover	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	40-F
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Registrant Name	FAIRFAX FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LTD/ CAN
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000915191
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	26,176,506
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Assets
Holding company cash and investments (including assets pledged for derivative obligations – $79.5; December 31, 2019 – $5.5)	$ 1,252.2	$ 975.5
Insurance contract receivables	5,816.1	5,435
Portfolio investments
Subsidiary cash and short term investments (including restricted cash and cash equivalents – $751.9; December 31, 2019 – $664.8)	5,256.7	4,613
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)	6,439.6	5,984.4
Assets held for sale	0	2,785.6
Deferred premium acquisition costs	1,543.7	1,344.3
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid losses – $686.8; December 31, 2019 – $637.3)	10,533.2	9,155.8
Deferred income tax assets	713.9	375.9
Goodwill and intangible assets	6,229.1	6,194.1
Other assets	5,857.2	6,007.3
Total assets	74,054	70,508.5
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,996.1	4,814.1
Derivative obligations (including at the holding company – $22.8; December 31, 2019 – $0.3)	189.4	205.9
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	2,035.1
Deferred income tax liabilities	356.4	0
Insurance contract payables	2,964	2,591
Insurance contract liabilities	39,206.8	35,722.6
Borrowings	8,814	7,232.6
Total liabilities	56,526.7	52,601.3
Equity
Shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	13,856.6	14,378.1
Non-controlling interests	3,670.7	3,529.1
Total equity	17,527.3	17,907.2
Equity and liabilities	74,054	70,508.5
Common shareholders’ equity
Equity
Equity in stock	12,521.1	13,042.6
Preferred shares
Equity
Equity in stock	1,335.5	1,335.5
Holding company cash and investments
Assets
Holding company cash and investments (including assets pledged for derivative obligations – $79.5; December 31, 2019 – $5.5)	1,252.2	975.5
Portfolio investments
Subsidiary cash and short term investments (including restricted cash and cash equivalents – $751.9; December 31, 2019 – $664.8)	280	183.9
Assets pledged for derivative obligations (cost $196.1; December 31, 2019 – $146.7)	79.5	5.5
Liabilities
Derivative obligations (including at the holding company – $22.8; December 31, 2019 – $0.3)	22.8	0.3
Borrowings	5,580.6	4,117.3
Portfolio investments
Assets
Holding company cash and investments (including assets pledged for derivative obligations – $79.5; December 31, 2019 – $5.5)	42,108.6	38,235
Portfolio investments
Subsidiary cash and short term investments (including restricted cash and cash equivalents – $751.9; December 31, 2019 – $664.8)	13,197.8	10,021.3
Bonds (cost $14,916.1; December 31, 2019 – $15,353.9)	15,734.6	15,618.1
Preferred stocks (cost $268.3; December 31, 2019 – $241.3)	605.2	578.2
Common stocks (cost $4,635.5; December 31, 2019 – $4,158.2)	4,599.1	4,246.6
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)	4,381.8	4,360.2
Investment in associate held for sale (fair value $729.5; December 31, 2019 – nil)		0
Derivatives and other invested assets (cost $944.4; December 31, 2019 – $1,168.7)	812.4	759.1
Assets pledged for derivative obligations (cost $196.1; December 31, 2019 – $146.7)	196.4	146.9
Portfolio investments | Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India
Assets
Holding company cash and investments (including assets pledged for derivative obligations – $79.5; December 31, 2019 – $5.5)	1,851.8
Portfolio investments | Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa
Assets
Holding company cash and investments (including assets pledged for derivative obligations – $79.5; December 31, 2019 – $5.5)		2,504.6
Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Liabilities
Borrowings	6,614	5,156.9
Non-insurance companies
Portfolio investments
Other assets	3,868.5	4,043.8
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,566.4	2,734.1
Borrowings	$ 2,200	$ 2,075.7

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	$ 6,026,700,000	$ 5,774,100,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	789,600,000	691,500,000
Recoverables on paid losses	686,800,000	637,300,000
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	189,400,000	205,900,000
Holding company cash and investments
Statement [Line Items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	79,500,000	5,500,000
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	22,800,000	300,000
Portfolio investments
Statement [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	751,900,000	664,800,000
Bonds, at cost	14,916,100,000	15,353,900,000
Preferred stocks, at cost	268,300,000	241,300,000
Common stocks, at cost	4,635,500,000	4,158,200,000
Fair value of investments in associates	4,154,300,000	4,521,700,000
Fair value of investments in associates held-for-sale	729,500,000	0
Derivatives and other invested assets, at cost	944,400,000	1,168,700,000
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations, at cost	196,100,000	146,700,000
Portfolio investments | Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India
Statement [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in associates	$ 2,791,000,000
Portfolio investments | Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa
Statement [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in associates		$ 3,559,600,000

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income
Gross premiums written	$ 19,125.9	$ 17,511.2
Net premiums written	14,864.5	13,835.6
Gross premiums earned	17,898.8	16,611
Premiums ceded to reinsurers	(3,910.1)	(3,381.3)
Net premiums earned	13,988.7	13,229.7
Interest and dividends	769.2	880.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(112.8)	169.6
Net gains on investments	313.1	1,716.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	117.1	0
Other revenue	4,719.6	5,537.1
Income	19,794.9	21,532.8
Expenses
Losses on claims, gross	12,234.8	11,758.9
Losses on claims, ceded to reinsurers	(2,910.3)	(3,070.8)
Losses on claims, net	9,324.5	8,688.1
Operating expenses	2,536.5	2,476.3
Commissions, net	2,355	2,206.8
Interest expense	475.9	472
Other expenses	4,858.9	5,456.9
Expenses	19,550.8	19,300.1
Earnings before income taxes	244.1	2,232.7
Provision for income taxes	206.7	261.5
Net earnings	37.4	1,971.2
Attributable to:
Shareholders of Fairfax	218.4	2,004.1
Non-controlling interests	(181)	(32.9)
Net earnings	$ 37.4	$ 1,971.2
Net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.59	$ 72.80
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share (in dollars per share)	6.29	69.79
Cash dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 10	$ 10
Shares outstanding (000) (weighted average) (in shares)	26,446,939	26,901,184

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Net earnings	$ 37.4	$ 1,971.2
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations	(139.7)	101.4
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans	67.4	(37.7)
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to profit or loss before foreign currency, before adjustments on change in value of foreign currency basis spreads, net of tax	(186.1)	(77.2)
Net unrealized foreign currency translation losses reclassified to net earnings	188.7	0
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	2.6	(77.2)
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings
Net losses on defined benefit plans	(67.5)	(69.3)
Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates	(51.1)	(41.3)
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	(118.6)	(110.6)
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(116)	(187.8)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(78.6)	1,783.4
Attributable to:
Shareholders of Fairfax	103	1,857.7
Non-controlling interests	(181.6)	(74.3)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(78.6)	1,783.4
Income tax on items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations	10.8	(4.3)
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans	(10)	(7.3)
Income tax on items that may be reclassified to net earnings	0.8	(11.6)
Net unrealized foreign currency translation losses reclassified to net earnings	0.1	0
Income tax on items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	0.9	(11.6)
Income tax on items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings
Net losses on defined benefit plans	20.8	29.8
Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates	5.3	6.5
Income tax on items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	26.1	36.3
Total income tax recovery included in other comprehensive loss	27	24.7
Canada
Statement [Line Items]
Net earnings	91.6	104.1
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment	(38)	(105.6)
Europe
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment	$ (75.8)	$ (35.3)

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Treasury shares at cost	Share- based payments and other reserves	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		Equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	Non- controlling interests	Multiple voting sharesEquity issued	[2]	Common shareholders’ equityEquity issued	Preferred sharesEquity issued	Canada	Canada Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	Canada Equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	Canada Common shareholders’ equityEquity issued	Europe	EuropeAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	EuropeEquity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	EuropeCommon shareholders’ equityEquity issued	European Run-offAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 17,365.2	$ (587.5)	$ 208.9	$ 5,864.2	$ (565.3)	[1]	$ 13,114.8	$ 4,250.4	$ 6,859		$ 11,779.3	$ 1,335.5
Changes in equity [abstract]
Net earnings (loss) for the year	1,971.2			2,004.1			2,004.1	(32.9)			2,004.1		$ 104.1
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations	101.4				118.3	[1]	118.3	(16.9)			118.3
Losses on hedge of net investment													(105.6)	$ (105.6)		$ (105.6)	$ (105.6)	$ (35.3)	$ (35.3)		$ (35.3)	$ (35.3)
Share of other comprehensive income of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans	(37.7)				(17.6)	[1]	(17.6)	(20.1)			(17.6)
Net unrealized foreign currency translation losses reclassified to net earnings	0
Net losses on defined benefit plans	(69.3)				(69.4)	[1]	(69.4)	0.1			(69.4)
Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates	(41.3)				(36.8)	[1]	(36.8)	(4.5)			(36.8)
Issuances for share-based payments	(5.1)	30.8	(35.6)				(4.8)	(0.3)			(4.8)
Purchases and amortization for share-based payments (note 16)	(19)	(104.4)	80.1				(24.3)	5.3			(24.3)
Purchases for cancellation (note 16)	(118)			(56.2)			(118)		(61.8)		(118)
Common share dividends (note 16)	(453.8)			(278)			(278)	(175.8)			(278)
Preferred share dividends (note 16)	(45.8)			(45.8)			(45.8)				(45.8)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	121.7							121.7
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)	(466.2)							(466.2)
Other net changes in capitalization (note 16)	(255.2)		(14.4)	(109.1)	0	[1]	(123.5)	(131.7)			(123.5)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	17,907.2	(661.1)	239	7,379.2	(711.7)	[1]	14,378.1	3,529.1	6,797.2		13,042.6	1,335.5											$ (127.5)
Changes in equity [abstract]
Net earnings (loss) for the year	37.4			218.4			218.4	(181)			218.4		91.6
Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations	(139.7)				(117.2)	[1]	(117.2)	(22.5)			(117.2)
Losses on hedge of net investment													$ (38)	$ (38)		$ (38)	$ (38)	$ (75.8)	$ (75.8)		$ (75.8)	$ (75.8)
Share of other comprehensive income of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans	67.4				38.8	[1]	38.8	28.6			38.8
Net unrealized foreign currency translation losses reclassified to net earnings	188.7				188.7	[1]	188.7				188.7
Net losses on defined benefit plans	(67.5)				(66)	[1]	(66)	(1.5)			(66)
Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates	(51.1)				(45.9)	[1]	(45.9)	(5.2)			(45.9)
Issuances for share-based payments	(12)	56.7	(66.5)				(9.8)	(2.2)			(9.8)
Purchases and amortization for share-based payments (note 16)	(48.1)	(137.9)	84.3				(53.6)	5.5			(53.6)
Purchases for cancellation (note 16)	(100.9)			(15.7)			(100.9)		(85.2)		(100.9)
Common share dividends (note 16)	(441.3)			(275.7)			(275.7)	(165.6)			(275.7)
Preferred share dividends (note 16)	(44)			(44)			(44)				(44)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	92.9							92.9
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)	255.7	9.5	(10.9)	(53.2)	28	[1]	(26.6)	282.3			(26.6)	0
Other net changes in capitalization (note 16)	(3.6)		2.5	(116.5)	0.1		(113.9)	110.3			(113.9)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 17,527.3	$ (732.8)	$ 248.4	$ 7,092.5	$ (799)	[1]	$ 13,856.6	$ 3,670.7	$ 6,712		$ 12,521.1	$ 1,335.5
[1]	Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2019 of $711.7 included European Run-off's loss of $127.5 related primarily to net unrealized foreign currency translation losses (note 23).
[2]	Includes multiple voting shares with a carrying value of $3.8 at January 1, 2019, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 37.4	$ 1,971.2
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	752.1	650.8
Net bond discount amortization	(11.5)	(116.3)
Amortization of share-based payment awards	84.3	80.1
Share of (profit) loss of associates	112.8	(169.6)
Net deferred income taxes	57.9	83.8
Net gains on investments	(297.9)	(1,691)
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(117.1)	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings	0	23.7
Net increase in fair value of investment property	(15.2)	(25.2)
Net purchases of securities classified at FVTPL	(2,336.2)	(366.7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	1,873.2	914.6
Cash provided by operating activities	139.8	1,355.4
Investing activities
Sales of investments in associates	139.8	323.8
Purchases of investments in associates	(29.8)	(772.1)
Net purchases of premises and equipment and intangible assets	(273.3)	(319.6)
Net purchases of investment property	(7.8)	(184.4)
Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired	0	(210.1)
Cash used in investing activities	(46.8)	(1,204)
Financing activities
Purchases for treasury	(137.9)	(104.4)
Purchases for cancellation	(100.9)	(118)
Common share dividends	(275.7)	(278)
Preferred share dividends	(44)	(45.8)
Issuances to non-controlling interests, net of issuance costs	218.2	44.7
Purchases of non-controlling interests	(251.2)	(151.4)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(165.6)	(197.7)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	436.9	(837.4)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	529.9	(686)
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year	3,863.3	4,536.9
Foreign currency translation	73.9	12.4
Cash and cash equivalents – end of year	4,467.1	3,863.3
Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Investing activities
Cash divested on deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary	221.7	0
Financing activities
Proceeds, net of issuance costs	645	456.5
Repayments	(0.3)	(326.7)
Net borrowings from (repayments to) revolving credit facility and short term loans	690	132.1
Principal payments on lease liabilities	(61.9)	(59.9)
Non-insurance companies
Operating activities
Loss on repurchase of borrowings	0	23.7
Investing activities
Cash divested on deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary	(97.4)	(41.6)
Financing activities
Proceeds, net of issuance costs	107.8	302.7
Repayments	(82.5)	(308.5)
Net borrowings from (repayments to) revolving credit facility and short term loans		(16.9)
Principal payments on lease liabilities	$ (164.6)	$ (166.1)

Consolidated Statements of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity		$ 17,527.3	$ 17,907.2	$ 17,365.2
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Equity	[1]	(799)	(711.7)	(565.3)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | European Run-off
Equity			(127.5)
Multiple voting shares | Equity issued
Common stock, multiple voting shares, value		3.8	3.8	3.8
Equity	[2]	$ 6,712	$ 6,797.2	$ 6,859
[1]	Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2019 of $711.7 included European Run-off's loss of $127.5 related primarily to net unrealized foreign currency translation losses (note 23).
[2]	Includes multiple voting shares with a carrying value of $3.8 at January 1, 2019, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020.

Business Operations

Business Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Business Operations	Business Operations Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“the company” or “Fairfax”) is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. The holding company is federally incorporated and domiciled in Ontario, Canada.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments, investment property and fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”) financial assets and liabilities that have been measured at fair value, and non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale that have been measured at the lower of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. The consolidated balance sheets of the company are presented on a non-classified basis. Assets expected to be realized and liabilities expected to be settled within the company's normal operating cycle of one year are considered current, including the following balances: cash, short term investments, insurance contract receivables, investment in associate held for sale, assets held for sale, deferred premium acquisition costs, derivative obligations, liabilities associated with assets held for sale and insurance contract payables. The following balances are considered non-current: deferred income tax assets, goodwill and intangible assets and deferred income tax liabilities. All other balances are comprised of current and non-current amounts. The holding company has significant liquid resources that are generally not restricted by insurance regulators. The subsidiary insurance and reinsurance companies are often subject to a wide variety of insurance and other laws and regulations that vary by jurisdiction and are intended to protect policyholders rather than investors. These laws and regulations may limit the ability of the insurance and reinsurance companies to pay dividends or make distributions to parent companies. The company's consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows therefore make a distinction in classification between the holding company and the insurance and reinsurance companies for cash and investments to provide additional insight into the company's liquidity, financial leverage and capital structure. These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the company’s Board of Directors on March 5, 2021.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The principal accounting policies applied to the presentation of these consolidated financial statements and the methods of computation have been consistently applied to all periods presented unless otherwise stated, and are as set out below. Consolidation Subsidiaries - The company's consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows of the holding company and its subsidiaries. A subsidiary is an entity that the company controls. The company controls an entity when it has power over the entity, is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Assessment of control is based on the substance of the relationship between the company and the entity and includes consideration of both existing voting rights and, if applicable, potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible. The operating results of subsidiaries acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date control is acquired, which is typically the acquisition date. The operating results of subsidiaries that are divested during the year are included up to the date control ceased. Any difference between the fair value of the consideration received and the carrying value of a divested subsidiary is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings, and foreign currency translation gains (losses) of that subsidiary are recycled from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statement of earnings. The consolidated financial statements were prepared as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 based on individual holding companies' and subsidiaries' financial statements at those dates. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been aligned with those of the company where necessary. The company's significant operating subsidiaries are identified in note 29. Non-controlling interests - Subsequent to initial recognition in a business combination, the carrying value of non-controlling interests is adjusted for the non-controlling interest's share of changes in the subsidiary's net earnings (loss) and capital. Effects of transactions with non-controlling interests are recorded in common shareholders' equity if there is no change in control. Business combinations Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the consideration transferred is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. This consideration may include cash paid and the fair value at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities assumed and equity instruments issued by the company or its subsidiaries. Directly attributable acquisition-related costs are recorded in operating expenses or other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings as incurred. At the date of acquisition, the company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquired business. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are initially recognized at fair value. For each business combination the company determines whether to initially record non-controlling interest at fair value or as the proportionate share of the identifiable net assets of the acquired subsidiary. If the consideration transferred is less than the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired, the excess is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. An existing equity interest in an acquired subsidiary is remeasured to fair value at the date of the business combination with any gain or loss recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. Goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination, less accumulated impairment charges, and is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition for the purpose of impairment testing. Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment by comparing the carrying value of a cash-generating unit inclusive of its allocated goodwill to its recoverable amount, with any goodwill impairment measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recorded in operating expenses or other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Goodwill is derecognized on disposal of a cash-generating unit to which goodwill was previously allocated. Intangible assets - Intangible assets are comprised primarily of customer and broker relationships, brand names, Lloyd's participation rights, computer software (including enterprise systems) and other acquired identifiable non-monetary assets without physical form. Intangible assets are initially recognized at cost, or at fair value when acquired through a business combination. Intangible assets with a finite life are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment, where amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, and carrying value is re-assessed when there are indicators of impairment. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization and are assessed annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment. When the carrying value of an intangible asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recorded in operating expenses or other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. The estimated useful lives of the company's intangible assets are as follows: Customer and broker relationships 8 to 20 years Brand names and Lloyd's participation rights Indefinite Computer software 3 to 15 years Brand names and Lloyd's participation rights are considered to be indefinite-lived based on their strength, history and expected future use. Investments in associates Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method and are comprised of investments in corporations, limited partnerships and trusts where the company has the ability to exercise significant influence but not control. An investment in associate is initially recognized at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition change in the company's share of net assets of the associate. The company's share of profit (loss) and share of other comprehensive income (loss) of associates are reported in the corresponding lines in the consolidated statement of earnings and consolidated statement of comprehensive income, respectively. An existing equity interest in an acquired associate is remeasured to fair value at the date significant influence is obtained and included in the carrying value of the associate. The fair value of associates is estimated at each reporting date using valuation techniques consistent with those applied to the company's other investments in equity instruments. See "Determination of fair value" under the heading of "Investments" in this note for further details. If there is objective evidence that the carrying value of an associate is impaired, it is written down to its recoverable amount, being the higher of the associate's fair value and value-in-use. The unrealized impairment loss is recognized in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings. An impairment loss is reversed in future periods if the circumstances that led to the impairment no longer exist. The reversal is limited to restoring the carrying value to what it would have been had no impairment loss been recognized in prior periods. Upon loss of significant influence, any retained equity interest classified as a financial asset is remeasured to fair value and all amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings except those related to defined benefit pension or post retirement plans which are reclassified to retained earnings. Gains and losses on loss of significant influence or disposition of an associate are recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. Investments in joint ventures Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method (as described in the preceding paragraphs) and are comprised of investments in corporations and limited partnerships where the company has joint control together with one or more third parties by contractual agreement. Joint control requires the unanimous consent of all parties sharing control to make decisions regarding the joint venture's relevant activities. When a subsidiary constituting a business is contributed to a joint venture, any gain or loss on derecognition of the subsidiary, including recycling of applicable amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and remeasurement to fair value of any retained interest in the subsidiary, is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. Upon loss of joint control, any retained equity interest classified as a financial asset is remeasured to fair value and all amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the consolidated statement of earnings except those related to defined benefit pension or post retirement plans which are reclassified to retained earnings. Gains and losses on loss of joint control or disposition of a joint venture are recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. Investments in joint ventures and all related activity are presented with investments in associates in these consolidated financial statements. Consolidated statement of cash flows The company's consolidated statement of cash flows is prepared in accordance with the indirect method, classifying cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of holding company, subsidiary and Fairfax India (and Fairfax Africa at December 31, 2019) cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, and exclude cash and short term highly liquid investments that are restricted. Investments Investments include cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, bonds, equity instruments, investments in associates, derivative assets, other invested assets (primarily investment property) and derivative obligations. Management determines the appropriate classifications of investments at their acquisition date. Classification - Short term investments, bonds, preferred stocks, common stocks, and derivatives are classified at FVTPL. The company manages these investments on a fair value basis, using fair value information to assess investment performance and to make investment decisions. The company has not elected to irrevocably designate any of its common stocks or preferred stocks at fair value through other comprehensive income. The company classifies its short term investments and bonds based on both the company’s business model for managing those financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. While the contractual cash flows of certain of the company’s short term investments and bonds are solely principal and interest, those investments are neither held for the purpose of collecting contractual cash flows nor held both for collecting contractual cash flows and for sale. The collection of contractual cash flows is incidental to the company’s business model of maximizing total investment return on a fair value basis. Recognition and measurement - The company recognizes purchases and sales of investments on the trade date, the date on which the company commits to purchase or sell the investment. Transactions pending settlement are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets or in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Investments classified at FVTPL are initially recognized at fair value with transaction costs recorded as investment expenses (a component of interest and dividends) in the consolidated statement of earnings. Subsequent to initial recognition, investments classified at FVTPL are measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in the consolidated statement of earnings as income, comprised of interest and dividends and net gains (losses) on investments. Interest and dividends represent interest income on short term investments and bonds calculated using the effective interest method, and dividends received on holdings of common stocks and preferred stocks, net of investment expenses. All other changes in fair value are reported in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. For short term investments and bonds, the sum of their interest income and net gains (losses) on investments is equal to their total change in fair value for the reporting period. For investments classified at FVTPL, the company further disaggregates net gains (losses) on investments into realized and unrealized components in note 5. Where a financial instrument continues to be held by the company at the end of a reporting period, changes in the fair value of that instrument during the reporting period, excluding those changes reported as interest and dividends, are presented in net change in unrealized gains (losses). On disposition or as a result of a change in accounting for that financial instrument, its inception-to-date net gain (loss), excluding those changes previously reported as interest and dividends, is presented as net realized gains (losses). The cumulative unrealized net gain (loss) recognized in prior periods on that financial instrument is then reversed in net change in unrealized gains (losses). The sum of the inception-to-date net gain (loss) and the cumulative reversal of prior period net unrealized gains (losses) equals that financial instrument’s net gain (loss) on investment for the current reporting period as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings. Interest and dividends and net gains (losses) on investments are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Derecognition - An investment is derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investment have expired or have been transferred and when the company has transferred substantially the risks and rewards of ownership. Short term investments - Highly liquid debt instruments with maturity dates between three months and twelve months when purchased are classified as short term investments. Bonds - Debt instruments with maturity dates greater than twelve months when purchased, or illiquid debt instruments with maturity dates o f twelve months or less when p urchased, are classified as bonds. Derivatives - Derivatives may include interest rate, credit default, currency and total return swaps, futures, forwards, warrants and consumer price index linked ("CPI-linked") and option contracts, all of which derive their value primarily from changes in underlying interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit ratings, commodity values, inflation indexes or equity instruments. A derivative contract may be traded on an exchange or over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives are standardized and include futures and certain warrants and option contracts. OTC derivative contracts are individually negotiated between contracting parties and may include the company's forwards, CPI-linked derivatives and total return swaps. The company uses derivatives for investment purposes and to mitigate financial risks arising from its investment holdings and reinsurance recoverables, and monitors its derivatives for effectiveness in achieving their risk management objectives where applicable. The fair value of derivatives in a gain position are presented on the consolidated balance sheet in holding company cash and investments, and in portfolio investments as derivatives and other invested assets (and as a component of Fairfax Africa's portfolio investments at December 31, 2019). The fair value of derivatives in a loss position are presented on the consolidated balance sheet in derivative obligations. The initial premium paid for a derivative contract, if any, is recorded as a derivative asset and subsequently adjusted for changes in the fair value of the contract at each reporting date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded as net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. Cash received from counterparties as collateral for derivative contracts is recognized on the consolidated balance sheet in holding company cash and investments or subsidiary cash and short term investments, and a corresponding liability is recognized in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Securities received from counterparties as collateral are not recorded as assets. Cash and securities delivered to counterparties as collateral for derivative contracts continue to be reflected as assets on the consolidated balance sheet in holding company cash and investments or in portfolio investments as assets pledged for derivative obligations. The portion of the collateral related to changes in fair value of derivative contracts may be repledged by the counterparties holding the collateral. Determination of fair value - Fair values for substantially all of the company's financial instruments are measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, actual values realized in future market transactions may differ from the estimates presented in these consolidated financial statements. The use of different market assumptions and/or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair values. The fair values of financial instruments are based on bid prices for financial assets and ask prices for financial liabilities. The company categorizes its fair value measurements using a three-level fair value hierarchy in accordance with IFRS as described below: Level 1 - Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments exchanged in active markets. The fair values of the majority of the company's common stocks, equity call options and certain warrants are based on published quotes in active markets. Level 2 - Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar financial instruments exchanged in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments exchanged in inactive markets and other market observable inputs. The fair value of the vast majority of the company's investments in bonds are priced based on information provided by independent pricing service providers while much of the remainder, along with most derivative contracts (including total return swaps, U.S. treasury bond forward contracts and certain warrants) are based primarily on non-binding third party broker-dealer quotes that are prepared using Level 2 inputs. Where third party broker-dealer quotes are used, typically one quote is obtained from a broker-dealer with particular expertise in the instrument being priced. Preferred stocks are priced using a combination of independent pricing service providers and internal valuation models that rely on directly or indirectly observable inputs. The fair values of investments in certain limited partnerships classified as common stocks on the consolidated balance sheet are based on the net asset values received from the general partner, adjusted for liquidity as required and are classified as Level 2 when they may be liquidated or redeemed within three months or less of providing notice to the general partner. All other such investments in limited partnerships are classified as Level 3. Level 3 - Inputs include unobservable inputs that require management to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs as there is little, if any, market activity in these instruments or related observable inputs that can be corroborated at the measurement date. CPI-linked derivatives are classified as Level 3 and valued using broker-dealer quotes which management has determined utilize market observable inputs except for the inflation volatility input which is not market observable. Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels are considered effective from the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the transfer is identified. Valuation techniques used by the company's independent pricing service providers and third party broker-dealers include use of prices from similar instruments where observable market prices exist, discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants. The company assesses the reasonableness of pricing received from these third party sources by comparing the fair values received to recent transaction prices for similar assets where available, to industry accepted discounted cash flow models (that incorporate estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows and market observable inputs such as credit spreads and discount rates) and to option pricing models (that incorporate market observable inputs including the quoted price, volatility and dividend yield of the underlying security and the risk free rate). Fair values of CPI-linked derivative contracts received from third party broker-dealers are assessed by comparing the fair values to recent market transactions where available and values determined using third party pricing software based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model for European-style options that incorporate market observable and unobservable inputs such as the current value of the relevant CPI underlying the derivative, the inflation swap rate, nominal swap rate and inflation volatility. The fair values of CPI-linked derivative contracts are sensitive to assumptions such as market expectations of future rates of inflation and related inflation volatilities. The company employs specialist personnel for the valuation of its investment portfolio. Detailed valuations are prepared for those financial instruments that are priced internally, while external pricing received from independent pricing service providers and third party broker-dealers are evaluated by the company for reasonableness. The company's Chief Financial Officer oversees the valuation function and regularly reviews valuation processes and results, including at each quarterly reporting period. Significant valuation matters, particularly those requiring extensive judgment, are communicated to the company's Audit Committee. Foreign currency translation Functional and presentation currency - The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars which is the holding company's functional currency and the presentation currency of the consolidated group. Foreign currency transactions - Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currencies of the holding company and its subsidiaries using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. Non-monetary items carried at cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items carried at fair value are translated using the exchange rate at the date the fair value is determined. Translation of foreign subsidiaries - The functional currency of some of the company's subsidiaries (principally in Canada, the United Kingdom, India and other parts of Asia) differ from the consolidated group's U.S. dollar presentation currency. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries (including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on their acquisition, where applicable) are translated on consolidation using exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period. The net unrealized gain or loss resulting from this translation is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings upon loss of control of a foreign subsidiary. Hedging At the inception of a hedge transaction the company documents the economic relationship between the hedged item and hedging instrument, and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Net investment hedge - The company has designated the principal amount of its Canadian dollar denominated borrowings as a hedge of its net investment in its Canadian subsidiaries with a Canadian dollar functional currency, and has designated the principal amount of its euro denominated borrowings as a hedge of its net investment in its European operations with a euro functional currency. Unrealized gains or losses relating to the effective portions of the hedges are initially recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), and recycled from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statement of earnings upon disposal of an investment in a hedged foreign subsidiary or associate. Gains and losses relating to any ineffective portion of the hedges are recorded in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) and includes all changes in total equity during a reporting period, except for those resulting from investments by owners or distributions to owners. Unrealized foreign currency translation amounts arising from the translation of foreign subsidiaries and associates and the effective portion of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments on hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries and associates are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings on disposal of an investment in a foreign subsidiary or associate. Actuarial gains and losses and changes in asset limitation amounts on defined benefit pension and post retirement plans are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) without recycling to the consolidated statement of earnings. Upon settlement of the defined benefit plan or disposal of the related subsidiary or associate, those amounts are reclassified directly to retained earnings. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, is included on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of common shareholders' equity. Insurance contracts Insurance contracts are those contracts that have significant insurance risk at the inception of the contract. Insurance risk arises when the company agrees to compensate a policyholder if a specified uncertain future event adversely affects the policyholder, with the possibility of paying (including variability in timing of payments) significantly more in a scenario where the insured event occurs than when it does not occur. Contracts not meeting the definition of an insurance contract under IFRS are classified as investment contracts, derivative contracts or service contracts, as appropriate. Revenue recognition - Premiums written are deferred as unearned premiums and recognized as premiums earned, net of premiums ceded, over the coverage terms of the underlying policies in accordance with the level of protection provided. Certain reinsurance premiums are estimated at the individual contract level, based on historical patterns and experience from the ceding companies for contracts where reports from ceding companies for the period are not contractually due until after the balance sheet date. The cost of reinsurance purchased by the company (premiums ceded) is included in recoverable from reinsurers and is amortized over the contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Unearned premium represents the portion of premiums written relating to periods of insurance and reinsurance coverage subsequent to the balance sheet date. Impairment losses on insurance premiums receivable are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Deferred premium acquisition costs - Certain costs of acquiring insurance contracts, consisting of broker commissions and premium taxes, are deferred and charged to earnings as the related premiums are earned. Deferred premium acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premium, which considers anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses and estimated remaining costs of servicing the business based on historical experience. The ultimate recoverability of deferred premium acquisition costs is determined without regard to investment income. Broker commissions are included in commissions, net, in the consolidated statement of earnings. Premium taxes and impairment losses on deferred premium acquisition costs are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses - The company is required by applicable insurance laws, regulations and Canadian accepted actuarial practice to establish reserves for payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses that arise from the company's general insurance and reinsurance products and its run-off operations. These reserves are based on assumptions that represent the best estimates of possible outcomes aimed at evaluating the expected ultimate cost to settle unpaid claims that occurred on or before the balance sheet date. The company establishes its reserves by product line, type and extent of coverage and year of occurrence. Loss reserves fall into two categories: reserves for reported losses (case reserves) and reserves for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses. Those reserves include amounts for loss adjustment expenses, such as the estimated legal and other expenses expected to be incurred to finalize the settlement of the losses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to losses on claims, gross, in the consolidated statement of earnings. The company's reserves for reported losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on estimates of future payments to settle reported general insurance and reinsurance claims and claims from its run-off operations. Case reserve estimates are based on the facts available at the time the reserves are established and for reinsurance, based on reports and individual case reserve estimates received from ceding companies. The company establishes these reserves on an undiscounted basis to recognize the estimated costs of bringing pending claims to final settlement, taking into account inflation, as well as other factors that can influence the amount of reserves required, some of which are subjective and some of which are dependent on future events. In determining the level of reserves, the company considers historical trends and patterns of loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and types of coverage. In addition, court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes may affect the ultimate cost of settlement and, as a result, the company's estimation of reserves. Between the reporting and final settlement of a claim, circumstances may change, which would result in changes to established reserves. Items such as changes in law and interpretations of relevant case law, results of litigation, changes in medical costs, as well as costs of vehicle and building repair materials and labour rates can substantially impact ultimate settlement costs. Accordingly, the company regularly reviews and re-evaluates case reserves. Any resulting adjustments are included in the current period consolidated statement of earnings in losses on claims, gross, and in losses on claims, ceded to reinsurers, as applicable. Amounts ultimately paid for losses and loss adjustment expenses can vary significantly from the level of reserves originally set or currently recorded. The company also establishes reserves for IBNR losses on an undiscounted b

Critical Accounting Estimates a

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of changes in accounting policies, accounting estimates and errors [Abstract]
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments	Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments In the preparation of the company's consolidated financial statements, management has made a number of critical accounting estimates and judgments as described below, and in certain notes to the consolidated financial statements: determination of fair value for financial instruments in note 5; carrying value of associates in note 6; carrying value of goodwill and intangibles in note 12; and contingencies in note 20. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable. The broad effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company are described in note 24 and the effects on the company's development of critical estimates during 2020 are described below. Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are estimated based on Canadian accepted actuarial practices, which are designed to ensure the company establishes an appropriate reserve on the consolidated balance sheet to cover insured losses and related claims expenses for both reported claims and IBNR claims as of each balance sheet date. The assumptions underlying the estimation of provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are regularly reviewed and updated by the company to reflect recent and emerging trends in experience and changes in the risk profile of the business. The estimation techniques employed by the company in determining provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses and the inherent uncertainties associated with insurance contracts are described in the "Insurance contracts" section of note 3 and the “Underwriting Risk” section of note 24, and the historic development of the company's insurance liabilities are presented in note 8. Determination of fair value for financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy Fair values for substantially all of the company's financial instruments are measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in developing estimates of fair value, particularly for financial instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as such estimates incorporate unobservable inputs that require management to use its own assumptions. While the company's valuation techniques for Level 3 financial instruments remained unchanged during 2020, the development of unobservable inputs included added estimation uncertainty due to the global economic disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows, discount rates, growth rates and other inputs incorporated into fair value measurements of Level 3 financial instruments are inherently more difficult to determine due to the unpredictable duration and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including further actions that may be taken by governments to contain it and the timing of the re-opening of the economy in various parts of the world. The company has assumed that the economic impacts of COVID-19 will remain for the duration of government mandated restrictions by jurisdiction as currently known, with gradual lifting of those restrictions. The uncertainty in those assumptions have been incorporated into the company's valuations of Level 3 financial instruments primarily through wider credit spreads and higher discount rates, as applicable, compared to those applied at December 31, 2019. See note 5 for details of the company's Level 3 financial instruments. Additional volatility in the fair values of Level 3 financial instruments may arise in future periods if actual results differ materially from the company's estimates. Determination of recoverable amounts of investments in associates and joint ventures Investments in associates and joint ventures are assessed for impairment by comparing the carrying value of an associate or joint venture to its recoverable amount. The company typically uses discounted cash flows to estimate the recoverable amount of an associate or joint venture that requires a value-in-use model. Significant judgements and assumptions are required to determine the discounted cash flows, including discount rates, long term growth rates, working capital requirements, annual capital expenditures and cash taxes payable. As described in the preceding section, those assumptions were inherently more difficult to determine due to the unpredictable duration and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company assumed that the economic impacts of COVID-19 will remain for the duration of government mandated restrictions by jurisdiction as currently known, with gradual lifting of those restrictions. The uncertainty in those assumptions were incorporated into the company's discounted cash flows used to determine recoverable amounts primarily through higher discount rates compared to those applied at December 31, 2019. Discounted cash flows are subject to sensitivity analysis given the uncertainty in preparing forecasts. Details of investments in associates and joint ventures, including any impairment losses recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings, are presented in note 6. Additional volatility in the recoverable amounts of investments in associates and joint ventures may arise in future periods if actual results differ materially from the company's estimates. Impairment assessments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment, by comparing the carrying value of the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) or group of CGUs to which these assets are allocated to their recoverable amounts. The company principally uses discounted cash flows to estimate the recoverable amount of a CGU or group of CGUs to which goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets have been allocated, and market approaches are used when applicable. Significant judgements and assumptions are required to determine the discounted cash flows, including discount rates, long term growth rates and working capital requirements, and also (i) for goodwill, premiums, investment returns, revenues and expenses, and (ii) for indefinite-lived intangible assets, premiums, revenues and royalty rates. The company assumed that the economic impacts of COVID-19 will remain for the duration of government mandated restrictions by jurisdiction as currently known, with gradual lifting of those restrictions. The uncertainty in those assumptions were incorporated into the company's discounted cash flows used to determine recoverable amounts primarily through higher discount rates compared to those applied at December 31, 2019. Discounted cash flows are subject to sensitivity analysis given the uncertainty in preparing forecasts. Details of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the results of annual impairment tests, are presented in note 12. Additional volatility in the recoverable amounts of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets may arise in future periods if actual results differ materially from the company's estimates. Determination of significant influence, joint control and control The determination of whether an investment is an associate, a joint arrangement or a subsidiary requires consideration of all facts and circumstances, and typically begins with an analysis of the company's proportion of the investee's voting rights. Judgment may be required to determine the existence of significant influence, joint control or control when it involves elements such as contractual arrangements between shareholders, currently exercisable potential voting rights through warrants or convertible instruments, significant shareholdings relative to other third party shareholders, and regulatory restrictions on board representation, voting rights, or relevant activities of the investee. De facto control over an investee without holding the majority of its voting rights may occur due to dispersion of third party shareholdings and other factors. Conversely, having significant influence over an investee when holding the majority of its voting rights may occur due to regulatory and other restrictions that limit the application of voting and other rights. The company's investments in associates and joint ventures are presented in note 6, business combinations and divestitures are presented in note 23 and subsidiaries are presented in note 29. During 2020 the company exercised judgment in determining its loss of control of Fairfax Africa, and its joint control of RiverStone Barbados, as described in note 23. Business combinations Accounting for business combinations requires estimates of fair value for the consideration transferred, assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The company uses all available information, including third party valuations and appraisals where appropriate, to determine these fair values. Changes in estimates of fair value due to additional information related to facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date would impact the amount of goodwill or gain on bargain purchase recognized. The company has up to one year from the acquisition date to finalize its determination of fair values for a business combination if needed. Details of business combinations are presented in note 23. Recoverability of deferred income tax assets Management exercises judgment in assessing recent and expected profitability of operating companies and their ability to realize recorded income tax assets. The company reviews its deferred income tax assets quarterly, taking into consideration the availability of sufficient current and projected taxable profits, reversals of taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies. Details of deferred income tax assets are presented in note 18.

Cash and Investments

Cash and Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments and Cash1 [Abstract]
Cash and Investments	Cash and Investments Presented in the table below are holding company cash and investments and portfolio investments, net of derivative obligations, all of which are classified at FVTPL except for investments in associa tes, investment in associate held for sale an d other invested assets. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Holding company Cash and cash equivalents (1) 280.0 183.9 Short term investments 159.2 128.3 Bonds 457.2 395.9 Preferred stocks 4.7 4.7 Common stocks (2) 123.7 173.5 Derivatives (note 7) 147.9 83.7 1,172.7 970.0 Assets pledged for derivative obligations: Short term investments 79.5 2.8 Bonds — 2.7 79.5 5.5 Holding company cash and investments as presented on the consolidated balance sheet 1,252.2 975.5 Derivative obligations (note 7) (22.8) (0.3) 1,229.4 975.2 Portfolio investments Cash and cash equivalents (1) 4,886.5 3,954.5 Short term investments 8,311.3 6,066.8 Bonds 15,734.6 15,618.1 Preferred stocks 605.2 578.2 Common stocks (2) 4,599.1 4,246.6 Investments in associates (note 6) 4,381.8 4,360.2 Investment in associate held for sale (note 6) 729.5 — Derivatives (note 7) 234.8 202.7 Other invested assets (3) 577.6 556.4 40,060.4 35,583.5 Assets pledged for derivative obligations: Short term investments 113.9 72.4 Bonds 82.5 74.5 196.4 146.9 Fairfax India cash, portfolio investments and associates: Cash and cash equivalents (1) 90.2 104.7 Bonds 21.0 124.1 Common stocks 412.3 359.7 Investments in associates (note 6) 1,328.3 1,391.3 1,851.8 1,979.8 Fairfax Africa cash, portfolio investments and associates: (4) Cash and cash equivalents (1) — 86.2 Short term investments — 104.0 Bonds — 100.1 Investments in associates (note 6) — 232.9 Derivatives (note 7) — 1.6 — 524.8 Portfolio investments as presented on the consolidated balance sheet 42,108.6 38,235.0 Derivative obligations (note 7) (166.6) (205.6) 41,942.0 38,029.4 Total investments, net of derivative obligations 43,171.4 39,004.6 (1) Includes aggregate restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020 of $789.6 (December 31, 2019 - $691.5). See note 27. (2) Includes aggregate investments in limited partnerships with a carrying value at December 31, 2020 of $1,935.9 (December 31, 2019 - $2,056.8). (3) Comprised primarily of investment property. (4) The company deconsolidated Fairfax Africa on December 8, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. Restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020 of $789.6 (December 31, 2019 - $691.5) was comprised primarily of amounts required to be maintained on deposit with various regulatory authorities to support the operations of the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. At December 31, 2019 European Run-off's restricted cash and cash equivalents of $58.2 were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet. Refer to note 27 for details of restricted cash and cash equivalents presented on the consolidated balance sheet. The company's subsidiaries have pledged cash and investments, inclusive of trust funds and regulatory deposits, as security for their own obligations to pay claims or make premium payments (these pledges are either direct or to support letters of credit). In order to write insurance business in certain jurisdictions (primarily U.S. states) the company's subsidiaries must deposit funds with local insurance regulatory authorities to provide security for future claims payments as ultimate protection for the policyholder. Additionally, some of the company's subsidiaries provide reinsurance to primary insurers, for which funds must be posted as security for losses that have been incurred but not yet paid. These pledges are in the normal course of business and are generally released when the payment obligation is fulfilled. The table that follows summarizes assets pledged to third parties by the nature of the pledge requirement (excluding assets pledged in favour of Lloyd's (note 20), for derivative obligations and for certain intercompany reinsurance arrangements). Pledged assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and bonds within portfolio investments on the consolidated balance sheet. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Regulatory deposits (1) 4,781.0 4,667.4 Security for reinsurance and other (1) 1,245.7 1,106.7 6,026.7 5,774.1 (1) Excludes European Run-off's regulatory deposits of $71.7 and security for reinsurance and other of $65.5 at December 31, 2019 that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet (note 23). Fixed Income Maturity Profile Bonds are summarized by their earliest contractual maturity date in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from maturities shown below due to the existence of call and put features. At December 31, 2020 bonds containing call, put and both call and put features represented $7,155.0, $1.3 and $1,075.8 respectively (December 31, 2019 - $3,415.4, $2.6 and $952.7) of the total fair value of bonds. The table below does not reflect the impact of U.S. treasury bond forward contracts with a notional amount at December 31, 2020 of $330.8 (December 31, 2019 - $846.5) that economica lly hedge the company's exposure to interest rate risk as described in note 7. The decrease in the company's holdings of bonds due in 1 year or less was primarily due to net sales and maturities of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds and Canadian government bonds for proceeds of $2,521.5 and $626.0 and the deconsolidation of bonds held by Fairfax Africa (note 23). The proceeds from those sales were primarily re-invested into $2,071.9 of short to mid-dated high quality corporate bonds, which increased the company's holdings of bonds due after 1 year through 5 years, and into U.S. treasury, Canadian provincial and Canadian government short-term investments. The decrease in the company's holdings of bonds due after 10 years was primarily due to net sales of India government bonds. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Amortized cost (1) Fair value (1) Amortized cost (2) Fair value (2) Due in 1 year or less 4,968.1 4,935.3 8,158.1 8,206.3 Due after 1 year through 5 years 9,378.4 10,096.9 5,872.8 5,980.8 Due after 5 years through 10 years 654.2 718.5 1,227.6 1,242.3 Due after 10 years 419.2 544.6 784.9 886.0 15,419.9 16,295.3 16,043.4 16,315.4 Pre-tax effective interest rate 3.2 % 3.6 % (1) Includes bonds held by the holding company and Fairfax India. On December 8, 2020 Fairfax Africa was deconsolidated pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (2) Includes bonds held by the holding company, Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa. Fair Value Disclosures The company’s use of quoted market prices (Level 1), valuation models with significant observable market information as inputs (Level 2) and valuation models with significant unobservable information as inputs (Level 3) in the valuation of securities and derivative contracts by type of issuer was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Quoted prices (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total fair Quoted prices (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total fair Cash and cash equivalents (1) 5,256.7 — — 5,256.7 4,329.3 — — 4,329.3 Short term investments: Canadian government 638.1 — — 638.1 373.9 — — 373.9 Canadian provincials 1,002.9 — — 1,002.9 755.3 — — 755.3 U.S. treasury 6,343.3 — — 6,343.3 3,154.4 — — 3,154.4 Other government 266.7 234.9 — 501.6 220.6 155.2 — 375.8 Corporate and other — 178.0 — 178.0 — 1,714.9 — 1,714.9 8,251.0 412.9 — 8,663.9 4,504.2 1,870.1 — 6,374.3 Bonds: Canadian government — 16.5 — 16.5 — 664.4 — 664.4 Canadian provincials — 49.9 — 49.9 — 2.9 — 2.9 U.S. treasury — 3,058.4 — 3,058.4 — 5,610.8 — 5,610.8 U.S. states and municipalities — 378.2 — 378.2 — 216.5 — 216.5 Other government — 944.0 — 944.0 — 1,656.0 — 1,656.0 Corporate and other (2) — 10,074.1 1,774.2 11,848.3 — 6,744.7 1,420.1 8,164.8 — 14,521.1 1,774.2 16,295.3 — 14,895.3 1,420.1 16,315.4 Preferred stocks: Canadian — 12.2 93.0 105.2 — 8.4 82.5 90.9 U.S. — — 17.0 17.0 — — 5.0 5.0 Other (3) 10.3 — 477.4 487.7 5.3 — 481.7 487.0 10.3 12.2 587.4 609.9 5.3 8.4 569.2 582.9 Common stocks: Canadian 802.5 108.7 181.5 1,092.7 577.9 103.7 114.8 796.4 U.S. 485.1 32.0 998.8 1,515.9 360.6 33.2 1,029.3 1,423.1 Other (4) 1,250.8 338.4 937.3 2,526.5 1,125.1 397.8 1,037.4 2,560.3 2,538.4 479.1 2,117.6 5,135.1 2,063.6 534.7 2,181.5 4,779.8 Derivatives and other invested assets — 237.4 722.9 960.3 — 80.1 764.3 844.4 Derivative obligations (note 7) — (164.1) (25.3) (189.4) — (205.9) — (205.9) Holding company cash and investments and portfolio investments measured at fair value 16,056.4 15,498.6 5,176.8 36,731.8 10,902.4 17,182.7 4,935.1 33,020.2 43.7 % 42.2 % 14.1 % 100.0 % 33.0 % 52.0% 15.0 % 100.0% Investments in associates (note 6) (4)(5) 3,073.8 17.7 4,059.8 7,151.3 3,147.3 19.4 4,034.2 7,200.9 (1) Includes restricted cash and cash equivalents of $789.6 at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $691.5). See note 27. (2) Included in Level 3 are the company's investments in mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 of $775.4 (December 31, 2019 - $232.0) secured by real estate primarily in the U.S., Europe and Canada. (3) Primarily comprised of the company's investment in compulsory convertible preferred shares of Go Digit Infoworks Services Limited ("Digit"). The company also holds a 49.0% equity interest in Digit as described in note 6. (4) The company has presented its investment in Eurobank of $1,164.4 at December 31, 2019 as an investment in associate whereas it was previously presented as a Level 1 common stock as described in note 3. (5) The fair value of investments in associates is presented separately as such investments are measured using the equity method of account ing. Also included is the fair value of RiverStone Barbados which is held for sale at December 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. In the preceding table certain limited partnerships included in common stocks are classified as Level 3 because their net asset values are unobservable or because they contractually require greater than three months to liquidate or redeem. During 2020 and 2019 there were no significant transfers of financial instruments between Level 1 and Level 2, and there were no significant transfers of financial instruments in or out of Level 3 as a result of changes in the observability of valuation inputs except as described in the following table which summarizes changes in Level 3 financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. 2020 Limited partnerships and other (1) Private placement debt securities Derivatives and other invested assets Private company preferred Common shares Private equity funds (1) Total Balance - January 1 1,846.7 1,420.1 764.3 569.2 205.6 129.2 4,935.1 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings 155.9 99.3 (100.4) (3.0) 27.4 (1.0) 178.2 Purchases 198.1 1,012.8 44.2 20.7 14.3 — 1,290.1 Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment (2) — (149.3) — — — — (149.3) Sales and distributions (392.8) (474.6) — (0.1) (8.0) (18.8) (894.3) Transfer out of category (44.4) — — — — — (44.4) Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income 3.4 12.5 (0.6) 0.6 0.6 1.4 17.9 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) — (146.6) (9.9) — — — (156.5) Balance - December 31 1,766.9 1,774.2 697.6 587.4 239.9 110.8 5,176.8 2019 Limited partnerships and other (1) Private placement debt securities Derivatives and other invested assets Private company preferred Common shares Private equity funds (1) Total Balance - January 1 1,810.7 1,992.9 476.7 255.7 668.0 170.0 5,374.0 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings 136.0 (159.8) 195.9 374.3 132.0 29.9 708.3 Purchases 196.6 424.5 195.3 49.0 25.5 — 890.9 Sales and distributions (251.9) (806.6) (109.2) (108.7) (4) (45.4) (67.4) (1,389.2) Transfer out of category (39.0) — — — (574.3) (3) — (613.3) Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income 6.8 23.3 5.8 (1.1) (0.2) (3.3) 31.3 Assets held for sale (note 23) (12.5) (54.2) (0.2) — — — (66.9) Balance - December 31 1,846.7 1,420.1 764.3 569.2 205.6 129.2 4,935.1 (1) Included in common stocks in the fair value hierarchy table presented on the previous page and in holding company cash and investments or common stocks on the consolidated balance sheets. (2) On July 1, 2020 the company derecognized its investment in Farmers Edge convertible debentures pursuant to the consolidation of Farmers Edge as described in note 6. (3) During 2019 the company's investment in ICICI Lombard common stock was transferred from Level 3 to Level 1 as the Indian regulatory selling restriction on the company's holdings was removed. Accordingly, the company ceased applying a discount for lack of marketability (an unobservable key valuation input) to the traded market price of those holdings. Subsequently in 2019 the company sold its remaining 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard. (4) On April 17, 2019 the company derecognized its investment in AGT preferred shares of $108.7 pursuant to the acquisition of AGT as described in note 23. The table below presents the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used to estimate fair values for the company's significant Level 3 financial assets at December 31, 2020: Asset class Carrying value Valuation technique Significant unobservable input Input range used Effect on fair value if input value is increased (a) Low High Limited partnerships and other (b)(1) 1,748.6 Net asset value Net asset value N/A N/A Increase Private placement debt securities (c)(2) 858.3 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.8 % 29.5 % Decrease Mortgage loans (c)(3) 775.4 Market approach Recent transaction price N/A N/A Increase Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.1 % 4.9 % Decrease Investment property (d)(4) 488.0 Income capitalization and/or sales comparison Terminal capitalization rate 6.8 % 7.5 % Decrease Discount rate 7.1 % 9.3 % Decrease Market rent growth rate 2.5 % 3.0 % Increase Investment property (d)(5) 50.9 Sales comparison Price per acre (Cdn$ thousands) 15.0 170.0 Increase Warrants (d)(6) 133.2 Option pricing model Equity volatility 31.2 % 55.1 % Increase CPI-linked derivatives (d)(7) 2.8 Option pricing model Inflation volatility 0.0 % 3.3 % Increase Private company preferred shares (e)(8) 475.1 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 11.5 % 11.5 % Decrease Long term growth rate 6.0 % 6.0 % Increase Discount for lack of marketability 10.5 % 10.5 % Decrease Private placement preferred shares (e)(9) 71.6 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.2 % 4.2 % Decrease Common shares (b)(10) 80.9 Market comparable Book value multiple 1.5 1.5 Increase Private equity funds (b)(1) 45.0 Net asset value Net asset value N/A N/A Increase Private equity funds (b)(10) 65.6 Market comparable Price/Earnings multiple 10.0 10.0 Increase Other 381.4 Various Various N/A N/A N/A Total 5,176.8 (a) Decreasing the input value would have the opposite effect on the estimated fair value. (b) Included in holding company cash and investments or common stocks on the consolidated balance sheet. (c) Included in holding company cash and investments or bonds on the consolidated balance sheet. (d) Included in holding company cash and investments or derivatives and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheet. (e) Included in preferred stocks on the consolidated balance sheet. (1) Limited partnerships and other, and certain private equity funds, are investment funds managed by third party fund managers and general partners that invest in a diverse range of industries and geographies. These investment funds were valued primarily using net asset value statements provided by those third party fund managers and general partners. The fair values in those statements are determined using quoted prices of the underlying assets, and to a lesser extent, observable inputs where available and unobservable inputs, in conjunction with industry accepted valuation models, where required. In some instances, such investments are classified as Level 3 if they require at least three months' notice to liquidate or redeem. At December 31, 2020 limited partnerships and other consisted of 51 investments, the three largest being $299.5 (beverage manufacturing), $191.8 (industrials) and $146.4 (oil and gas extraction) (December 31, 2019 - 49 investments, the three largest being $482.3 (beverage manufacturing), $128.9 (primarily household appliance manufacturing) and $128.3 (industrials)). By increasing (decreasing) net asset values at December 31, 2020 by 10%, the fair value of limited partnerships and other would collectively increase (decrease) by $174.9, and the fair value of the private equity funds would collectively increase (decrease) by $4.5. (2) At December 31, 2020 these private placement debt securities were valued using industry accepted discounted cash flow models that incorporated unobservable credit spreads of the issuers, and consisted of 10 investments, the largest being $438.6 (software publishers) (December 31, 2019 - 16 investments, the largest being $442.1 (software publishers)). By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads applied at December 31, 2020 by 100 basis points, the fair value of this asset class would collectively decrease by $17.7 (increase by $14.8). (3) At December 31, 2020 these mortgage loans consisted of 22 investments, the largest being $111.5 (December 31, 2019 - 6 investments, the largest being $108.1). By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads applied at December 31, 2020 by 100 basis points, the fair value of this asset class would not change significantly primarily due to the short term nature of these instruments. (4) These investment property were valued by third party appraisers using industry accepted income capitalization and/or sales comparison approaches that incorporated unobservable capitalization rates, discount rates and market rent growth rates. (5) These investment property were valued using an industry accepted direct sales comparison approach that incorporated unobservable recent sale prices per acre for comparable properties in similar locations. (6) These warrants were valued using industry accepted option pricing models that incorporated unobservable long-dated equity volatilities. A higher equity volatility generally results in a higher fair value due to the higher probability of obtaining a greater return from the warrant. By increasing (decreasing) equity volatilities applied at December 31, 2020 by 10%, the fair value of these warrants would collectively increase by $22.7 (decrease by $23.5). (7) CPI-linked derivatives were valued using broker-dealer quotes that applied observable inputs except for unobservable inflation volatilities. (8) These private company preferred shares were valued using an industry accepted discounted cash flow model that incorporated an unobservable discount rate and long term growth rate. As the company is restricted from selling the preferred shares for a specified period a discount for lack of marketability was also applied using an industry accepted option pricing model that incorporated unobservable long-dated equity volatilities. At December 31, 2020: by increasing (decreasing) the discount rate applied by 0.5%, the fair value of the preferred shares would decrease by $45.1 (increase by $54.2); by increasing (decreasing) the long term growth rate applied by 0.25%, the fair value of the preferred shares would increase by $17.4 (decrease by $15.8); by increasing (decreasing) the equity volatility applied by 10%, the option value would increase (decrease) and the fair value of the preferred shares would decrease by $25.9 (increase by $25.8). At December 31, 2019 these private company preferred shares were valued using the transaction price. As the company was restricted from selling for a specified period, a discount for lack of marketability was applied using an industry accepted option pricing model that incorporated market unobservable long-dated equity volatilities. (9) These private placement preferred shares were valued using industry accepted discounted cash flow models that incorporated unobservable credit spreads of the preferred shares. By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads applied at December 31, 2020 by 100 basis points, the fair value of this asset class would decrease by $8.2 (increase by $8.4). (10) These common shares and private equity funds were valued using various valuation measures for comparable companies and transactions, including relevant valuation multiples. In some instances, such investments are classified as Level 3 because the valuation multiples applied by the company were adjusted for differences in attributes between the investment and the underlying companies or transactions from which the valuation multiples were derived. Investment Income An analysis of investment income for the years ended December 31 follows: Interest and dividends and share of profit (losses) of associates 2020 2019 Interest income: Cash and short term investments 104.1 156.5 Bonds 557.4 618.0 Derivatives and other invested assets 55.0 51.8 716.5 826.3 Dividends: Preferred stocks 4.3 11.2 Common stocks 73.5 82.5 77.8 93.7 Investment expenses (25.1) (39.8) Interest and dividends 769.2 880.2 Share of profit (losses) of associates (1) (112.8) 169.6 (1) Includes impairment charges recorded on investments in associates during 2020 of $240.3 (2019 - $211.2) as described in note 6. Net gains (losses) on investments 2020 2019 Net realized gains (losses) (1) Net change in unrealized Net gains Net realized gains (losses) Net change in unrealized Net gains Bonds 112.1 593.5 705.6 (59.6) (8)(9) 258.1 (8)(9) 198.5 Preferred stocks — 10.0 10.0 (23.4) 397.3 (10) 373.9 Common stocks 243.7 (212.4) 31.3 548.0 (11) 377.9 (11) 925.9 355.8 391.1 746.9 465.0 1,033.3 1,498.3 Derivatives: Equity total return swaps - short positions (613.2) (2) 84.6 (528.6) 48.2 (2) (93.2) (45.0) Equity total return swaps - long positions 207.4 (2) 118.2 325.6 (34.5) (2) 55.0 20.5 Equity warrant forward contracts — — — 83.8 (3) (38.4) (3) 45.4 Equity warrants and options (1.6) (54.7) (3) (56.3) (4.7) 128.6 (3) 123.9 CPI-linked derivatives (300.0) 286.1 (13.9) (14.1) 1.8 (12.3) U.S. treasury bond forwards (103.0) 1.0 (102.0) (119.3) 32.6 (86.7) Other (59.0) 26.1 (32.9) 9.9 (3) (111.3) (3) (101.4) (869.4) 461.3 (408.1) (30.7) (24.9) (55.6) Foreign currency net gains (losses) on: Investing activities (51.0) 156.4 105.4 (4) (17.3) (50.7) (68.0) (4) Underwriting activities (16.8) — (16.8) 5.6 — 5.6 Foreign currency contracts 2.1 (35.1) (33.0) 8.3 (9.6) (1.3) (65.7) 121.3 55.6 (3.4) (60.3) (63.7) Disposition of associates 8.6 (5)(6) — 8.6 10.9 (12) — 10.9 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (61.5) (7) — (61.5) 171.3 (13) — 171.3 Other (36.9) 8.5 (28.4) 20.3 134.7 (14) 155.0 Net gains (losses) on investments (669.1) 982.2 313.1 633.4 1,082.8 1,716.2 (1) Amounts recorded in net realized gains (losses) in 2020 include net gains (losses) on investments that were disposed of pursuant to the deconsolidation of Fairfax Africa on December 8, 2020 and European Run-off on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. (2) Amounts recorded in net realized gains (losses) include net gains (losses) on total return swaps where the counterparties are required to cash-settle monthly or quarterly the market value movement since the previous reset date notwithstanding that the total return swap positions remain open subsequent to the cash settlement. (3) Includes the Atlas (formerly Seaspan) $8.05 equity warrants and forward contracts relating to commitments to purchase Atlas warrants and debentures in January 2019. See note 6. (4) Foreign currency net gains on investing activities during 2020 primarily reflected strengthening of the euro and Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency net losses on investing activities during 2019 primarily related to U.S. dollar denominated investments held by subsidiaries with a Canadian dollar or British pound functional currency as the U.S. dollar weakened relative to those currencies. (5) On February 28, 2020 the company sold its investment in APR Energy to Atlas in an all-stock transaction as described in note 6. (6) On September 30, 2020 th e company sold its investment in Davos Brands for cash proceeds of $58.6 and recorded a net realized gain of $19.3 as described in note 6. (7) On December 8, 2020 Fairfax Africa was deconsolidated and an equity accounted investment in Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation ("HFP") was recognized, resulting in a net realized loss of $61.5 (inclusive of foreign currency translation losses of $26.9 recycled from accumulated other comprehensive income to the consolidated statement of earnings) pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (8) On June 28, 2019 EXCO Resources Inc. ("EXCO") emerged from bankruptcy protection and settled the company's holdings of EXCO bonds with common shares, resulting in the company recording a net loss on investment of $179.3 (realized losses of $296.3, of which $117.0 was recorded as unrealized losses in prior years). (9) On December 21, 2019 Fairfax India's holdings of Sanmar Chemicals Group ("Sanmar") bonds with a principal amount of $300.0 were settled for net cash proceeds of $425.5 (30.3 billion Indian rupees) including accrued interest, resulting in the company recording a net gain on investment of $48.8 (realized gains of $156.5, of which $107.7 was recorded as unrealized gains in prior years). (10) On December 23, 2019 Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited ("Digit") entered into definitive agreements whereby its general insurance subsidiary Go Digit Insurance Limited ("Digit Insurance") subsequently issued approximately $91 (6.5 billion Indian rupees) of new equity shares primarily to three Indian investors. This transaction valued Digit Insurance at approximately $858 (61.2 billion Indian rupees) and resulted in the company recording net unrealized gains on investments of $350.9 on its investment in Digit compulsory convertible preferred shares. The company also holds a 49.0% equity interest in Digit as described in note 6. (11) During 2019 the company sold its 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard for gross proceeds of $729.0 and recognized a net gain on investment of $240.0 (realized gains of $311.2, of which $71.2 was recorded as unrealized gains in prior years), primarily related to the removal of the discount for lack of marketability previously applied by the company to the traded market price of its ICICI Lombard common stock. (12) On April 18, 2019 Brit acquired the 50.0% equity interest in Ambridge Partners LLC ("Ambridge Partners") that it did not already own for $46.6, remeasured its existing equity interest to fair value for a gain of $10.4, and commenced consolidating Ambridge Partners. (13) On May 17, 2019 the company deconsolidated Grivalia Properties upon its merger into Eurobank and recognized a non-cash gain of $171.3. See note 23.

Investments in Associates

Investments in Associates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Interests In Other Entities [Abstract]
Investments in Associates	Investments in Associates The company's investments in associates are as follows: December 31, 2020 Year ended December 31, 2020 Carrying value Ownership (a) Fair (b) Associates Fairfax India associates (c) Total Share of profit (loss) Insurance and reinsurance: Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. ("Eurolife") (1) 50.0 % 457.9 336.2 (d) — 336.2 6.1 Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam Insurance Joint Stock Corporation (“BIC Insurance”) 35.0 % 41.3 51.0 — 51.0 3.7 Thai Re Public Company Limited ("Thai Re") 47.1 % 84.9 35.2 — 35.2 (12.9) Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited ("Singapore Re") 28.2 % 36.2 39.2 — 39.2 0.5 Falcon Insurance PLC ("Falcon Thailand") 41.2 % 11.5 11.5 — 11.5 1.5 Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited ("Digit") 49.0 % 120.5 41.8 — 41.8 8.8 RiverStone (Barbados) Ltd. ("RiverStone Barbados"), held for sale (2) 60.0 % 729.5 729.5 (d) — 729.5 113.0 Other — 59.7 60.3 — 60.3 (1.4) 1,541.5 1,304.7 — 1,304.7 119.3 Non-insurance: India Bangalore International Airport Limited ("Bangalore Airport") 54.0 % 1,396.1 — 642.4 642.4 (30.5) Quess Corp Limited ("Quess") (10) 33.2 % 366.8 558.9 (d) — 558.9 (124.6) IIFL Finance Limited (“IIFL Finance”) (10) 29.9 % 175.6 57.7 175.9 233.6 19.9 Sanmar Chemicals Group ("Sanmar") 42.9 % 338.6 — 128.6 128.6 (48.6) CSB Bank Limited ("CSB Bank") 49.7 % 214.4 — 164.4 164.4 14.1 IIFL Securities Limited ("IIFL Securities") (10) 35.3 % 74.3 32.1 93.4 125.5 9.8 Seven Islands Shipping Limited ("Seven Islands") 48.5 % 103.6 — 100.8 100.8 17.8 Other — 37.1 8.8 22.8 31.6 0.1 2,706.5 657.5 1,328.3 1,985.8 (142.0) Africa (11) Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation ("HFP") 32.3 % 185.9 185.9 — 185.9 — Atlas Mara Limited ("Atlas Mara") (10)(12) 50.0 % 19.3 21.3 — 21.3 (31.3) AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited ("AFGRI") — — — — — (18.4) Other — — — — — (24.5) 205.2 207.2 — 207.2 (74.2) Agriculture Astarta Holding N.V. ("Astarta") (10) 28.4 % 49.9 65.3 — 65.3 (28.0) Farmers Edge Inc. ("Farmers Edge") (4) — — — — — (21.8) 49.9 65.3 — 65.3 (49.8) Real estate KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships ("KWF LPs") — 84.3 84.3 (d) — 84.3 (17.9) Other — 48.3 50.8 — 50.8 (0.2) 132.6 135.1 — 135.1 (18.1) Other Eurobank Ergasias Services & Holdings S.A ("Eurobank") (10) 30.5 % 799.9 1,166.3 — 1,166.3 (11.9) Atlas Corp. ("Atlas", formerly Seaspan Corporation) (6) 36.7 % 978.9 900.1 — 900.1 116.4 EXCO Resources Inc. ("EXCO") 43.7 % 237.7 238.5 — 238.5 (4.6) Resolute Forest Products Inc. ("Resolute") (10) 30.6 % 161.9 134.3 — 134.3 (57.0) APR Energy plc ("APR Energy") (6) — — — — — (13.6) Peak Achievement Athletics ("Peak Achievement") 42.6 % 171.5 140.2 (d) — 140.2 34.2 Partnerships, trusts and other (7) — 165.7 162.1 — 162.1 (11.5) 2,515.6 2,741.5 — 2,741.5 52.0 5,609.8 3,806.6 1,328.3 5,134.9 (232.1) Investments in associates 7,151.3 5,111.3 1,328.3 6,439.6 (112.8) As presented on the consolidated balance sheet: Investments in associates 4,154.3 4,381.8 Investment in associate held for sale (2) (d) 729.5 729.5 Fairfax India investments in associates 2,267.5 1,328.3 7,151.3 6,439.6 December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2019 Carrying value Ownership (a)(e) Fair value (b)(e) Associates and joint ventures (e) Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa associates (c) Total Share of profit (loss) Insurance and reinsurance: Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. ("Eurolife") (1) 50.0 % 403.1 303.9 (d) — 303.9 154.8 Thai Re Public Company Limited ("Thai Re") 47.1 % 43.3 43.3 — 43.3 (15.0) Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam Insurance Joint Stock Corporation (“BIC Insurance”) 35.0 % 45.2 48.6 — 48.6 2.7 Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited ("Singapore Re") 27.8 % 35.6 39.2 — 39.2 3.2 Falcon Insurance PLC ("Falcon Thailand") 41.2 % 10.4 10.4 — 10.4 0.5 Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited ("Digit") (3) 49.0 % 122.3 — — — (7.6) Other — 46.6 46.7 — 46.7 7.9 706.5 492.1 — 492.1 146.5 Non-insurance: India Quess Corp Limited ("Quess") (8) 33.2 % 332.1 704.1 (d) — 704.1 (183.2) Bangalore International Airport Limited ("Bangalore Airport") 54.0 % 1,429.8 — 689.3 689.3 30.8 Sanmar Chemicals Group ("Sanmar") 42.9 % 412.9 — 178.7 178.7 — IIFL Finance Limited (“IIFL Finance”) (9) 35.4 % 221.4 56.4 167.2 223.6 198.9 CSB Bank Limited ("CSB Bank") 49.7 % 229.3 — 157.8 157.8 (4.0) IIFL Securities Limited (“IIFL Securities”) (9) 35.4 % 65.0 30.8 90.3 121.1 1.6 Seven Islands Shipping Limited ("Seven Islands") 48.5 % 88.8 — 84.7 84.7 3.0 Other — 24.3 8.8 23.3 32.1 (0.3) 2,803.6 800.1 1,391.3 2,191.4 46.8 Africa Atlas Mara Limited ("Atlas Mara") 42.4 % 78.1 — 82.3 82.3 (54.0) AFGRI Holdings Propriety Limited ("AFGRI") 62.8 % 141.0 — 79.6 79.6 19.5 Other — 66.3 — 71.0 71.0 (6.6) 285.4 — 232.9 232.9 (41.1) Agriculture Astarta Holding N.V. ("Astarta") 27.4 % 28.9 115.5 — 115.5 (19.1) Farmers Edge Inc. ("Farmers Edge") 50.4 % 43.8 41.0 — 41.0 (39.9) 72.7 156.5 — 156.5 (59.0) Real estate KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships ("KWF LPs") — 99.0 99.0 (d) — 99.0 49.8 Other — 80.8 74.7 — 74.7 (5.8) 179.8 173.7 — 173.7 44.0 Other Eurobank Ergasias Services & Holdings S.A ("Eurobank") (5) 30.5 % 1,164.4 1,164.4 — 1,164.4 — Resolute Forest Products Inc. ("Resolute") 27.7 % 104.0 207.5 — 207.5 (4.9) APR Energy plc ("APR Energy") 53.4 % 266.2 189.3 (d) — 189.3 (57.0) Atlas Corp. ("Atlas", formerly Seaspan Corporation) 32.5 % 994.5 626.9 — 626.9 83.8 Peak Achievement Athletics ("Peak Achievement") 42.6 % 163.9 104.4 (d) — 104.4 (5.1) EXCO Resources Inc. ("EXCO") 43.3 % 238.2 243.2 — 243.2 21.6 Partnerships, trusts and other — 221.7 202.1 — 202.1 (6.0) 3,152.9 2,737.8 — 2,737.8 32.4 6,494.4 3,868.1 1,624.2 5,492.3 23.1 Investments in associates 7,200.9 4,360.2 1,624.2 5,984.4 169.6 As presented on the consolidated balance sheet: Investments in associates 4,521.7 4,360.2 Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa investments in associates 2,679.2 1,624.2 7,200.9 5,984.4 (a) Ownership percentages include the effects of financial instruments that are considered in-substance equity. (b) See note 5 for fair value hierarchy information. (c) Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa's associates are domiciled in India and Africa respectively. (d) These investments are joint ventures. (e) Excludes European Run-off's investments in associates and joint ventures with a carrying value of $442.9 and a fair value of $504.6 that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and principally comprised of investments in Gulf Insurance, Eurobank, Atlas (formerly Seaspan Corporation), APR Energy and Resolute. See note 23. Insurance and reinsurance associates and joint ventures (1) The company holds a 50.0% indirect interest in Eurolife at December 31, 2020 through its 62.5% interest in a joint venture with OMERS, the pension plan for Ontario's municipal employees. The joint venture holds an 80.0% equity interest in Eurolife, with the remaining 20.0% equity interest held by Eurobank. During 2020 Eurolife invested $93.7 (2019 - $22.1) in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund, which was presented as an increase of non-controlling interests in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity and as an issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests in the consolidated statement of cash flows. (2) On March 31, 2020 the company received a 60.0% joint venture interest with a fair value of $605.0 in RiverStone Barbados pursuant to its contribution of European Run-off to RiverStone Barbados, and at December 31, 2020 that joint venture interest was held for sale, pursuant to the transactions described in note 23. (3) On December 23, 2019 Digit entered into definitive agreements whereby its general insurance subsidiary Digit Insurance subsequently issued approximately $91 (6.5 billion Indian rupees) of new equity primarily to three Indian investors. This transaction valued Digit Insurance at approximately $858 (61.2 billion Indian rupees) and valued the company's 49.0% equity interest in Digit at $122.3 at December 31, 2019. The company's 49.0% equity interest in Digit is comprised of a 45.3% interest in Digit common shares and a 3.7% interest through Digit compulsory convertible preferred shares that are considered in-substance equity. Foreign direct ownership in the insurance sector in India is limited to 49.0% and as a result the remainder of the company's investment in Digit compulsory convertible preferred shares is recorded at FVTPL as described in note 5. Non-insurance associates and joint ventures (4) On July 1, 2020 the company commenced consolidating Farmers Edge as the company held convertible debentures and warrants that, together with its holdings of common shares, represented a substantive potential voting interest of approximately 67%. (5) The carrying value and fair value of non-insurance associates at December 31, 2019 was revised to include the company's investment in Eurobank of $1,164.4 that was previously included in holding company cash and investments and common stocks on the company's consolidated balance sheet as described in note 3. (6) On February 27, 2020 Seaspan Corporation ("Seaspan") completed a reorganization pursuant to which Atlas, a newly created holding company, became its parent. Shareholders of Seaspan, including the company, exchanged their Seaspan shares for Atlas shares with no change in ownership percentage. On February 28, 2020 Atlas acquired all issued and outstanding shares of APR Energy from the company and other APR Energy shareholders in an all-stock transaction at a deemed value of $388.3 (including certain Atlas shares reserved for holdback). Accordingly, the company derecognized its investment in APR Energy, recorded a pre-tax loss of $7.6, increased its equity accounted carrying value of Atlas by the fair value of the APR Energy shares exchanged (considered to be equal to the fair value of the newly issued Atlas common shares received of $178.1, which excluded the Atlas shares received by European Run-off of $45.9), and continued to apply the equity method of accounting to its investment in Atlas. On February 28, 2020 the company invested $100.0 in Atlas 5.50% unsecured debentures due March 1, 2027, which increased the company's aggregate investment in Atlas debentures to a principal amount of $575.0. At December 31, 2020 the company's holdings of Atlas debentures and warrants (the "$8.05 warrants") had fair values of $575.9 and $110.5 and were presented as bonds and derivatives respectively on the consolidated balance sheet. (7) On September 30, 2020 the company sold its investment in Davos Brands for cash proceeds of $58.6 and recorded a net realized gain of $19.3 in the consolidated statement of earnings. The company and other former shareholders of Davos Brands are eligible to receive additional consideration contingent on the brand performance over the next ten years of Aviation Gin, which is majority owned by Davos Brands. (8) On December 9, 2019 Thomas Cook India completed a non-cash spin-off of its 48.6% equity interest in Quess as a return of capital to its shareholders. This resulted in the company receiving a direct 31.8% joint venture interest in Quess as a transfer between companies under common control, with the company's carrying value of Quess remaining unchanged and subject to impairment testing as described in footnote 10 below. Prior to the spin-off Thomas Cook India recorded the Quess shares to be transferred to its minority shareholders at fair value and recognized a non-cash impairment loss of $190.6, which was included in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings and fully attributed to non-controlling interests. (9) On May 31, 2019 IIFL Holdings Limited ("IIFL Holdings") spun off its wholly-owned subsidiary IIFL Securities (comprised of investment brokerage, distribution and investment banking businesses) and its 53.3% equity interest in its subsidiary IIFL Wealth Management Limited ("IIFL Wealth", comprised of wealth and asset management businesses) in a non-cash transaction. IIFL Holdings was renamed IIFL Finance (comprised of loans and mortgage business) and continues to be publicly listed. The company recorded share of profit of IIFL Holdings of $172.9, reflecting its share of a gain at IIFL Holdings from the spin-offs, and recorded its initial investments in IIFL Wealth and IIFL Securities at fair values of $255.6 and $121.9. Subsequently, the company applied the equity method of accounting to its 35.4% equity interest in each of IIFL Finance and IIFL Securities, and recorded its 19.0% equity interest in IIFL Wealth at FVTPL. The shares of IIFL Wealth and IIFL Securities were listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India in September 2019. (10) Please refer to the "Impairment Assessments" section below. Fairfax Africa (11) On December 7, 2020 the holding company acquired Atlas Mara from Fairfax Africa in an intercompany transaction. On December 8, 2020 the company deconsolidated Fairfax Africa (subsequently renamed Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation) and accounted for its interest in HFP as an investment in associate pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (12) On December 31, 2020 Atlas Mara repurchased 26.4 million of its outstanding common shares for treasury which increased the company's ownership of Atlas Mara to 50.0%. The company will continue to report Atlas Mara under the equity method of accounting due to contractual arrangements with Atlas Mara that preclude the company from fully exercising its voting rights. Annual changes in carrying value Changes in the carrying value of investments in associates, including investment in associate held for sale, for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Associates (1) Joint ventures (1) Fairfax India associates Fairfax Africa associates Total Balance - January 1 2,876.6 1,483.6 1,391.3 232.9 5,984.4 Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss): Share of profit (loss) 83.4 91.8 (24.8) (27.3) 123.1 Impairments (2) (88.3) (98.9) — (35.0) (222.2) Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans 88.0 42.1 3.2 (41.7) 91.6 Share of losses on defined benefit plans (32.2) (20.8) (4.9) — (57.9) 50.9 14.2 (26.5) (104.0) (65.4) Dividends and distributions received (70.0) (3.7) (4.9) (1.4) (80.0) Purchases and acquisitions 223.4 20.8 — 5.0 249.2 Divestitures and other net changes in capitalization (107.2) (180.6) 0.9 (1.7) (288.6) Reclassifications (3) 174.4 605.0 — — 779.4 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) — — — (103.6) (103.6) Transfers (4) 21.3 — — (21.3) — Foreign exchange effect 1.0 1.6 (32.5) (5.9) (35.8) Balance - December 31 3,170.4 1,940.9 1,328.3 — 6,439.6 2019 Associates Joint ventures Fairfax India associates Fairfax Africa associates Total Balance - January 1 1,465.6 2,006.3 1,103.0 288.1 4,863.0 Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss): Share of profit (loss) 111.6 131.1 179.2 (41.1) 380.8 Impairments (2) (20.6) (190.6) — — (211.2) Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans 26.2 (3.8) (0.7) (51.6) (29.9) Share of losses on defined benefit plans (42.3) (0.2) (5.5) — (48.0) 74.9 (63.5) 173.0 (92.7) 91.7 Dividends and distributions received (160.7) (245.0) (288.8) — (694.5) Purchases and acquisitions 677.2 71.6 441.0 45.1 1,234.9 Divestitures and other net changes in capitalization (5) (0.5) (221.0) (9.7) (7.4) (238.6) Reclassifications (3) 1,201.8 — — — 1,201.8 Assets held for sale (note 23) (390.9) (52.0) — — (442.9) Foreign exchange effect 9.2 (12.8) (27.2) (0.2) (31.0) Balance - December 31 2,876.6 1,483.6 1,391.3 232.9 5,984.4 (1) Excludes European Run-off's investments in associates and joint ventures that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 as described in note 23. (2 ) Impairments recorded on associates and joint ventures are included in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings. Impairments of $222.2 recorded during 2020 included non-cash impairment charges on Quess, Resolute, Atlas Mara and Astarta . Not shown in the table above are impairments of $18.1 recorded during 2020 on certain investments in associates and joint ventures held by European Run-off and Fairfax Africa subsequent to those subsidiaries being classified as held for sale. I mpairments of $211.2 recorded during 2019 included non-cash impairment charges on Quess of $190.6 (related to Thomas Cook India's non-cash spin-off of Quess shares to its minority shareholders and fully attributed to non-controlling interests) and on Astarta of $10.1. (3) Primarily reflects the investments in HFP (an associate) and RiverStone Barbados (a joint venture), and the consolidation of Farmers Edge in 2020, and the reclassification of Eurobank and Brit's consolidation of Ambridge Partners in 2019. See note 23. (4) Primarily reflects the holding company's acquisition of Atlas Mara from Fairfax Africa prior to the deconsolidation of Fairfax Africa. See note 23. (5) Includes the deconsolidation of Grivalia Properties' investments in associates of $68.5 in 2019. See note 23. Impairment assessments At December 31, 2020 the company conducted impairment assessments of its non-insurance associates and joint ventures that had carrying values in excess of their fair values as determined by current market conditions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. From those assessments the company concluded there were no impairments except as described below. For certain non-insurance associates and joint ventures where the market prices of their shares were lower than carrying value, the company performed a value-in-use analysis with multi-year free cash flow projections. A non-cash impairment charge was recorded where the recoverable amount (higher of fair value and value-in use) was determined to be lower than carrying value. Assumptions for each value-in-use analysis are set out in the table below: December 31, 2020 Discount rate (2) Long term growth rate (3) Non-insurance associate or joint venture Fair value Carrying value Impairment recorded in 2020 (1) Source of free cash flow projections December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Summary of cash flow and other assumptions Eurobank (4) 799.9 1,166.3 — Internal estimates consistent with third party analyst reports 9.5 % N/A 1.5 % Growth in net interest, fee and commission income comparable to industry peers, and a gradual decline in provisions expense as non-performing exposures continue to decrease. Quess (5) 366.8 558.9 (98.3) Quess management 13.6 % 12.8 % 6.0 % Achieve revenue forecasts, annual capital expenditures reverting to lower historical levels, working capital requirements comparable to industry peers and reduced cash taxes payable in the next eight years through utilization of existing tax incentives. IIFL Finance 175.6 233.6 — IIFL Finance management 17.7 % N/A 3.0 % Growth in net interest income from a growing loan portfolio and a gradual decline in provisions expense to be comparable to industry peers. IIFL Securities 74.3 125.5 — IIFL Securities management 13.2 % 12.3 % 6.0 % Achieve revenue forecasts, annual capital expenditures normalizing to levels that are comparable to non-capital intensive service-based peers and working capital requirements comparable to industry peers. All other (1) 110.5 137.6 (142.0) 1,527.1 2,221.9 (240.3) (1) Impairments are included in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings. All other impairments of $142.0 recorded during 2020 included non-cash impairment charges on Resolute of $56.5, Atlas Mara of $35.0 and Astarta of $26.3. Impairments recorded on associates of $211.2 during 2019 included non-cash impairment charges on Quess of $190.6 and Astarta of $10.1. (2) The discount rate is representative of the cost of capital of industry peers. (3) The long term growth rate is consistent with growth expectations for the industry and the economies in which each associate or joint venture operates. Long term growth rates applied at December 31, 2020 remained unchanged from those at December 31, 2019 where applicable. (4) At December 31, 2020 the recoverable amount of Eurobank represented approximately 108% of carrying value (December 31, 2019 - value-in-use analysis not required as fair value equaled carrying value). Increasing (decreasing) the discount rate by 0.5% and decreasing (increasing) the long term growth rate by 0.25% in the value-in-use analysis would decrease (increase) the recoverable amount to approximately 102% (115%) of carrying value. (5) At December 31, 2020 the recoverable amount of Quess represented approximately 113% of carrying value (December 31, 2019 - approximately 109%). Increasing (decreasing) the discount rate by 0.5% and decreasing (increasing) the long term growth rate by 0.25% in the value-in-use analysis would decrease (increase) the recoverable amount to approximately 103% (125%) of carrying value. Subsequent to December 31, 2020 Sale of minority interest in Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings Limited On December 16, 2019 Fairfax India entered into an agreement to sell an approximate 11% equity interest on a fully-diluted basis of its wholly-owned subsidiary Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings Limited ("Anchorage") for gross proceeds of approximately $130 (9.5 billion Indian rupees). Fairfax India formed Anchorage in 2019 to act as its primary holding company for investments in the airport sector of India. Pursuant to the agreement Fairfax India will transfer approximately 44% of its 54.0% equity interest in Bangalore Airport to Anchorage. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including various third-party consents, and is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2021. Subscription for unsecured debentures of HFP On January 21, 2021 the company entered into an agreement to subscribe for $100.0 of 3.0% unsecured debentures of HFP. The debentures will mature on the third anniversary of closing or, at the company's option, on either the first or second anniversary. At redemption, if the fair value of certain Fairfax Africa legacy investments held by HFP are below their fair value at June 30, 2020 of $102.6, the redemption price of the debentures will be reduced by that difference. The company will also receive 3 million warrants on HFP subordinate voting shares that are exercisable at $4.90 per share any time prior to the fifth anniversary of closing, which if exercised would represent approximately 2.7% of all HFP shares outstanding. Closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2021.

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of notes and other explanatory information [Abstract]
Derivatives	Derivatives The following table summarizes the company’s derivative financial instruments: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Notional amount Cost Fair value Notional Cost Fair value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Equity contracts: Equity total return swaps – short positions — — — — 369.8 — — 84.6 Equity total return swaps – long positions 1,788.3 — 144.3 18.0 406.3 — 11.1 3.0 Equity warrants and options (1) 626.9 102.4 133.2 0.4 528.1 114.8 200.3 — CPI-linked derivative contracts 74,906.0 347.5 2.8 — 99,804.7 614.9 6.7 — U.S. treasury bond forward contracts 330.8 — 3.1 — 846.5 — 3.9 1.7 Foreign currency forward and swap contracts (2) — — 66.4 136.0 — 1.8 55.3 114.5 Foreign currency options — 53.7 5.8 — — 102.7 8.2 — Other derivative contracts — 25.6 27.1 35.0 — 3.4 2.5 2.1 Total 382.7 189.4 288.0 205.9 (1) Includes the company's investment in Atlas (formerly Seaspan) $8.05 warrants with a fair value at December 31, 2020 of $110.5 (December 31, 2019 - $164.8). See note 6. (2) Includes AGT's foreign currency forward and swap liabilities with a fair value at December 31, 2020 of $46.2 (December 31, 2019 - $53.3). The company is exposed to significant market risk (comprised of foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk) through its investing activities. Derivative contracts entered into by the company, with limited exceptions, are considered investments or economic hedges and are not designated as hedges for financial reporting. Equity contracts The company has held short equity total return swaps for investment purposes from time to time, but no longer held any at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - original notional amount of $194.4). These contracts provide a return which is inverse to changes in the fair values of the underlying individual equities. During 2020 the company paid net cash of $613.2 (2019 - received net cash of $48.2) in connection with the closures and reset provisions of its short equity total return swaps (excluding the impact of collateral requirements). During 2020 the company closed out $898.4 notional amount of short equity total return swaps and recognized net losses on investments of $528.6 (realized losses of $703.9, of which $175.3 was recognized as unrealized losses in prior years). During 2019 the company closed out $89.9 notional amount of short equity total return swaps and recognized net gains on investments of $30.3 (realized losses of $7.9, of which $38.2 was recognized as unrealized losses in prior years). During 2020 the company entered into $1,906.9 notional amount of long equity total return swaps on individual equities for investment purposes following significant declines in global equity markets in the first quarter of 2020. Included in those contracts were long equity total return swaps on an aggregate of 994,695 Fairfax subordinate voting shares with an original notional amount of $329.2 (Cdn$426.5) or approximately $330.95 (Cdn$428.82) per share, all of which remained open at December 31, 2020. Subsequent to December 31, 2020 the company entered into long equity total return swaps on an additional 413,169 Fairfax subordinate voting shares with an original notional amount of $155.7 (Cdn$198.5). At December 31, 2020 the company held long equity total return swaps on individual equities for investment purposes with an original notional amount at December 31, 2020 of $1,746.2 (December 31, 2019 - $501.5). These contracts provide a return which is directly correlated to changes in the fair values of the underlying individual equities. During 2020 the company received net cash of $207.4 (2019 - paid net cash of $34.5) in connection with the closures and reset provisions of its long equity total return swaps (excluding the impact of collateral requirements). During 2020 the company closed out $878.8 notional amount of its long equity total return swaps and recorded net realized gains on investments of $216.7. During 2019 the company did not initiate or close out any long equity total return swaps. At December 31, 2020 the fair value of collateral deposited for the benefit of derivative counterparties included in holding company cash and investments and in assets pledged for derivative obligations was $275.9 (December 31, 2019 - $152.4), comprised of collateral of $226.4 (December 31, 2019 - $70.3) required to be deposited to enter into such derivative contracts (principally related to total return swaps), and collateral of $49.5 (December 31, 2019 - $82.1) securing amounts owed to counterparties in respect of fair value changes since the most recent reset date. CPI-linked derivative contracts The company holds derivative contracts referenced to consumer price indexes (“CPI”) in the geographic regions in which it operates to serve as an economic hedge against the potential adverse financial impact on the company of decreasing price levels. At December 31, 2020 these contracts have a remaining weighted average life of 2.7 years (December 31, 2019 - 2.8 years) and notional amounts and fair values as shown in the table below. In the event of a sale, expiration or early settlement of a contract, the company would receive the fair value of that contract on the date of the transaction. The company's maximum potential loss on a contract is limited to the original cost of that contract. The CPI-linked derivative contracts are summarized as follows: December 31, 2020 Floor rate (1) Average life Notional amount Weighted Index value at period end Cost Cost in bps (3) Fair value Fair value in bps (3) Unrealized gain (loss) Underlying CPI index Contract currency U.S. dollars United States 0.0 % 2.6 32,175.0 32,175.0 232.09 260.47 121.0 37.6 0.9 0.3 (120.1) United States 0.5 % 3.8 12,600.0 12,600.0 238.30 260.47 39.8 31.6 1.1 0.9 (38.7) European Union 0.0 % 2.4 19,800.0 24,226.4 98.96 104.70 155.6 64.2 0.6 0.2 (155.0) United Kingdom 0.0 % 2.4 1,500.0 2,050.4 249.23 295.40 10.4 50.7 — — (10.4) France 0.0 % 2.1 3,150.0 3,854.2 99.27 104.09 20.7 53.7 0.2 0.5 (20.5) 2.7 74,906.0 347.5 2.8 (344.7) December 31, 2019 Floor rate (1) Average life Notional amount Weighted Index value at period end Cost Cost in bps (3) Fair value (2) Fair value in bps (3) Unrealized gain (loss) Underlying CPI index Contract currency (2) U.S. dollars (2) United States 0.0 % 2.7 44,775.0 44,775.0 231.35 256.97 277.5 62.0 1.6 0.4 (275.9) United States 0.5 % 4.8 12,600.0 12,600.0 238.30 256.97 39.7 31.5 4.4 3.5 (35.3) European Union 0.0 % 2.2 32,525.0 36,509.3 96.57 105.13 263.6 72.2 0.6 0.2 (263.0) United Kingdom 0.0 % 2.9 1,800.0 2,384.5 243.79 291.90 13.4 56.2 — — (13.4) France 0.0 % 3.1 3,150.0 3,535.9 99.27 104.39 20.7 58.5 0.1 0.3 (20.6) 2.8 99,804.7 614.9 6.7 (608.2) (1) Contracts with a floor rate of 0.0% provide a payout at maturity if there is cumulative deflation over the life of the contract. Contracts with a floor rate of 0.5% provide a payout at maturity based on an equivalent weighted average strike price of 250.49 if cumulative inflation averages less than 0.5% per year over the life of the contract. At December 31, 2020 the equivalent weighted average strike price for the United States 0.5% CPI-linked derivative contracts was 245.86 (December 31, 2019 - 244.63). (2) Excludes European Run-off's contracts with a notional amount of $12,054.3 and a fair value of $0.2 referenced to CPI in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019. (3) Expressed as a percentage of the notional amount. During 2020 the company recorded net losses of $13.9 (2019 - $12.3) on its CPI-linked derivative contracts and did not enter into any new contracts. During 2020 certain CPI-linked derivative contracts referenced to CPI in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom with a notional amount of $27,215.3 (2019 - $1,800.3) matured. U.S. treasury bond forward contracts To reduce its exposure to interest rate risk (primarily exposure to certain long dated U.S. corporate bonds and U.S. state and municipal bonds held in its fixed income portfolio), the company held forward contracts to sell long dated U.S. treasury bonds with a notional amount at December 31, 2020 of $330.8 (December 31, 2019 - $846.5). These contracts have an average term to maturity of less than three months, and may be renewed at market rates. During 2020 the company recorded net losses of $102.0 (2019 - $86.7) on its U.S. treasury bond forward contracts. Foreign currency forward contracts Long and short foreign currency forward contracts, primarily denominated in the euro, the British pound sterling and the Canadian dollar, are used to manage certain foreign currency exposures arising from foreign currency denominated transactions. These contracts have an average term to maturity of less than one year and may be renewed at market rates. Counterparty collateral The company endeavours to limit counterparty risk through diligent selection of counterparties to its derivative contracts and through the terms of negotiated agreements. The fair value of collateral deposited for the benefit of the company at December 31, 2020 consisted of cash of $116.4 and government securities of $12.9 (December 31, 2019 - $5.3 and $10.8). The cash is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet in subsidiary cash and short term investments with a corresponding liability recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The company had not exercised its right to sell or repledge collateral at December 31, 2020. The company's exposure to counterparty risk and the management thereof are discussed in note 24. Hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries At December 31, 2020 the company had designated the carrying value of Cdn$2,796.0 princi pal amount of its Canadian dollar denominated unsecured senior notes with a fair value of $2,397.6 (December 31, 2019 - principal amount of Cdn$2,796.0 with a fair value of $2,270.0) as a hedge of a portion of its net investment in subsidiaries with a Canadian dollar functional currency. During 2020 the company recognized pre-tax losses of $38.0 (2019 - $105.6) related to exchange rate movements on the Canadian dollar denominated unsecured senior notes in losses on hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on March 1, 2021 the company issued Cdn$850.0 principal amount of unsecured senior notes due March 3, 2031 and will use the net proceeds from the issuance for the redemptions of its Cdn$446.0 principal amount of unsecured senior notes due October 14, 2022 and its Cdn$400.0 principal amount of unsecured senior notes due March 22, 2023. Contemporaneously with the redemptions, the company will designate the carrying value of its Cdn$850.0 principal amount of unsecured senior notes as a hedge of a portion of its net investment in Canadian subsidiaries. See note 15 for details. Hedge of net investment in European operations At December 31, 2020 the company had designated the carrying value of €750.0 principal amount of its euro denominated unsecured senior notes with a fair value of $1,023.9 (December 31, 2019 - principal amount of €277.0 with a fair value of $336.2) as a hedge of its net investment in European operations with a euro functional currency. The increase in principal amount of euro denominated unsecured senior notes designated as a hedging instrument during 2020 was due to the classification of Eurobank as an investment in associate (notes 3 and 6) which increased the company's net investment in European operations with a euro functional currency. During 2020 the company recognized pre-tax losses of $75.8 (2019 - $35.3) related to exchange rate movements on the euro denominated unsecured senior notes in losses on hedge of net investment in European operations in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Insurance Contract Liabilities

Insurance Contract Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Insurance Contract Liabilities	Insurance Contract Liabilities December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross Ceded Net Gross Ceded Net Provision for unearned premiums 8,397.5 1,899.1 6,498.4 7,222.4 1,583.7 5,638.7 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 30,809.3 7,947.3 22,862.0 28,500.2 6,934.8 21,565.4 Total insurance contract liabilities 39,206.8 9,846.4 29,360.4 35,722.6 8,518.5 27,204.1 Current 17,389.7 4,218.2 13,171.5 15,023.9 3,715.8 11,308.1 Non-current 21,817.1 5,628.2 16,188.9 20,698.7 4,802.7 15,896.0 39,206.8 9,846.4 29,360.4 35,722.6 8,518.5 27,204.1 At December 31, 2020 the company's net provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses of $22,862.0 (December 31, 2019 - $21,565.4) was comprised of case reserves of $9,390.3 and IBNR of $13,471.7 (December 31, 2019 - $9,061.1 and $12,504.3). Excluded from the December 31, 2019 balances are European Run-off's net provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses of $1,590.2, comprised of case reserves of $793.4 and IBNR of $796.8. See note 23. Provision for unearned premiums, gross Changes in the provision for unearned premiums for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Provision for unearned premiums – January 1 7,222.4 6,272.2 Gross premiums written (1) 18,979.4 17,511.2 Less: gross premiums earned (1) (17,782.9) (16,611.0) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) — 53.6 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — (6.0) Foreign exchange effect and other (21.4) 2.4 Provision for unearned premiums - December 31 8,397.5 7,222.4 ( 1) Changes in the provision for unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2020 exclude European Run-off's gross premiums written and gross premiums earned of $146.5 and $115.9, as the liabilities of European Run-off were included in liabilities associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses, gross Changes in the provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – January 1 28,500.2 29,081.7 Decrease in estimated losses and expenses for claims occurring in the prior years (267.7) (166.5) Losses and expenses for claims occurring in the current year (1) 12,303.9 11,927.5 Paid on claims occurring during: the current year (2,987.5) (2,830.3) the prior years (7,338.0) (7,733.7) Acquisitions of subsidiaries — 44.0 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — (1,830.8) Foreign exchange effect and other (2) 598.4 8.3 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – December 31 30,809.3 28,500.2 (1) Effective January 1, 2019 Run-off Syndicate 3500 reinsured a portfolio of business predominantly comprised of casualty (principally employers' liability and public liability), professional indemnity, property, marine and aviation exposures relating to accident years 2018 and prior (the "first quarter 2019 reinsurance transaction"). Pursuant to this transaction Run-off Syndicate 3500 assumed $556.8 of net insurance contract liabilities for consideration of $561.5. (2) Included in 2020 is $347.7 of unpaid losses from loss reserves assumed from European Run-off which were previously eliminated on consolidation. See note 23. Changes in the provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses presented in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2020 exclude European Run-off's losses and loss adjustment expenses of $196.9 and its two transactions described in the paragraphs below, as the liabilities of European Run-off were included in liabilities associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. Effective January 31, 2020 a portfolio of business predominantly comprised of U.S. asbestos, pollution and other hazards ("APH") exposures relating to accident years 2001 and prior was transferred to RiverStone (UK) through a Part VII transfer under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended. Pursuant to this transaction RiverStone (UK) assumed net insurance contract liabilities of $134.7 for cash consideration of $143.3. Effective January 1, 2020 Run-off Syndicate 3500 reinsured a portfolio of business predominantly comprised of property, liability and marine exposures relating to accident years 2019 and prior. Pursuant to this transaction Run-off Syndicate 3500 assumed net insurance contract liabilities of $145.5 for consideration of $146.5. Development of insurance losses, gross The development of insurance liabilities illustrates the estimation uncertainty associated with these liabilities and provides a measure of the company's ability to estimate the ultimate value of claims. The loss development table below shows the provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses at the end of each calendar year, the cumulative payments made in respect of those reserves in subsequent years and the re-estimated amount of each calendar year's provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses as at December 31, 2020. Calendar year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 17,232.2 19,648.8 19,212.8 17,749.1 19,816.4 19,481.8 28,610.8 29,081.7 28,500.2 30,809.3 Less: CTR Life (1) 24.2 20.6 17.9 15.2 14.2 12.8 8.7 8.0 7.0 5.5 17,208.0 19,628.2 19,194.9 17,733.9 19,802.2 19,469.0 28,602.1 29,073.7 28,493.2 30,803.8 Cumulative payments as of: One year later 3,627.6 4,323.5 4,081.1 3,801.6 4,441.4 4,608.0 7,564.0 7,732.0 7,288.8 Two years later 6,076.7 7,153.1 6,787.6 6,364.5 7,283.6 7,631.4 12,081.3 12,313.5 Three years later 7,920.3 9,148.0 8,775.5 8,172.7 9,466.5 9,655.9 15,222.3 Four years later 9,333.4 10,702.8 10,212.4 9,561.8 10,914.2 11,122.6 Five years later 10,458.7 11,783.3 11,354.4 10,496.4 12,013.9 Six years later 11,263.6 12,729.6 12,123.4 11,202.2 Seven years later 12,030.0 13,335.1 12,754.2 Eight years later 12,558.1 13,877.0 Nine years later 13,047.5 Reserves re-estimated as of: One year later 17,316.4 19,021.2 18,375.6 16,696.4 19,169.3 19,343.1 27,580.6 28,974.3 28,225.5 Two years later 17,013.6 18,529.4 17,475.0 16,269.2 18,973.6 18,804.8 27,565.9 28,839.4 Three years later 16,721.0 17,820.5 17,307.9 16,114.0 18,502.5 18,752.8 27,451.3 Four years later 16,233.9 17,735.5 17,287.2 15,938.9 18,469.1 18,743.9 Five years later 16,269.6 17,830.5 17,203.5 16,049.6 18,490.5 Six years later 16,331.8 17,791.8 17,340.1 16,123.1 Seven years later 16,340.6 17,931.9 17,420.0 Eight years later 16,535.1 18,041.2 Nine years later 16,659.3 Favourable development 548.7 1,587.0 1,774.9 1,610.8 1,311.7 725.1 1,150.8 234.3 267.7 Favourable development comprised of: Effect of foreign currency translation 250.9 570.7 483.2 266.5 (201.5) (159.2) 518.3 135.5 1.0 Favourable loss reserve development 297.8 1,016.3 1,291.7 1,344.3 1,513.2 884.3 632.5 98.8 266.7 548.7 1,587.0 1,774.9 1,610.8 1,311.7 725.1 1,150.8 234.3 267.7 (1) Guaranteed minimum death benefit retrocessional business written by Compagnie Transcontinentale de Réassurance ("CTR Life"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the company that was transferred to Wentworth and placed into run-off in 2002. The effect of foreign currency translation in the table above primarily arose on translation to U.S. dollars of loss reserves of subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The company's exposure to foreign currency risk and the management thereof are discussed in note 24. Loss reserve development in the table above excludes the loss reserve development of a subsidiary in the year it is acquired whereas the consolidated statement of earnings includes the loss reserve development of a subsidiary from its acquisition date. Favourable loss reserve development in calendar year 2020 of $266.7 in the table above was principally comprised of favourable loss emergence on accident years 2019, 2017 and 2015, partially offset by adverse development primarily related to asbestos and other latent claims liabilities. Development of losses and loss adjustment expenses for asbestos A number of the company's subsidiaries wrote general liability policies and reinsurance prior to their acquisition by the company under which policyholders continue to present asbestos-related injury claims. Substantially all of these claims are presented under policies written many years ago and reside primarily within the run-off group. There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding these types of claims, which affects the ability of insurers and reinsurers to estimate the ultimate amount of unpaid claims and related settlement expenses. The majority of these claims differ from most other types of claims because there is inconsistent precedent, if any at all, to determine what, if any, coverage exists or which, if any, policy years and insurers or reinsurers may be liable. These uncertainties are exacerbated by judicial and legislative interpretations of coverage that in some cases have eroded the clear and express intent of the parties to the insurance contracts, and in others have expanded theories of liability. Changes in the company's provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses related to U.S. asbestos exposure on a gross and net basis for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Gross Net Gross Net Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses - January 1 1,074.6 860.5 1,217.9 995.3 Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred 161.0 121.2 135.4 114.8 Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid (205.0) (141.7) (164.0) (138.4) Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — — (114.7) (111.2) Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses - December 31 1,030.6 840.0 1,074.6 860.5 Fair Value The estimated fair value of the company's insurance an d ceded rei nsurance contracts is as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Carrying Fair Carrying Insurance contracts 40,475.1 39,206.8 35,248.0 35,722.6 Ceded reinsurance contracts 9,668.5 9,846.4 8,049.4 8,518.5 The fair value of insurance contracts is comprised of the fair value of both unpaid claims liabilities and unearned premiums. The fair value of ceded reinsurance contracts is comprised of the fair value of reinsurers' share of unpaid claims liabilities and unearned premiums. Both reflect the time value of money through discounting, whereas the carrying values (including the reinsurers' share thereof) do not. The calculation of the fair value of unearned premiums includes acquisition expenses to reflect the deferral of these expenses at the inception of the insurance contract. The estimated fair value of insurance and ceded reinsurance contracts is determined by projecting the expected future cash flows of the contracts, selecting the appropriate interest rates, and applying the resulting discount factors to the expected future cash flows. The difference between the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows and the sum of the discounted expected future cash flows represents the time value of money. A margin for risk and uncertainty is added to the discounted cash flows to reflect the volatility of the lines of business written, quantity of reinsurance purchased, credit quality of reinsurers and the possibility of future changes in interest rates. The significant decrease in global interest rates during 2020 resulted in the margin for risk and uncertainty exceeding the effect of discounting for the time value of money when determining the fair value of insurance contracts at December 31, 2020. The table that follows illustrates the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the company's insurance and reinsurance contracts: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Change in interest rates Fair value of Fair value of Fair value of Fair value of 100 basis point increase 39,216.0 9,360.8 34,240.4 7,836.5 100 basis point decrease 41,853.2 10,007.0 36,343.0 8,285.1

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance Reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities was comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross recoverable from reinsurers Provision for uncollectible reinsurance (1) Recoverable from reinsurers Gross recoverable from reinsurers Provision for uncollectible reinsurance (1) Recoverable from reinsurers Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 7,971.7 (24.4) 7,947.3 6,956.7 (21.9) 6,934.8 Reinsurers’ share of paid losses 818.0 (131.2) 686.8 776.9 (139.6) 637.3 Provision for unearned premiums 1,899.1 — 1,899.1 1,583.7 — 1,583.7 10,688.8 (155.6) 10,533.2 9,317.3 (161.5) 9,155.8 Current 4,839.0 4,314.8 Non-current 5,694.2 4,841.0 10,533.2 9,155.8 (1) Management of credit risk on reinsurance recoverables is discussed in note 24. Changes in reinsurers' share of paid losses, unpaid losses and unearned premiums, and the provision for uncollectible reinsurance for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Paid losses Unpaid losses Unearned Provision for uncollectible reinsurance Recoverable from reinsurers Balance – January 1 776.9 6,956.7 1,583.7 (161.5) 9,155.8 Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds 2,375.4 (2,375.4) — — — Reinsurance recoveries received (2,317.9) — — — (2,317.9) Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned (1) — 2,842.3 (3,923.6) — (1,081.3) Premiums ceded to reinsurers — — 4,261.4 — 4,261.4 Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances (2.7) — — 6.0 3.3 Foreign exchange effect and other (2) (13.7) 548.1 (22.4) (0.1) 511.9 Balance – December 31 818.0 7,971.7 1,899.1 (155.6) 10,533.2 2019 Paid losses Unpaid losses Unearned Provision for uncollectible reinsurance Recoverable from reinsurers Balance – January 1 792.6 6,482.3 1,290.8 (164.8) 8,400.9 Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds 2,299.4 (2,299.4) — — — Reinsurance recoveries received (2,277.0) — — — (2,277.0) Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned — 3,069.6 (3,381.3) — (311.7) Premiums ceded to reinsurers — — 3,675.6 — 3,675.6 Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances (20.6) — — 3.4 (17.2) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) 0.2 8.7 2.9 — 11.8 Assets held for sale (note 23) (19.4) (241.0) — 0.4 (260.0) Foreign exchange effect and other 1.7 (63.5) (4.3) (0.5) (66.6) Balance – December 31 776.9 6,956.7 1,583.7 (161.5) 9,155.8 (1) Changes in reinsurers' share of unpaid losses and unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2020 exclude European Run-off's reinsurers' share of unpaid losses and premiums earned of $70.6 and $13.5 as the assets of European Run-off were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. (2) Includes $467.1 of unpaid losses from loss reserves ceded to European Run-off which were previously eliminated on consolidation. See note 23. Commission incom e earned on premiums ceded to reinsurers in 2020 of $821.0 (2019 - $652.3) is included in commissions, net in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Insurance Contract Receivables

Insurance Contract Receivables and Payables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Insurance Contract Receivables and Payables	Insurance Contract Receivables and Payables Insurance contract receivables were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance premiums receivable 3,665.6 3,325.0 Reinsurance premiums receivable 1,385.3 1,176.0 Funds withheld receivable 567.3 753.7 Other 235.6 211.0 Provision for uncollectible receivables (37.7) (30.7) 5,816.1 5,435.0 Current 5,144.7 4,921.5 Non-current 671.4 513.5 5,816.1 5,435.0 Changes in insurance premiums receivable and reinsurance premiums receivable for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Insurance Reinsurance premiums receivable 2020 2019 2020 2019 Balance – January 1 3,325.0 2,949.8 1,176.0 1,082.1 Gross premiums written (1) 14,309.4 13,167.8 4,670.0 4,343.4 Premiums collected (12,537.2) (11,516.3) (3,375.6) (3,288.5) Amounts due to brokers and agents (1,417.3) (1,284.5) (1,104.8) (917.2) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) — 17.1 — — Assets held for sale (note 23) — (1.7) — (22.6) Recovery (impairments) (0.4) (1.3) (1.7) 0.3 Foreign exchange effect and other (13.9) (5.9) 21.4 (21.5) Balance – December 31 3,665.6 3,325.0 1,385.3 1,176.0 (1) Changes in insurance premiums receivable and reinsurance premiums receivable for the year ended December 31, 2020 exclude European Run-off's gross premiums written of $146.5 as the assets of European Run-off were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. Insurance contract payables were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Payable to reinsurers 1,669.5 1,469.4 Ceded deferred premium acquisition costs 441.1 373.2 Funds withheld payable to reinsurers 206.3 239.1 Amounts payable to agents and brokers 127.2 101.8 Accrued commissions 69.0 95.5 Accrued premium taxes 93.1 82.7 Other insurance contract payables 357.8 229.3 2,964.0 2,591.0 Current 2,705.8 2,315.4 Non-current 258.2 275.6 2,964.0 2,591.0

Deferred Premium Acquisition Co

Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs	Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs Changes in deferred premium acquisition costs for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Balance – January 1 1,344.3 1,127.3 Premium acquisition costs deferred 3,629.4 3,271.4 Amortization (1) (3,424.0) (3,068.2) Assets held for sale (note 23) — (1.7) Foreign exchange effect and other (6.0) 15.5 Balance – December 31 1,543.7 1,344.3 (1) Excludes in 2020 amortization of European Run-off's commission expenses of $7.7 as the assets of European Run-off were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23.

Other Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets Other assets were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Premises and equipment 362.0 1,384.1 1,746.1 367.8 1,319.9 1,687.7 Right-of-use assets (note 22) 396.1 611.9 1,008.0 385.4 635.2 1,020.6 Inventories — 645.6 645.6 — 694.5 694.5 Other revenue receivables — 550.8 550.8 — 583.5 583.5 Finance lease receivables (note 22) 8.5 296.9 305.4 8.8 367.1 375.9 Prepaid expenses 125.2 120.7 245.9 113.2 168.9 282.1 Accrued interest and dividends 195.5 2.4 197.9 195.7 10.8 206.5 Subsidies and taxes receivable 22.4 145.2 167.6 22.3 102.6 124.9 Prepaid losses on claims 118.6 — 118.6 114.4 — 114.4 Deferred compensation plans 89.1 — 89.1 87.4 — 87.4 Income taxes refundable 63.0 25.7 88.7 126.3 42.7 169.0 Pension surplus (note 21) 48.8 — 48.8 51.9 — 51.9 Other 559.5 85.2 644.7 490.3 118.6 608.9 1,988.7 3,868.5 5,857.2 1,963.5 4,043.8 6,007.3 Current 925.5 1,504.5 2,430.0 789.7 1,668.1 2,457.8 Non-current 1,063.2 2,364.0 3,427.2 1,173.8 2,375.7 3,549.5 1,988.7 3,868.5 5,857.2 1,963.5 4,043.8 6,007.3 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and intangible assets were comprised as follows: Goodwill Intangible assets Total Lloyd's participation rights (1) Customer Brand names (1) Computer software and other (1) Balance - January 1, 2020 2,997.3 503.2 969.8 1,181.1 542.7 6,194.1 Additions 182.1 — (1.0) 0.1 221.0 402.2 Disposals (2) (30.3) — — — (66.5) (96.8) Amortization — — (100.4) — (115.6) (216.0) Impairments (3) (33.0) — (2.1) (44.7) (6.3) (86.1) Foreign exchange effect and other 10.2 — 1.2 16.8 3.5 31.7 Balance - December 31, 2020 3,126.3 503.2 867.5 1,153.3 578.8 6,229.1 Gross carrying amount 3,199.6 503.2 1,383.6 1,200.4 1,210.4 7,497.2 Accumulated amortization — — (513.7) — (611.9) (1,125.6) Accumulated impairment (73.3) — (2.4) (47.1) (19.7) (142.5) 3,126.3 503.2 867.5 1,153.3 578.8 6,229.1 Goodwill Intangible assets Total Lloyd's participation rights (1) Customer Brand names (1) Computer software and other (1) Balance - January 1, 2019 2,702.7 503.2 932.8 1,096.8 441.4 5,676.9 Additions 316.2 — 134.9 34.8 218.6 704.5 Disposals — — — — (1.3) (1.3) Amortization — — (105.5) — (117.6) (223.1) Impairments (3) (43.9) — — — (2.9) (46.8) Foreign exchange effect and other 22.3 — 7.6 49.5 4.5 83.9 Balance - December 31, 2019 2,997.3 503.2 969.8 1,181.1 542.7 6,194.1 Gross carrying amount 3,043.9 503.2 1,391.4 1,181.1 1,071.2 7,190.8 Accumulated amortization — — (421.9) — (512.6) (934.5) Accumulated impairment (46.6) — 0.3 — (15.9) (62.2) 2,997.3 503.2 969.8 1,181.1 542.7 6,194.1 (1) Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization had an aggregate carrying value at December 31, 2020 of $1,751.6 (December 31, 2019 - $1,790.5). (2) During 2020 AMAG Insurance settled its bancassurance agreement with PT Bank Pan Indonesia Tbk, received cash consideration of $66.3 and recorded a net gain of $3.2 on disposal of the intangible asset. (3) Non-cash impairment charges recorded in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings by the Non-insurance companies reporting segment and principally attributable to non-controlling interests. Goodwill and intangible assets were allocated to the company's cash-generating units (“CGUs”) as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Goodwill Intangible Total Goodwill Intangible Total Insurance and reinsurance companies Allied World 940.0 611.7 1,551.7 938.8 659.2 1,598.0 Brit 200.2 581.1 781.3 200.2 594.2 794.4 Zenith National 317.6 93.2 410.8 317.6 99.3 416.9 Crum & Forster 188.8 104.2 293.0 188.2 111.7 299.9 Northbridge 95.4 105.5 200.9 92.5 90.9 183.4 Odyssey Group 119.7 57.3 177.0 119.7 62.8 182.5 All other (1) 148.4 64.2 212.6 151.6 132.1 283.7 2,010.1 1,617.2 3,627.3 2,008.6 1,750.2 3,758.8 Non-insurance companies Recipe 280.9 1,011.0 1,291.9 279.3 1,035.5 1,314.8 Boat Rocker 90.1 230.8 320.9 93.8 154.1 247.9 Farmers Edge (2) 202.6 17.0 219.6 — — — AGT (2) 168.5 47.1 215.6 174.7 58.9 233.6 Thomas Cook India 144.6 56.3 200.9 150.6 55.8 206.4 Dexterra Group 75.9 17.7 93.6 75.8 15.7 91.5 All other (3) 153.6 105.7 259.3 214.5 126.6 341.1 1,116.2 1,485.6 2,601.8 988.7 1,446.6 2,435.3 3,126.3 3,102.8 6,229.1 2,997.3 3,196.8 6,194.1 (1) Comprised primarily of balances related to U.S. Run-off, AMAG Insurance and Pacific Insurance. (2) Farmers Edge was consolidated on July 1, 2020 as described in note 6 and AGT was acquired on April 17, 2019 as described in note 23. (3) Comprised primarily of balances related to Fairchem, Privi, Mosaic Capital, Sterling Resorts, CIG (deconsolidated December 8, 2020) and Pethealth. At December 31, 2020 goodwill and intangible assets were comprised primarily of amounts arising on the consolidation of Farmers Edge during 2020, the acquisitions of AGT during 2019, Allied World during 2017, St-Hubert and Original Joe's (both by Recipe) during 2016, Recipe and Brit during 2015, Thomas Cook India during 2012, and Zenith National during 2010. Impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were completed during 2020 and it was concluded that no significant impairments had occurred. When testing for impairment, the recoverable amount of each CGU or group of CGUs was based on the higher of (i) fair value less costs of disposal, determined using discounted cash flow models, and (ii) value-in-use, determined using discounted cash flow models. In preparing discounted cash flow models, cash flow projections typically covering a five year period were derived from financial budgets approved by management. Cash flows beyond the projected periods were extrapolated using estimated growth rates which do not exceed the long term average historic growth rate for the business in which each CGU operates. A number of other assumptions and estimates including premiums, investment returns, revenues, expenses, royalty rates and working capital requirements were required to be incorporated into the discounted cash flow models. The forecasts were based on best estimates of future premiums or revenues and operating expenses using historical trends, general geographical market conditions, industry trends and forecasts and other available information. These assumptions and estimates were reviewed by the applicable CGU's management and by Fairfax's management. The cash flow forecasts were adjusted by applying appropriate discount rates within a range of 7.3% to 13.9% for insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, and 8.8% to 15.3% for non-insurance subsidiaries. A long term investment return of 5.0% was applied to the investment portfolios of insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. The long term growth rates used to extrapolate cash flows beyond five years for the majority of the CGUs ranged from 2.5% to 3.0%.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Li

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Lease liabilities (note 22) 456.8 995.3 1,452.1 434.3 1,062.1 1,496.4 Payables related to cost of sales — 625.7 625.7 — 778.4 778.4 Salaries and employee benefit liabilities 394.4 90.6 485.0 354.9 79.7 434.6 Deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue 21.1 433.3 454.4 21.2 351.6 372.8 Amounts withheld and accrued taxes 367.3 29.1 396.4 314.7 31.5 346.2 Pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21) 325.3 26.6 351.9 338.8 21.8 360.6 Cash collateral from counterparties to derivative contracts (note 24) 116.4 — 116.4 5.3 — 5.3 Accrued interest expense 73.1 11.4 84.5 64.9 2.2 67.1 Advances and deposits from customers — 74.0 74.0 — 109.6 109.6 Accrued legal and professional fees 59.3 12.3 71.6 57.3 11.4 68.7 Income taxes payable 42.8 21.7 64.5 47.5 30.9 78.4 Amounts payable for securities purchased but not yet settled 47.4 — 47.4 6.2 — 6.2 Accrued rent, storage and facilities costs 6.6 9.0 15.6 16.4 8.8 25.2 Administrative and other 519.2 237.4 756.6 418.5 246.1 664.6 2,429.7 2,566.4 4,996.1 2,080.0 2,734.1 4,814.1 Current 1,274.7 1,414.6 2,689.3 869.9 1,594.1 2,464.0 Non-current 1,155.0 1,151.8 2,306.8 1,210.1 1,140.0 2,350.1 2,429.7 2,566.4 4,996.1 2,080.0 2,734.1 4,814.1 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other.

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Borrowings [abstract]
Borrowings	Borrowings December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Principal Carrying value (a) Fair value (b) Principal Carrying value (a) Fair value (b) Borrowings - holding company Fairfax unsecured notes: (4) 5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$446.0) (d)(3) 350.1 351.1 377.6 343.9 345.9 373.8 4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0) (d)(3) 314.0 312.9 334.1 308.5 307.0 326.0 4.142% due February 7, 2024 (d) 85.0 85.0 85.1 85.0 85.0 85.1 4.875% due August 13, 2024 (d) 282.5 280.6 309.7 282.5 280.0 300.8 4.95% due March 3, 2025 (Cdn$350.0) (d) 274.7 272.5 306.3 269.9 267.1 293.1 8.30% due April 15, 2026 (e) 91.8 91.7 118.6 91.8 91.6 116.1 4.70% due December 16, 2026 (Cdn$450.0) (d) 353.2 351.5 394.6 347.0 345.1 370.0 4.25% due December 6, 2027 (Cdn$650.0) (d) 510.2 508.5 558.3 501.3 499.3 515.7 2.75% due March 29, 2028 (€750.0) (d) 917.7 904.4 1,023.9 841.9 827.0 910.2 4.85% due April 17, 2028 (d) 600.0 595.8 677.6 600.0 595.2 648.9 4.23% due June 14, 2029 (Cdn$500.0) (d) 392.5 390.6 426.7 385.6 383.6 391.4 4.625% due April 29, 2030 (d)(1) 650.0 645.4 731.8 — — — 7.75% due July 15, 2037 (e) 91.3 90.6 123.1 91.3 90.5 113.8 Revolving credit facility (2) 700.0 700.0 700.0 — — — 5,613.0 5,580.6 6,167.4 4,148.7 4,117.3 4,444.9 Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies Odyssey Group floating rate unsecured senior notes due 2021 90.0 90.0 91.0 90.0 90.0 92.5 Allied World 4.35% senior notes due October 29, 2025 500.0 505.0 544.9 500.0 506.1 524.1 Allied World revolving credit facility and other borrowings 40.8 44.2 51.4 39.4 43.0 46.4 Zenith National 8.55% debentures due August 1, 2028 (d) 38.5 38.3 38.3 38.5 38.3 38.3 Brit 3.6757% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0) (5) 184.5 184.5 170.4 178.8 180.8 181.2 Brit floating rate revolving credit facility 130.0 130.0 130.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 First Mercury trust preferred securities due 2036 and 2037 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.3 1,025.2 1,033.4 1,067.4 1,028.1 1,039.6 1,063.8 Borrowings - non-insurance companies (c) Fairfax India floating rate term loan (6) 550.0 547.2 550.0 550.0 547.2 550.0 Fairfax India subsidiary borrowings 167.1 166.4 166.4 155.1 155.1 155.1 AGT credit facilities, senior notes and loans (note 23) (7) 516.4 514.2 514.0 435.7 432.8 433.1 Recipe term loans and credit facilities 430.7 428.4 428.4 413.5 410.7 410.8 Boat Rocker demand loans and revolving credit facilities 184.6 183.0 183.0 147.6 147.6 147.5 Fairfax Africa subsidiary borrowings (f) — — — 102.4 102.4 102.4 Loans and revolving credit facilities primarily at floating rates (8) 362.0 360.8 360.8 279.9 279.9 277.7 2,210.8 2,200.0 2,202.6 2,084.2 2,075.7 2,076.6 Total debt 8,849.0 8,814.0 9,437.4 7,261.0 7,232.6 7,585.3 (a) Principal net of unamortized issue costs and discounts (premiums). (b) Based principally on quoted market prices with the remainder based on discounted cash flow models using market observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2 respectively in the fair value hierarchy). (c) These borrowings are non-recourse to the holding company. (d) Issuer may redeem any time at prices specified in the instrument's offering document. (e) Not redeemable prior to the contractual maturity date. (f) On December 8, 2020 Fairfax Africa’s borrowings were deconsolidated pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. During and subsequent to 2020 the company and its subsidiaries completed the following debt transactions: Holding company (1) On April 29, 2020 the company completed an offering of $650.0 principal amount of 4.625% unsecured senior notes due April 29, 2030 at par for net proceeds after commissions and expenses of $645.0. Commissions and expenses of $5.0 were included in the carrying value of the notes. The company used $500.0 of the net proceeds from the offering towards the repayment on its credit facility as described in the next paragraph. On October 28, 2020 the notes were exchanged by their holders for an equal principal amount of substantially identical notes that had been registered under the U.S. Securities Act. (2) At March 31, 2020 the company had drawn $1,770.0 on its $2.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility as added liquidity support for the insurance and reinsurance companies should it be needed as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. T he company subsequently repaid $1,070.0 during 2020, leaving $700.0 borrowed on the credit facility at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - nil). The principal financial covenants of the revolving credit facility require the company to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated capitalization not exceeding 0.35:1 and consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of not less than $9.5 billion. At December 31, 2020 the company was in compliance with its financial covenants, with a consolidated debt to consolidated capitalization ratio of 0.306:1 and consolidated shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax of $13.9 billion, both calculated as defined in the financial covenants. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the company made a net repayment of $200.0 on its revolving credit facility, leaving $500.0 borrowed at March 5, 2021. (3) Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on March 1, 2021 the company completed an offering of $671.6 (Cdn$850.0) principal amount of 3.95% unsecured senior notes due March 3, 2031 for net proceeds of $666.2 after premium, commissions and expenses. Commissions and expenses of $5.4 will be included in the carrying value of the notes. The company will use the net proceeds from the offering for the announced redemptions of its $350.1 (Cdn$446.0) principal amount of 5.84% unsecured senior notes due October 14, 2022 and its $314.0 (Cdn$400.0) principal amount of 4.50% unsecured senior notes due March 22, 2023. Contemporaneously with the redemptions, the company will designate the Cdn$850.0 senior notes due March 3, 2031 as a hedge of a portion of its net investment in Canadian subsidiaries. (4) Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on March 3, 2021 the company completed an offering of $600.0 principal amount of 3.375% unsecured senior notes due March 3, 2031 for net proceeds of $583.8 after discount, commissions and expenses. Commissions and expenses of $15.4 will be included in the carrying value of the notes. Insurance and reinsurance companies (5) On December 9, 2020 the interest rate on Brit’s £135.0 subordinated debt was reset from 6.625% to 3.6757% until maturity as the company determined not to exercise its redemption option on that debt. Non-insurance companies (6) On June 26, 2020 Fairfax India extended its $550.0 principal amount floating rate term loan for one year to June 28, 2021 with an option to extend for an additional year. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on February 26, 2021 Fairfax India completed an offering of $500.0 principal amount of 5.00% unsecured senior notes due February 26, 2028 and subsequently used the net proceeds to repay $500.0 principal amount of its floating rate term loan. The company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries had purchased $58.4 of Fairfax India's 5.00% unsecured senior notes on the same terms as other participants and that intercompany investment will be eliminated in the company's consolidated financial reporting. (7) On February 21, 2020 AGT extended the maturity of its Cdn$525.0 floating rate secured senior credit facility to March 15, 2021. At December 31, 2020 there was $440.5 (Cdn$561.2) borrowed on this credit facility (December 31, 2019 - $386.9 (Cdn$501.7)). On January 4, 2021 AGT extended the maturity on its credit facility to January 24, 2022. (8) Pursuant to the reverse acquisition of Horizon North by Dexterra on May 29, 2020 (note 23) Dexterra consolidated Horizon North's Cdn$175.0 floating rate revolving credit facility maturing December 30, 2022. Changes in the carrying values of borrowings for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Holding company Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Holding company Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Balance – January 1 4,117.3 1,039.6 2,075.7 7,232.6 3,859.5 995.7 1,625.2 6,480.4 Cash inflows from issuances 645.0 — 107.8 752.8 456.5 — 302.7 759.2 Cash outflows from repayments — (0.3) (82.5) (82.8) (326.5) (0.2) (308.5) (635.2) Net cash inflows (outflows) from credit facilities and short term loans 700.0 (10.0) 60.5 750.5 — 132.1 (16.9) 115.2 Non-cash changes: Acquisitions (note 23) — — 127.4 127.4 — — 687.7 687.7 Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23) — — (118.7) (118.7) — — (246.2) (246.2) Loss on redemption — — — — 23.7 — — 23.7 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — — — — — (91.4) — (91.4) Foreign exchange effect and other 118.3 4.1 29.8 152.2 104.1 3.4 31.7 139.2 Balance – December 31 5,580.6 1,033.4 2,200.0 8,814.0 4,117.3 1,039.6 2,075.7 7,232.6 Principal repayments on borrowings are due as follows: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Holding company 700.0 350.1 314.0 367.5 274.7 3,606.7 5,613.0 Insurance and reinsurance companies 242.8 0.3 0.3 0.3 500.4 281.1 1,025.2 Non-insurance companies 1,309.2 210.8 58.7 309.5 34.5 288.1 2,210.8 Total 2,252.0 561.2 373.0 677.3 809.6 4,175.9 8,849.0 Interest Expense Interest expense was comprised of interest expense on borrowings of $413.1 and interest expense on accretion of lease liabilities of $62.8 (2019 - $404.2 and $67.8).

Total Equity

Total Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share Capital, Reserves And Other Equity Interest [Abstract]
Total Equity	Total Equity Equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax Authorized capital The authorized share capital of the company consists of an unlimited number of preferred shares issuable in series, an unlimited number of multiple voting shares (cumulatively carrying 41.8% voting power) and an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares carrying one vote per share. Issued capital Issued capital at December 31, 2020 was comprised of 1,548,000 multiple voting shares and 27,124,093 subordinate voting shares without par value prior to deducting 1,696,357 subordinate voting shares reserved in treasury for share-based payment awards (December 31, 2019 - 1,548,000, 27,467,964 and 1,385,665 respectively). The multiple voting shares are not traded. Common stock The number of shares outstanding was as follows: 2020 2019 Subordinate voting shares – January 1 26,082,299 26,489,177 Purchases for cancellation (343,871) (249,361) Treasury shares acquired (457,603) (229,189) Treasury shares reissued 146,911 71,672 Subordinate voting shares – December 31 25,427,736 26,082,299 Multiple voting shares – beginning and end of year 1,548,000 1,548,000 Interest in multiple and subordinate voting shares held through ownership interest in shareholder – beginning and end of year (799,230) (799,230) Common stock effectively outstanding – December 31 26,176,506 26,831,069 During 2020 the company purchased for cancellation 343,871 subordinate voting shares (2019 - 249,361) under the terms of its normal course issuer bids at a cost of $100.9 (2019 - $118.0), of which $15.7 (2019 - $56.2) was charged to retained earnings. Subsequent to December 31, 2020 and up to March 4, 2021 the company purchased for cancellation 137,923 subordinate voting shares under the terms of its normal course issuer bid at a cost of $57.2. During 2020 the company purchased for treasury 457,603 subordinate voting shares at a cost of $137.9 (2019 - 229,189 subordinate voting shares at a cost of $104.4) on the open market for use in its share-based payment awards. Subsequent to December 31, 2020 and up to March 4, 2021 the company purchased for treasury 42,197 subordinate voting shares at a cost of $17.4 on the open market for use in its share-based payment awards. Dividends paid by the company on its outstanding multiple voting and subordinate voting shares were as follows: Date of declaration Date of record Date of payment Dividend per share Total cash payment January 5, 2021 January 21, 2021 January 28, 2021 $10.00 $272.1 January 3, 2020 January 17, 2020 January 28, 2020 $10.00 $275.7 January 3, 2019 January 18, 2019 January 28, 2019 $10.00 $278.0 Preferred stock The terms of the company's cumulative five-year rate reset preferred shares at December 31, 2020 were as follows: Next possible redemption and conversion date (1)(2) Number of shares outstanding (3) Carrying value (3) Stated capital (3) Liquidation preference per share Fixed dividend rate per annum Floating dividend rate per annum (4) Series C December 31, 2024 7,515,642 $ 170.8 Cdn $ 187.9 Cdn $ 25.00 4.71 % — Series D December 31, 2024 2,484,358 $ 56.4 Cdn $ 62.1 Cdn $ 25.00 — 3.26 % Series E March 31, 2025 5,440,132 $ 124.5 Cdn $ 136.0 Cdn $ 25.00 3.18 % — Series F March 31, 2025 2,099,046 $ 48.1 Cdn $ 52.5 Cdn $ 25.00 — 2.27 % Series G September 30, 2025 7,719,843 $ 182.1 Cdn $ 193.0 Cdn $ 25.00 2.96 % — Series H September 30, 2025 2,280,157 $ 53.8 Cdn $ 57.0 Cdn $ 25.00 — 2.67 % Series I December 31, 2025 10,420,101 $ 250.5 Cdn $ 260.5 Cdn $ 25.00 3.33 % — Series J December 31, 2025 1,579,899 $ 38.0 Cdn $ 39.5 Cdn $ 25.00 — 2.96 % Series K March 31, 2022 9,500,000 $ 231.7 Cdn $ 237.5 Cdn $ 25.00 4.67 % — Series M March 31, 2025 9,200,000 $ 179.6 Cdn $ 230.0 Cdn $ 25.00 5.00 % — $ 1,335.5 Cdn $ 1,456.0 (1) Fixed and floating rate cumulative preferred shares are redeemable by the company at each stated redemption date and on each subsequent five-year anniversary date at Cdn$25.00 per share. (2) Holders of Series C, Series E, Series G, Series I, Series K and Series M fixed rate cumulative preferred shares will have the option to convert their shares into Series D, Series F, Series H, Series J, Series L and Series N floating rate cumulative preferred shares respectively, at the specified conversion dates, and on each subsequent five-year anniversary date. Holders of Series D, Series F, Series H and Series J floating rate cumulative preferred shares will have the option to convert their shares into Series C, Series E, Series G and Series I fixed rate cumulative preferred shares respectively, at the specified conversion dates, and on each subsequent five-year anniversary date. (3) For each series of preferred shares, the number of shares outstanding, carrying value and stated capital have remained consistent at January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 except for the conversions described below. (4) The Series D, Series F, Series H, and Series J preferred shares, and the Series L and Series N preferred shares (of which none are currently issued), have a floating dividend rate equal to the three-month Government of Canada treasury bill yield plus 3.15%, 2.16%, 2.56%, 2.85%, 3.51% and 3.98% respectively, with rate resets at the end of each calendar quarter. On December 31, 2020 there was a net conversion of 45,452 Series I floating rate cumulative preferred shares with an aggregate carrying value of $1.1 and stated capital of Cdn$1.1 into an equal number of Series J fixed rate cumulative preferred shares. On September 30, 2020 there was a net conversion of 286,891 Series H floating rate cumulative preferred shares with an aggregate carrying value of $6.8 and stated capital of Cdn$7.2 into an equal number of Series G fixed rate cumulative preferred shares. On March 31, 2020 there was a net conversion of 1,472,998 Series F floating rate cumulative preferred shares with an aggregate carrying value of $33.7 and stated capital of Cdn$36.8 into an equal number of Series E fixed rate cumulative preferred shares. On December 31, 2019 there was a net conversion of 1,499,258 Series D floating rate cumulative preferred shares with an aggregate carrying value of $34.1 and stated capital of Cdn$37.5 into an equal number of Series C fixed rate cumulative preferred shares. During 2020 the company paid preferred share dividends of $44.0 (2019 - $45.8). Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax was comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Pre-tax (Provision for) recovery of income tax After-tax Pre-tax (Provision for) recovery of income tax After-tax Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings Foreign currency translation losses (550.8) 12.2 (538.6) (423.4) 1.4 (422.0) Share of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans 43.7 (12.3) 31.4 (79.3) (2.4) (81.7) (507.1) (0.1) (507.2) (502.7) (1.0) (503.7) Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings Net losses on defined benefit plans (214.9) 54.7 (160.2) (147.7) 36.2 (111.5) Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates (159.1) 18.2 (140.9) (120.9) 15.1 (105.8) Other (0.8) 10.1 9.3 (0.8) 10.1 9.3 (374.8) 83.0 (291.8) (269.4) 61.4 (208.0) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax (881.9) 82.9 (799.0) (772.1) 60.4 (711.7) Non-controlling interests Details of non-controlling interests as at and for the years ended December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Domicile Voting percentage (8) Carrying value Voting percentage (8) Carrying value 2020 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Allied World (1) Bermuda 29.1 % 1,329.0 29.9 % 1,256.3 106.6 88.1 Brit (2) U.K. — 121.7 10.7 % 197.4 (10.9) 15.8 All other (3) — — 381.1 — 90.9 10.9 4.3 1,831.8 1,544.6 106.6 108.2 Non-insurance companies Fairfax India (4) Canada 6.6 % 1,130.9 6.2 % 1,117.2 (29.4) 59.0 Recipe (5) Canada 38.9 % 447.7 38.4 % 437.5 (48.4) 28.5 Dexterra Group (6) Canada 51.0 % 121.4 — — 11.4 — Thomas Cook India India 33.1 % 69.4 33.1 % 93.8 (23.5) (186.2) Fairfax Africa (7) Canada — — 1.5 % 195.6 (161.1) (41.4) All other — — 69.5 — 140.4 (36.6) (1.0) 1,838.9 1,984.5 (287.6) (141.1) 3,670.7 3,529.1 (181.0) (32.9) (1) On April 30, 2020 Allied World paid a dividend of $126.4 (April 29, 2019 - $126.4) to its minority shareholders (OMERS, AIMCo and others). On June 30, 2020 Allied World received a capital contribution from the company of $100.0 primarily to support its underwriting plans, which increased the company’s ownership interest in Allied World to 70.9% from 70.1% at December 31, 2019. During 2019 Allied World redomesticated from Switzerland to Bermuda. (2) On April 9, 2020 Brit paid a dividend of $20.6 (April 29, 2019 - $20.6) to its minority shareholder (OMERS). The decrease in carrying value of Brit's non-controlling interests during 2020 primarily reflected the company's acquisition of the remaining shares of Brit that it did not already own on August 28, 2020 from Brit's minority shareholder (OMERS) for cash consideration of $220.0, inclusive of an accrued dividend paid of $13.6 on the shares purchased, partially offset by a third party's investment of $124.4 in Brit's newly formed subsidiary Ki Insurance, a fully digital and algorithmically-driven Lloyd’s of London syndicate that commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2020. Subsequent to December 31, 2020 the company entered into an agreement to sell an approximate 14% equity interest in Brit to OMERS as described in note 23. (3) Principally related to Fairfax consolidated internal investment funds held by the company's associates RiverStone Barbados and Eurolife. The increase in carrying value during 2020 primarily reflected the deconsolidation of European Run-off and its holdings in those funds as described in note 23. (4) The carrying value of Fairfax India's non-controlling interests increased modestly during 2020, primarily reflecting the deconsolidation of European Run-off and its investment in Fairfax India ($91.8) as described in note 23, partially offset by the non-controlling interests' share of Fairfax India's net loss ($29.4), the impact of share repurchases ($29.1) and the weakening of the Indian rupee relative to the U.S. dollar ($23.5). Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests of Fairfax India in 2019 primarily reflected the non-controlling interests' 66.2% share of Fairfax India's share of a spin-off distribution gain at IIFL Holdings on May 31, 2019. (5) The carrying value of Recipe's non-controlling interests increased modestly during 2020, primarily reflecting the deconsolidation of European Run-off and its investment in Recipe ($54.1) as described in note 23 and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar ($10.9), partially offset by the non-controlling interests' share of Recipe's net loss ($48.4). (6) The company acquired Horizon North (subsequently renamed "Dexterra Group") on May 29, 2020 as described in note 23. (7) Fairfax Africa was deconsolidated on December 8, 2020 as described in note 23. The non-controlling interests' share of Fairfax Africa's net loss ($161.1) during 2020 included the net loss on deconsolidation of Fairfax Africa ($33.2). (8) Non-controlling interests voting percentages are consistent with economic ownership in each subsidiary at December 31, 2020 except for Fairfax India and Recipe whose non-controlling interest economic ownership were 72.0% and 59.8% (December 31, 2019 - 66.2% and 52.1%). At December 31, 2019 Fairfax Africa's non-controlling interest economic ownership was 38.0%. Other net changes in capitalization The impact on retained earnings and non-controlling interests of certain capital transactions and changes in ownership interests of the company's consolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are included in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity as shown in the table below. See note 23 and under the heading "Non-controlling interests" earlier in this note for details of those transactions. 2020 2019 Retained earnings Non-controlling interests Retained earnings Non-controlling interests Third party's investment in Brit's newly formed subsidiary Ki Insurance — 124.4 — — Dividends paid to co-investors in Allied World and Brit (107.2) 107.2 (104.1) 104.1 Eurolife's investment in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund (note 6) — 93.7 — 22.1 Boat Rocker issuance of preferred shares — — — 20.0 Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa share repurchases 1.4 (32.1) 1.7 (31.8) Acquisition of Brit's non-controlling interest (17.8) (189.6) — — Thomas Cook India's spin-off of its investment in Quess — — — (147.2) Purchase of multiple voting shares from Recipe's non-controlling interests and Recipe's share repurchases 0.1 (0.3) (15.5) (105.5) Other 7.0 7.0 8.8 6.6 As presented in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity (116.5) 110.3 (109.1) (131.7)

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings per share [abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Net earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average common shares outstanding as follows: 2020 2019 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax 218.4 2,004.1 Preferred share dividends (44.0) (45.8) Net earnings attributable to common shareholders – basic and diluted 174.4 1,958.3 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 26,446,939 26,901,184 Share-based payment awards 1,273,250 1,159,352 Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 27,720,189 28,060,536 Net earnings per common share – basic $6.59 $72.80 Net earnings per common share – diluted $6.29 $69.79

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 were comprised as follows: 2020 2019 Current income tax: Current year expense 172.6 175.0 Adjustments to prior years’ income taxes (23.8) 2.7 148.8 177.7 Deferred income tax: Origination and reversal of temporary differences 51.1 87.5 Adjustments to prior years' deferred income taxes 15.4 (17.1) Other (8.6) 13.4 57.9 83.8 Provision for income taxes 206.7 261.5 A significant portion of the company's earnings or losses before income taxes may be earned or incurred outside of Canada. The statutory income tax rates for jurisdictions outside of Canada generally differ from the Canadian statutory income tax rate, and may be significantly higher or lower. The company’s earnings (loss) before income taxes by jurisdiction and the associated provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table: 2020 2019 Canada (1) U.S. (2) U.K. (3) Other (4) Total Canada (1) U.S. (2) U.K. (3) Other (4) Total Earnings (loss) before income taxes 212.6 (110.8) (221.4) 363.7 244.1 183.4 848.0 244.7 956.6 2,232.7 Provision for income taxes 121.0 31.4 5.7 48.6 206.7 79.3 23.5 24.0 134.7 261.5 Net earnings (loss) 91.6 (142.2) (227.1) 315.1 37.4 104.1 824.5 220.7 821.9 1,971.2 (1) Includes Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa (deconsolidated on December 8, 2020). (2) Principally comprised of Crum & Forster, Zenith National, Odyssey Group (notwithstanding that certain operations of Odyssey Group conduct business outside of the U.S.), U.S. Run-off and other associated holding company results. (3) Principally comprised of Brit, European Run-off (deconsolidated on March 31, 2020) and other associated holding company results. (4) Includes primarily companies in India, Asia, Europe (excluding the U.K.) and Allied World (the majority of Allied World's net earnings (loss) is sourced from outside the U.S. and the U.K. ). Increased pre-tax profitability i n Canada i n 2020 compared to 2019 primarily reflected improved net gains on investments and underwriting profit, partially offset by lower pre-tax profitability in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment resulting from COVID-19 impacts on the underlying operations. Decreased pre-tax profitability i n the U.S. i n 2020 compared to 2019 primarily reflected net losses on investment in 2020 compared to net gains on investments in 2019 due to significant declines in global financial markets related to the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by improved underwriting performance. Decreased pre-tax profitability i n the U.K. i n 2020 compared to 2019 primarily reflected underwriting losses at Brit in 2020 principally related to COVID-19 losses and an increase in current period catastrophe losses . D ecreased pre-tax profitability i n Other i n 2020 compared to 2019 primarily reflected decreased net gains on investments due COVID-19 impacts on global financial markets. Reconciliations of the provision for income taxes calculated at the Canadian statutory income tax rate to the provision for income taxes at the effective tax rate in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table: 2020 2019 Canadian statutory income tax rate 26.5 % 26.5 % Provision for income taxes at the Canadian statutory income tax rate 64.7 591.7 Non-taxable investment income (108.3) (56.6) Tax rate differential on income and losses outside Canada 5.2 (209.5) Change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences 172.8 (90.7) Change in tax rate for deferred income taxes (5.7) 0.5 Recovery relating to prior years (8.4) (14.4) Foreign exchange effect 40.9 (3.7) Other including permanent differences 45.5 44.2 Provision for income taxes 206.7 261.5 Non-taxable investment income of $108.3 in 2020 and $56.6 in 2019 were principally comprised of dividend income, non-taxable interest income, the 50% of net capital gains which are not taxable in Canada and share of profit of associates in certain jurisdictions. Non-taxable investment income in 2020 principally reflected the gain on deconsolidation of European Run-off, as described in note 23, that was not taxable in Canada or Barbados. The tax rate differential on income and losses outside Canada of $5.2 in 2020 principally related to losses tax-effected at lower rates at Brit and Fairfax Africa (deconsolidated on December 8, 2020), and in Barbados, partially offset by income taxed at lower rates at Allied World. The tax rate differential on income and losses outside Canada of $209.5 in 2019 principally related to income taxed at lower rates in the U.S. and Barbados, and at Fairfax India, Brit, and Allied World. The change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences of an income tax rate expense of $172.8 in 2020 principally related to unrecorded deferred tax assets in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. of $63.3, $54.7 and $53.9 respectively. The change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences of an income tax rate benefit of $90.7 in 2019 principally reflected the recognition of U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards of $104.0 that are expected to be utilized prior to expiration without incurring an equal amount of base erosion anti-abuse tax, partially offset by deferred tax assets in Canada of $13.8 that were not recorded, as it was not considered probable that those losses could be utilized. Other including permanent differences of $45.5 in 2020 principally reflected non-cash impairment charges on goodwill and intangible assets recorded by the Non-insurance companies reporting segment as described in note 12. Other including permanent differences of $44.2 in 2019 included $13.4 related to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded by Fairfax India. Income taxes refundable and payable were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Income taxes refundable 88.7 169.0 Income taxes payable (64.5) (78.4) Net income taxes refundable 24.2 90.6 Changes in net income taxes refundable during the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Balance - January 1 90.6 72.2 Amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings (148.8) (177.7) Payments made during the year 63.3 178.9 Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) (0.3) 6.7 Assets held for sale (note 23) — (17.1) Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — 29.6 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) 7.6 — Foreign exchange effect and other 11.8 (2.0) Balance - December 31 24.2 90.6 Changes in the net deferred income tax asset during the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Operating Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses Provision Deferred Intangible assets Investments Tax Other Total Balance - January 1 119.2 145.3 119.9 (96.9) (428.2) 128.0 211.0 177.6 375.9 Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings 105.0 22.5 21.8 (19.3) 37.9 (110.8) (36.0) (79.0) (57.9) Amounts recorded in total equity 0.4 — — — — 0.6 — 25.1 26.1 Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) (0.1) — — — — — 0.1 6.0 6.0 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) (0.5) — — — — — — 2.3 1.8 Foreign exchange effect and other 12.3 1.0 — 0.1 0.8 6.1 (0.3) (14.4) 5.6 Balance - December 31 236.3 168.8 141.7 (116.1) (389.5) 23.9 174.8 117.6 357.5 2019 Operating Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses Provision Deferred Intangible assets Investments Tax Other Total Balance - January 1 107.4 134.7 96.8 (81.1) (419.6) 314.9 118.9 225.9 497.9 Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings (11.7) 8.8 23.1 (16.0) 28.3 (181.0) 92.5 (27.8) (83.8) Amounts recorded in total equity 2.5 — — — — (11.4) — 35.3 26.4 Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) 22.9 — — — (29.5) — — (58.3) (64.9) Assets held for sale (note 23) — — — — — 0.8 — (3.0) (2.2) Foreign exchange effect and other (1.9) 1.8 — 0.2 (7.4) 4.7 (0.4) 5.5 2.5 Balance - December 31 119.2 145.3 119.9 (96.9) (428.2) 128.0 211.0 177.6 375.9 Management expects that the deferred income tax asset will be realized in the normal course of operations. The most significant temporary differences included in the net deferred income tax asset at December 31, 2020 related to operating and capital losses, tax credits, provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses, provision for unearned premiums and investments (related primarily to net unrealized investment losses in the U.S.), partially offset by a deferred income tax liability related to intangible assets and deferred premium acquisition costs. In these consolidated financial statements, investment gains and losses are primarily recognized on a mark-to-market basis but are only recognized for income tax when realized (particularly in the U.S. and several other jurisdictions). The provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses is recorded on an undiscounted basis in these consolidated financial statements but is recorded on a discounted basis in certain jurisdictions for income tax, resulting in temporary differences. Deferred income tax liabilities on intangible assets primarily relate to intangible assets recognized on acquisitions (principally Allied World, Recipe and Brit) that are typically not deductible in the determination of income taxes payable. The deferred income tax asset related to operating and capital losses arises primarily at the U.S. Tax Group, Brit, Northbridge, AGT and Fairfax Latam. Tax credits are primarily in the U.S. and relate to foreign taxes paid that will reduce U.S. taxes payable in the future. Other deferred taxes include temporary differences related to pensions, and premises and equipment principally at the Non-insurance companies reporting segment.

Statutory Requirements

Statutory Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Statutory Requirements [Abstract]
Statutory Requirements	Statutory Requirements The retained earnings of the company are largely represented by retained earnings at the company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Those subsidiaries are subject to certain requirements and restrictions under their respective insurance company Acts including minimum capital requirements and dividend restrictions. The company's capital requirements and management thereof are discussed in note 24. The company's share of dividends paid in 2020 by the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, which are eliminated on consolidation, was $239.7 (2019 - $282.3). Based on the surplus and net earnings (loss) of the primary insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020, the maximum dividend capacity available in 2021 at each of those subsidiaries, payable to all shareholders (including non-controlling interests) is as follows: December 31, 2020 Allied World 809.3 Odyssey Group 362.4 Northbridge (1) 175.2 Crum & Forster (1) 151.9 Zenith National 52.2 1,551.0 (1) Subject to prior regulatory approval. When determining the amount of dividends to be paid from its insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, the company considers regulatory capital requirements, and also rating agency capital tests, future capital levels required to support growth and tax planning matters, among other factors. In addition, the co-investors in Allied World have a dividend in priority to the company. During 2020 the company provided $1,381.4 of cash and marketable securities in capital support to its subsidiaries, all to its insurance and reinsurance companies to support growth in a favourable pricing environment and to support fluctuations in their investment portfolios from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Provisions, Contingent Liabilities And Contingent Assets [Abstract]
Contingencies and Commitments	Contingencies and Commitments Lawsuits On July 26, 2006 Fairfax filed a lawsuit seeking $6 billion in damages from a number of defendants who, the complaint (as subsequently amended) alleges, participated in a stock market manipulation scheme involving Fairfax shares. The complaint, filed in Superior Court, Morris County, New Jersey, alleges violations of various state laws, including the New Jersey Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, pursuant to which treble damages may be available. On September 12, 2012, before trial, and consequently without having heard or made any determination on the facts, the Court dismissed the lawsuit on legal grounds. In October 2012 Fairfax filed an appeal of this dismissal, as it believes that the legal basis for the dismissal is incorrect. On April 27, 2017, the appeals court issued a decision reinstating certain claims but affirming the dismissal of the major portion of the claims. On July 10, 2017, Fairfax filed with the New Jersey Supreme Court a petition for certification of the appeal court’s decision. On October 20, 2017, that petition was denied by the court. The case allowed then moved ahead to a trial, which took place in September and October 2018. Prior to the trial, Fairfax agreed, in exchange for the receipt of a payment of $20.0, to resolve its claims against Morgan Keegan & Company, Incorporated; that payment was received in September 2018. At the trial, the jury awarded Fairfax and its Crum & Forster subsidiary damages of $10.9 against Exis Capital Management and related Exis companies, Adam Sender and Andrew Heller, including punitive damages of $3.0 against Exis, $2.25 against Mr. Sender and $0.25 against Mr. Heller, although the court subsequently relieved Messrs. Sender and Heller of any liability for damages. Fairfax intends to appeal this relief to Messrs. Sender and Heller, and to continue to pursue its remaining claims against other defendants in the lawsuit by way of appeals against previous court decisions. The ultimate outcome of any litigation is uncertain. The financial effects, if any, of this lawsuit cannot be practicably determined at this time, and the company’s consolidated financial statements include no anticipated recovery from the lawsuit, except for the receipt of the $20.0 payment in 2018 as described above. Other Subsidiaries of the company, in the ordinary course of their business, are or may be anticipated to be defendants, or named as third parties, in damage suits. The uninsured exposure to the company is not considered to be material to the company's financial position, financial performance or cash flows. Odyssey Group, Brit and Allied World (“the Lloyd's participants”) underwrite in the Lloyd's of London insurance market through their participation in certain Lloyd's syndicates. The Lloyd's participants have pledged cash and cash equivalents of $27.9 and securities with a fair value of $1,666.5 at December 31, 2020 as capital to support those underwriting activities. Pledged securities primarily consist of short term investments, bonds and equity investments presented within portfolio investments on the consolidated balance sheet. The Lloyd's participants have the ability to substitute other securities for these pledged securities, subject to certain admissibility criteria. The Lloyd's participants' liability in respect of assets pledged as capital is limited to the aggregate amount of the pledged assets and their obligation to support these liabilities will continue until such liabilities are settled or are reinsured by a third party approved by Lloyd's. The company believes that the syndicates for which the Lloyd's participants are capital providers maintain sufficient liquidity and financial resources to support their ultimate liabilities and does not anticipate that the pledged assets will be utilized. The company's maximum capital commitments for potential investments in common stocks, limited partnerships, associates and joint ventures at December 31, 2020 was $878.2.

Pensions and Post Retirement Be

Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Pension And Post Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits	Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits The funded status of the company's defined benefit pension and post retirement plans at December 31 were as follows: Defined benefit Defined benefit post retirement plans 2020 2019 2020 2019 Benefit obligation (914.8) (789.4) (89.2) (125.4) Fair value of plan assets 700.9 605.8 — — Funded status of plans - deficit (213.9) (183.6) (89.2) (125.4) Impact of asset ceiling — 0.3 — — Net accrued liability (1) (213.9) (183.3) (89.2) (125.4) Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 2.2 % 3.0 % 2.6 % 3.3 % Rate of compensation increase 2.6 % 2.6 % 3.4 % 3.6 % Health care cost trend — — 3.5 % 4.5 % (1) The defined benefit pension plan net accrued liability at December 31, 2020 of $213.9 (December 31, 2019 - $183.3) was comprised of pension deficits of $262.7, partially offset by pension surpluses of $48.8 (December 31, 2019 - $235.2, partially offset by $51.9). See notes 13 and 14. Pension and post retirement benefit expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Defined benefit pension plan expense 24.3 18.8 Defined contribution pension plan expense 53.7 53.1 Defined benefit post retirement plan expense (recovery) (1) (39.8) 8.4 38.2 80.3 (1) During 2020 Odyssey Group amended its post retirement plan which resulted in a recovery of $48.5. Pre-tax actuarial net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 were comprised as follows: 2020 2019 Defined benefit pension plans Actuarial net gains on plan assets and change in asset ceiling 17.6 18.8 Actuarial net losses on benefit obligations (101.5) (109.9) (83.9) (91.1) Defined benefit post retirement plans - actuarial net losses on benefit obligations (4.4) (8.0) (88.3) (99.1) During 2020 the company contributed $80.3 (2019 - $36.8) to its defined benefit pension and post retirement plans, and expects to contribute $26.1 in 2021.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases1 [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Changes in the company's right-of-use assets for the year ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Balance - January 1 385.4 635.2 1,020.6 418.9 632.5 1,051.4 Additions 81.5 100.6 182.1 59.9 73.2 133.1 Disposals (3.1) (19.9) (23.0) (8.3) (1.6) (9.9) Depreciation (2) (68.9) (118.0) (186.9) (69.3) (109.4) (178.7) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) — 20.1 20.1 4.4 16.2 20.6 Assets held for sale (note 23) — — — (22.9) — (22.9) Foreign exchange effect and othe r (3) 1.2 (6.1) (4.9) 2.7 24.3 27.0 Balance - December 31 (note 13) 396.1 611.9 1,008.0 385.4 635.2 1,020.6 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other. (2) Recorded in operating expenses and other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. (3) Includes non-cash impairment charges of $18.2 (2019 - $0.9), principally related to COVID-19 in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment. The maturity profile of the company’s lease liabilities was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total One year or less 78.7 212.9 291.6 78.0 209.4 287.4 One to two years 72.5 179.6 252.1 72.0 193.1 265.1 Two to three years 64.3 152.0 216.3 63.2 163.8 227.0 Three to four years 56.5 128.7 185.2 54.7 136.5 191.2 Four to five years 50.6 110.6 161.2 48.8 115.6 164.4 More than five years 213.4 373.0 586.4 240.8 428.5 669.3 Lease liabilities, undiscounted 536.0 1,156.8 1,692.8 557.5 1,246.9 1,804.4 Lease liabilities, discounted (note 14) 456.8 995.3 1,452.1 434.3 1,062.1 1,496.4 Weighted average incremental borrowing rate 4.2 % 4.5 % 4.4 % 4.6 % 4.6 % 4.6 % During 2020 the company recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings interest expense on lease liabilities of $62.8 (2019 - $67.8) (note 15), and short-term, low value and other lease costs of $46.5 (2019 - $78.0 ) that included the benefit of COVID-19 lease concessions of $14.9 primarily in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment (note 26). The maturity profile of the company’s finance lease receivables was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total One year or less 1.8 65.4 67.2 1.7 72.0 73.7 One to two years 1.8 59.3 61.1 1.7 66.9 68.6 Two to three years 1.6 49.6 51.2 1.8 59.3 61.1 Three to four years 0.7 42.0 42.7 1.6 49.6 51.2 Four to five years 0.7 35.6 36.3 0.7 41.4 42.1 More than five years 3.4 90.5 93.9 4.0 130.2 134.2 Finance lease receivables, undiscounted 10.0 342.4 352.4 11.5 419.4 430.9 Unearned finance income 1.5 45.5 47.0 2.7 52.3 55.0 Finance lease receivables (note 13) 8.5 296.9 305.4 8.8 367.1 375.9 During 2020 the company recognized on finance lease receivables interest revenue of $14.1 (2019 - $14.7) in other revenue and COVID-19 related non-cash impairment charges in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment of $11.1 (2019 - nil) in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations1 [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures Subsequent to December 31, 2020 Sale of non-controlling interest in Brit On February 10, 2021 the company entered into an agreement pursuant to which OMERS, the pension plan for Ontario’s municipal employees, will acquire an approximate 14% equity interest in Brit for cash consideration of approximately $375. Closing of the transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals and is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2021. After closing, the company will have the ability to repurchase OMERS’ interest in Brit over time. Sale of RiverStone Barbados to CVC Capital Partners On December 2, 2020 the company entered into an agreement with CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”) whereby CVC will acquire 100% of RiverStone (Barbados) Ltd. ("RiverStone Barbados"). OMERS, the pension plan for Ontario’s municipal employees, will sell its 40.0% joint venture interest in RiverStone Barbados as part of the transaction. On closing the company expects to receive proceeds of approximately $730 for its 60.0% joint venture interest in RiverStone Barbados and a contingent value instrument for potential future proceeds of up to $235.7. Closing of the transaction is subject to various regulatory approvals and is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2021. Pursuant to the agreement with CVC, prior to closing the company entered into an arrangement with RiverStone Barbados to purchase (unless sold earlier) certain investments owned by RiverStone Barbados at a fixed price of approximately $1.2 billion prior to the end of 2022. Year ended December 31, 2020 Fairfax Africa transaction with Helios Holdings Limited On December 8, 2020 Helios Holdings Limited ("Helios") acquired a 45.9% voting and equity interest in Fairfax Africa in exchange for contributing its entitlement to cash flows from certain fee streams. Upon closing Helios was appointed sole investment advisor to Fairfax Africa and its co-founders were appointed as Co-Chief Executive Officers, resulting in Fairfax no longer being able to exercise control over Fairfax Africa. Fairfax Africa was subsequently renamed Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation ("HFP") and continues to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Prior to closing, in an intercompany transaction on December 7, 2020 the holding company acquired Fairfax Africa's 42.3% equity interest in Atlas Mara for consideration of $40.0 , guaranteed the repayment obligations of Atlas Mara's $40.0 secured borrowing with Fairfax Africa, and provided other guarantees of $19.7. At closing the company deconsolidated Fairfax Africa from the Non-insurance companies reporting segment, recognized its 32.3% equity interest in HFP as an associate and recorded a loss of $61.5 in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings, inclusive of foreign currency translation losses of $26.9 that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The pre-tax loss of $61.5 reflected a partial reversal of the initial impairment loss of $164.0 recorded in the third quarter of 2020 when Fairfax Africa was classified as held for sale, due to an increase in Fairfax Africa's market traded share price from $2.96 at September 30, 2020 to $3.92 at closing. Subsequent to December 31, 2020 the company entered into a subscription agreement for HFP debentures and warrants as described in note 6. HFP is an investment holding company whose investment objective is to achieve long term capital appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities and debt instruments in Africa and African businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, Africa. Acquisition of Horizon North Logistics On May 29, 2020 Horizon North Logistics Inc. ("Horizon North") legally acquired 100% of Dexterra by issuing common shares to the company representing a 49.0% equity interest in Horizon North. The company obtained de facto voting control of Horizon North as its largest equity and voting shareholder and accounted for the transaction as a reverse acquisition of Horizon North by Dexterra. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of Horizon North were consolidated in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment. Horizon North, which was subsequently renamed Dexterra Group Inc. ("Dexterra Group"), is a Canadian publicly listed corporation that provides a range of industrial services and modular construction solutions. Contribution of European Run-off to a joint venture On March 31, 2020 the company contributed its wholly owned European run-off group ("European Run-off") to RiverStone (Barbados) Ltd. (“RiverStone Barbados”), a newly created joint venture entity, for cash proceeds of $599.5 and a 60.0% equity interest in RiverStone Barbados with a fair value of $605.0. OMERS, the pension plan for municipal employees in the province of Ontario, contemporaneously subscribed for a 40.0% equity interest for cash consideration of $599.5, based on the fair value of European Run-off at December 31, 2019 pursuant to a subscription agreement on December 20, 2019, and entered into a shareholders' agreement with the company to jointly direct the relevant activities of RiverStone Barbados. At closing on March 31, 2020, the company deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of European Run-off from assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet respectively, which included European Run-off's unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $377.8, and commenced applying the equity method of accounting to its joint venture interest in RiverStone Barbados. The company recorded a pre-tax gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary of $117.1 in the consolidated statement of earnings, comprised of a gain of $243.4 on the disposal of 40.0% of European Run-off and a gain of $35.6 on remeasurement to fair value at the closing date of the 60.0% of European Run-off retained, partially offset by foreign currency translation losses of $161.9 that were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statement of earnings. The deconsolidation of European Run-off increased the company's non-controlling interests by $340.4 at March 31, 2020 as RiverStone Barbados holds investments in certain of the company's subsidiaries as described in note 16. As the agreement to contribute European Run-off to a joint venture was entered into prior to December 31, 2019, the assets and liabilities of European Run-off were presented on the company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 in assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale as follows: December 31, 2019 European Run-off Intercompany reinsurance (1) Consolidation adjustments (1) As presented on the consolidated balance sheet Assets held for sale: Insurance contract receivables 53.1 8.2 — 61.3 Portfolio investments (2) 2,688.7 — (313.4) 2,375.3 Deferred premium acquisition costs 1.9 (0.2) — 1.7 Recoverable from reinsurers 642.0 (382.0) — 260.0 Deferred income taxes 2.2 — — 2.2 Other assets 351.2 — (266.1) 85.1 3,739.1 (374.0) (579.5) 2,785.6 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 77.6 — (10.5) 67.1 Derivative obligations 2.0 — — 2.0 Insurance contract payables 49.5 (11.7) — 37.8 Insurance contract liabilities 2,340.7 (503.9) — 1,836.8 Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies 91.4 — — 91.4 2,561.2 (515.6) (10.5) 2,035.1 (1) Primarily reflects reinsurance with Wentworth and investments in Fairfax subsidiaries. (2) Includes cash and cash equivalents of $283.7. See note 27. Year ended December 31, 2019 Acquisition of Universalna On November 5, 2019 the company transferred its investment in ARX Insurance (described below) into Limited Liability Company FFH Ukraine Holdings ("Fairfax Ukraine"), a newly formed subsidiary. On November 6, 2019 Fairfax Ukraine completed the acquisition of Private Joint Stock Company Insurance Company Universalna ("Universalna"), a property and casualty insurance company in Ukraine. Purchase consideration for Universalna was comprised of cash of $4.6 and the transfer of a 30.0% equity interest in Fairfax Ukraine to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of Fairfax Ukraine were consolidated in the Insurance and Reinsurance - Other reporting segment. Merger of Grivalia Properties REIC and Eurobank Ergasias S.A. On May 17, 2019 Grivalia Properties REIC ("Grivalia Properties") merged into Eurobank Ergasias S.A. (“Eurobank”), as a result of which shareholders of Grivalia Properties, including the company, received 15.8 newly issued Eurobank shares in exchange for each share of Grivalia Properties. Accordingly, the company deconsolidated Grivalia Properties from the Non-insurance companies reporting segment, recognized a non-cash gain of $171.3 and reduced non-controlling interests by $466.2. In connection with the merger, Grivalia Properties had paid a pre-merger capital dividend of €0.42 per share on February 5, 2019. The company owned approximately 53% of Grivalia Properties and 18% of Eurobank prior to the merger, and owned 32.4% of Eurobank upon completion of the merger. The company has presented its investment in Eurobank of $1,164.4 at December 31, 2019 as an investment in associate whereas it was previously presented as a common stock at FVTPL as described in note 3. Eurobank is a financial services provider in Greece and is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Privatization of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. On April 17, 2019 AGT Food & Ingredients Inc. (“AGT”) completed a management-led privatization for Cdn$18.00 per common share. The buying group, comprised of the company, AGT management and other co-investors, acquired through a newly formed subsidiary of the company ("Purchase Co.") all AGT common shares not already owned by the buying group for cash consideration of $226.5 (Cdn$301.8), resulting in the company acquiring a 69.9% controlling equity interest in AGT upon closing and effectively settling the company’s pre-existing interests in AGT's preferred shares and warrants at fair value. Contemporaneously with the acquisition of AGT, Purchase Co. acquired the company's preferred shares and the remaining common shares of AGT held by the buying group in exchange for its own common shares which diluted the company’s interest in AGT to 59.6%, with AGT management and other co-investors owning the remainder. Purchase Co. and AGT subsequently amalgamated and the amalgamated entity was renamed AGT. The company holds warrants that, if exercised, would increase its equity interest in AGT to approximately 80%. The preferred shares were subsequently canceled and the warrants are eliminated on consolidation of AGT. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of AGT were consolidated in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment. AGT is a supplier of pulses, staple foods and food ingredients. Acquisition of AXA operations in Ukraine On February 14, 2019 the company completed the acquisition of the insurance operations of AXA in Ukraine (subsequently renamed ARX Insurance Company ("ARX Insurance")) for purchase consideration of $17.4. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of ARX Insurance were consolidated in the Insurance and Reinsurance - Other reporting segment. Additional investment in Consolidated Infrastructure Group On January 4, 2019 Fairfax Africa acquired an additional 41.2% equity interest in Consolidated Infrastructure Group ("CIG") for $44.9 (628.3 million South African rand) which increased its total equity interest in CIG to 49.1%. Fairfax Africa has de facto control of CIG as its largest shareholder, and as an owner of currently exercisable CIG convertible debentures that would provide majority voting control if converted. CIG is a pan-African engineering infrastructure company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of CIG were consolidated in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment.

Financial Risk Management

Financial Risk Management	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [abstract]
Financial Risk Management	Financial Risk Management Overview The primary goals of the company's financial risk management are to ensure that the outcomes of activities involving elements of risk are consistent with the company's objectives and risk tolerance, while maintaining an appropriate balance between risk and reward and protecting the company's consolidated balance sheet from events that have the potential to materially impair its financial strength. The company's exposure to potential loss from its insurance and reinsurance operations and investment activities primarily relates to underwriting risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and various market risks. Balancing risk and reward is achieved through identifying risk appropriately, aligning risk tolerances with business strategy, diversifying risk, pricing appropriately for risk, mitigating risk through preventive controls and transferring risk to third parties. There were no significant changes in the types of the company's risk exposures or the processes used by the company for managing those risk exposures at December 31, 2020 compared to those identified at December 31, 2019, except as discussed below. Financial risk management objectives are achieved through a two tiered system, with detailed risk management processes and procedures at the company's primary operating subsidiaries and its investment management subsidiary combined with the analysis of the company-wide aggregation and accumulation of risks at the holding company. In addition, although the company and its operating subsidiaries each have an officer with designated responsibility for risk management, the company regards each Chief Executive Officer as the chief risk officer of his or her company; each Chief Executive Officer is the individual ultimately responsible for risk management for his or her company and its subsidiaries. The company's Chief Operating Officer reports on risk considerations to the company's Executive Committee and provides a quarterly report on key risk exposures to the company's Board of Directors. The Executive Committee, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer, approves certain policies for overall risk management, as well as policies addressing specific areas such as investments, underwriting, catastrophe risk and reinsurance. The company's Investment Committee approves policies for the management of market risk (including currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk) and the use of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and monitors to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines and requirements. A discussion of the company's risks and the management of those risks is an agenda item for every regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. COVID-19 pandemic The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, which was declared by the World Health Organization to be a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and actions taken globally in response to COVID-19, have significantly disrupted business activities throughout the world. The company's businesses rely, to a certain extent, on free movement of goods, services, and capital from around the world, which has been significantly restricted as a result of COVID-19. Although the company was able to have its insurance businesses remain open during the pandemic, the businesses of many of the company’s insureds have been affected, resulting in increased counterparty risk. The company increased its leverage under its revolving credit facility as it added liquidity support for its insurance and reinsurance companies should it be needed during the pandemic. In addition, the company experienced losses on its equity investment portfolio as well as certain asset impairments, which impacted the company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020. Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, it is difficult to predict how significant the impact of COVID-19, including any responses to it, will be on the global economy and the company's businesses, investments and employees in particular, or for how long any disruptions are likely to continue. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, rapidly evolving and difficult to predict, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19 and additional actions which may be taken to contain COVID-19 including the distribution of vaccines, as well as the timing of the re-opening of the economy in various parts of the world. Such further developm ents could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The slowdown in the global economy as a result of COVID-19 has adversely affected the company's operating segments to varying degrees. Underwriting results in 2020 were negatively affected by COVID-19 losses, primarily from international business interruption exposures and event cancellation coverage, and the company expects its insurance and reinsurance operations to experience a reduction in premiums written in certain segments where premiums are directly or indirectly linked to economic activity. In addition, certain government officials, including U.S. state insurance commissioners, have taken actions to protect consumers and specified classes of workers from hardship caused by COVID-19 which in the aggregate may adversely affect the company's operating results in the near term. While it is likely that certain insurance and reinsurance lines of business may experience increased loss activity due to COVID-19, there are also many that will likely experience improved loss experience due to reduced exposures to loss. Certain of the company's non-insurance operations continue to experience reductions in revenue due to current economic conditions, particularly those in the restaurant, retail and hospitality sectors whose business volumes are directly linked to the re-opening of the economy in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on the company will not be fully known for many months, perhaps years. Underwriting Risk Underwriting risk is the risk that the total cost of claims, claims adjustment expenses, commissions and premium acquisition costs will exceed premiums received and can arise as a result of numerous factors, including pricing risk, reserving risk and catastrophe risk. As discussed in the preceding section, COVID-19 has increased uncertainty and may adversely affect the company's future underwriting results. There were no other significant changes to the company's exposure to underwriting risk, and there were no changes to the framework used to monitor, evaluate and manage underwriting risk at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019. Principal lines of business The company's principal insurance and reinsurance lines of business and the significant insurance risks inherent therein are as follows: • Property, which insures against losses to property from (among other things) fire, explosion, natural perils (for example, earthquake, windstorm and flood), terrorism and engineering problems (for example, boiler explosion, machinery breakdown and construction defects). Specific types of property risks underwritten by the company include automobile, commercial and personal property and crop; • Casualty, which insures against accidents (including workers' compensation and automobile) and also includes employers' liability, accident and health, medical malpractice, professional liability and umbrella coverage; and • Specialty, which insures against marine, aerospace and surety risk, and other various risks and liabilities that are not identified above. An analysis of net premiums earned by line of business is included in note 25. The table that follows shows the company's concentration of insurance risk by region and line of business based on gross premiums written prior to giving effect to ceded reinsurance premiums. The company's exposure to general insurance risk varies by geographic region and may change over time. Premiums ceded to reinsurers (including retrocessions) in 2020 by line of business was comprised of property of $1,470.7 (2019 - $1,471.5), casualty of $2,361.2 (2019 - $1,842.9) and specialty of $429.5 (2019 - $361.2). Canada United States Asia (1) International (2) Total For the years ended December 31 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Property 996.2 853.5 3,364.7 3,087.9 735.4 710.4 1,756.2 1,669.4 6,852.5 6,321.2 Casualty 899.1 805.4 7,812.8 6,903.4 446.6 411.6 1,279.4 1,424.6 10,437.9 9,545.0 Specialty 188.9 177.6 735.7 597.7 248.4 237.6 662.5 632.1 1,835.5 1,645.0 Total 2,084.2 1,836.5 11,913.2 10,589.0 1,430.4 1,359.6 3,698.1 3,726.1 19,125.9 17,511.2 Insurance 1,969.4 1,724.5 9,020.4 8,389.9 682.2 676.1 2,637.4 2,377.3 14,309.4 13,167.8 Reinsurance 114.8 112.0 2,892.8 2,199.1 748.2 683.5 1,060.7 1,348.8 4,816.5 4,343.4 2,084.2 1,836.5 11,913.2 10,589.0 1,430.4 1,359.6 3,698.1 3,726.1 19,125.9 17,511.2 (1) The Asia geographic segment is primarily comprised of countries located throughout Asia, including China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, and the Middle East. (2) The International geographic segment is primarily comprised of countries located in South America, Europe and Africa. Pricing risk Pricing risk arises because actual claims experience may differ adversely from the assumptions used in pricing insurance risk. Historically, the underwriting results of the property and casualty industry have fluctuated significantly due to the cyclicality of the insurance market. Market cycles are affected by the frequency and severity of losses, levels of capacity and demand, general economic conditions and competition on rates and terms of coverage. The operating companies focus on profitable underwriting using a combination of experienced underwriting and actuarial staff, pricing models and price adequacy monitoring tools. Reserving risk Reserving risk arises because actual claims experience may differ adversely from the assumptions used in setting reserves, in large part due to the length of time between the occurrence of a loss, the reporting of the loss to the insurer and the ultimate resolution of the claim. The degree of uncertainty will vary by line of business according to the characteristics of the insured risks, with the ultimate cost of a claim determined by the actual insured loss suffered by the policyholder. Claims provisions reflect expectations of the ultimate cost of resolution and administration of claims based on an assessment of facts and circumstances then known, a review of historical settlement patterns, estimates of trends in claims severities and frequencies, developing case law and other factors. The time required to learn of and settle claims is often referred to as the “tail” and is an important consideration in establishing the company's reserves. Short-tail claims are those for which losses are normally reported soon after the incident and are generally settled within months following the reported incident. This would include, for example, most property, automobile and marine and aerospace damage. Long-tail claims are considered by the company to be those that often take three years or more to develop and settle, such as asbestos, environmental pollution, workers' compensation and product liability. Information concerning the loss event and ultimate cost of a long-tail claim may not be readily available, making the reserving analysis of long-tail lines of business more difficult and subject to greater uncertainties than for short-tail lines of business. In the extreme cases, long-tail claims involving asbestos and environmental pollution, it may take upwards of 40 years to settle. The company employs specialized techniques to determine such provisions using the extensive knowledge of both internal and external asbestos and environmental pollution experts and legal advisors. The establishment of provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses is an inherently uncertain process that can be affected by internal factors such as: the risk in estimating loss development patterns based on historical data that may not be representative of future loss payment patterns; assumptions built on industry loss ratios or industry benchmark development patterns that may not reflect actual experience; the intrinsic risk as to the homogeneity of the underlying data used in carrying out the reserve analyses; and external factors such as trends relating to jury awards; economic inflation; medical cost inflation; worldwide economic conditions; tort reforms; court interpretations of coverage; the regulatory environment; underlying policy pricing; claims handling procedures; inclusion of exposures not contemplated at the time of policy inception; and significant changes in severity or frequency of losses relative to historical trends. Due to the amount of time between the occurrence of a loss, the actual reporting of the loss and the ultimate settlement of the claim, provisions may ultimately develop differently from the actuarial assumptions made when initially estimating the provision for losses. The diversity of insurance risk within the company's portfolio of issued policies makes it difficult to predict whether material prior year reserve development will occur and, if it does occur, the location and the timing of such an occurrence. Catastrophe risk Catastrophe risk arises from exposure to large losses caused by man-made or natural catastrophes that could result in significant underwriting losses. Weather-related catastrophe losses are also affected by climate change which increases the unpredictability of both frequency and severity of such losses. As the company does not establish reserves for catastrophes in advance of the occurrence of such events, these events may cause volatility in the levels of incurred losses and reserves, subject to the effects of reinsurance recoveries. This volatility may also be contingent upon political and legal developments after the occurrence of the event. The company evaluates potential catastrophic events and assesses the probability of occurrence and magnitude of these events predominantly through probable maximum loss ("PML") modeling techniques and through the aggregation of limits exposed. A wide range of events are simulated using the company's proprietary and commercial models, including single large events and multiple events spanning the numerous geographic regions in which the company assumes insurance risk. Each operating company has developed and applies strict underwriting guidelines for the amount of catastrophe exposure it may assume as a standalone entity for any one risk and location, and those guidelines are regularly monitored and updated. Operating companies also manage catastrophe exposure by diversifying risk across geographic regions, catastrophe types and other lines of business, factoring in levels of reinsurance protection, adjusting the amount of business written based on capital levels and adhering to risk tolerance guidelines. The company's head office aggregates catastrophe exposure company-wide and continually monitors the group's aggregate exposure. Independent exposure limits for each entity in the group are aggregated to produce an exposure limit for the group as there is presently no model capable of simultaneously projecting the magnitude and probability of loss in all geographic regions in which the company operates. Currently the company's objective is to limit its company-wide catastrophe loss exposure such that one year's aggregate pre-tax net catastrophe losses would not exceed one year's normalized net earnings before income taxes. The company takes a long term view and generally considers a 15% return on common shareholders' equity, adjusted to a pre-tax basis, to be representative of one year's normalized net earnings. The modeled probability of aggregate catastrophe losses in any one year exceeding this amount is generally more than once in every 250 years. Management of underwriting risk To manage exposure to underwriting risk, and the pricing, reserving and catastrophe risks contained therein, operating companies have established limits for underwriting authority and requirements for specific approvals of transactions involving new products or transactions involving existing products which exceed certain limits of size or complexity. The company's objective of operating with a prudent and stable underwriting philosophy with sound reserving is also achieved through the establishment of goals, delegation of authorities, financial monitoring, underwriting reviews and remedial actions to facilitate continuous improvement. The company's provision for claims is reviewed separately by, and must be acceptable to, internal actuaries at each operating company and the company's Chief Actuary. Additionally, independent actuaries are periodically engaged to review an operating company's reserves or reserves for certain lines of business. The company purchases reinsurance protection for risks assumed when it is considered prudent and cost effective to do so at the operating companies for specific exposures and, if needed, at the holding company for aggregate exposures. Steps are taken to actively reduce the volume of insurance and reinsurance underwritten on particular types of risks when the company desires to reduce its direct exposure due to inadequate pricing. As part of its overall risk management strategy, the company cedes insurance risk through proportional, non-proportional and facultative reinsurance treaties. With proportional reinsurance, the reinsurer shares a pro rata portion of the company's losses and premium, whereas with non-proportional reinsurance, the reinsurer assumes payment of the company's loss above a specified retention, subject to a limit. Facultative reinsurance is the reinsurance of individual risks as agreed by the company and the reinsurer. The company follows a policy of underwriting and reinsuring contracts of insurance and reinsurance which, depending on the type of contract, generally limits the liability of an operating company on any policy to a maximum amount on any one loss. Reinsurance decisions are made by operating companies to reduce and spread the risk of loss on insurance and reinsurance written, to limit multiple claims arising from a single occurrence and to protect capital resources. The amount of reinsurance purchased can vary among operating companies depending on the lines of business written, their respective capital resources and prevailing or expected market conditions. Reinsurance is generally placed on an excess of loss basis and written in several layers, the purpose of which is to limit the amount of one risk to a maximum amount acceptable to the company and to protect from losses on multiple risks arising from a single occurrence. This type of reinsurance includes what is generally referred to as catastrophe reinsurance. The company's reinsurance does not, however, relieve the company of its primary obligation to the policyholder. The majority of reinsurance contracts purchased by the company provide coverage for a one year term and are negotiated annually. The ability of the company to obtain reinsurance on terms and prices consistent with historical results reflects, among other factors, recent loss experience of the company and of the industry in general. The effects of low interest rates, increased catastrophes and rising claims costs are currently elevating reinsurance pricing, which has affected the company's reinsurance Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk of loss resulting from the failure of a counterparty to honour its financial obligations to the company. Credit risk arises predominantly on cash and short term investments, investments in debt instruments, insurance contract receivables, recoverable from reinsurers and receivables from counterparties to derivative contracts (primarily foreign currency forward contracts, total return swaps and CPI-linked derivatives). During 2020 the company's exposure to credit risk increased primarily due to the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company's reinsurers and the underlying issuers of the company's investments in bonds. There were no other significant changes to the company's exposure to credit risk (except as set out in the discussion which follows) or the framework used to monitor, evaluate and manage credit risk at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019. The company's gross credit risk exposure (without consideration of amounts held by the company as collateral) was comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Cash and short term investments 13,920.6 10,703.6 Investments in debt instruments: U.S. sovereign government (1) 3,058.4 5,610.8 Other sovereign government rated AA/Aa or higher (1)(2) 311.2 1,090.4 All other sovereign government (3) 649.3 1,230.0 Canadian provincials 49.9 2.9 U.S. states and municipalities 378.2 216.5 Corporate and other (4)(5) 11,848.3 8,164.8 Receivable from counterparties to derivative contracts 222.4 85.2 Insurance contract receivables 5,816.1 5,435.0 Recoverable from reinsurers 10,533.2 9,155.8 Other assets 1,424.2 1,362.9 Total gross credit risk exposure 48,211.8 43,057.9 (1) Represented together 7.8% of the company's total investment portfolio at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - 17.2%) and considered by the company to have nominal credit risk. (2) Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the governments of Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and Canada with fair values at December 31, 2020 of $95.7 , $58.7 , $42.0 and $16.5 respectively (December 31, 2019 - $99.4, $105.9 , $89.0 and $664.4). (3) Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the governments of Spain, Poland and India with fair values at December 31, 2020 of $233.9, $128.7 and $22.5 respectively (December 31, 2019 - $218.2, $149.6 and $519.0). (4) Represented 27.4% of the company's total investment portfolio at December 31, 2020 compared to 20.9% at December 31, 2019, with the increase principally related to net purchases of high quality corporate bonds rated A/A and BBB/Baa of $875.3 and $1,601.4, and net purchases of corporate bonds rated BB/Ba of $242.6. (5) Includes the company's investments in mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 of $775.4 (December 31, 2019 - $232.0) secured by real estate primarily in the U.S., Europe and Canada. The company had income taxes refundable of $88.7 at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $169.0) that are considered to have nominal credit risk and are not included in the table above. Cash and short term investments The company's cash and short term investments (including those of the holding company) are primarily held at major financial institutions in the jurisdictions in which the company operates. At December 31, 2020, 86.7% of these balances were held in Canadian and U.S. financial institutions, 10.2% in European financial institutions and 3.1% in other foreign financial institutions (December 31, 2019 - 83.5%, 11.0% and 5.5% respectively). The company monitors risks associated with cash and short term investments by regularly reviewing the financial strength and creditworthiness of these financial institutions and more frequently during periods of economic volatility. From these reviews, the company may transfer balances from financial institutions where it perceives heightened credit risk to others considered to be more stable. Investments in debt instruments The company's risk management strategy for debt instruments is to invest primarily in those of high credit quality issuers and to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one corporate issuer. Management considers high quality debt instruments to be those with a S&P or Moody's issuer credit rating of BBB/Baa or higher. While the company reviews third party credit ratings, it also performs its own analysis and does not delegate the credit decision to rating agencies. The company endeavours to limit credit exposure by monitoring fixed income portfolio limits on individual corporate issuers and on credit quality and may, from time to time, initiate positions in certain types of derivatives to further mitigate credit risk exposure. The composition of the company's investments in debt instruments classified according to the higher of each security's respective S&P and Moody's issuer credit rating is presented in the table that follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Issuer Credit Rating Amortized cost Fair value % Amortized cost Fair value % AAA/Aaa 3,574.3 3,604.8 22.1 6,795.2 6,820.4 41.8 AA/Aa 779.1 805.1 4.9 870.0 881.8 5.4 A/A 3,856.5 4,086.6 25.1 2,979.4 3,008.0 18.4 BBB/Baa 4,157.4 4,590.8 28.2 3,059.6 3,206.2 19.7 BB/Ba 489.6 518.8 3.2 121.9 135.0 0.8 B/B 41.7 42.9 0.3 59.9 61.6 0.4 Lower than B/B 62.4 63.8 0.4 31.6 16.4 0.1 Unrated (1)(2) 2,458.9 2,582.5 15.8 2,125.8 2,186.0 13.4 Total 15,419.9 16,295.3 100.0 16,043.4 16,315.4 100.0 (1) Comprised primarily of the fair value of the company's investments in Atlas Corp. of $575.9 (December 31, 2019 - $483.4), Blackberry Limited of $438.6 (December 31, 2019 - $442.1) and Chorus Aviation Inc. of $153.0 (December 31, 2019 - $155.8). (2) Includes the company's investments in mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 of $775.4 (December 31, 2019 - $232.0) secured by real estate primarily in the U.S., Europe and Canada. At December 31, 2020, 80.3% (December 31, 2019 - 85.3%) of the fixed income portfolio's carrying value was rated investment grade or better, with 27.0% (December 31, 2019 - 47.2%) rated AA or better (primarily consisting of government bonds). The decrease in the fair value of bonds rated AAA/Aaa primarily reflected net sales and maturities of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds and Canadian government bonds for net proceeds of $2,521.5 and $626.0. The increase in the fair value of bonds rated A/A and BBB/Baa was primarily due to net purchases of high quality corporate bonds of $875.3 and $1,601.4, partially offset by net sales of Indian government bonds rated BBB/Baa o f $479.6. The increase in the fair value of bonds rated BB/Ba was primarily due to net purchases of corporate bonds of $242.6. The increase in the fair value of unrated bonds was primarily due to net purchases of unrated corporate bonds and mortgage loans of $839.1 , partially offset by the deconsolidation of Fairfax Africa's bond holdings (note 23). At December 31, 2020 holdings of bonds in the ten issuers to which the company had the greatest exposure (excluding U.S., Canadian, U.K. and German sovereign government bonds) totaled $3,474.4 (December 31, 2019 - $3,201.5), which represented approximately 8.0% (December 31, 2019 - 8.2%) of the total investment portfolio. Exposure to the largest single issuer of corporate bonds at December 31, 2020 was the company's investment in Atlas Corp. of $575.9 (December 31, 2019 - $483.4), which represented approximately 1.3% (December 31, 2019 - 1.2%) of the total investment portfolio. Counterparties to derivative contracts Counterparty risk arises from the company's derivative contracts primarily in three ways: first, a counterparty may be unable to honour its obligation under a derivative contract and have insufficient collateral pledged in favour of the company to support that obligation; second, collateral deposited by the company to a counterparty as a prerequisite for entering into certain derivative contracts (also known as initial margin) may be at risk should the counterparty face financial difficulty; and third, excess collateral pledged in favour of a counterparty may be at risk should the counterparty face financial difficulty (counterparties may hold excess collateral as a result of the timing of the settlement of the amount of collateral required to be pledged based on the fair value of a derivative contract). The company endeavours to limit counterparty risk through diligent selection of counterparties to its derivative contracts and through the terms of negotiated agreements. Pursuant to these agreements, counterparties are contractually required to deposit eligible collateral in collateral accounts (subject to certain minimum thresholds) for the benefit of the company based on the daily fair value of the derivative contracts. The company's exposure to risk associated with providing initial margin is mitigated where possible through the use of segregated third party custodian accounts that only permit counterparties to take control of the collateral in the event of default by the company. Agreements negotiated with counterparties provide for a single net settlement of all financial instruments covered by the agreement in the event of default by the counterparty, thereby permitting obligations owed by the company to a counterparty to be offset against amounts receivable by the company from that counterparty (the “net settlement arrangements”). The following table sets out the company's net derivative counterparty risk assuming all derivative counterparties are simultaneously in default: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Total derivative assets (1) 222.4 85.2 Obligations that may be offset under net settlement arrangements (32.0) (19.2) Fair value of collateral deposited for the benefit of the company (2) (124.3) (14.2) Excess collateral pledged by the company in favour of counterparties 11.7 1.9 Initial margin not held in segregated third party custodian accounts 5.6 — Net derivative counterparty exposure after net settlement and collateral arrangements 83.4 53.7 (1) Excludes equity warrants, equity call options and other derivatives which are not subject to counterparty risk. (2) Excludes excess collateral pledged by counterparties of $5.0 at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $1.9). Collateral deposited for the benefit of the company at December 31, 2020 consisted of cash of $116.4 and government securities of $12.9 (December 31, 2019 - $5.3 and $10.8). The company had not exercised its right to sell or repledge collateral at December 31, 2020. Recoverable from reinsurers Credit risk on the company's recoverable from reinsurers balance existed at December 31, 2020 to the extent that any reinsurer may be unable or unwilling to reimburse the company under the terms of the relevant reinsurance arrangements. The company is also exposed to the credit risk assumed in fronting arrangements and to potential reinsurance capacity constraints. The company regularly assesses the creditworthiness of reinsurers with whom it transacts business, with particular focus during 2020 on the actions of its reinsurers in response to the economic effects of COVID-19, which did not result in any impairments. Internal guidelines generally require reinsurers to have strong A.M. Best ratings and to maintain capital and surplus in excess of $500.0. Where contractually provided for, the company has collateral for outstanding balances in the form of cash, letters of credit, guarantees or assets held in trust accounts. This collateral may be drawn on when amounts remain unpaid beyond contractually specified time periods for each individual reinsurer. The company’s reinsurance security staff conduct ongoing detailed assessments of current and potential reinsurers, perform annual reviews of impaired reinsurers, and provide recommendations for uncollectible reinsurance provisions for the group. The reinsurance security staff also collect and maintain individual operating company and group reinsurance exposures across the company. Most of the reinsurance balances for reinsurers rated B++ or lower were inherited by the company on acquisition of a subsidiary. The company’s single largest recoverable from reinsurer (Munich Reinsurance Company) represented 8.0% of shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - 6.4%) and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company's gross exposure to credit risk from its reinsurers increased at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019, primarily reflecting increased business volumes (prin cipally at Allied World and Odyssey Group), reinsurers' share of COVID-19 losses (primarily at Brit and Bryte) and amounts ceded to European Run-off by Group Re and Brit, which are included in recoverable from reinsurers at December 31, 2020 as a result of the deconsolidation of European Run-off compared with December 31, 2019, when those balances were intercompany and eliminated on consolidation. Changes that occurred in the provision for uncollectible reinsurance during t

Segmented Information

Segmented Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Segmented Information	Segmented Information The company identifies its operating segments by operating company, consistent with its management structure. Certain of the operating segments have been aggregated into reporting segments that are categorized by type of business as described below. The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as those described in note 3. Prices for inter-segment transactions are set at arm's length. Geographic premiums are determined by the domicile of the operating companies and where the primary underlying insurance risk resides. Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge - A national commercial property and casualty insurer in Canada providing property and casualty insurance products through its Northbridge Insurance and Federated subsidiaries. Odyssey Group - A U.S.-based reinsurer that provides a full range of property and casualty products worldwide, and that underwrites specialty insurance, primarily in the U.S. and in the U.K., both directly and through the Lloyd's market in London. Crum & Forster - A national commercial property and casualty insurer in the U.S. that principally underwrites specialty coverages. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on January 1, 2021 Pethealth became a wholly owned subsidiary of Crum & Forster. Zenith National - An insurer primarily engaged in workers' compensation business in the U.S. Brit - A market-leading global Lloyd's of London specialty insurer and reinsurer. Allied World - A global property, casualty and specialty insurer and reinsurer with a presence at Lloyd's. Fairfax Asia - This reporting segment includes the company's operations that underwrite insurance and reinsurance coverages in Hong Kong (Falcon), Malaysia (Pacific Insurance), Indonesia (AMAG Insurance) and Sri Lanka (Fairfirst Insurance). Fairfax Asia also includes the company's equity accounted interests in Vietnam-based BIC Insurance (35.0%) and Thailand-based Falcon Thailand (41.2%). Insurance and Reinsurance - Other - This reporting segment is comprised of Group Re, Bryte Insurance, Fairfax Latin America and Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe ("Fairfax CEE"). Group Re primarily constitutes the participation of the company's Barbados based reinsurance subsidiaries CRC Re, Wentworth and Connemara (established in 2019) in the reinsurance of Fairfax’s subsidiaries by quota share or through participation in those subsidiaries’ third party reinsurance programs on the same terms as third party reinsurers. Group Re also writes third party business. Bryte Insurance is an established property and casualty insurer in South Africa and Botswana. Fairfax Latin America is comprised of Fairfax Brasil, which writes commercial property and casualty insurance in Brazil, and Fairfax Latam, consisting of property and casualty insurance operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay. Fairfax CEE is comprised of Polish Re, which writes reinsurance in Central and Eastern Europe, Colonnade Insurance, a Luxembourg property and casualty insurer with branches in each of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania and an insurance subsidiary in Ukraine, and Fairfax Ukraine which comprises ARX Insurance (acquired February 14, 2019) and Universalna (acquired November 6, 2019), both property and casualty insurers in Ukraine. Run-off This reporting segment is comprised of U.S. Run-off, which includes TIG Insurance Company. European Run-off, which principally consisted of RiverStone (UK), Advent, Syndicate 3500 at Lloyd's (managed by RiverStone Managing Agency Limited) and TIG Insurance (Barbados) Limited, was classified as held for sale at December 31, 2019 and deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. Non-insurance companies This reporting segment is comprised as follows: Restaurants and retail - Comprised of Recipe, Toys "R" Us Canada, Praktiker, Golf Town, Sporting Life, Kitchen Stuff Plus and William Ashley. Fairfax India - Comprised of Fairfax India and its subsidiaries NCML, Fairchem, Privi and Saurashtra Freight. Thomas Cook India - Comprised of Thomas Cook India and its subsidiary Sterling Resorts. Other - Comprised primarily of AGT (acquired on April 17, 2019), Dexterra Group (formerly Horizon North, acquired on May 29, 2020), Mosaic Capital , Boat Rocker, Pethealth, Rouge Media, Farmers Edge (consolidated on July 1, 2020), Fairfax Africa and its subsidiary CIG (both deconsolidated on December 8, 2020) and Grivalia Properties (deconsolidated on Ma y 17, 2019). Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on January 1, 2021 Pethealth became a wholly owned subsidiary of Crum & Forster , and the company sold substantially all of its interest in Rouge Media as described in note 29. Corporate and Other Sources of Earnings by Reporting Segment Sources of earnings by reporting segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Asia Other Total Run-off (1) Non-insurance companies Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Gross premiums written External 1,727.5 4,306.3 3,082.4 661.7 2,407.6 4,633.8 421.2 1,738.6 18,979.1 146.8 — — — 19,125.9 Intercompany 7.7 140.4 27.0 — 16.8 46.9 3.5 135.4 377.7 — — — (377.7) — 1,735.2 4,446.7 3,109.4 661.7 2,424.4 4,680.7 424.7 1,874.0 19,356.8 146.8 — — (377.7) 19,125.9 Net premiums written 1,540.4 3,789.6 2,543.0 646.1 1,775.6 3,017.6 221.6 1,183.8 14,717.7 146.8 — — — 14,864.5 Net premiums earned External 1,435.1 3,555.8 2,462.7 646.6 1,710.4 2,788.4 229.2 1,030.8 13,859.0 129.7 — — — 13,988.7 Intercompany (11.0) 30.8 (36.5) (2.8) 0.3 (65.8) (7.5) 94.1 1.6 (1.6) — — — — 1,424.1 3,586.6 2,426.2 643.8 1,710.7 2,722.6 221.7 1,124.9 13,860.6 128.1 — — — 13,988.7 Underwriting expenses (2) (1,315.3) (3,396.7) (2,366.1) (591.9) (1,951.0) (2,596.6) (214.6) (1,119.4) (13,551.6) (336.2) — — — (13,887.8) Underwriting profit (loss) 108.8 189.9 60.1 51.9 (240.3) 126.0 7.1 5.5 309.0 (208.1) — — — 100.9 Interest income 59.6 173.6 91.9 24.3 67.1 136.5 14.1 52.6 619.7 28.5 20.5 57.1 (9.3) 716.5 Dividends 7.9 8.6 2.2 1.8 3.4 20.3 7.1 3.7 55.0 4.9 17.2 0.7 — 77.8 Investment expenses (11.3) (31.0) (14.5) (7.1) (12.3) (30.1) (1.2) (6.6) (114.1) (8.7) 9.4 (2.0) 90.3 (25.1) Interest and dividends 56.2 151.2 79.6 19.0 58.2 126.7 20.0 49.7 560.6 24.7 47.1 55.8 81.0 769.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates (3.0) 27.8 (14.8) (4.2) 6.6 35.6 14.6 (16.4) 46.2 (11.2) (100.2) (47.6) — (112.8) Other Revenue — — — — — — — — — — 4,742.4 — (22.8) 4,719.6 Expenses — — — — — — — — — — (4,868.0) — 9.1 (4,858.9) — — — — — — — — — — (125.6) — (13.7) (139.3) Operating income (loss) 162.0 368.9 124.9 66.7 (175.5) 288.3 41.7 38.8 915.8 (194.6) (178.7) 8.2 67.3 618.0 Net gains (losses) on investments 105.7 (26.9) (158.2) (59.9) 24.4 246.0 12.3 (7.0) 136.4 (96.9) (65.6) 339.2 — 313.1 Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary — (30.5) (25.8) — — — — — (56.3) (9.0) — 182.4 — 117.1 Interest expense (1.3) (6.4) (4.7) (3.8) (19.0) (30.3) (0.4) (1.7) (67.6) (2.3) (170.6) (235.6) 0.2 (475.9) Corporate overhead (8.1) (10.5) (28.2) (9.8) (11.9) (79.2) (6.0) (1.4) (155.1) (0.2) — (82.6) (90.3) (328.2) Pre-tax income (loss) 258.3 294.6 (92.0) (6.8) (182.0) 424.8 47.6 28.7 773.2 (303.0) (414.9) 211.6 (22.8) 244.1 Provision for income taxes (206.7) Net earnings 37.4 Attributable to: Shareholders of Fairfax 218.4 Non-controlling interests (181.0) 37.4 (1) Includes European Run-off prior to its deconsolidation on March 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (2) Underwriting expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were comprised as shown below. Accident year underwriting expenses exclude the impact of favourable or adverse prior year claims reserve development. Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Asia Other Total Loss & LAE - accident year 878.9 2,652.2 1,521.7 401.8 1,301.8 1,931.2 148.3 687.6 9,523.5 Commissions 243.8 693.5 415.2 74.1 436.4 253.7 30.8 215.6 2,363.1 Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 231.8 270.5 434.4 190.1 275.6 416.8 54.0 246.7 2,119.9 Underwriting expenses - accident year 1,354.5 3,616.2 2,371.3 666.0 2,013.8 2,601.7 233.1 1,149.9 14,006.5 Net favourable claims reserve development (39.2) (219.5) (5.2) (74.1) (62.8) (5.1) (18.5) (30.5) (454.9) Underwriting expenses - calendar year 1,315.3 3,396.7 2,366.1 591.9 1,951.0 2,596.6 214.6 1,119.4 13,551.6 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Asia Other Total Run-off Non-insurance companies Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Gross premiums written External 1,513.6 3,742.8 2,805.0 732.7 2,245.4 3,809.3 439.3 1,616.7 16,904.8 606.4 — — — 17,511.2 Intercompany 7.9 73.2 22.8 — 48.1 51.0 (1.0) 94.2 296.2 3.2 — — (299.4) — 1,521.5 3,816.0 2,827.8 732.7 2,293.5 3,860.3 438.3 1,710.9 17,201.0 609.6 — — (299.4) 17,511.2 Net premiums written 1,350.3 3,393.8 2,331.5 720.8 1,656.2 2,428.9 231.2 1,148.4 13,261.1 574.5 — — — 13,835.6 Net premiums earned External 1,247.3 3,162.2 2,234.4 737.3 1,608.1 2,345.9 228.2 981.3 12,544.7 685.0 — — — 13,229.7 Intercompany (7.0) 17.0 (40.6) (2.3) 33.8 (10.5) (13.0) 65.5 42.9 (42.9) — — — — 1,240.3 3,179.2 2,193.8 735.0 1,641.9 2,335.4 215.2 1,046.8 12,587.6 642.1 — — — 13,229.7 Underwriting expenses (1) (1,193.6) (3,089.3) (2,142.0) (626.2) (1,590.8) (2,277.7) (208.8) (1,064.7) (12,193.1) (906.3) — — — (13,099.4) Underwriting profit (loss) 46.7 89.9 51.8 108.8 51.1 57.7 6.4 (17.9) 394.5 (264.2) — — — 130.3 Interest income 65.9 189.5 93.6 36.7 82.0 165.6 16.9 66.8 717.0 60.5 24.5 33.7 (9.4) 826.3 Dividends 10.4 17.5 7.0 4.0 3.0 16.7 8.6 3.6 70.8 9.5 11.8 1.6 — 93.7 Investment expenses (11.3) (31.1) (14.7) (7.6) (11.5) (33.4) (7.8) (13.4) (130.8) (14.2) (89.0) (2.4) 196.6 (39.8) Interest and dividends 65.0 175.9 85.9 33.1 73.5 148.9 17.7 57.0 657.0 55.8 (52.7) 32.9 187.2 880.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates 1.1 55.1 19.1 (16.4) (2.4) 13.3 (0.1) (13.7) 56.0 (6.3) (45.2) 165.1 — 169.6 Other Revenue — — — — — — — — — — 5,537.1 — — 5,537.1 Expenses — — — — — — — — — — (5,441.6) — 8.4 (5,433.2) — — — — — — — — — — 95.5 — 8.4 103.9 Operating income (loss) 112.8 320.9 156.8 125.5 122.2 219.9 24.0 25.4 1,107.5 (214.7) (2.4) 198.0 195.6 1,284.0 Net gains on investments 0.5 149.5 75.2 22.5 62.1 210.2 632.3 106.2 1,258.5 168.2 72.6 216.9 — 1,716.2 Loss on repurchase of borrowings — — — — — — — — — — — (23.7) — (23.7) Interest expense (1.5) (7.8) (5.3) (3.9) (19.1) (29.1) (0.4) (1.9) (69.0) (7.0) (184.9) (212.1) 1.0 (472.0) Corporate overhead (5.7) (10.7) (20.5) (8.5) (9.2) (59.7) (9.8) (0.6) (124.7) 0.4 — 49.1 (196.6) (271.8) Pre-tax income (loss) 106.1 451.9 206.2 135.6 156.0 341.3 646.1 129.1 2,172.3 (53.1) (114.7) 228.2 — 2,232.7 Provision for income taxes (261.5) Net earnings 1,971.2 Attributable to: Shareholders of Fairfax 2,004.1 Non-controlling interests (32.9) 1,971.2 (1) Underwriting expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were comprised as shown below. Accident year underwriting expenses exclude the impact of favourable or adverse prior year claims reserve development. Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Other Total Loss & LAE - accident year 851.9 2,383.6 1,387.4 423.4 961.0 1,585.8 151.3 678.8 8,423.2 Commissions 204.1 629.9 350.8 80.1 444.6 256.2 29.1 187.5 2,182.3 Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 204.7 305.4 410.0 204.8 231.7 403.7 56.7 250.4 2,067.4 Underwriting expenses - accident year 1,260.7 3,318.9 2,148.2 708.3 1,637.3 2,245.7 237.1 1,116.7 12,672.9 Net (favourable) adverse claims reserve development (67.1) (229.6) (6.2) (82.1) (46.5) 32.0 (28.3) (52.0) (479.8) Underwriting expenses - calendar year 1,193.6 3,089.3 2,142.0 626.2 1,590.8 2,277.7 208.8 1,064.7 12,193.1 Investments in Associates, Additions to Goodwill, Segment Assets and Segment Liabilities Investments in associates, segment assets and segment liabilities at December 31, and additions to goodwill for the years then ended, by reporting segment were as follows: Investments in associates Additions to goodwill Segment assets Segment liabilities 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge 182.1 198.6 — — 5,231.6 4,654.4 3,418.3 3,085.0 Odyssey Group 1,164.9 1,050.5 — — 15,041.7 13,489.0 10,141.0 8,710.8 Crum & Forster 368.2 394.3 — 0.5 7,596.0 6,803.3 5,448.2 4,995.4 Zenith National 124.5 154.7 — — 2,472.0 2,504.8 1,539.1 1,527.7 Brit 363.1 358.5 — 45.9 9,040.7 8,106.8 6,826.2 6,329.2 Allied World 537.0 513.2 — — 16,975.5 15,596.0 12,547.4 11,499.3 Fairfax Asia 149.9 92.1 — — 1,920.1 2,231.5 794.7 805.1 Other 219.6 255.6 — 3.9 5,097.8 4,520.1 4,021.4 3,442.5 3,109.3 3,017.5 — 50.3 63,375.4 57,905.9 44,736.3 40,395.0 Run-off 129.3 260.5 (1) — 3.8 2,601.9 6,372.6 (2) 2,095.9 4,530.2 (2) Non-insurance companies 1,373.5 1,663.0 182.1 262.1 8,349.0 9,261.1 5,124.2 5,232.5 Corporate and Other and eliminations and adjustments 1,827.5 (3) 1,043.4 — — (272.3) (3,031.1) 4,570.3 2,443.6 Consolidated 6,439.6 5,984.4 182.1 316.2 74,054.0 70,508.5 56,526.7 52,601.3 (1) Excludes European Run-off's investments in associates and joint ventures with a carrying value of $442.9 and a fair value of $504.6 that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and principally comprised of investments in Gulf Insurance, Eurobank, Atlas (formerly Seaspan Corporation), APR Energy and Resolute. (2) Includes European Run-off's assets and liabilities that were included in assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019. See note 23. (3) Includes investment in associate held for sale related to RiverStone Barbados of $729.5 as described in note 23. Product Line Net premiums earned by product line for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Property Casualty Specialty Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance - net premiums earned Northbridge 626.4 538.0 659.6 581.4 138.1 120.9 1,424.1 1,240.3 Odyssey Group 1,838.9 1,598.8 1,444.0 1,288.2 303.7 292.2 3,586.6 3,179.2 Crum & Forster 364.2 293.8 1,837.5 1,771.6 224.5 128.4 2,426.2 2,193.8 Zenith National 37.5 39.1 605.9 695.9 0.4 — 643.8 735.0 Brit 544.3 494.3 853.0 844.3 313.4 303.3 1,710.7 1,641.9 Allied World 882.6 832.1 1,755.4 1,394.1 84.6 109.2 2,722.6 2,335.4 Fairfax Asia 74.5 74.7 116.4 113.7 30.8 26.8 221.7 215.2 Other 634.3 601.2 332.1 305.8 158.5 139.8 1,124.9 1,046.8 5,002.7 4,472.0 7,603.9 6,995.0 1,254.0 1,120.6 13,860.6 12,587.6 Run-off (1) 31.6 103.8 31.5 379.2 65.0 159.1 128.1 642.1 Consolidated net premiums earned 5,034.3 4,575.8 7,635.4 7,374.2 1,319.0 1,279.7 13,988.7 13,229.7 Interest and dividends 769.2 880.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates (112.8) 169.6 Net gains on investments 313.1 1,716.2 Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary (note 23) 117.1 — Other revenue (Non-insurance companies) 4,719.6 5,537.1 Consolidated income 19,794.9 21,532.8 Distribution of net premiums earned 36.0 % 34.6 % 54.6 % 55.7 % 9.4 % 9.7 % 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) Includes European Run-off prior to its deconsolidation on March 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. Geographic Region Net premiums earned by geographic region for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Canada United States Asia (1) International (2) Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance - net premiums earned Northbridge 1,407.3 1,223.8 16.8 16.5 — — — — 1,424.1 1,240.3 Odyssey Group 101.2 80.8 2,356.3 2,126.5 469.8 377.1 659.3 594.8 3,586.6 3,179.2 Crum & Forster — — 2,409.2 2,191.7 0.2 — 16.8 2.1 2,426.2 2,193.8 Zenith National — — 643.8 735.0 — — — — 643.8 735.0 Brit 97.7 107.0 1,228.5 1,119.5 45.9 48.9 338.6 366.5 1,710.7 1,641.9 Allied World 52.6 34.7 2,030.5 1,710.2 227.6 239.7 411.9 350.8 2,722.6 2,335.4 Fairfax Asia — — — — 221.7 215.2 — — 221.7 215.2 Other 0.1 — 54.8 31.1 139.6 111.1 930.4 904.6 1,124.9 1,046.8 1,658.9 1,446.3 8,739.9 7,930.5 1,104.8 992.0 2,357.0 2,218.8 13,860.6 12,587.6 Run-off (3) 0.1 5.8 1.1 29.8 — 0.5 126.9 606.0 128.1 642.1 Consolidated net premiums earned 1,659.0 1,452.1 8,741.0 7,960.3 1,104.8 992.5 2,483.9 2,824.8 13,988.7 13,229.7 Interest and dividends 769.2 880.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates (112.8) 169.6 Net gains on investments 313.1 1,716.2 Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary (note 23) 117.1 — Other revenue (Non-insurance companies) 4,719.6 5,537.1 Consolidated income 19,794.9 21,532.8 Distribution of net premiums earned 11.9 % 11.0 % 62.4 % 60.1% 7.9 % 7.5% 17.8 % 21.4% 100.0 % 100.0% (1) The Asia geographic segment is primarily comprised of countries located throughout Asia, including China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, and the Middle East. (2) The International geographic segment is primarily comprised of countries located in South America, Europe and Africa. (3) Includes European Run-off prior to its deconsolidation on March 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. Non-insurance companies Revenue and expenses of the non-insurance companies were comprised as follows for the years ended December 31: Restaurants Fairfax India (1) Thomas Cook India (2) Other Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenue 1,734.2 2,120.6 312.8 410.7 225.2 1,087.4 2,470.2 1,918.4 4,742.4 5,537.1 Expenses (1,811.1) (2,049.5) (305.9) (401.8) (288.3) (1,081.3) (2,462.7) (1,909.0) (4,868.0) (5,441.6) Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other (3) (76.9) 71.1 6.9 8.9 (63.1) 6.1 7.5 9.4 (125.6) 95.5 Interest and dividends 6.1 8.3 28.9 (74.5) — — 12.1 13.5 47.1 (52.7) Share of profit (loss) of associates 1.3 — (24.8) 179.2 (3.4) (182.8) (73.3) (41.6) (100.2) (45.2) Operating income (loss) (69.5) 79.4 11.0 113.6 (66.5) (176.7) (53.7) (18.7) (178.7) (2.4) Net gains (losses) on investments (6.6) 9.2 (12.4) 54.7 4.0 4.2 (50.6) 4.5 (65.6) 72.6 Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense (76.1) 88.6 (1.4) 168.3 (62.5) (172.5) (104.3) (14.2) (244.3) 70.2 (1) These results differ from those published by Fairfax India due to Fairfax India's application of investment entity accounting under IFRS. (2) These results differ from those published by Thomas Cook India primarily due to differences between IFRS and Ind AS, and acquisition accounting adjustments. (3) Excludes interest and dividends, share of profit (loss) of associates and net gains (losses) on investments. Segmented Balance Sheet The company's segmented balance sheets as at December 31, 2020 and 2019 present the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests in each of the company's reporting segments in accordance with the company's IFRS accounting policies and includes. where applicable, acquisition accounting adjustments principally related to goodwill and intangible assets which arose on initial acquisition of the subsidiaries or on a subsequent step acquisition. Certain of the company's subsidiaries hold equity interests in other Fairfax subsidiaries ("affiliates") which are carried at cost. Affiliated insurance and reinsurance balances are not shown separately and are eliminated in "Corporate and eliminations". December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Run-off Non-insurance companies Corporate and eliminations (6) Consolidated Insurance and reinsurance companies Run-off Non-insurance companies Corporate and eliminations (6) Consolidated Assets Holding company cash and investments 598.1 — — 654.1 1,252.2 685.3 — — 290.2 975.5 Insurance contract receivables 6,052.5 8.4 — (244.8) 5,816.1 5,588.0 4.1 — (157.1) 5,435.0 Portfolio investments (1)(2) 37,947.8 1,592.4 1,810.3 758.1 42,108.6 33,918.5 1,906.3 2,730.7 (320.5) 38,235.0 Assets held for sale (3) — — — — — — 3,386.6 — (601.0) 2,785.6 Deferred premium acquisition costs 1,574.4 — — (30.7) 1,543.7 1,364.7 — — (20.4) 1,344.3 Recoverable from reinsurers 11,254.2 453.7 — (1,174.7) 10,533.2 9,839.0 494.8 — (1,178.0) 9,155.8 Deferred income tax assets 460.0 0.1 64.5 189.3 713.9 526.0 6.3 50.6 (207.0) 375.9 Goodwill and intangible assets 3,586.2 41.1 2,601.8 — 6,229.1 3,714.5 43.5 2,435.3 0.8 6,194.1 Due from affiliates 222.6 357.7 3.8 (584.1) — 573.2 356.1 0.6 (929.9) — Other assets 1,526.4 119.2 3,868.6 343.0 5,857.2 1,465.6 112.5 4,043.9 385.3 6,007.3 Investments in affiliates (4) 153.2 29.3 — (182.5) — 231.1 62.4 — (293.5) — Total assets 63,375.4 2,601.9 8,349.0 (272.3) 74,054.0 57,905.9 6,372.6 9,261.1 (3,031.1) 70,508.5 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,843.3 59.9 2,566.4 526.5 4,996.1 1,785.4 75.4 2,734.1 219.2 4,814.1 Derivative obligations 114.9 1.1 50.0 23.4 189.4 145.4 4.8 55.4 0.3 205.9 Due to affiliates 8.3 — 117.6 (125.9) — 14.7 — 145.1 (159.8) — Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (3) — — — — — — 2,203.7 — (168.6) 2,035.1 Deferred income tax liabilities 152.7 — 197.7 6.0 356.4 133.3 — 229.5 (362.8) — Insurance contract payables 3,224.2 11.6 — (271.8) 2,964.0 2,731.9 14.1 — (155.0) 2,591.0 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses (5) 29,809.4 2,023.3 — (1,023.4) 30,809.3 27,226.8 2,232.2 — (958.8) 28,500.2 Provision for unearned premiums (5) 8,550.1 — — (152.6) 8,397.5 7,317.9 — — (95.5) 7,222.4 Borrowings 1,033.4 — 2,192.5 5,588.1 8,814.0 1,039.6 — 2,068.4 4,124.6 7,232.6 Total liabilities 44,736.3 2,095.9 5,124.2 4,570.3 56,526.7 40,395.0 4,530.2 5,232.5 2,443.6 52,601.3 Equity Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax 17,117.4 506.0 1,385.9 (5,152.7) 13,856.6 15,991.1 1,842.4 2,044.1 (5,499.5) 14,378.1 Non-controlling interests 1,521.7 — 1,838.9 310.1 3,670.7 1,519.8 — 1,984.5 24.8 3,529.1 Total equity 18,639.1 506.0 3,224.8 (4,842.6) 17,527.3 17,510.9 1,842.4 4,028.6 (5,474.7) 17,907.2 Total liabilities and total equity 63,375.4 2,601.9 8,349.0 (272.3) 74,054.0 57,905.9 6,372.6 9,261.1 (3,031.1) 70,508.5 (1) Includes intercompany investments in Fairfax non-insurance subsidiaries carried at cost that are eliminated on consolidation. (2) Includes investment in associate held for sale of at December 31, 2020 of $729.5 (December 31, 2019 - nil). See note 6 and note 23. (3) At December 31, 2019 the effects of intercompany reinsurance with Wentworth, which decreased assets held for sale by $352.5 and liabilities associated with assets held for sale by $357.7, were adjusted in the Run-off reporting segment. See note 23. (4) Intercompany investments in Fairfax insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries carried at cost that are eliminated on consolidation. (5) Included in insurance contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. (6) Corporate and eliminations includes the Fairfax holding company, subsidiary intermediate holding companies, and consolidating and eliminating entries. The most significant of those entries are the elimination of intercompany reinsurance provided by Group Re, and reinsurance provided by Odyssey Group and Allied World to the primary insurers.

Expenses

Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Expenses	Expenses Losses on claims, net, operating expenses and other expenses for the years ended December 31 were comprised as follows: 2020 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Losses and loss adjustment expenses 8,954.5 — 8,954.5 8,401.5 — 8,401.5 Cost of sales — 2,997.6 2,997.6 — 3,474.1 3,474.1 Wages and salaries 1,359.1 632.4 1,991.5 1,263.2 801.4 2,064.6 Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges (2) 234.6 517.5 752.1 253.8 397.0 650.8 Employee benefits 293.0 105.2 398.2 326.7 121.8 448.5 Premium taxes 240.3 — 240.3 223.9 — 223.9 Information technology costs 194.4 33.0 227.4 163.1 29.9 193.0 Audit, legal and tax professional fees 141.0 64.0 205.0 137.0 52.3 189.3 Share-based payments to directors and employees 103.6 5.9 109.5 89.1 13.4 102.5 Shipping and delivery 1.2 107.5 108.7 1.5 69.6 71.1 Marketing costs 27.6 67.5 95.1 30.8 108.5 139.3 Repairs and maintenance 4.8 61.4 66.2 4.8 63.8 68.6 Utilities 7.9 48.6 56.5 7.7 46.2 53.9 Short-term, low value and other lease costs (3) 15.7 30.8 46.5 17.5 60.5 78.0 Travel and entertainment 19.6 23.0 42.6 57.5 34.2 91.7 Loss on repurchase of borrowings (note 15) — — — — 23.7 23.7 Administrative expense and other 263.7 164.5 428.2 186.3 160.5 346.8 Losses on claims, net, operating expenses and other expenses (4)(5) 11,861.0 4,858.9 16,719.9 11,164.4 5,456.9 16,621.3 Commissions, net (note 9) (6) 2,355.0 — 2,355.0 2,206.8 — 2,206.8 Interest expense (note 15) (6) 305.3 170.6 475.9 288.1 183.9 472.0 14,521.3 5,029.5 19,550.8 13,659.3 5,640.8 19,300.1 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other. (2) Includes non-cash impairment charges on right-of-use assets of $18.2 (2019 - $0.9) and finance lease receivables of $11.1 (2019 - nil) principally related to COVID-19 in the non-insurance companies reporting segment. (3) Includes the benefit of COVID-19 lease concessions of $14.9, primarily in the non-insurance companies reporting segment. (4) Expenses of the insurance and reinsurance companies, excluding commissions, net and interest expense, are included in losses on claims, net and operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. (5) Expenses of the non-insurance companies, excluding commissions, net and interest expense, and loss on repurchase of borrowings of the holding company, are included in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. (6) Presented as separate lines in the consolidated statement of earnings. During 2020 the Non-insurance companies reporting segment recognized COVID-19-related government wage assistance of $123.8 (2019 - nil) as a reduction of other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Supplementary Cash Flow Informa

Supplementary Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
Supplementary Cash Flow Information	Supplementary Cash Flow Information Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows excludes restricted cash and cash equivalents that are amounts primarily required to be maintained on deposit with various regulatory authorities to support the operations of the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Cash equivalents are comprised of treasury bills and other eligible bills. December 31, 2020 Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated statement of cash flows Restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents included on the consolidated balance sheet Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Holding company cash and investments 81.9 192.3 274.2 5.8 — 5.8 87.7 192.3 280.0 Subsidiary cash and short term investments 2,736.0 1,398.6 4,134.6 349.4 402.5 751.9 3,085.4 1,801.1 4,886.5 Fairfax India 36.0 22.3 58.3 31.9 — 31.9 67.9 22.3 90.2 2,853.9 1,613.2 4,467.1 387.1 402.5 789.6 3,241.0 2,015.7 5,256.7 December 31, 2019 Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated statement of cash flows Restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents included on the consolidated balance sheet Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Holding company cash and investments 98.8 84.5 183.3 0.6 — 0.6 99.4 84.5 183.9 Subsidiary cash and short term investments 1,934.7 1,355.0 3,289.7 469.4 195.4 664.8 2,404.1 1,550.4 3,954.5 Fairfax India 67.0 19.1 86.1 18.6 — 18.6 85.6 19.1 104.7 Fairfax Africa 77.9 0.8 78.7 7.5 — 7.5 85.4 0.8 86.2 Assets held for sale (note 23) 160.5 65.0 225.5 54.0 4.2 58.2 214.5 69.2 283.7 2,338.9 1,524.4 3,863.3 550.1 199.6 749.7 2,889.0 1,724.0 4,613.0 Details of certain cash flows included in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Net (purchases) sales of securities classified at FVTPL Short term investments (2,138.1) (4,646.5) Bonds 287.2 3,618.7 Preferred stocks (24.5) (52.4) Common stocks 18.4 898.3 Net Derivatives (479.2) (184.8) (2,336.2) (366.7) Changes in operating assets and liabilities Net increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents (187.8) (170.3) Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 1,884.3 1,171.5 Provision for unearned premiums 1,243.2 893.9 Insurance contract receivables (496.7) (383.9) Insurance contract payables 441.9 616.5 Recoverable from reinsurers (898.8) (1,112.3) Other receivables 104.9 192.4 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (45.4) 3.8 Other (172.4) (297.0) 1,873.2 914.6 Net interest and dividends received Interest and dividends received 789.8 819.2 Interest paid on borrowings (370.4) (376.9) Interest paid on lease liabilities (62.4) (60.4) 357.0 381.9 Net income taxes paid (63.3) (178.9)

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Management and Director Compensation Compensation for the company's key management team for the years ended December 31 determined in accordance with the company's IFRS accounting policies was as follows: 2020 2019 Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 10.9 9.8 Share-based payments 3.5 5.1 14.4 14.9 Compensation for the company's Board of Directors for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2020 2019 Retainers and fees 1.1 1.1 Share-based payments 0.6 0.2 1.7 1.3 Fairfax India Senior Notes Offering Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on February 26, 2021 the company's insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries purchased $58.4 principal amount of Fairfax India's 5.00% unsecured senior notes pursuant to the offering described in note 15. Fairfax India Performance Fee Receivable At December 31, 2020 the holding company recorded an intercompany performance fee receivable of $5.2 pursuant to its investment advisory agreement with Fairfax India whereby the company receives a performance fee as the increase in Fairfax India's book value per share (common shareholders' equity divided by the number of common shares effectively outstanding) over the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 exceeded a specified threshold. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, o n March 5, 2021 the holding company received 546,263 newly issued Fairfax India subordinate voting shares as settlement of the performance fee receivable. Acquisition of Atlas Mara from Fairfax Africa In an intercompany transaction on December 7, 2020 the holding company acquired Fairfax Africa's 42.3% equity interest in Atlas Mara for consideration of $40.0, guaranteed the repayment obligations of Atlas Mara's $40.0 secured borrowing with Fairfax Africa, and provided other guarantees of $19.7, pursuant to Fairfax Africa's transaction with Helios Holdings Limited as described in note 23. Sale of APR Energy plc to Seaspan Corporation On February 28, 2020 Seaspan Corporation completed a reorganization pursuant to which its newly created holding company acquired all issued and outstanding shares of APR Energy plc from the company and other shareholders as described in note 6. Eurolife investments in Fairfax consolidated internal investment funds During 2020 Eurolife invested $93.7 (2019 - $22.1) in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund as described in note 6. CEO acquires additional shares of Fairfax During 2020 Prem Watsa, the company’s Chair and CEO, indirectly acquired 482,600 subordinate voting shares of the company on the open market for an aggregate cost of $148.9, which increased Mr. Watsa's voting power over the company's outstanding shares to 43.6% at December 31, 2020 from 42.5% at December 31, 2019.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Interests In Other Entities [Abstract]
Subsidiaries	Subsidiaries During 2020 the company acquired Dexterra Group (formerly Horizon North), consolidated Farmers Edge and deconsolidated Fairfax Africa and European Run-off as described in note 23. The company has wholly-owned subsidiaries not presented in the tables below that are intermediate holding companies of investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances, and that are eliminated on consolidation. December 31, 2020 Domicile Fairfax's ownership Insurance and reinsurance Northbridge Financial Corporation (Northbridge) Canada Odyssey Group Holdings, Inc. (Odyssey Group) United States Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. (Crum & Forster) United States Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Zenith National) United States Brit Limited (Brit) (1) United Kingdom Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (Allied World) Bermuda 70.9% Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe, which consists of: Polskie Towarzystwo Reasekuracji Spólka Akcyjna (Polish Re) Poland Colonnade Insurance S.A. (Colonnade Insurance) Luxembourg FFH Ukraine Holdings (Fairfax Ukraine), which consists of: Ukraine 70.0% ARX Insurance Company (ARX Insurance) Ukraine Private Joint Stock Company Insurance Company Universalna (Universalna) Ukraine Fairfax Latin America, which consists of: Fairfax Brasil Seguros Corporativos S.A. (Fairfax Brasil) Brazil La Meridional Compañía Argentina de Seguros S.A. (La Meridional Argentina) Argentina SBS Seguros Colombia S.A. (SouthBridge Colombia) Colombia SBI Seguros Uruguay S.A. (SouthBridge Uruguay) Uruguay Southbridge Compañía de Seguros Generales S.A. (SouthBridge Chile) Chile Bryte Insurance Company Ltd (Bryte Insurance) South Africa Group Re, which underwrites business in: CRC Reinsurance Limited (CRC Re) Barbados Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd. (Wentworth) Barbados Connemara Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Connemara) Barbados Fairfax Asia, which consists of: Falcon Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited (Falcon) Hong Kong The Pacific Insurance Berhad (Pacific Insurance) Malaysia 85.0% PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk (AMAG Insurance) Indonesia 80.0% Fairfirst Insurance Limited (Fairfirst Insurance) Sri Lanka 78.0% Run-off U.S. Run-off: TIG Insurance Company (TIG Insurance) United States Investment management Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. (Hamblin Watsa) Canada December 31, 2020 Domicile Fairfax's ownership Primary business Non-insurance companies Restaurants and retail Recipe Unlimited Corporation (Recipe) Canada 40.2 % (2) Franchisor, owner and operator of restaurants Praktiker Hellas Trading Single Member SA (Praktiker) Greece 100.0 % Retailer of home improvement goods Toys "R" Us (Canada) Ltd. (Toys "R" Us Canada) Canada 84.6 % Retailer of toys and baby products Sporting Life Group Limited, which owns: Canada 71.4 % Invests in retail businesses 100.0% of Sporting Life Inc. (Sporting Life) Canada 71.4 % Retailer of sporting goods and sports apparel 100.0% of Golf Town Limited (Golf Town) Canada 71.4 % Retailer of golf equipment, apparel and accessories Kitchen Stuff Plus, Inc. (Kitchen Stuff Plus) Canada 55.0 % Retailer of housewares and home decor William Ashley China Corporation (William Ashley) Canada 100.0 % Retailer of tableware and gifts Fairfax India Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (Fairfax India), which owns: Canada 28.0 % (2) Invests in public and private Indian businesses 89.5% of National Collateral Management Services Limited (NCML) India 25.1 % Provider of agricultural commodities storage 48.8% of Fairchem Organics Limited (Fairchem) India 13.7 % Manufacturer of oleochemicals and neutraceuticals 48.8% of Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited (Privi) India 13.7 % Manufacturer, supplier and exporter of aroma chemicals 51.0% of Saurashtra Freight Private Limited (Saurashtra Freight) India 14.3 % Container freight station operator Thomas Cook India Thomas Cook (India) Limited (Thomas Cook India), which owns: India 66.9 % Provider of integrated travel and travel-related financial services 100.0% of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (Sterling Resorts) India 66.9 % Owner and operator of holiday resorts Other AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. (AGT) Canada 58.0 % Originator, processor and distributor of value-added pulses and staple foods Dexterra Group Inc. (Dexterra Group) Canada 49.0 % Provider of Infrastructure support services Boat Rocker Media Inc. (Boat Rocker) Canada 55.7 % (3) Entertainment content creator, producer and distributor Mosaic Capital Corporation (Mosaic Capital) Canada — (4) Invests in private Canadian businesses Pethealth Inc. (Pethealth) Canada 100.0 % (5) Pet medical insurance and database services Rouge Media Group Inc. and Rouge Media, Inc. (Rouge Media) Canada and United States 65.0 % (5) Media and marketing solutions Farmers Edge Inc. (Farmers Edge) Canada 41.1 % (6) Provider of advanced digital tools for agriculture (1) Subsequent to December 31, 2020 the company entered into an agreement to sell an approximate 14% equity interest in Brit to OMERS (note 23). (2) The company owns multiple voting shares and subordinate voting shares of Recipe and Fairfax India that give it voting rights of 61.1% and 93.4%. (3) The company has voting rights of 59.1% due to Boat Rocker's issuance of non-voting shares to non-controlling interests. (4) The company owns Mosaic Capital warrants that represent a substantive potential voting interest of approximately 61%. (5) Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on January 1, 2021 Pethealth became a wholly owned subsidiary of Crum & Forster, and the company sold substantially all of its interest in Rouge Media for consideration of approximately $10 and expects to record a nominal gain in the first quarter of 2021. (6) The company holds convertible debentures and warrants in Farmers Edge that, together with its holdings of common shares, represents a substantive potential voting interest of approximately 69%. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on March 3, 2021 Farmers Edge completed an Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of common shares, prior to which the company exercised its warrants and converted its convertible debentures for common shares of Farmers Edge, resulting in the company's controlling equity interest in Farmers Edge increasing to approximately 62% on completion of the IPO (prior to any over-allotment option that may be exercised by the underwriters of the IPO).

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments, investment property and fair value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”) financial assets and liabilities that have been measured at fair value, and non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale that have been measured at the lower of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. The consolidated balance sheets of the company are presented on a non-classified basis. Assets expected to be realized and liabilities expected to be settled within the company's normal operating cycle of one year are considered current, including the following balances: cash, short term investments, insurance contract receivables, investment in associate held for sale, assets held for sale, deferred premium acquisition costs, derivative obligations, liabilities associated with assets held for sale and insurance contract payables. The following balances are considered non-current: deferred income tax assets, goodwill and intangible assets and deferred income tax liabilities. All other balances are comprised of current and non-current amounts. The holding company has significant liquid resources that are generally not restricted by insurance regulators. The subsidiary insurance and reinsurance companies are often subject to a wide variety of insurance and other laws and regulations that vary by jurisdiction and are intended to protect policyholders rather than investors. These laws and regulations may limit the ability of the insurance and reinsurance companies to pay dividends or make distributions to parent companies. The company's consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of cash flows therefore make a distinction in classification between the holding company and the insurance and reinsurance companies for cash and investments to provide additional insight into the company's liquidity, financial leverage and capital structure. These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the company’s Board of Directors on March 5, 2021.
Consolidation	Consolidation Subsidiaries - The company's consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows of the holding company and its subsidiaries. A subsidiary is an entity that the company controls. The company controls an entity when it has power over the entity, is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Assessment of control is based on the substance of the relationship between the company and the entity and includes consideration of both existing voting rights and, if applicable, potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible. The operating results of subsidiaries acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date control is acquired, which is typically the acquisition date. The operating results of subsidiaries that are divested during the year are included up to the date control ceased. Any difference between the fair value of the consideration received and the carrying value of a divested subsidiary is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings, and foreign currency translation gains (losses) of that subsidiary are recycled from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statement of earnings. The consolidated financial statements were prepared as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 based on individual holding companies' and subsidiaries' financial statements at those dates. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been aligned with those of the company where necessary. The company's significant operating subsidiaries are identified in note 29. Non-controlling interests - Subsequent to initial recognition in a business combination, the carrying value of non-controlling interests is adjusted for the non-controlling interest's share of changes in the subsidiary's net earnings (loss) and capital. Effects of transactions with non-controlling interests are recorded in common shareholders' equity if there is no change in control.
Business combinations	Business combinations Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the consideration transferred is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. This consideration may include cash paid and the fair value at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities assumed and equity instruments issued by the company or its subsidiaries. Directly attributable acquisition-related costs are recorded in operating expenses or other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings as incurred. At the date of acquisition, the company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquired business. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are initially recognized at fair value. For each business combination the company determines whether to initially record non-controlling interest at fair value or as the proportionate share of the identifiable net assets of the acquired subsidiary. If the consideration transferred is less than the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired, the excess is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Goodwill and intangible assets	Goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded as the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination, less accumulated impairment charges, and is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition for the purpose of impairment testing. Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment by comparing the carrying value of a cash-generating unit inclusive of its allocated goodwill to its recoverable amount, with any goodwill impairment measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recorded in operating expenses or other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Goodwill is derecognized on disposal of a cash-generating unit to which goodwill was previously allocated. Intangible assets - Intangible assets are comprised primarily of customer and broker relationships, brand names, Lloyd's participation rights, computer software (including enterprise systems) and other acquired identifiable non-monetary assets without physical form. Intangible assets are initially recognized at cost, or at fair value when acquired through a business combination. Intangible assets with a finite life are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment, where amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, and carrying value is re-assessed when there are indicators of impairment. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization and are assessed annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indicators of impairment. When the carrying value of an intangible asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recorded in operating expenses or other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. The estimated useful lives of the company's intangible assets are as follows: Customer and broker relationships 8 to 20 years Brand names and Lloyd's participation rights Indefinite Computer software 3 to 15 years
Investment in associates	Investments in associates Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method and are comprised of investments in corporations, limited partnerships and trusts where the company has the ability to exercise significant influence but not control. An investment in associate is initially recognized at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition change in the company's share of net assets of the associate. The company's share of profit (loss) and share of other comprehensive income (loss) of associates are reported in the corresponding lines in the consolidated statement of earnings and consolidated statement of comprehensive income, respectively. An existing equity interest in an acquired associate is remeasured to fair value at the date significant influence is obtained and included in the carrying value of the associate. The fair value of associates is estimated at each reporting date using valuation techniques consistent with those applied to the company's other investments in equity instruments. See "Determination of fair value" under the heading of "Investments" in this note for further details. If there is objective evidence that the carrying value of an associate is impaired, it is written down to its recoverable amount, being the higher of the associate's fair value and value-in-use. The unrealized impairment loss is recognized in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings. An impairment loss is reversed in future periods if the circumstances that led to the impairment no longer exist. The reversal is limited to restoring the carrying value to what it would have been had no impairment loss been recognized in prior periods. Upon loss of significant influence, any retained equity interest classified as a financial asset is remeasured to fair value and all amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings except those related to defined benefit pension or post retirement plans which are reclassified to retained earnings. Gains and losses on loss of significant influence or disposition of an associate are recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Investments in joint ventures	Investments in joint ventures Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method (as described in the preceding paragraphs) and are comprised of investments in corporations and limited partnerships where the company has joint control together with one or more third parties by contractual agreement. Joint control requires the unanimous consent of all parties sharing control to make decisions regarding the joint venture's relevant activities. When a subsidiary constituting a business is contributed to a joint venture, any gain or loss on derecognition of the subsidiary, including recycling of applicable amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and remeasurement to fair value of any retained interest in the subsidiary, is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. Upon loss of joint control, any retained equity interest classified as a financial asset is remeasured to fair value and all amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to the consolidated statement of earnings except those related to defined benefit pension or post retirement plans which are reclassified to retained earnings. Gains and losses on loss of joint control or disposition of a joint venture are recognized in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. Investments in joint ventures and all related activity are presented with investments in associates in these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated statement of cash flows	Consolidated statement of cash flows The company's consolidated statement of cash flows is prepared in accordance with the indirect method, classifying cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of holding company, subsidiary and Fairfax India (and Fairfax Africa at December 31, 2019) cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, and exclude cash and short term highly liquid investments that are restricted.
Investments	Investments Investments include cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, bonds, equity instruments, investments in associates, derivative assets, other invested assets (primarily investment property) and derivative obligations. Management determines the appropriate classifications of investments at their acquisition date. Classification - Short term investments, bonds, preferred stocks, common stocks, and derivatives are classified at FVTPL. The company manages these investments on a fair value basis, using fair value information to assess investment performance and to make investment decisions. The company has not elected to irrevocably designate any of its common stocks or preferred stocks at fair value through other comprehensive income. The company classifies its short term investments and bonds based on both the company’s business model for managing those financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. While the contractual cash flows of certain of the company’s short term investments and bonds are solely principal and interest, those investments are neither held for the purpose of collecting contractual cash flows nor held both for collecting contractual cash flows and for sale. The collection of contractual cash flows is incidental to the company’s business model of maximizing total investment return on a fair value basis. Recognition and measurement - The company recognizes purchases and sales of investments on the trade date, the date on which the company commits to purchase or sell the investment. Transactions pending settlement are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets or in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Investments classified at FVTPL are initially recognized at fair value with transaction costs recorded as investment expenses (a component of interest and dividends) in the consolidated statement of earnings. Subsequent to initial recognition, investments classified at FVTPL are measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in the consolidated statement of earnings as income, comprised of interest and dividends and net gains (losses) on investments. Interest and dividends represent interest income on short term investments and bonds calculated using the effective interest method, and dividends received on holdings of common stocks and preferred stocks, net of investment expenses. All other changes in fair value are reported in net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. For short term investments and bonds, the sum of their interest income and net gains (losses) on investments is equal to their total change in fair value for the reporting period. For investments classified at FVTPL, the company further disaggregates net gains (losses) on investments into realized and unrealized components in note 5. Where a financial instrument continues to be held by the company at the end of a reporting period, changes in the fair value of that instrument during the reporting period, excluding those changes reported as interest and dividends, are presented in net change in unrealized gains (losses). On disposition or as a result of a change in accounting for that financial instrument, its inception-to-date net gain (loss), excluding those changes previously reported as interest and dividends, is presented as net realized gains (losses). The cumulative unrealized net gain (loss) recognized in prior periods on that financial instrument is then reversed in net change in unrealized gains (losses). The sum of the inception-to-date net gain (loss) and the cumulative reversal of prior period net unrealized gains (losses) equals that financial instrument’s net gain (loss) on investment for the current reporting period as presented in the consolidated statement of earnings. Interest and dividends and net gains (losses) on investments are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Derecognition - An investment is derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investment have expired or have been transferred and when the company has transferred substantially the risks and rewards of ownership. Short term investments - Highly liquid debt instruments with maturity dates between three months and twelve months when purchased are classified as short term investments. Bonds - Debt instruments with maturity dates greater than twelve months when purchased, or illiquid debt instruments with maturity dates o f twelve months or less when p urchased, are classified as bonds. Derivatives - Derivatives may include interest rate, credit default, currency and total return swaps, futures, forwards, warrants and consumer price index linked ("CPI-linked") and option contracts, all of which derive their value primarily from changes in underlying interest rates, foreign exchange rates, credit ratings, commodity values, inflation indexes or equity instruments. A derivative contract may be traded on an exchange or over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives are standardized and include futures and certain warrants and option contracts. OTC derivative contracts are individually negotiated between contracting parties and may include the company's forwards, CPI-linked derivatives and total return swaps. The company uses derivatives for investment purposes and to mitigate financial risks arising from its investment holdings and reinsurance recoverables, and monitors its derivatives for effectiveness in achieving their risk management objectives where applicable. The fair value of derivatives in a gain position are presented on the consolidated balance sheet in holding company cash and investments, and in portfolio investments as derivatives and other invested assets (and as a component of Fairfax Africa's portfolio investments at December 31, 2019). The fair value of derivatives in a loss position are presented on the consolidated balance sheet in derivative obligations. The initial premium paid for a derivative contract, if any, is recorded as a derivative asset and subsequently adjusted for changes in the fair value of the contract at each reporting date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded as net gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statement of earnings. Cash received from counterparties as collateral for derivative contracts is recognized on the consolidated balance sheet in holding company cash and investments or subsidiary cash and short term investments, and a corresponding liability is recognized in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Securities received from counterparties as collateral are not recorded as assets. Cash and securities delivered to counterparties as collateral for derivative contracts continue to be reflected as assets on the consolidated balance sheet in holding company cash and investments or in portfolio investments as assets pledged for derivative obligations. The portion of the collateral related to changes in fair value of derivative contracts may be repledged by the counterparties holding the collateral. Determination of fair value - Fair values for substantially all of the company's financial instruments are measured using market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, actual values realized in future market transactions may differ from the estimates presented in these consolidated financial statements. The use of different market assumptions and/or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair values. The fair values of financial instruments are based on bid prices for financial assets and ask prices for financial liabilities. The company categorizes its fair value measurements using a three-level fair value hierarchy in accordance with IFRS as described below: Level 1 - Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments exchanged in active markets. The fair values of the majority of the company's common stocks, equity call options and certain warrants are based on published quotes in active markets. Level 2 - Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices for similar financial instruments exchanged in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments exchanged in inactive markets and other market observable inputs. The fair value of the vast majority of the company's investments in bonds are priced based on information provided by independent pricing service providers while much of the remainder, along with most derivative contracts (including total return swaps, U.S. treasury bond forward contracts and certain warrants) are based primarily on non-binding third party broker-dealer quotes that are prepared using Level 2 inputs. Where third party broker-dealer quotes are used, typically one quote is obtained from a broker-dealer with particular expertise in the instrument being priced. Preferred stocks are priced using a combination of independent pricing service providers and internal valuation models that rely on directly or indirectly observable inputs. The fair values of investments in certain limited partnerships classified as common stocks on the consolidated balance sheet are based on the net asset values received from the general partner, adjusted for liquidity as required and are classified as Level 2 when they may be liquidated or redeemed within three months or less of providing notice to the general partner. All other such investments in limited partnerships are classified as Level 3. Level 3 - Inputs include unobservable inputs that require management to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs as there is little, if any, market activity in these instruments or related observable inputs that can be corroborated at the measurement date. CPI-linked derivatives are classified as Level 3 and valued using broker-dealer quotes which management has determined utilize market observable inputs except for the inflation volatility input which is not market observable. Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels are considered effective from the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the transfer is identified. Valuation techniques used by the company's independent pricing service providers and third party broker-dealers include use of prices from similar instruments where observable market prices exist, discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants. The company assesses the reasonableness of pricing received from these third party sources by comparing the fair values received to recent transaction prices for similar assets where available, to industry accepted discounted cash flow models (that incorporate estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows and market observable inputs such as credit spreads and discount rates) and to option pricing models (that incorporate market observable inputs including the quoted price, volatility and dividend yield of the underlying security and the risk free rate). Fair values of CPI-linked derivative contracts received from third party broker-dealers are assessed by comparing the fair values to recent market transactions where available and values determined using third party pricing software based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model for European-style options that incorporate market observable and unobservable inputs such as the current value of the relevant CPI underlying the derivative, the inflation swap rate, nominal swap rate and inflation volatility. The fair values of CPI-linked derivative contracts are sensitive to assumptions such as market expectations of future rates of inflation and related inflation volatilities. The company employs specialist personnel for the valuation of its investment portfolio. Detailed valuations are prepared for those financial instruments that are priced internally, while external pricing received from independent pricing service providers and third party broker-dealers are evaluated by the company for reasonableness. The company's Chief Financial Officer oversees the valuation function and regularly reviews valuation processes and results, including at each quarterly reporting period. Significant valuation matters, particularly those requiring extensive judgment, are communicated to the company's Audit Committee.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation Functional and presentation currency - The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars which is the holding company's functional currency and the presentation currency of the consolidated group. Foreign currency transactions - Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currencies of the holding company and its subsidiaries using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. Non-monetary items carried at cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items carried at fair value are translated using the exchange rate at the date the fair value is determined. Translation of foreign subsidiaries - The functional currency of some of the company's subsidiaries (principally in Canada, the United Kingdom, India and other parts of Asia) differ from the consolidated group's U.S. dollar presentation currency. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries (including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on their acquisition, where applicable) are translated on consolidation using exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period. The net unrealized gain or loss resulting from this translation is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings upon loss of control of a foreign subsidiary.
Hedging	Hedging At the inception of a hedge transaction the company documents the economic relationship between the hedged item and hedging instrument, and its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Net investment hedge - The company has designated the principal amount of its Canadian dollar denominated borrowings as a hedge of its net investment in its Canadian subsidiaries with a Canadian dollar functional currency, and has designated the
Comprehensive income (loss)	Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) and includes all changes in total equity during a reporting period, except for those resulting from investments by owners or distributions to owners. Unrealized foreign currency translation amounts arising from the translation of foreign subsidiaries and associates and the effective portion of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments on hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries and associates are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings on disposal of an investment in a foreign subsidiary or associate. Actuarial gains and losses and changes in asset limitation amounts on defined benefit pension and post retirement plans are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) without recycling to the consolidated statement of earnings. Upon settlement of the defined benefit plan or disposal of the related subsidiary or associate, those amounts are reclassified directly to retained earnings. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, is included on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of common shareholders' equity.
Insurance contracts	Insurance contracts Insurance contracts are those contracts that have significant insurance risk at the inception of the contract. Insurance risk arises when the company agrees to compensate a policyholder if a specified uncertain future event adversely affects the policyholder, with the possibility of paying (including variability in timing of payments) significantly more in a scenario where the insured event occurs than when it does not occur. Contracts not meeting the definition of an insurance contract under IFRS are classified as investment contracts, derivative contracts or service contracts, as appropriate. Revenue recognition - Premiums written are deferred as unearned premiums and recognized as premiums earned, net of premiums ceded, over the coverage terms of the underlying policies in accordance with the level of protection provided. Certain reinsurance premiums are estimated at the individual contract level, based on historical patterns and experience from the ceding companies for contracts where reports from ceding companies for the period are not contractually due until after the balance sheet date. The cost of reinsurance purchased by the company (premiums ceded) is included in recoverable from reinsurers and is amortized over the contract period in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Unearned premium represents the portion of premiums written relating to periods of insurance and reinsurance coverage subsequent to the balance sheet date. Impairment losses on insurance premiums receivable are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Deferred premium acquisition costs - Certain costs of acquiring insurance contracts, consisting of broker commissions and premium taxes, are deferred and charged to earnings as the related premiums are earned. Deferred premium acquisition costs are limited to their estimated realizable value based on the related unearned premium, which considers anticipated losses and loss adjustment expenses and estimated remaining costs of servicing the business based on historical experience. The ultimate recoverability of deferred premium acquisition costs is determined without regard to investment income. Broker commissions are included in commissions, net, in the consolidated statement of earnings. Premium taxes and impairment losses on deferred premium acquisition costs are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses - The company is required by applicable insurance laws, regulations and Canadian accepted actuarial practice to establish reserves for payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses that arise from the company's general insurance and reinsurance products and its run-off operations. These reserves are based on assumptions that represent the best estimates of possible outcomes aimed at evaluating the expected ultimate cost to settle unpaid claims that occurred on or before the balance sheet date. The company establishes its reserves by product line, type and extent of coverage and year of occurrence. Loss reserves fall into two categories: reserves for reported losses (case reserves) and reserves for incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses. Those reserves include amounts for loss adjustment expenses, such as the estimated legal and other expenses expected to be incurred to finalize the settlement of the losses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to losses on claims, gross, in the consolidated statement of earnings. The company's reserves for reported losses and loss adjustment expenses are based on estimates of future payments to settle reported general insurance and reinsurance claims and claims from its run-off operations. Case reserve estimates are based on the facts available at the time the reserves are established and for reinsurance, based on reports and individual case reserve estimates received from ceding companies. The company establishes these reserves on an undiscounted basis to recognize the estimated costs of bringing pending claims to final settlement, taking into account inflation, as well as other factors that can influence the amount of reserves required, some of which are subjective and some of which are dependent on future events. In determining the level of reserves, the company considers historical trends and patterns of loss payments, pending levels of unpaid claims and types of coverage. In addition, court decisions, economic conditions and public attitudes may affect the ultimate cost of settlement and, as a result, the company's estimation of reserves. Between the reporting and final settlement of a claim, circumstances may change, which would result in changes to established reserves. Items such as changes in law and interpretations of relevant case law, results of litigation, changes in medical costs, as well as costs of vehicle and building repair materials and labour rates can substantially impact ultimate settlement costs. Accordingly, the company regularly reviews and re-evaluates case reserves. Any resulting adjustments are included in the current period consolidated statement of earnings in losses on claims, gross, and in losses on claims, ceded to reinsurers, as applicable. Amounts ultimately paid for losses and loss adjustment expenses can vary significantly from the level of reserves originally set or currently recorded. The company also establishes reserves for IBNR losses on an undiscounted basis to recognize the estimated final settlement cost for loss events which have already occurred but which have not yet been reported. Historical information and statistical models, based on product line, type and extent of coverage, as well as reported claims trends, severities and frequencies, exposure growth and other factors are relied upon to estimate IBNR reserves. These estimates are revised as additional information becomes available and as claims are actually reported and paid. Estimation techniques - Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses and provisions for unearned premiums are determined based upon previous claims experience, knowledge of events, the terms and conditions of the relevant policies and on interpretation of circumstances. Particularly relevant is experience with similar cases and historical claims payment trends. The approach also includes consideration of the development of loss payment trends, the potential longer term significance of large events, the levels of unpaid claims, legislative changes, judicial decisions and economic and political conditions. Where possible the company applies several commonly accepted actuarial projection methodologies in estimating required provisions to give greater insight into the trends inherent in the data being projected. These include methods based upon the following: the development of previously settled claims, where payments to date are extrapolated for each prior year; estimates based upon a projection of number of claims and average cost; notified claims development, where notified claims to date for each year are extrapolated based upon observed development of earlier years; and, expected loss ratios. In addition, the company uses other techniques such as aggregate benchmarking methods for specialist classes of business. In selecting its best estimate, the company considers the appropriateness of the methods to the individual circumstances of the line of business and accident or underwriting year. Large claims affecting each relevant line of business are generally assessed separately, being measured either at the face value of the loss adjuster's estimate or projected separately in order to allow for the future development of large claims. Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are calculated gross of any reinsurance recoveries. A separate estimate is made of the amounts that will be recoverable from reinsurers based upon the gross provisions and with due regard to collectability.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance Reinsurance does not relieve the originating insurer of its liability and is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet on a gross basis to indicate the extent of credit risk related to reinsurance and the obligations of the insurer to its policyholders. Reinsurance assets include balances due from reinsurance companies for paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and ceded unearned premiums. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. Reinsurance is recorded gross on the consolidated balance sheet unless a legal right to offset against a liability owing to the same reinsurer exists. Ceded premiums and losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings in premiums ceded to reinsurers and losses on claims, ceded to reinsurers respectively and in recoverable from reinsurers on the consolidated balance sheet. Commission income earned on premiums ceded to reinsurers is included in commissions, net, in the consolidated statement of earnings. Unearned premiums are reported on the consolidated balance sheet before reduction for premiums ceded to reinsurers. Reinsurers' portion of unearned premiums is included in recoverable from reinsurers on the consolidated balance sheet together with estimates of reinsurers' share of provision for claims determined on a basis consistent with the related claims liabilities. Impairment - Reinsurance assets are assessed regularly for any events that may trigger impairment, including legal disputes with third parties, changes in capital or other financial metrics that may affect the credit worthiness of a counterparty, and historic experience regarding collectability from specific reinsurers. If there is objective evidence that a reinsurance asset is impaired, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount by recording a provision for uncollectible reinsurance in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Reinsurance - Premiums	Premiums - Premiums payable for reinsurance ceded are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet in the period in which the reinsurance contract is entered into and include estimates for contracts in force which have not yet been finalized. Premiums ceded are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings over the period of the reinsurance contract.
Income taxes	Income taxes The provision for income taxes for the period comprises current and deferred income tax. Income taxes are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings, except when related to items recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or in equity. In those cases, the income taxes are also recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) or in equity, respectively, except for dividends where the income taxes are recognized in earnings, other comprehensive income (loss) or equity according to where the transactions that generated the distributable profits were recognized. Current income tax is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the company's subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable income. Deferred income tax is calculated under the liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases at current substantively enacted tax rates. With the exception of initial recognition of deferred income tax arising from business combinations, changes in deferred income tax associated with components of other comprehensive income (loss) are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) while all other changes in deferred income tax are included in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of earnings. Deferred income tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Carry forwards of unused losses or unused tax credits are tax effected and recognized as deferred tax assets when it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which these losses or tax credits can be utilized. Deferred income tax is not recognized on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries where the company has determined it is not probable those earnings will be repatriated in the foreseeable future. Current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when the income taxes are levied by the same taxation authority and there is a legally enforceable right of offset. Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the United States enacted the base erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) on certain payments to foreign affiliates, and a U.S. tax on foreign earnings for certain global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”). The company recognizes charges related to BEAT and GILTI, if any, in the periods in which they are incurred, and does not include their impacts in measuring its deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 presents separately the company's deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities. In prior years the consolidated balance sheet presented deferred income tax assets net of deferred income tax liabilities as deferred income tax liabilities were not considered material for separate presentation. Accordingly, comparatives have not been restated.
Assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale	Assets held for sale, liabilities associated with assets held for sale and investment in associate held for sale Non-current assets, disposal groups and investments in associates are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered through sale rather than through continuing use. A disposal group consists of assets to be transferred as a group, liabilities directly related to those assets and any goodwill acquired in a business combination allocated to the disposal group if the disposal group is a cash-generating unit. Classification as held for sale requires that management be committed to the sale, the sale is highly probable, the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition, and the sale is expected to be completed within one year from the date of classification. Non-current assets, disposal groups and investments in associates classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell. When a sale is expected to result in loss of control of a subsidiary, all of the subsidiary's assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale even if the company will retain an interest in its former subsidiary after the sale. When an individual investment in associate or a portion thereof is to be sold, the portion to be sold is classified as held for sale. The equity method of accounting is no longer applied to the portion to be sold, and continues to be applied to the retained portion if there is significant influence.
Investment property	Investment property Investment property consists of real estate held by the company for capital appreciation, rental income, or both, and is initially recorded at cost, including transaction costs, and subsequently measured at fair value. On the consolidated balance sheet investment property is included in portfolio investments by the insurance and reinsurance companies and in other assets by the non-insurance companies. In the consolidated statement of earnings, insurance and reinsurance companies record investment property rental income and direct expenses in interest and dividends, and changes in fair value in net gains (losses) on investments, while non-insurance companies record investment property rental income and changes in fair value in other revenue, and direct expenses in other expenses.
Other assets	Other assets Other assets primarily consist of premises and equipment, right-of-use assets associated with leases, inventories, sales receivables and finance lease receivables of the non-insurance companies, prepaid expenses, accrued interest and dividends, income taxes refundable, receivables for securities sold, pension assets, deferred compensation assets and other miscellaneous receivables. Receivables are initially recognized at fair value less a provision for expected lifetime credit losses, and subsequently measured at amortized cost. Premises and equipment – Premises and equipment is recorded at historical cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. The company reviews premises and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The cost of premises and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated useful life. In the consolidated statement of earnings depreciation expense is charged to operating expenses by the insurance and reinsurance companies, and to other expenses by the non-insurance companies.
Other revenue and expenses	Other revenue Other revenue is primarily comprised of revenue earned by the non-insurance companies. Revenue from restaurant and retail sales is recognized when the company provides goods to the customer and receives payment. Revenue from the sale of other goods is typically recognized when shipped to the customer, with payment received in advance of shipment. Revenue from providing travel, hospitality and other non-insurance services is recognized over time based on measured progress towards complete satisfaction of the related performance obligations. Payment is usually received at the time of initial booking for travel and hospitality services, and received in installments for other services. Unconditional payments due from customers for satisfied performance obligations are recorded as sales receivables within other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Customer prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue within accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and are not recognized as revenue until the shipment of goods or provision of services occurs. Certain contracts include multiple deliverables which are accounted for as separate performance obligations, with the transaction price allocated to the performance obligations based on their individual selling prices. Other expenses Other expenses is primarily comprised of the cost of inventories sold or services provided and the operating expenses of the non-insurance companies.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities primarily consist of leases liabilities, trade payables of the non-insurance companies, accrued amounts for salaries and employee benefits, deferred revenue of the non-insurance companies, pension and post retirement liabilities, amounts withheld and accrued taxes, income taxes payable, accrued interest expense, legal fees, and other administrative costs. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost.
Borrowings	Borrowings Borrowings are initially recognized at fair value, net of incremental and directly attributable transaction costs, and subsequently measured at amortized cost. Interest expense on borrowings is recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings using the effective interest rate method. Borrowings are derecognized when extinguished, with any gain or loss on extinguishment recognized in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings.
Equity	Equity Common stock issued by the company is classified as equity when there is no contractual obligation to transfer cash or other financial assets to the holder of the shares. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue or repurchase of equity instruments are recognized in equity, net of tax. Treasury shares are equity instruments repurchased by the company which have not been canceled and are deducted from equity on the consolidated balance sheet, irrespective of the objective of the purchase. The company acquires its own subordinate voting shares on the open market for its share-based payment awards. No gain or loss is recognized in the
Share-based payments	Share-based payments The company has restricted share plans or equivalent for management of the holding company and its subsidiaries with vesting periods of up to fifteen years from the date of grant. The fair value of restricted share awards on the grant date is amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase in the share-based payments equity reserve. At each balance sheet date, the company reviews its estimates of the number of restricted share awards expected to vest.
Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	Net earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Fairfax Net earnings (loss) per share - Basic net earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax, after the deduction of preferred share dividends declared and the excess over stated value of preferred shares purchased for cancellation, by the weighted average number of subordinate and multiple voting shares issued and outstanding during the period, excluding subordinate voting shares purchased by the company and held as treasury shares.
Pensions and post retirement benefits	Pensions and post retirement benefits The company's subsidiaries have a number of arrangements in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and certain other jurisdictions that provide pension and post retirement benefits to retired and current employees. The holding company has no such arrangements or plans. Pension arrangements of the subsidiaries include defined benefit statutory pension plans and supplemental arrangements that provide pension benefits in excess of statutory limits. These plans are a combination of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. The assets of these plans are held separately from the company's general assets in separate pension funds and invested principally in high quality fixed income securities and cash and short term investments. Certain of the company's post retirement benefit plans covering medical care and life insurance are internally funded. Defined contribution plan - A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions. These contributions are charged to operating expenses by the insurance and reinsurance companies and to other expenses by the non-insurance companies in the period in which the employment services qualifying for the benefit are provided. The company has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. Defined benefit plan - A defined benefit plan is a plan that defines an amount of pension or other post retirement benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and salary. Actuarial valuations of benefit liabilities for the majority of pension and post retirement benefit plans are performed each year using the projected benefit method prorated on service, based on management's assumptions. Defined benefit obligations, net of the fair value of plan assets, and adjusted for pension asset limitations, if any, are accrued on the consolidated balance sheet in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 14). Plans in a net asset position, subject to any minimum funding requirements, are recognized in other assets (note 13). Defined benefit expense recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings includes the net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset) calculated using a discount rate based on market yields on high quality bonds, past service costs arising from plan amendments or curtailments and gains or losses on plan settlements. Remeasurements, consisting of actuarial gains and losses on plan liabilities, the actual return on plan assets (excluding the net interest component) and any change in asset limitation amounts, are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Remeasurements are not recycled to the consolidated statement of earnings and are reclassified to retained earnings upon settlement of the plan or disposal of the related subsidiary.
Leases	Leases Lessees - The company, primarily through its non-insurance companies, is a lessee under various leases related principally to premises, automobiles and equipment. A right-of-use asset and a lease liability are recognized at the commencement date of a lease. Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made before the commencement date, and any initial direct costs incurred. Lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, or if that rate cannot be readily determined, the company’s incremental borrowing rate. The company typically uses its incremental borrowing rate. Right-of-use assets are included in other assets and lease liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Subsequent to initial recognition, right-of-use assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term and the right-of-use asset's useful life, with depreciation expense recorded as operating expenses or other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings, and lease liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, with accretion of lease liabilities recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statement of earnings. Each lease payment is allocated between principal and interest expense to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability. The interest and principal portions of cash payments on lease liabilities are reported as operating activities and financing activities respectively in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are not recognized for short-term leases that have a lease term of twelve months or less, or for low value leases, which principally relate to office equipment, furniture and fixtures. Payments for short-term and low value leases are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term in the consolidated statement of earnings and reported as operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Lessors - The company, primarily through its non-insurance companies, holds certain head leases where it acts as an intermediate lessor in a sub-lease. Interests in head leases and sub-leases are accounted for separately. Classification of a sub-lease is determined with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, and not with reference to the underlying leased asset. If substantially all of the risk and rewards of ownership of the right-of-use asset are transferred, then the sub-lease is classified as a finance lease, where the right-of-use asset is derecognized, a finance lease receivable is recorded, representing the present value of future lease payments to be received, and any difference is recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings. Finance lease receivables are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Interest revenue earned on finance lease receivables is included in other revenue in the consolidated statement of earnings. Sub-leases classified as operating leases do not result in any change to the amounts initially recognized on the head lease. Payments received from operating leases are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term as other revenue in the consolidated statement of earnings.
New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2020	New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2020 COVID-19-related Rent Concessions (Amendment to IFRS 16) The amendment to IFRS 16 Leases provides an optional practical expedient for lessees so that rent concessions received as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic do not have to be accounted for as lease modifications under IFRS 16. Early adoption of the amendment on April 1, 2020 in accordance with the applicable transition provisions did not have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting ("Conceptual Framework") The revised Conceptual Framework includes revised definitions of an asset and a liability, and new guidance on measurement, derecognition, presentation and disclosure. It does not constitute an accounting pronouncement and did not result in any immediate change to IFRS, and will be used by the IASB and IFRS Interpretations Committee in setting future standards. Adoption of the revised Conceptual Framework on January 1, 2020 did not have an impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. The revised Conceptual Framework will apply when the company has to develop an accounting policy for an issue not addressed by IFRS. Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3) The amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations narrow the definition of a business and clarify the distinction between a business combination and an asset acquisition. Prospective adoption of these amendments on January 1, 2020 did not have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8) The amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors clarify the definition of "material". Prospective adoption of these amendments on January 1, 2020 did not have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. Interest Rate Benchmark Reform—Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 The amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments , IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures modify specific hedge accounting requirements so that those requirements are applied assuming that a hedge is not altered when an interest rate benchmark such as LIBOR is replaced with an alternative reference rate. Adoption of these amendments on January 1, 2020 did not have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements.
New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective	New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective The following new standards and amendments have been issued by the IASB and were not yet effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020. The company does not expect to adopt them in advance of their effective dates. IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts ("IFRS 17") On May 18, 2017 the IASB issued IFRS 17, a comprehensive standard for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of insurance contracts. IFRS 17 requires entities to measure insurance contracts using current estimates of discounted fulfillment cash flows, including the discounting of loss reserves using one of three measurement models. On June 25, 2020 the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 17 that included targeted improvements and the deferral of the effective date to January 1, 2023. The standard must be applied retrospectively with restatement of comparatives unless impracticable. The company’s adoption of IFRS 17 continues to focus on implementing information technology systems to conduct a parallel run in 2022. The company is currently evaluating the impact that IFRS 17 will have on its consolidated financial statements. Interest Rate Benchmark Reform — Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16) On August 27, 2020 the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments , IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement , IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures , IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts and IFRS 16 Leases to address financial statement impacts and practical expedients when an existing interest rate benchmark such as LIBOR is replaced with an alternative reference rate. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021 and are to be applied retrospectively without restatement of prior periods. The amendments are not expected to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements. Onerous Contracts — Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37) On May 14, 2020 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets to clarify the types of costs an entity includes in determining the cost of fulfilling a contract when assessing whether a contract is onerous. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022 and apply to contracts for which the entity has not yet fulfilled all its obligations at the time of adoption. Comparatives are not restated and instead the cumulative effect of applying the amendments is recognized as an adjustment to opening equity at the date of initial application. The amendments are not expected to have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3) On May 14, 2020 the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations to replace a reference to the previous Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements with a reference to the current Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting that was issued in March 2018. The amendments also add an exception to the recognition principle of IFRS 3 for liabilities and contingent liabilities within the scope of IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets or IFRIC 21 Levies and further clarify that an acquirer does not recognize contingent assets acquired in a business combination. The amendments are applied prospectively to all business combinations on or after January 1, 2022 and are not expected to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements. Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018 – 2020 On May 14, 2020 the IASB issued amendments to certain IFRS Standards as a result of its annual improvements project, which included an amendment to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments to clarify which fees are considered when assessing whether to derecognize a financial liability and an amendment to an illustrative example accompanying IFRS 16 Leases to clarify the treatment of lease incentives. The amendment to IFRS 9 is applied prospectively on or after January 1, 2022 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements. Immediate adoption of the amendment to IFRS 16 did not have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements. Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1) On January 23, 2020 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements ("IAS 1") to clarify the criteria for classifying a liability as non-current which was to be applied retrospectively on or after January 1, 2022. On July 15, 2020 the IASB deferred the effective date of those amendments by one year to annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The company is currently evaluating the expected impact of the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
Disclosure of comparative information	Comparatives Classification of investment - At December 31, 2019 the company had accounted for its 30.5% equity interest in Eurobank Ergasias Services & Holdings S.A. (“Eurobank”), a financial services provider in Greece listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, as a common stock at fair value through profit and loss on the consolidated balance sheet, with an additional 1.9% equity interest included in assets held for sale. Classification as a common stock was principally due to having judged the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund, a Greek regulatory entity with a minority shareholding in Eurobank, as holding certain veto rights that precluded the company from exercising significant influence from December 19, 2019 when regulatory restrictions on the company's voting rights in Eurobank were removed. During the first quarter of 2020 the company concluded that it obtained significant influence over Eurobank on December 19, 2019 upon becoming able to exercise its full voting rights and corrected its accounting by revising the comparatives to apply the equity method of accounting to its investment in Eurobank for the last thirteen days of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. As the previously reported carrying value of Eurobank at December 31, 2019 of $1,164.4 was not significantly different from that which would have been reported under the equity method of accounting, the company reclassified its investment in Eurobank from holding company cash and investments of $123.4 and common stocks of $1,041.0 to investments in associates on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019. Accordingly, comparatives at December 31, 2019 in the notes to these consolidated financial statements reflect that reclassification.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated useful lives of intangible assets	The estimated useful lives of the company's intangible assets are as follows: Customer and broker relationships 8 to 20 years Brand names and Lloyd's participation rights Indefinite Computer software 3 to 15 years

Cash and Investments (Tables)

Cash and Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments and Cash1 [Abstract]
Schedule of cash and investments	Presented in the table below are holding company cash and investments and portfolio investments, net of derivative obligations, all of which are classified at FVTPL except for investments in associa tes, investment in associate held for sale an d other invested assets. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Holding company Cash and cash equivalents (1) 280.0 183.9 Short term investments 159.2 128.3 Bonds 457.2 395.9 Preferred stocks 4.7 4.7 Common stocks (2) 123.7 173.5 Derivatives (note 7) 147.9 83.7 1,172.7 970.0 Assets pledged for derivative obligations: Short term investments 79.5 2.8 Bonds — 2.7 79.5 5.5 Holding company cash and investments as presented on the consolidated balance sheet 1,252.2 975.5 Derivative obligations (note 7) (22.8) (0.3) 1,229.4 975.2 Portfolio investments Cash and cash equivalents (1) 4,886.5 3,954.5 Short term investments 8,311.3 6,066.8 Bonds 15,734.6 15,618.1 Preferred stocks 605.2 578.2 Common stocks (2) 4,599.1 4,246.6 Investments in associates (note 6) 4,381.8 4,360.2 Investment in associate held for sale (note 6) 729.5 — Derivatives (note 7) 234.8 202.7 Other invested assets (3) 577.6 556.4 40,060.4 35,583.5 Assets pledged for derivative obligations: Short term investments 113.9 72.4 Bonds 82.5 74.5 196.4 146.9 Fairfax India cash, portfolio investments and associates: Cash and cash equivalents (1) 90.2 104.7 Bonds 21.0 124.1 Common stocks 412.3 359.7 Investments in associates (note 6) 1,328.3 1,391.3 1,851.8 1,979.8 Fairfax Africa cash, portfolio investments and associates: (4) Cash and cash equivalents (1) — 86.2 Short term investments — 104.0 Bonds — 100.1 Investments in associates (note 6) — 232.9 Derivatives (note 7) — 1.6 — 524.8 Portfolio investments as presented on the consolidated balance sheet 42,108.6 38,235.0 Derivative obligations (note 7) (166.6) (205.6) 41,942.0 38,029.4 Total investments, net of derivative obligations 43,171.4 39,004.6 (1) Includes aggregate restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2020 of $789.6 (December 31, 2019 - $691.5). See note 27. (2) Includes aggregate investments in limited partnerships with a carrying value at December 31, 2020 of $1,935.9 (December 31, 2019 - $2,056.8). (3) Comprised primarily of investment property. (4) The company deconsolidated Fairfax Africa on December 8, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23.
Schedule of pledged assets, by nature of pledge requirement	The table that follows summarizes assets pledged to third parties by the nature of the pledge requirement (excluding assets pledged in favour of Lloyd's (note 20), for derivative obligations and for certain intercompany reinsurance arrangements). Pledged assets primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and bonds within portfolio investments on the consolidated balance sheet. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Regulatory deposits (1) 4,781.0 4,667.4 Security for reinsurance and other (1) 1,245.7 1,106.7 6,026.7 5,774.1 (1) Excludes European Run-off's regulatory deposits of $71.7 and security for reinsurance and other of $65.5 at December 31, 2019 that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet (note 23).
Schedule of fixed income maturity profile	The table below does not reflect the impact of U.S. treasury bond forward contracts with a notional amount at December 31, 2020 of $330.8 (December 31, 2019 - $846.5) that economica lly hedge the company's exposure to interest rate risk as described in note 7. The decrease in the company's holdings of bonds due in 1 year or less was primarily due to net sales and maturities of short-dated U.S. treasury bonds and Canadian government bonds for proceeds of $2,521.5 and $626.0 and the deconsolidation of bonds held by Fairfax Africa (note 23). The proceeds from those sales were primarily re-invested into $2,071.9 of short to mid-dated high quality corporate bonds, which increased the company's holdings of bonds due after 1 year through 5 years, and into U.S. treasury, Canadian provincial and Canadian government short-term investments. The decrease in the company's holdings of bonds due after 10 years was primarily due to net sales of India government bonds. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Amortized cost (1) Fair value (1) Amortized cost (2) Fair value (2) Due in 1 year or less 4,968.1 4,935.3 8,158.1 8,206.3 Due after 1 year through 5 years 9,378.4 10,096.9 5,872.8 5,980.8 Due after 5 years through 10 years 654.2 718.5 1,227.6 1,242.3 Due after 10 years 419.2 544.6 784.9 886.0 15,419.9 16,295.3 16,043.4 16,315.4 Pre-tax effective interest rate 3.2 % 3.6 % (1) Includes bonds held by the holding company and Fairfax India. On December 8, 2020 Fairfax Africa was deconsolidated pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (2) Includes bonds held by the holding company, Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa.
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets	The company’s use of quoted market prices (Level 1), valuation models with significant observable market information as inputs (Level 2) and valuation models with significant unobservable information as inputs (Level 3) in the valuation of securities and derivative contracts by type of issuer was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Quoted prices (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total fair Quoted prices (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total fair Cash and cash equivalents (1) 5,256.7 — — 5,256.7 4,329.3 — — 4,329.3 Short term investments: Canadian government 638.1 — — 638.1 373.9 — — 373.9 Canadian provincials 1,002.9 — — 1,002.9 755.3 — — 755.3 U.S. treasury 6,343.3 — — 6,343.3 3,154.4 — — 3,154.4 Other government 266.7 234.9 — 501.6 220.6 155.2 — 375.8 Corporate and other — 178.0 — 178.0 — 1,714.9 — 1,714.9 8,251.0 412.9 — 8,663.9 4,504.2 1,870.1 — 6,374.3 Bonds: Canadian government — 16.5 — 16.5 — 664.4 — 664.4 Canadian provincials — 49.9 — 49.9 — 2.9 — 2.9 U.S. treasury — 3,058.4 — 3,058.4 — 5,610.8 — 5,610.8 U.S. states and municipalities — 378.2 — 378.2 — 216.5 — 216.5 Other government — 944.0 — 944.0 — 1,656.0 — 1,656.0 Corporate and other (2) — 10,074.1 1,774.2 11,848.3 — 6,744.7 1,420.1 8,164.8 — 14,521.1 1,774.2 16,295.3 — 14,895.3 1,420.1 16,315.4 Preferred stocks: Canadian — 12.2 93.0 105.2 — 8.4 82.5 90.9 U.S. — — 17.0 17.0 — — 5.0 5.0 Other (3) 10.3 — 477.4 487.7 5.3 — 481.7 487.0 10.3 12.2 587.4 609.9 5.3 8.4 569.2 582.9 Common stocks: Canadian 802.5 108.7 181.5 1,092.7 577.9 103.7 114.8 796.4 U.S. 485.1 32.0 998.8 1,515.9 360.6 33.2 1,029.3 1,423.1 Other (4) 1,250.8 338.4 937.3 2,526.5 1,125.1 397.8 1,037.4 2,560.3 2,538.4 479.1 2,117.6 5,135.1 2,063.6 534.7 2,181.5 4,779.8 Derivatives and other invested assets — 237.4 722.9 960.3 — 80.1 764.3 844.4 Derivative obligations (note 7) — (164.1) (25.3) (189.4) — (205.9) — (205.9) Holding company cash and investments and portfolio investments measured at fair value 16,056.4 15,498.6 5,176.8 36,731.8 10,902.4 17,182.7 4,935.1 33,020.2 43.7 % 42.2 % 14.1 % 100.0 % 33.0 % 52.0% 15.0 % 100.0% Investments in associates (note 6) (4)(5) 3,073.8 17.7 4,059.8 7,151.3 3,147.3 19.4 4,034.2 7,200.9 (1) Includes restricted cash and cash equivalents of $789.6 at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $691.5). See note 27. (2) Included in Level 3 are the company's investments in mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 of $775.4 (December 31, 2019 - $232.0) secured by real estate primarily in the U.S., Europe and Canada. (3) Primarily comprised of the company's investment in compulsory convertible preferred shares of Go Digit Infoworks Services Limited ("Digit"). The company also holds a 49.0% equity interest in Digit as described in note 6. (4) The company has presented its investment in Eurobank of $1,164.4 at December 31, 2019 as an investment in associate whereas it was previously presented as a Level 1 common stock as described in note 3. (5) The fair value of investments in associates is presented separately as such investments are measured using the equity method of account ing. Also included is the fair value of RiverStone Barbados which is held for sale at December 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. 2020 Limited partnerships and other (1) Private placement debt securities Derivatives and other invested assets Private company preferred Common shares Private equity funds (1) Total Balance - January 1 1,846.7 1,420.1 764.3 569.2 205.6 129.2 4,935.1 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings 155.9 99.3 (100.4) (3.0) 27.4 (1.0) 178.2 Purchases 198.1 1,012.8 44.2 20.7 14.3 — 1,290.1 Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment (2) — (149.3) — — — — (149.3) Sales and distributions (392.8) (474.6) — (0.1) (8.0) (18.8) (894.3) Transfer out of category (44.4) — — — — — (44.4) Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income 3.4 12.5 (0.6) 0.6 0.6 1.4 17.9 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) — (146.6) (9.9) — — — (156.5) Balance - December 31 1,766.9 1,774.2 697.6 587.4 239.9 110.8 5,176.8 2019 Limited partnerships and other (1) Private placement debt securities Derivatives and other invested assets Private company preferred Common shares Private equity funds (1) Total Balance - January 1 1,810.7 1,992.9 476.7 255.7 668.0 170.0 5,374.0 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings 136.0 (159.8) 195.9 374.3 132.0 29.9 708.3 Purchases 196.6 424.5 195.3 49.0 25.5 — 890.9 Sales and distributions (251.9) (806.6) (109.2) (108.7) (4) (45.4) (67.4) (1,389.2) Transfer out of category (39.0) — — — (574.3) (3) — (613.3) Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income 6.8 23.3 5.8 (1.1) (0.2) (3.3) 31.3 Assets held for sale (note 23) (12.5) (54.2) (0.2) — — — (66.9) Balance - December 31 1,846.7 1,420.1 764.3 569.2 205.6 129.2 4,935.1 (1) Included in common stocks in the fair value hierarchy table presented on the previous page and in holding company cash and investments or common stocks on the consolidated balance sheets. (2) On July 1, 2020 the company derecognized its investment in Farmers Edge convertible debentures pursuant to the consolidation of Farmers Edge as described in note 6. (3) During 2019 the company's investment in ICICI Lombard common stock was transferred from Level 3 to Level 1 as the Indian regulatory selling restriction on the company's holdings was removed. Accordingly, the company ceased applying a discount for lack of marketability (an unobservable key valuation input) to the traded market price of those holdings. Subsequently in 2019 the company sold its remaining 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard. (4) On April 17, 2019 the company derecognized its investment in AGT preferred shares of $108.7 pursuant to the acquisition of AGT as described in note 23.
Disclosure of fair value measurement of liabilities	The company’s use of quoted market prices (Level 1), valuation models with significant observable market information as inputs (Level 2) and valuation models with significant unobservable information as inputs (Level 3) in the valuation of securities and derivative contracts by type of issuer was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Quoted prices (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total fair Quoted prices (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Total fair Cash and cash equivalents (1) 5,256.7 — — 5,256.7 4,329.3 — — 4,329.3 Short term investments: Canadian government 638.1 — — 638.1 373.9 — — 373.9 Canadian provincials 1,002.9 — — 1,002.9 755.3 — — 755.3 U.S. treasury 6,343.3 — — 6,343.3 3,154.4 — — 3,154.4 Other government 266.7 234.9 — 501.6 220.6 155.2 — 375.8 Corporate and other — 178.0 — 178.0 — 1,714.9 — 1,714.9 8,251.0 412.9 — 8,663.9 4,504.2 1,870.1 — 6,374.3 Bonds: Canadian government — 16.5 — 16.5 — 664.4 — 664.4 Canadian provincials — 49.9 — 49.9 — 2.9 — 2.9 U.S. treasury — 3,058.4 — 3,058.4 — 5,610.8 — 5,610.8 U.S. states and municipalities — 378.2 — 378.2 — 216.5 — 216.5 Other government — 944.0 — 944.0 — 1,656.0 — 1,656.0 Corporate and other (2) — 10,074.1 1,774.2 11,848.3 — 6,744.7 1,420.1 8,164.8 — 14,521.1 1,774.2 16,295.3 — 14,895.3 1,420.1 16,315.4 Preferred stocks: Canadian — 12.2 93.0 105.2 — 8.4 82.5 90.9 U.S. — — 17.0 17.0 — — 5.0 5.0 Other (3) 10.3 — 477.4 487.7 5.3 — 481.7 487.0 10.3 12.2 587.4 609.9 5.3 8.4 569.2 582.9 Common stocks: Canadian 802.5 108.7 181.5 1,092.7 577.9 103.7 114.8 796.4 U.S. 485.1 32.0 998.8 1,515.9 360.6 33.2 1,029.3 1,423.1 Other (4) 1,250.8 338.4 937.3 2,526.5 1,125.1 397.8 1,037.4 2,560.3 2,538.4 479.1 2,117.6 5,135.1 2,063.6 534.7 2,181.5 4,779.8 Derivatives and other invested assets — 237.4 722.9 960.3 — 80.1 764.3 844.4 Derivative obligations (note 7) — (164.1) (25.3) (189.4) — (205.9) — (205.9) Holding company cash and investments and portfolio investments measured at fair value 16,056.4 15,498.6 5,176.8 36,731.8 10,902.4 17,182.7 4,935.1 33,020.2 43.7 % 42.2 % 14.1 % 100.0 % 33.0 % 52.0% 15.0 % 100.0% Investments in associates (note 6) (4)(5) 3,073.8 17.7 4,059.8 7,151.3 3,147.3 19.4 4,034.2 7,200.9 (1) Includes restricted cash and cash equivalents of $789.6 at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $691.5). See note 27. (2) Included in Level 3 are the company's investments in mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 of $775.4 (December 31, 2019 - $232.0) secured by real estate primarily in the U.S., Europe and Canada. (3) Primarily comprised of the company's investment in compulsory convertible preferred shares of Go Digit Infoworks Services Limited ("Digit"). The company also holds a 49.0% equity interest in Digit as described in note 6. (4) The company has presented its investment in Eurobank of $1,164.4 at December 31, 2019 as an investment in associate whereas it was previously presented as a Level 1 common stock as described in note 3. (5) The fair value of investments in associates is presented separately as such investments are measured using the equity method of account ing. Also included is the fair value of RiverStone Barbados which is held for sale at December 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23.
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets	The table below presents the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used to estimate fair values for the company's significant Level 3 financial assets at December 31, 2020: Asset class Carrying value Valuation technique Significant unobservable input Input range used Effect on fair value if input value is increased (a) Low High Limited partnerships and other (b)(1) 1,748.6 Net asset value Net asset value N/A N/A Increase Private placement debt securities (c)(2) 858.3 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 1.8 % 29.5 % Decrease Mortgage loans (c)(3) 775.4 Market approach Recent transaction price N/A N/A Increase Discounted cash flow Credit spread 2.1 % 4.9 % Decrease Investment property (d)(4) 488.0 Income capitalization and/or sales comparison Terminal capitalization rate 6.8 % 7.5 % Decrease Discount rate 7.1 % 9.3 % Decrease Market rent growth rate 2.5 % 3.0 % Increase Investment property (d)(5) 50.9 Sales comparison Price per acre (Cdn$ thousands) 15.0 170.0 Increase Warrants (d)(6) 133.2 Option pricing model Equity volatility 31.2 % 55.1 % Increase CPI-linked derivatives (d)(7) 2.8 Option pricing model Inflation volatility 0.0 % 3.3 % Increase Private company preferred shares (e)(8) 475.1 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 11.5 % 11.5 % Decrease Long term growth rate 6.0 % 6.0 % Increase Discount for lack of marketability 10.5 % 10.5 % Decrease Private placement preferred shares (e)(9) 71.6 Discounted cash flow Credit spread 4.2 % 4.2 % Decrease Common shares (b)(10) 80.9 Market comparable Book value multiple 1.5 1.5 Increase Private equity funds (b)(1) 45.0 Net asset value Net asset value N/A N/A Increase Private equity funds (b)(10) 65.6 Market comparable Price/Earnings multiple 10.0 10.0 Increase Other 381.4 Various Various N/A N/A N/A Total 5,176.8 (a) Decreasing the input value would have the opposite effect on the estimated fair value. (b) Included in holding company cash and investments or common stocks on the consolidated balance sheet. (c) Included in holding company cash and investments or bonds on the consolidated balance sheet. (d) Included in holding company cash and investments or derivatives and other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheet. (e) Included in preferred stocks on the consolidated balance sheet. (1) Limited partnerships and other, and certain private equity funds, are investment funds managed by third party fund managers and general partners that invest in a diverse range of industries and geographies. These investment funds were valued primarily using net asset value statements provided by those third party fund managers and general partners. The fair values in those statements are determined using quoted prices of the underlying assets, and to a lesser extent, observable inputs where available and unobservable inputs, in conjunction with industry accepted valuation models, where required. In some instances, such investments are classified as Level 3 if they require at least three months' notice to liquidate or redeem. At December 31, 2020 limited partnerships and other consisted of 51 investments, the three largest being $299.5 (beverage manufacturing), $191.8 (industrials) and $146.4 (oil and gas extraction) (December 31, 2019 - 49 investments, the three largest being $482.3 (beverage manufacturing), $128.9 (primarily household appliance manufacturing) and $128.3 (industrials)). By increasing (decreasing) net asset values at December 31, 2020 by 10%, the fair value of limited partnerships and other would collectively increase (decrease) by $174.9, and the fair value of the private equity funds would collectively increase (decrease) by $4.5. (2) At December 31, 2020 these private placement debt securities were valued using industry accepted discounted cash flow models that incorporated unobservable credit spreads of the issuers, and consisted of 10 investments, the largest being $438.6 (software publishers) (December 31, 2019 - 16 investments, the largest being $442.1 (software publishers)). By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads applied at December 31, 2020 by 100 basis points, the fair value of this asset class would collectively decrease by $17.7 (increase by $14.8). (3) At December 31, 2020 these mortgage loans consisted of 22 investments, the largest being $111.5 (December 31, 2019 - 6 investments, the largest being $108.1). By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads applied at December 31, 2020 by 100 basis points, the fair value of this asset class would not change significantly primarily due to the short term nature of these instruments. (4) These investment property were valued by third party appraisers using industry accepted income capitalization and/or sales comparison approaches that incorporated unobservable capitalization rates, discount rates and market rent growth rates. (5) These investment property were valued using an industry accepted direct sales comparison approach that incorporated unobservable recent sale prices per acre for comparable properties in similar locations. (6) These warrants were valued using industry accepted option pricing models that incorporated unobservable long-dated equity volatilities. A higher equity volatility generally results in a higher fair value due to the higher probability of obtaining a greater return from the warrant. By increasing (decreasing) equity volatilities applied at December 31, 2020 by 10%, the fair value of these warrants would collectively increase by $22.7 (decrease by $23.5). (7) CPI-linked derivatives were valued using broker-dealer quotes that applied observable inputs except for unobservable inflation volatilities. (8) These private company preferred shares were valued using an industry accepted discounted cash flow model that incorporated an unobservable discount rate and long term growth rate. As the company is restricted from selling the preferred shares for a specified period a discount for lack of marketability was also applied using an industry accepted option pricing model that incorporated unobservable long-dated equity volatilities. At December 31, 2020: by increasing (decreasing) the discount rate applied by 0.5%, the fair value of the preferred shares would decrease by $45.1 (increase by $54.2); by increasing (decreasing) the long term growth rate applied by 0.25%, the fair value of the preferred shares would increase by $17.4 (decrease by $15.8); by increasing (decreasing) the equity volatility applied by 10%, the option value would increase (decrease) and the fair value of the preferred shares would decrease by $25.9 (increase by $25.8). At December 31, 2019 these private company preferred shares were valued using the transaction price. As the company was restricted from selling for a specified period, a discount for lack of marketability was applied using an industry accepted option pricing model that incorporated market unobservable long-dated equity volatilities. (9) These private placement preferred shares were valued using industry accepted discounted cash flow models that incorporated unobservable credit spreads of the preferred shares. By increasing (decreasing) the credit spreads applied at December 31, 2020 by 100 basis points, the fair value of this asset class would decrease by $8.2 (increase by $8.4). (10) These common shares and private equity funds were valued using various valuation measures for comparable companies and transactions, including relevant valuation multiples. In some instances, such investments are classified as Level 3 because the valuation multiples applied by the company were adjusted for differences in attributes between the investment and the underlying companies or transactions from which the valuation multiples were derived.
Disclosure of investment income	An analysis of investment income for the years ended December 31 follows: Interest and dividends and share of profit (losses) of associates 2020 2019 Interest income: Cash and short term investments 104.1 156.5 Bonds 557.4 618.0 Derivatives and other invested assets 55.0 51.8 716.5 826.3 Dividends: Preferred stocks 4.3 11.2 Common stocks 73.5 82.5 77.8 93.7 Investment expenses (25.1) (39.8) Interest and dividends 769.2 880.2 Share of profit (losses) of associates (1) (112.8) 169.6 (1) Includes impairment charges recorded on investments in associates during 2020 of $240.3 (2019 - $211.2) as described in note 6.
Schedule of gains (losses) on investment	Net gains (losses) on investments 2020 2019 Net realized gains (losses) (1) Net change in unrealized Net gains Net realized gains (losses) Net change in unrealized Net gains Bonds 112.1 593.5 705.6 (59.6) (8)(9) 258.1 (8)(9) 198.5 Preferred stocks — 10.0 10.0 (23.4) 397.3 (10) 373.9 Common stocks 243.7 (212.4) 31.3 548.0 (11) 377.9 (11) 925.9 355.8 391.1 746.9 465.0 1,033.3 1,498.3 Derivatives: Equity total return swaps - short positions (613.2) (2) 84.6 (528.6) 48.2 (2) (93.2) (45.0) Equity total return swaps - long positions 207.4 (2) 118.2 325.6 (34.5) (2) 55.0 20.5 Equity warrant forward contracts — — — 83.8 (3) (38.4) (3) 45.4 Equity warrants and options (1.6) (54.7) (3) (56.3) (4.7) 128.6 (3) 123.9 CPI-linked derivatives (300.0) 286.1 (13.9) (14.1) 1.8 (12.3) U.S. treasury bond forwards (103.0) 1.0 (102.0) (119.3) 32.6 (86.7) Other (59.0) 26.1 (32.9) 9.9 (3) (111.3) (3) (101.4) (869.4) 461.3 (408.1) (30.7) (24.9) (55.6) Foreign currency net gains (losses) on: Investing activities (51.0) 156.4 105.4 (4) (17.3) (50.7) (68.0) (4) Underwriting activities (16.8) — (16.8) 5.6 — 5.6 Foreign currency contracts 2.1 (35.1) (33.0) 8.3 (9.6) (1.3) (65.7) 121.3 55.6 (3.4) (60.3) (63.7) Disposition of associates 8.6 (5)(6) — 8.6 10.9 (12) — 10.9 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (61.5) (7) — (61.5) 171.3 (13) — 171.3 Other (36.9) 8.5 (28.4) 20.3 134.7 (14) 155.0 Net gains (losses) on investments (669.1) 982.2 313.1 633.4 1,082.8 1,716.2 (1) Amounts recorded in net realized gains (losses) in 2020 include net gains (losses) on investments that were disposed of pursuant to the deconsolidation of Fairfax Africa on December 8, 2020 and European Run-off on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. (2) Amounts recorded in net realized gains (losses) include net gains (losses) on total return swaps where the counterparties are required to cash-settle monthly or quarterly the market value movement since the previous reset date notwithstanding that the total return swap positions remain open subsequent to the cash settlement. (3) Includes the Atlas (formerly Seaspan) $8.05 equity warrants and forward contracts relating to commitments to purchase Atlas warrants and debentures in January 2019. See note 6. (4) Foreign currency net gains on investing activities during 2020 primarily reflected strengthening of the euro and Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency net losses on investing activities during 2019 primarily related to U.S. dollar denominated investments held by subsidiaries with a Canadian dollar or British pound functional currency as the U.S. dollar weakened relative to those currencies. (5) On February 28, 2020 the company sold its investment in APR Energy to Atlas in an all-stock transaction as described in note 6. (6) On September 30, 2020 th e company sold its investment in Davos Brands for cash proceeds of $58.6 and recorded a net realized gain of $19.3 as described in note 6. (7) On December 8, 2020 Fairfax Africa was deconsolidated and an equity accounted investment in Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation ("HFP") was recognized, resulting in a net realized loss of $61.5 (inclusive of foreign currency translation losses of $26.9 recycled from accumulated other comprehensive income to the consolidated statement of earnings) pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (8) On June 28, 2019 EXCO Resources Inc. ("EXCO") emerged from bankruptcy protection and settled the company's holdings of EXCO bonds with common shares, resulting in the company recording a net loss on investment of $179.3 (realized losses of $296.3, of which $117.0 was recorded as unrealized losses in prior years). (9) On December 21, 2019 Fairfax India's holdings of Sanmar Chemicals Group ("Sanmar") bonds with a principal amount of $300.0 were settled for net cash proceeds of $425.5 (30.3 billion Indian rupees) including accrued interest, resulting in the company recording a net gain on investment of $48.8 (realized gains of $156.5, of which $107.7 was recorded as unrealized gains in prior years). (10) On December 23, 2019 Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited ("Digit") entered into definitive agreements whereby its general insurance subsidiary Go Digit Insurance Limited ("Digit Insurance") subsequently issued approximately $91 (6.5 billion Indian rupees) of new equity shares primarily to three Indian investors. This transaction valued Digit Insurance at approximately $858 (61.2 billion Indian rupees) and resulted in the company recording net unrealized gains on investments of $350.9 on its investment in Digit compulsory convertible preferred shares. The company also holds a 49.0% equity interest in Digit as described in note 6. (11) During 2019 the company sold its 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard for gross proceeds of $729.0 and recognized a net gain on investment of $240.0 (realized gains of $311.2, of which $71.2 was recorded as unrealized gains in prior years), primarily related to the removal of the discount for lack of marketability previously applied by the company to the traded market price of its ICICI Lombard common stock. (12) On April 18, 2019 Brit acquired the 50.0% equity interest in Ambridge Partners LLC ("Ambridge Partners") that it did not already own for $46.6, remeasured its existing equity interest to fair value for a gain of $10.4, and commenced consolidating Ambridge Partners. (13) On May 17, 2019 the company deconsolidated Grivalia Properties upon its merger into Eurobank and recognized a non-cash gain of $171.3. See note 23.

Investments in Associates (Tabl

Investments in Associates (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Interests In Other Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of investments in associates	The company's investments in associates are as follows: December 31, 2020 Year ended December 31, 2020 Carrying value Ownership (a) Fair (b) Associates Fairfax India associates (c) Total Share of profit (loss) Insurance and reinsurance: Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. ("Eurolife") (1) 50.0 % 457.9 336.2 (d) — 336.2 6.1 Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam Insurance Joint Stock Corporation (“BIC Insurance”) 35.0 % 41.3 51.0 — 51.0 3.7 Thai Re Public Company Limited ("Thai Re") 47.1 % 84.9 35.2 — 35.2 (12.9) Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited ("Singapore Re") 28.2 % 36.2 39.2 — 39.2 0.5 Falcon Insurance PLC ("Falcon Thailand") 41.2 % 11.5 11.5 — 11.5 1.5 Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited ("Digit") 49.0 % 120.5 41.8 — 41.8 8.8 RiverStone (Barbados) Ltd. ("RiverStone Barbados"), held for sale (2) 60.0 % 729.5 729.5 (d) — 729.5 113.0 Other — 59.7 60.3 — 60.3 (1.4) 1,541.5 1,304.7 — 1,304.7 119.3 Non-insurance: India Bangalore International Airport Limited ("Bangalore Airport") 54.0 % 1,396.1 — 642.4 642.4 (30.5) Quess Corp Limited ("Quess") (10) 33.2 % 366.8 558.9 (d) — 558.9 (124.6) IIFL Finance Limited (“IIFL Finance”) (10) 29.9 % 175.6 57.7 175.9 233.6 19.9 Sanmar Chemicals Group ("Sanmar") 42.9 % 338.6 — 128.6 128.6 (48.6) CSB Bank Limited ("CSB Bank") 49.7 % 214.4 — 164.4 164.4 14.1 IIFL Securities Limited ("IIFL Securities") (10) 35.3 % 74.3 32.1 93.4 125.5 9.8 Seven Islands Shipping Limited ("Seven Islands") 48.5 % 103.6 — 100.8 100.8 17.8 Other — 37.1 8.8 22.8 31.6 0.1 2,706.5 657.5 1,328.3 1,985.8 (142.0) Africa (11) Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation ("HFP") 32.3 % 185.9 185.9 — 185.9 — Atlas Mara Limited ("Atlas Mara") (10)(12) 50.0 % 19.3 21.3 — 21.3 (31.3) AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited ("AFGRI") — — — — — (18.4) Other — — — — — (24.5) 205.2 207.2 — 207.2 (74.2) Agriculture Astarta Holding N.V. ("Astarta") (10) 28.4 % 49.9 65.3 — 65.3 (28.0) Farmers Edge Inc. ("Farmers Edge") (4) — — — — — (21.8) 49.9 65.3 — 65.3 (49.8) Real estate KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships ("KWF LPs") — 84.3 84.3 (d) — 84.3 (17.9) Other — 48.3 50.8 — 50.8 (0.2) 132.6 135.1 — 135.1 (18.1) Other Eurobank Ergasias Services & Holdings S.A ("Eurobank") (10) 30.5 % 799.9 1,166.3 — 1,166.3 (11.9) Atlas Corp. ("Atlas", formerly Seaspan Corporation) (6) 36.7 % 978.9 900.1 — 900.1 116.4 EXCO Resources Inc. ("EXCO") 43.7 % 237.7 238.5 — 238.5 (4.6) Resolute Forest Products Inc. ("Resolute") (10) 30.6 % 161.9 134.3 — 134.3 (57.0) APR Energy plc ("APR Energy") (6) — — — — — (13.6) Peak Achievement Athletics ("Peak Achievement") 42.6 % 171.5 140.2 (d) — 140.2 34.2 Partnerships, trusts and other (7) — 165.7 162.1 — 162.1 (11.5) 2,515.6 2,741.5 — 2,741.5 52.0 5,609.8 3,806.6 1,328.3 5,134.9 (232.1) Investments in associates 7,151.3 5,111.3 1,328.3 6,439.6 (112.8) As presented on the consolidated balance sheet: Investments in associates 4,154.3 4,381.8 Investment in associate held for sale (2) (d) 729.5 729.5 Fairfax India investments in associates 2,267.5 1,328.3 7,151.3 6,439.6 December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2019 Carrying value Ownership (a)(e) Fair value (b)(e) Associates and joint ventures (e) Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa associates (c) Total Share of profit (loss) Insurance and reinsurance: Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. ("Eurolife") (1) 50.0 % 403.1 303.9 (d) — 303.9 154.8 Thai Re Public Company Limited ("Thai Re") 47.1 % 43.3 43.3 — 43.3 (15.0) Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam Insurance Joint Stock Corporation (“BIC Insurance”) 35.0 % 45.2 48.6 — 48.6 2.7 Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited ("Singapore Re") 27.8 % 35.6 39.2 — 39.2 3.2 Falcon Insurance PLC ("Falcon Thailand") 41.2 % 10.4 10.4 — 10.4 0.5 Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited ("Digit") (3) 49.0 % 122.3 — — — (7.6) Other — 46.6 46.7 — 46.7 7.9 706.5 492.1 — 492.1 146.5 Non-insurance: India Quess Corp Limited ("Quess") (8) 33.2 % 332.1 704.1 (d) — 704.1 (183.2) Bangalore International Airport Limited ("Bangalore Airport") 54.0 % 1,429.8 — 689.3 689.3 30.8 Sanmar Chemicals Group ("Sanmar") 42.9 % 412.9 — 178.7 178.7 — IIFL Finance Limited (“IIFL Finance”) (9) 35.4 % 221.4 56.4 167.2 223.6 198.9 CSB Bank Limited ("CSB Bank") 49.7 % 229.3 — 157.8 157.8 (4.0) IIFL Securities Limited (“IIFL Securities”) (9) 35.4 % 65.0 30.8 90.3 121.1 1.6 Seven Islands Shipping Limited ("Seven Islands") 48.5 % 88.8 — 84.7 84.7 3.0 Other — 24.3 8.8 23.3 32.1 (0.3) 2,803.6 800.1 1,391.3 2,191.4 46.8 Africa Atlas Mara Limited ("Atlas Mara") 42.4 % 78.1 — 82.3 82.3 (54.0) AFGRI Holdings Propriety Limited ("AFGRI") 62.8 % 141.0 — 79.6 79.6 19.5 Other — 66.3 — 71.0 71.0 (6.6) 285.4 — 232.9 232.9 (41.1) Agriculture Astarta Holding N.V. ("Astarta") 27.4 % 28.9 115.5 — 115.5 (19.1) Farmers Edge Inc. ("Farmers Edge") 50.4 % 43.8 41.0 — 41.0 (39.9) 72.7 156.5 — 156.5 (59.0) Real estate KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships ("KWF LPs") — 99.0 99.0 (d) — 99.0 49.8 Other — 80.8 74.7 — 74.7 (5.8) 179.8 173.7 — 173.7 44.0 Other Eurobank Ergasias Services & Holdings S.A ("Eurobank") (5) 30.5 % 1,164.4 1,164.4 — 1,164.4 — Resolute Forest Products Inc. ("Resolute") 27.7 % 104.0 207.5 — 207.5 (4.9) APR Energy plc ("APR Energy") 53.4 % 266.2 189.3 (d) — 189.3 (57.0) Atlas Corp. ("Atlas", formerly Seaspan Corporation) 32.5 % 994.5 626.9 — 626.9 83.8 Peak Achievement Athletics ("Peak Achievement") 42.6 % 163.9 104.4 (d) — 104.4 (5.1) EXCO Resources Inc. ("EXCO") 43.3 % 238.2 243.2 — 243.2 21.6 Partnerships, trusts and other — 221.7 202.1 — 202.1 (6.0) 3,152.9 2,737.8 — 2,737.8 32.4 6,494.4 3,868.1 1,624.2 5,492.3 23.1 Investments in associates 7,200.9 4,360.2 1,624.2 5,984.4 169.6 As presented on the consolidated balance sheet: Investments in associates 4,521.7 4,360.2 Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa investments in associates 2,679.2 1,624.2 7,200.9 5,984.4 (a) Ownership percentages include the effects of financial instruments that are considered in-substance equity. (b) See note 5 for fair value hierarchy information. (c) Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa's associates are domiciled in India and Africa respectively. (d) These investments are joint ventures. (e) Excludes European Run-off's investments in associates and joint ventures with a carrying value of $442.9 and a fair value of $504.6 that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and principally comprised of investments in Gulf Insurance, Eurobank, Atlas (formerly Seaspan Corporation), APR Energy and Resolute. See note 23. Insurance and reinsurance associates and joint ventures (1) The company holds a 50.0% indirect interest in Eurolife at December 31, 2020 through its 62.5% interest in a joint venture with OMERS, the pension plan for Ontario's municipal employees. The joint venture holds an 80.0% equity interest in Eurolife, with the remaining 20.0% equity interest held by Eurobank. During 2020 Eurolife invested $93.7 (2019 - $22.1) in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund, which was presented as an increase of non-controlling interests in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity and as an issuance of subsidiary shares to non-controlling interests in the consolidated statement of cash flows. (2) On March 31, 2020 the company received a 60.0% joint venture interest with a fair value of $605.0 in RiverStone Barbados pursuant to its contribution of European Run-off to RiverStone Barbados, and at December 31, 2020 that joint venture interest was held for sale, pursuant to the transactions described in note 23. (3) On December 23, 2019 Digit entered into definitive agreements whereby its general insurance subsidiary Digit Insurance subsequently issued approximately $91 (6.5 billion Indian rupees) of new equity primarily to three Indian investors. This transaction valued Digit Insurance at approximately $858 (61.2 billion Indian rupees) and valued the company's 49.0% equity interest in Digit at $122.3 at December 31, 2019. The company's 49.0% equity interest in Digit is comprised of a 45.3% interest in Digit common shares and a 3.7% interest through Digit compulsory convertible preferred shares that are considered in-substance equity. Foreign direct ownership in the insurance sector in India is limited to 49.0% and as a result the remainder of the company's investment in Digit compulsory convertible preferred shares is recorded at FVTPL as described in note 5. Non-insurance associates and joint ventures (4) On July 1, 2020 the company commenced consolidating Farmers Edge as the company held convertible debentures and warrants that, together with its holdings of common shares, represented a substantive potential voting interest of approximately 67%. (5) The carrying value and fair value of non-insurance associates at December 31, 2019 was revised to include the company's investment in Eurobank of $1,164.4 that was previously included in holding company cash and investments and common stocks on the company's consolidated balance sheet as described in note 3. (6) On February 27, 2020 Seaspan Corporation ("Seaspan") completed a reorganization pursuant to which Atlas, a newly created holding company, became its parent. Shareholders of Seaspan, including the company, exchanged their Seaspan shares for Atlas shares with no change in ownership percentage. On February 28, 2020 Atlas acquired all issued and outstanding shares of APR Energy from the company and other APR Energy shareholders in an all-stock transaction at a deemed value of $388.3 (including certain Atlas shares reserved for holdback). Accordingly, the company derecognized its investment in APR Energy, recorded a pre-tax loss of $7.6, increased its equity accounted carrying value of Atlas by the fair value of the APR Energy shares exchanged (considered to be equal to the fair value of the newly issued Atlas common shares received of $178.1, which excluded the Atlas shares received by European Run-off of $45.9), and continued to apply the equity method of accounting to its investment in Atlas. On February 28, 2020 the company invested $100.0 in Atlas 5.50% unsecured debentures due March 1, 2027, which increased the company's aggregate investment in Atlas debentures to a principal amount of $575.0. At December 31, 2020 the company's holdings of Atlas debentures and warrants (the "$8.05 warrants") had fair values of $575.9 and $110.5 and were presented as bonds and derivatives respectively on the consolidated balance sheet. (7) On September 30, 2020 the company sold its investment in Davos Brands for cash proceeds of $58.6 and recorded a net realized gain of $19.3 in the consolidated statement of earnings. The company and other former shareholders of Davos Brands are eligible to receive additional consideration contingent on the brand performance over the next ten years of Aviation Gin, which is majority owned by Davos Brands. (8) On December 9, 2019 Thomas Cook India completed a non-cash spin-off of its 48.6% equity interest in Quess as a return of capital to its shareholders. This resulted in the company receiving a direct 31.8% joint venture interest in Quess as a transfer between companies under common control, with the company's carrying value of Quess remaining unchanged and subject to impairment testing as described in footnote 10 below. Prior to the spin-off Thomas Cook India recorded the Quess shares to be transferred to its minority shareholders at fair value and recognized a non-cash impairment loss of $190.6, which was included in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings and fully attributed to non-controlling interests. (9) On May 31, 2019 IIFL Holdings Limited ("IIFL Holdings") spun off its wholly-owned subsidiary IIFL Securities (comprised of investment brokerage, distribution and investment banking businesses) and its 53.3% equity interest in its subsidiary IIFL Wealth Management Limited ("IIFL Wealth", comprised of wealth and asset management businesses) in a non-cash transaction. IIFL Holdings was renamed IIFL Finance (comprised of loans and mortgage business) and continues to be publicly listed. The company recorded share of profit of IIFL Holdings of $172.9, reflecting its share of a gain at IIFL Holdings from the spin-offs, and recorded its initial investments in IIFL Wealth and IIFL Securities at fair values of $255.6 and $121.9. Subsequently, the company applied the equity method of accounting to its 35.4% equity interest in each of IIFL Finance and IIFL Securities, and recorded its 19.0% equity interest in IIFL Wealth at FVTPL. The shares of IIFL Wealth and IIFL Securities were listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India in September 2019. (10) Please refer to the "Impairment Assessments" section below. Fairfax Africa (11) On December 7, 2020 the holding company acquired Atlas Mara from Fairfax Africa in an intercompany transaction. On December 8, 2020 the company deconsolidated Fairfax Africa (subsequently renamed Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation) and accounted for its interest in HFP as an investment in associate pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (12) On December 31, 2020 Atlas Mara repurchased 26.4 million of its outstanding common shares for treasury which increased the company's ownership of Atlas Mara to 50.0%. The company will continue to report Atlas Mara under the equity method of accounting due to contractual arrangements with Atlas Mara that preclude the company from fully exercising its voting rights. Annual changes in carrying value Changes in the carrying value of investments in associates, including investment in associate held for sale, for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Associates (1) Joint ventures (1) Fairfax India associates Fairfax Africa associates Total Balance - January 1 2,876.6 1,483.6 1,391.3 232.9 5,984.4 Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss): Share of profit (loss) 83.4 91.8 (24.8) (27.3) 123.1 Impairments (2) (88.3) (98.9) — (35.0) (222.2) Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans 88.0 42.1 3.2 (41.7) 91.6 Share of losses on defined benefit plans (32.2) (20.8) (4.9) — (57.9) 50.9 14.2 (26.5) (104.0) (65.4) Dividends and distributions received (70.0) (3.7) (4.9) (1.4) (80.0) Purchases and acquisitions 223.4 20.8 — 5.0 249.2 Divestitures and other net changes in capitalization (107.2) (180.6) 0.9 (1.7) (288.6) Reclassifications (3) 174.4 605.0 — — 779.4 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) — — — (103.6) (103.6) Transfers (4) 21.3 — — (21.3) — Foreign exchange effect 1.0 1.6 (32.5) (5.9) (35.8) Balance - December 31 3,170.4 1,940.9 1,328.3 — 6,439.6 2019 Associates Joint ventures Fairfax India associates Fairfax Africa associates Total Balance - January 1 1,465.6 2,006.3 1,103.0 288.1 4,863.0 Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss): Share of profit (loss) 111.6 131.1 179.2 (41.1) 380.8 Impairments (2) (20.6) (190.6) — — (211.2) Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans 26.2 (3.8) (0.7) (51.6) (29.9) Share of losses on defined benefit plans (42.3) (0.2) (5.5) — (48.0) 74.9 (63.5) 173.0 (92.7) 91.7 Dividends and distributions received (160.7) (245.0) (288.8) — (694.5) Purchases and acquisitions 677.2 71.6 441.0 45.1 1,234.9 Divestitures and other net changes in capitalization (5) (0.5) (221.0) (9.7) (7.4) (238.6) Reclassifications (3) 1,201.8 — — — 1,201.8 Assets held for sale (note 23) (390.9) (52.0) — — (442.9) Foreign exchange effect 9.2 (12.8) (27.2) (0.2) (31.0) Balance - December 31 2,876.6 1,483.6 1,391.3 232.9 5,984.4 (1) Excludes European Run-off's investments in associates and joint ventures that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 as described in note 23. (2 ) Impairments recorded on associates and joint ventures are included in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings. Impairments of $222.2 recorded during 2020 included non-cash impairment charges on Quess, Resolute, Atlas Mara and Astarta . Not shown in the table above are impairments of $18.1 recorded during 2020 on certain investments in associates and joint ventures held by European Run-off and Fairfax Africa subsequent to those subsidiaries being classified as held for sale. I mpairments of $211.2 recorded during 2019 included non-cash impairment charges on Quess of $190.6 (related to Thomas Cook India's non-cash spin-off of Quess shares to its minority shareholders and fully attributed to non-controlling interests) and on Astarta of $10.1. (3) Primarily reflects the investments in HFP (an associate) and RiverStone Barbados (a joint venture), and the consolidation of Farmers Edge in 2020, and the reclassification of Eurobank and Brit's consolidation of Ambridge Partners in 2019. See note 23. (4) Primarily reflects the holding company's acquisition of Atlas Mara from Fairfax Africa prior to the deconsolidation of Fairfax Africa. See note 23.
Schedule of impairment assessment assumptions	Assumptions for each value-in-use analysis are set out in the table below: December 31, 2020 Discount rate (2) Long term growth rate (3) Non-insurance associate or joint venture Fair value Carrying value Impairment recorded in 2020 (1) Source of free cash flow projections December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Summary of cash flow and other assumptions Eurobank (4) 799.9 1,166.3 — Internal estimates consistent with third party analyst reports 9.5 % N/A 1.5 % Growth in net interest, fee and commission income comparable to industry peers, and a gradual decline in provisions expense as non-performing exposures continue to decrease. Quess (5) 366.8 558.9 (98.3) Quess management 13.6 % 12.8 % 6.0 % Achieve revenue forecasts, annual capital expenditures reverting to lower historical levels, working capital requirements comparable to industry peers and reduced cash taxes payable in the next eight years through utilization of existing tax incentives. IIFL Finance 175.6 233.6 — IIFL Finance management 17.7 % N/A 3.0 % Growth in net interest income from a growing loan portfolio and a gradual decline in provisions expense to be comparable to industry peers. IIFL Securities 74.3 125.5 — IIFL Securities management 13.2 % 12.3 % 6.0 % Achieve revenue forecasts, annual capital expenditures normalizing to levels that are comparable to non-capital intensive service-based peers and working capital requirements comparable to industry peers. All other (1) 110.5 137.6 (142.0) 1,527.1 2,221.9 (240.3) (1) Impairments are included in share of profit (loss) of associates in the consolidated statement of earnings. All other impairments of $142.0 recorded during 2020 included non-cash impairment charges on Resolute of $56.5, Atlas Mara of $35.0 and Astarta of $26.3. Impairments recorded on associates of $211.2 during 2019 included non-cash impairment charges on Quess of $190.6 and Astarta of $10.1. (2) The discount rate is representative of the cost of capital of industry peers. (3) The long term growth rate is consistent with growth expectations for the industry and the economies in which each associate or joint venture operates. Long term growth rates applied at December 31, 2020 remained unchanged from those at December 31, 2019 where applicable. (4) At December 31, 2020 the recoverable amount of Eurobank represented approximately 108% of carrying value (December 31, 2019 - value-in-use analysis not required as fair value equaled carrying value). Increasing (decreasing) the discount rate by 0.5% and decreasing (increasing) the long term growth rate by 0.25% in the value-in-use analysis would decrease (increase) the recoverable amount to approximately 102% (115%) of carrying value. (5) At December 31, 2020 the recoverable amount of Quess represented approximately 113% of carrying value (December 31, 2019 - approximately 109%). Increasing (decreasing) the discount rate by 0.5% and decreasing (increasing) the long term growth rate by 0.25% in the value-in-use analysis would decrease (increase) the recoverable amount to approximately 103% (125%) of carrying value.
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units	Goodwill and intangible assets were allocated to the company's cash-generating units (“CGUs”) as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Goodwill Intangible Total Goodwill Intangible Total Insurance and reinsurance companies Allied World 940.0 611.7 1,551.7 938.8 659.2 1,598.0 Brit 200.2 581.1 781.3 200.2 594.2 794.4 Zenith National 317.6 93.2 410.8 317.6 99.3 416.9 Crum & Forster 188.8 104.2 293.0 188.2 111.7 299.9 Northbridge 95.4 105.5 200.9 92.5 90.9 183.4 Odyssey Group 119.7 57.3 177.0 119.7 62.8 182.5 All other (1) 148.4 64.2 212.6 151.6 132.1 283.7 2,010.1 1,617.2 3,627.3 2,008.6 1,750.2 3,758.8 Non-insurance companies Recipe 280.9 1,011.0 1,291.9 279.3 1,035.5 1,314.8 Boat Rocker 90.1 230.8 320.9 93.8 154.1 247.9 Farmers Edge (2) 202.6 17.0 219.6 — — — AGT (2) 168.5 47.1 215.6 174.7 58.9 233.6 Thomas Cook India 144.6 56.3 200.9 150.6 55.8 206.4 Dexterra Group 75.9 17.7 93.6 75.8 15.7 91.5 All other (3) 153.6 105.7 259.3 214.5 126.6 341.1 1,116.2 1,485.6 2,601.8 988.7 1,446.6 2,435.3 3,126.3 3,102.8 6,229.1 2,997.3 3,196.8 6,194.1 (1) Comprised primarily of balances related to U.S. Run-off, AMAG Insurance and Pacific Insurance. (2) Farmers Edge was consolidated on July 1, 2020 as described in note 6 and AGT was acquired on April 17, 2019 as described in note 23. (3) Comprised primarily of balances related to Fairchem, Privi, Mosaic Capital, Sterling Resorts, CIG (deconsolidated December 8, 2020) and Pethealth.

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of notes and other explanatory information [Abstract]
Schedule of derivative financial instruments	The following table summarizes the company’s derivative financial instruments: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Notional amount Cost Fair value Notional Cost Fair value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Equity contracts: Equity total return swaps – short positions — — — — 369.8 — — 84.6 Equity total return swaps – long positions 1,788.3 — 144.3 18.0 406.3 — 11.1 3.0 Equity warrants and options (1) 626.9 102.4 133.2 0.4 528.1 114.8 200.3 — CPI-linked derivative contracts 74,906.0 347.5 2.8 — 99,804.7 614.9 6.7 — U.S. treasury bond forward contracts 330.8 — 3.1 — 846.5 — 3.9 1.7 Foreign currency forward and swap contracts (2) — — 66.4 136.0 — 1.8 55.3 114.5 Foreign currency options — 53.7 5.8 — — 102.7 8.2 — Other derivative contracts — 25.6 27.1 35.0 — 3.4 2.5 2.1 Total 382.7 189.4 288.0 205.9 (1) Includes the company's investment in Atlas (formerly Seaspan) $8.05 warrants with a fair value at December 31, 2020 of $110.5 (December 31, 2019 - $164.8). See note 6. (2) Includes AGT's foreign currency forward and swap liabilities with a fair value at December 31, 2020 of $46.2 (December 31, 2019 - $53.3).
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments	The CPI-linked derivative contracts are summarized as follows: December 31, 2020 Floor rate (1) Average life Notional amount Weighted Index value at period end Cost Cost in bps (3) Fair value Fair value in bps (3) Unrealized gain (loss) Underlying CPI index Contract currency U.S. dollars United States 0.0 % 2.6 32,175.0 32,175.0 232.09 260.47 121.0 37.6 0.9 0.3 (120.1) United States 0.5 % 3.8 12,600.0 12,600.0 238.30 260.47 39.8 31.6 1.1 0.9 (38.7) European Union 0.0 % 2.4 19,800.0 24,226.4 98.96 104.70 155.6 64.2 0.6 0.2 (155.0) United Kingdom 0.0 % 2.4 1,500.0 2,050.4 249.23 295.40 10.4 50.7 — — (10.4) France 0.0 % 2.1 3,150.0 3,854.2 99.27 104.09 20.7 53.7 0.2 0.5 (20.5) 2.7 74,906.0 347.5 2.8 (344.7) December 31, 2019 Floor rate (1) Average life Notional amount Weighted Index value at period end Cost Cost in bps (3) Fair value (2) Fair value in bps (3) Unrealized gain (loss) Underlying CPI index Contract currency (2) U.S. dollars (2) United States 0.0 % 2.7 44,775.0 44,775.0 231.35 256.97 277.5 62.0 1.6 0.4 (275.9) United States 0.5 % 4.8 12,600.0 12,600.0 238.30 256.97 39.7 31.5 4.4 3.5 (35.3) European Union 0.0 % 2.2 32,525.0 36,509.3 96.57 105.13 263.6 72.2 0.6 0.2 (263.0) United Kingdom 0.0 % 2.9 1,800.0 2,384.5 243.79 291.90 13.4 56.2 — — (13.4) France 0.0 % 3.1 3,150.0 3,535.9 99.27 104.39 20.7 58.5 0.1 0.3 (20.6) 2.8 99,804.7 614.9 6.7 (608.2) (1) Contracts with a floor rate of 0.0% provide a payout at maturity if there is cumulative deflation over the life of the contract. Contracts with a floor rate of 0.5% provide a payout at maturity based on an equivalent weighted average strike price of 250.49 if cumulative inflation averages less than 0.5% per year over the life of the contract. At December 31, 2020 the equivalent weighted average strike price for the United States 0.5% CPI-linked derivative contracts was 245.86 (December 31, 2019 - 244.63). (2) Excludes European Run-off's contracts with a notional amount of $12,054.3 and a fair value of $0.2 referenced to CPI in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019.

Insurance Contract Liabilities

Insurance Contract Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Disclosure of amounts arising from insurance contracts	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross Ceded Net Gross Ceded Net Provision for unearned premiums 8,397.5 1,899.1 6,498.4 7,222.4 1,583.7 5,638.7 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 30,809.3 7,947.3 22,862.0 28,500.2 6,934.8 21,565.4 Total insurance contract liabilities 39,206.8 9,846.4 29,360.4 35,722.6 8,518.5 27,204.1 Current 17,389.7 4,218.2 13,171.5 15,023.9 3,715.8 11,308.1 Non-current 21,817.1 5,628.2 16,188.9 20,698.7 4,802.7 15,896.0 39,206.8 9,846.4 29,360.4 35,722.6 8,518.5 27,204.1 Changes in the provision for unearned premiums for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Provision for unearned premiums – January 1 7,222.4 6,272.2 Gross premiums written (1) 18,979.4 17,511.2 Less: gross premiums earned (1) (17,782.9) (16,611.0) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) — 53.6 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — (6.0) Foreign exchange effect and other (21.4) 2.4 Provision for unearned premiums - December 31 8,397.5 7,222.4 ( 1) Changes in the provision for unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2020 exclude European Run-off's gross premiums written and gross premiums earned of $146.5 and $115.9, as the liabilities of European Run-off were included in liabilities associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. Changes in the provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – January 1 28,500.2 29,081.7 Decrease in estimated losses and expenses for claims occurring in the prior years (267.7) (166.5) Losses and expenses for claims occurring in the current year (1) 12,303.9 11,927.5 Paid on claims occurring during: the current year (2,987.5) (2,830.3) the prior years (7,338.0) (7,733.7) Acquisitions of subsidiaries — 44.0 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — (1,830.8) Foreign exchange effect and other (2) 598.4 8.3 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – December 31 30,809.3 28,500.2 (1) Effective January 1, 2019 Run-off Syndicate 3500 reinsured a portfolio of business predominantly comprised of casualty (principally employers' liability and public liability), professional indemnity, property, marine and aviation exposures relating to accident years 2018 and prior (the "first quarter 2019 reinsurance transaction"). Pursuant to this transaction Run-off Syndicate 3500 assumed $556.8 of net insurance contract liabilities for consideration of $561.5. (2) Included in 2020 is $347.7 of unpaid losses from loss reserves assumed from European Run-off which were previously eliminated on consolidation. See note 23. Calendar year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 17,232.2 19,648.8 19,212.8 17,749.1 19,816.4 19,481.8 28,610.8 29,081.7 28,500.2 30,809.3 Less: CTR Life (1) 24.2 20.6 17.9 15.2 14.2 12.8 8.7 8.0 7.0 5.5 17,208.0 19,628.2 19,194.9 17,733.9 19,802.2 19,469.0 28,602.1 29,073.7 28,493.2 30,803.8 Cumulative payments as of: One year later 3,627.6 4,323.5 4,081.1 3,801.6 4,441.4 4,608.0 7,564.0 7,732.0 7,288.8 Two years later 6,076.7 7,153.1 6,787.6 6,364.5 7,283.6 7,631.4 12,081.3 12,313.5 Three years later 7,920.3 9,148.0 8,775.5 8,172.7 9,466.5 9,655.9 15,222.3 Four years later 9,333.4 10,702.8 10,212.4 9,561.8 10,914.2 11,122.6 Five years later 10,458.7 11,783.3 11,354.4 10,496.4 12,013.9 Six years later 11,263.6 12,729.6 12,123.4 11,202.2 Seven years later 12,030.0 13,335.1 12,754.2 Eight years later 12,558.1 13,877.0 Nine years later 13,047.5 Reserves re-estimated as of: One year later 17,316.4 19,021.2 18,375.6 16,696.4 19,169.3 19,343.1 27,580.6 28,974.3 28,225.5 Two years later 17,013.6 18,529.4 17,475.0 16,269.2 18,973.6 18,804.8 27,565.9 28,839.4 Three years later 16,721.0 17,820.5 17,307.9 16,114.0 18,502.5 18,752.8 27,451.3 Four years later 16,233.9 17,735.5 17,287.2 15,938.9 18,469.1 18,743.9 Five years later 16,269.6 17,830.5 17,203.5 16,049.6 18,490.5 Six years later 16,331.8 17,791.8 17,340.1 16,123.1 Seven years later 16,340.6 17,931.9 17,420.0 Eight years later 16,535.1 18,041.2 Nine years later 16,659.3 Favourable development 548.7 1,587.0 1,774.9 1,610.8 1,311.7 725.1 1,150.8 234.3 267.7 Favourable development comprised of: Effect of foreign currency translation 250.9 570.7 483.2 266.5 (201.5) (159.2) 518.3 135.5 1.0 Favourable loss reserve development 297.8 1,016.3 1,291.7 1,344.3 1,513.2 884.3 632.5 98.8 266.7 548.7 1,587.0 1,774.9 1,610.8 1,311.7 725.1 1,150.8 234.3 267.7 (1) Guaranteed minimum death benefit retrocessional business written by Compagnie Transcontinentale de Réassurance ("CTR Life"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the company that was transferred to Wentworth and placed into run-off in 2002. Changes in the company's provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses related to U.S. asbestos exposure on a gross and net basis for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Gross Net Gross Net Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses - January 1 1,074.6 860.5 1,217.9 995.3 Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred 161.0 121.2 135.4 114.8 Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid (205.0) (141.7) (164.0) (138.4) Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — — (114.7) (111.2) Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses - December 31 1,030.6 840.0 1,074.6 860.5 The estimated fair value of the company's insurance an d ceded rei nsurance contracts is as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Carrying Fair Carrying Insurance contracts 40,475.1 39,206.8 35,248.0 35,722.6 Ceded reinsurance contracts 9,668.5 9,846.4 8,049.4 8,518.5
Disclosure of sensitivity to insurance risk	The table that follows illustrates the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the company's insurance and reinsurance contracts: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Change in interest rates Fair value of Fair value of Fair value of Fair value of 100 basis point increase 39,216.0 9,360.8 34,240.4 7,836.5 100 basis point decrease 41,853.2 10,007.0 36,343.0 8,285.1

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Disclosure of reinsurers' share of amounts arising from insurance contracts	Reinsurers’ share of insurance contract liabilities was comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross recoverable from reinsurers Provision for uncollectible reinsurance (1) Recoverable from reinsurers Gross recoverable from reinsurers Provision for uncollectible reinsurance (1) Recoverable from reinsurers Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 7,971.7 (24.4) 7,947.3 6,956.7 (21.9) 6,934.8 Reinsurers’ share of paid losses 818.0 (131.2) 686.8 776.9 (139.6) 637.3 Provision for unearned premiums 1,899.1 — 1,899.1 1,583.7 — 1,583.7 10,688.8 (155.6) 10,533.2 9,317.3 (161.5) 9,155.8 Current 4,839.0 4,314.8 Non-current 5,694.2 4,841.0 10,533.2 9,155.8 (1) Management of credit risk on reinsurance recoverables is discussed in note 24. Changes in reinsurers' share of paid losses, unpaid losses and unearned premiums, and the provision for uncollectible reinsurance for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Paid losses Unpaid losses Unearned Provision for uncollectible reinsurance Recoverable from reinsurers Balance – January 1 776.9 6,956.7 1,583.7 (161.5) 9,155.8 Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds 2,375.4 (2,375.4) — — — Reinsurance recoveries received (2,317.9) — — — (2,317.9) Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned (1) — 2,842.3 (3,923.6) — (1,081.3) Premiums ceded to reinsurers — — 4,261.4 — 4,261.4 Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances (2.7) — — 6.0 3.3 Foreign exchange effect and other (2) (13.7) 548.1 (22.4) (0.1) 511.9 Balance – December 31 818.0 7,971.7 1,899.1 (155.6) 10,533.2 2019 Paid losses Unpaid losses Unearned Provision for uncollectible reinsurance Recoverable from reinsurers Balance – January 1 792.6 6,482.3 1,290.8 (164.8) 8,400.9 Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds 2,299.4 (2,299.4) — — — Reinsurance recoveries received (2,277.0) — — — (2,277.0) Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned — 3,069.6 (3,381.3) — (311.7) Premiums ceded to reinsurers — — 3,675.6 — 3,675.6 Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances (20.6) — — 3.4 (17.2) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) 0.2 8.7 2.9 — 11.8 Assets held for sale (note 23) (19.4) (241.0) — 0.4 (260.0) Foreign exchange effect and other 1.7 (63.5) (4.3) (0.5) (66.6) Balance – December 31 776.9 6,956.7 1,583.7 (161.5) 9,155.8 (1) Changes in reinsurers' share of unpaid losses and unearned premiums for the year ended December 31, 2020 exclude European Run-off's reinsurers' share of unpaid losses and premiums earned of $70.6 and $13.5 as the assets of European Run-off were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23. (2) Includes $467.1 of unpaid losses from loss reserves ceded to European Run-off which were previously eliminated on consolidation. See note 23.

Insurance Contract Receivable_2

Insurance Contract Receivables and Payables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Disclosure of insurance contract receivables and changes in premiums	Insurance contract receivables were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance premiums receivable 3,665.6 3,325.0 Reinsurance premiums receivable 1,385.3 1,176.0 Funds withheld receivable 567.3 753.7 Other 235.6 211.0 Provision for uncollectible receivables (37.7) (30.7) 5,816.1 5,435.0 Current 5,144.7 4,921.5 Non-current 671.4 513.5 5,816.1 5,435.0 Changes in insurance premiums receivable and reinsurance premiums receivable for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Insurance Reinsurance premiums receivable 2020 2019 2020 2019 Balance – January 1 3,325.0 2,949.8 1,176.0 1,082.1 Gross premiums written (1) 14,309.4 13,167.8 4,670.0 4,343.4 Premiums collected (12,537.2) (11,516.3) (3,375.6) (3,288.5) Amounts due to brokers and agents (1,417.3) (1,284.5) (1,104.8) (917.2) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) — 17.1 — — Assets held for sale (note 23) — (1.7) — (22.6) Recovery (impairments) (0.4) (1.3) (1.7) 0.3 Foreign exchange effect and other (13.9) (5.9) 21.4 (21.5) Balance – December 31 3,665.6 3,325.0 1,385.3 1,176.0 (1) Changes in insurance premiums receivable and reinsurance premiums receivable for the year ended December 31, 2020 exclude European Run-off's gross premiums written of $146.5 as the assets of European Run-off were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23.
Disclosure of amounts arising from insurance contract payables	Insurance contract payables were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Payable to reinsurers 1,669.5 1,469.4 Ceded deferred premium acquisition costs 441.1 373.2 Funds withheld payable to reinsurers 206.3 239.1 Amounts payable to agents and brokers 127.2 101.8 Accrued commissions 69.0 95.5 Accrued premium taxes 93.1 82.7 Other insurance contract payables 357.8 229.3 2,964.0 2,591.0 Current 2,705.8 2,315.4 Non-current 258.2 275.6 2,964.0 2,591.0

Deferred Premium Acquisition _2

Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Schedule of deferred premium acquisition costs	Changes in deferred premium acquisition costs for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Balance – January 1 1,344.3 1,127.3 Premium acquisition costs deferred 3,629.4 3,271.4 Amortization (1) (3,424.0) (3,068.2) Assets held for sale (note 23) — (1.7) Foreign exchange effect and other (6.0) 15.5 Balance – December 31 1,543.7 1,344.3 (1) Excludes in 2020 amortization of European Run-off's commission expenses of $7.7 as the assets of European Run-off were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and European Run-off was deconsolidated on March 31, 2020 as described in note 23.

Other Assets (Tables)

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Disclosure of information for other assets	Other assets were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Premises and equipment 362.0 1,384.1 1,746.1 367.8 1,319.9 1,687.7 Right-of-use assets (note 22) 396.1 611.9 1,008.0 385.4 635.2 1,020.6 Inventories — 645.6 645.6 — 694.5 694.5 Other revenue receivables — 550.8 550.8 — 583.5 583.5 Finance lease receivables (note 22) 8.5 296.9 305.4 8.8 367.1 375.9 Prepaid expenses 125.2 120.7 245.9 113.2 168.9 282.1 Accrued interest and dividends 195.5 2.4 197.9 195.7 10.8 206.5 Subsidies and taxes receivable 22.4 145.2 167.6 22.3 102.6 124.9 Prepaid losses on claims 118.6 — 118.6 114.4 — 114.4 Deferred compensation plans 89.1 — 89.1 87.4 — 87.4 Income taxes refundable 63.0 25.7 88.7 126.3 42.7 169.0 Pension surplus (note 21) 48.8 — 48.8 51.9 — 51.9 Other 559.5 85.2 644.7 490.3 118.6 608.9 1,988.7 3,868.5 5,857.2 1,963.5 4,043.8 6,007.3 Current 925.5 1,504.5 2,430.0 789.7 1,668.1 2,457.8 Non-current 1,063.2 2,364.0 3,427.2 1,173.8 2,375.7 3,549.5 1,988.7 3,868.5 5,857.2 1,963.5 4,043.8 6,007.3 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill	Goodwill and intangible assets were comprised as follows: Goodwill Intangible assets Total Lloyd's participation rights (1) Customer Brand names (1) Computer software and other (1) Balance - January 1, 2020 2,997.3 503.2 969.8 1,181.1 542.7 6,194.1 Additions 182.1 — (1.0) 0.1 221.0 402.2 Disposals (2) (30.3) — — — (66.5) (96.8) Amortization — — (100.4) — (115.6) (216.0) Impairments (3) (33.0) — (2.1) (44.7) (6.3) (86.1) Foreign exchange effect and other 10.2 — 1.2 16.8 3.5 31.7 Balance - December 31, 2020 3,126.3 503.2 867.5 1,153.3 578.8 6,229.1 Gross carrying amount 3,199.6 503.2 1,383.6 1,200.4 1,210.4 7,497.2 Accumulated amortization — — (513.7) — (611.9) (1,125.6) Accumulated impairment (73.3) — (2.4) (47.1) (19.7) (142.5) 3,126.3 503.2 867.5 1,153.3 578.8 6,229.1 Goodwill Intangible assets Total Lloyd's participation rights (1) Customer Brand names (1) Computer software and other (1) Balance - January 1, 2019 2,702.7 503.2 932.8 1,096.8 441.4 5,676.9 Additions 316.2 — 134.9 34.8 218.6 704.5 Disposals — — — — (1.3) (1.3) Amortization — — (105.5) — (117.6) (223.1) Impairments (3) (43.9) — — — (2.9) (46.8) Foreign exchange effect and other 22.3 — 7.6 49.5 4.5 83.9 Balance - December 31, 2019 2,997.3 503.2 969.8 1,181.1 542.7 6,194.1 Gross carrying amount 3,043.9 503.2 1,391.4 1,181.1 1,071.2 7,190.8 Accumulated amortization — — (421.9) — (512.6) (934.5) Accumulated impairment (46.6) — 0.3 — (15.9) (62.2) 2,997.3 503.2 969.8 1,181.1 542.7 6,194.1 (1) Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization had an aggregate carrying value at December 31, 2020 of $1,751.6 (December 31, 2019 - $1,790.5). (2) During 2020 AMAG Insurance settled its bancassurance agreement with PT Bank Pan Indonesia Tbk, received cash consideration of $66.3 and recorded a net gain of $3.2 on disposal of the intangible asset. (3) Non-cash impairment charges recorded in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings by the Non-insurance companies reporting segment and principally attributable to non-controlling interests.
Schedule goodwill and intangible asset allocation to CGUs	Goodwill and intangible assets were allocated to the company's cash-generating units (“CGUs”) as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Goodwill Intangible Total Goodwill Intangible Total Insurance and reinsurance companies Allied World 940.0 611.7 1,551.7 938.8 659.2 1,598.0 Brit 200.2 581.1 781.3 200.2 594.2 794.4 Zenith National 317.6 93.2 410.8 317.6 99.3 416.9 Crum & Forster 188.8 104.2 293.0 188.2 111.7 299.9 Northbridge 95.4 105.5 200.9 92.5 90.9 183.4 Odyssey Group 119.7 57.3 177.0 119.7 62.8 182.5 All other (1) 148.4 64.2 212.6 151.6 132.1 283.7 2,010.1 1,617.2 3,627.3 2,008.6 1,750.2 3,758.8 Non-insurance companies Recipe 280.9 1,011.0 1,291.9 279.3 1,035.5 1,314.8 Boat Rocker 90.1 230.8 320.9 93.8 154.1 247.9 Farmers Edge (2) 202.6 17.0 219.6 — — — AGT (2) 168.5 47.1 215.6 174.7 58.9 233.6 Thomas Cook India 144.6 56.3 200.9 150.6 55.8 206.4 Dexterra Group 75.9 17.7 93.6 75.8 15.7 91.5 All other (3) 153.6 105.7 259.3 214.5 126.6 341.1 1,116.2 1,485.6 2,601.8 988.7 1,446.6 2,435.3 3,126.3 3,102.8 6,229.1 2,997.3 3,196.8 6,194.1 (1) Comprised primarily of balances related to U.S. Run-off, AMAG Insurance and Pacific Insurance. (2) Farmers Edge was consolidated on July 1, 2020 as described in note 6 and AGT was acquired on April 17, 2019 as described in note 23. (3) Comprised primarily of balances related to Fairchem, Privi, Mosaic Capital, Sterling Resorts, CIG (deconsolidated December 8, 2020) and Pethealth.

Accounts Payable and Accrued _2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]
Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Lease liabilities (note 22) 456.8 995.3 1,452.1 434.3 1,062.1 1,496.4 Payables related to cost of sales — 625.7 625.7 — 778.4 778.4 Salaries and employee benefit liabilities 394.4 90.6 485.0 354.9 79.7 434.6 Deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue 21.1 433.3 454.4 21.2 351.6 372.8 Amounts withheld and accrued taxes 367.3 29.1 396.4 314.7 31.5 346.2 Pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21) 325.3 26.6 351.9 338.8 21.8 360.6 Cash collateral from counterparties to derivative contracts (note 24) 116.4 — 116.4 5.3 — 5.3 Accrued interest expense 73.1 11.4 84.5 64.9 2.2 67.1 Advances and deposits from customers — 74.0 74.0 — 109.6 109.6 Accrued legal and professional fees 59.3 12.3 71.6 57.3 11.4 68.7 Income taxes payable 42.8 21.7 64.5 47.5 30.9 78.4 Amounts payable for securities purchased but not yet settled 47.4 — 47.4 6.2 — 6.2 Accrued rent, storage and facilities costs 6.6 9.0 15.6 16.4 8.8 25.2 Administrative and other 519.2 237.4 756.6 418.5 246.1 664.6 2,429.7 2,566.4 4,996.1 2,080.0 2,734.1 4,814.1 Current 1,274.7 1,414.6 2,689.3 869.9 1,594.1 2,464.0 Non-current 1,155.0 1,151.8 2,306.8 1,210.1 1,140.0 2,350.1 2,429.7 2,566.4 4,996.1 2,080.0 2,734.1 4,814.1 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other.

Borrowings (Tables)

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Borrowings [abstract]
Disclosure of the schedule of debt	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Principal Carrying value (a) Fair value (b) Principal Carrying value (a) Fair value (b) Borrowings - holding company Fairfax unsecured notes: (4) 5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$446.0) (d)(3) 350.1 351.1 377.6 343.9 345.9 373.8 4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0) (d)(3) 314.0 312.9 334.1 308.5 307.0 326.0 4.142% due February 7, 2024 (d) 85.0 85.0 85.1 85.0 85.0 85.1 4.875% due August 13, 2024 (d) 282.5 280.6 309.7 282.5 280.0 300.8 4.95% due March 3, 2025 (Cdn$350.0) (d) 274.7 272.5 306.3 269.9 267.1 293.1 8.30% due April 15, 2026 (e) 91.8 91.7 118.6 91.8 91.6 116.1 4.70% due December 16, 2026 (Cdn$450.0) (d) 353.2 351.5 394.6 347.0 345.1 370.0 4.25% due December 6, 2027 (Cdn$650.0) (d) 510.2 508.5 558.3 501.3 499.3 515.7 2.75% due March 29, 2028 (€750.0) (d) 917.7 904.4 1,023.9 841.9 827.0 910.2 4.85% due April 17, 2028 (d) 600.0 595.8 677.6 600.0 595.2 648.9 4.23% due June 14, 2029 (Cdn$500.0) (d) 392.5 390.6 426.7 385.6 383.6 391.4 4.625% due April 29, 2030 (d)(1) 650.0 645.4 731.8 — — — 7.75% due July 15, 2037 (e) 91.3 90.6 123.1 91.3 90.5 113.8 Revolving credit facility (2) 700.0 700.0 700.0 — — — 5,613.0 5,580.6 6,167.4 4,148.7 4,117.3 4,444.9 Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies Odyssey Group floating rate unsecured senior notes due 2021 90.0 90.0 91.0 90.0 90.0 92.5 Allied World 4.35% senior notes due October 29, 2025 500.0 505.0 544.9 500.0 506.1 524.1 Allied World revolving credit facility and other borrowings 40.8 44.2 51.4 39.4 43.0 46.4 Zenith National 8.55% debentures due August 1, 2028 (d) 38.5 38.3 38.3 38.5 38.3 38.3 Brit 3.6757% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0) (5) 184.5 184.5 170.4 178.8 180.8 181.2 Brit floating rate revolving credit facility 130.0 130.0 130.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 First Mercury trust preferred securities due 2036 and 2037 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.4 41.3 1,025.2 1,033.4 1,067.4 1,028.1 1,039.6 1,063.8 Borrowings - non-insurance companies (c) Fairfax India floating rate term loan (6) 550.0 547.2 550.0 550.0 547.2 550.0 Fairfax India subsidiary borrowings 167.1 166.4 166.4 155.1 155.1 155.1 AGT credit facilities, senior notes and loans (note 23) (7) 516.4 514.2 514.0 435.7 432.8 433.1 Recipe term loans and credit facilities 430.7 428.4 428.4 413.5 410.7 410.8 Boat Rocker demand loans and revolving credit facilities 184.6 183.0 183.0 147.6 147.6 147.5 Fairfax Africa subsidiary borrowings (f) — — — 102.4 102.4 102.4 Loans and revolving credit facilities primarily at floating rates (8) 362.0 360.8 360.8 279.9 279.9 277.7 2,210.8 2,200.0 2,202.6 2,084.2 2,075.7 2,076.6 Total debt 8,849.0 8,814.0 9,437.4 7,261.0 7,232.6 7,585.3 (a) Principal net of unamortized issue costs and discounts (premiums). (b) Based principally on quoted market prices with the remainder based on discounted cash flow models using market observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2 respectively in the fair value hierarchy). (c) These borrowings are non-recourse to the holding company. (d) Issuer may redeem any time at prices specified in the instrument's offering document. (e) Not redeemable prior to the contractual maturity date. (f) On December 8, 2020 Fairfax Africa’s borrowings were deconsolidated pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. Changes in the carrying values of borrowings for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Holding company Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Holding company Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Balance – January 1 4,117.3 1,039.6 2,075.7 7,232.6 3,859.5 995.7 1,625.2 6,480.4 Cash inflows from issuances 645.0 — 107.8 752.8 456.5 — 302.7 759.2 Cash outflows from repayments — (0.3) (82.5) (82.8) (326.5) (0.2) (308.5) (635.2) Net cash inflows (outflows) from credit facilities and short term loans 700.0 (10.0) 60.5 750.5 — 132.1 (16.9) 115.2 Non-cash changes: Acquisitions (note 23) — — 127.4 127.4 — — 687.7 687.7 Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23) — — (118.7) (118.7) — — (246.2) (246.2) Loss on redemption — — — — 23.7 — — 23.7 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — — — — — (91.4) — (91.4) Foreign exchange effect and other 118.3 4.1 29.8 152.2 104.1 3.4 31.7 139.2 Balance – December 31 5,580.6 1,033.4 2,200.0 8,814.0 4,117.3 1,039.6 2,075.7 7,232.6
Disclosure of borrowing repayments	Principal repayments on borrowings are due as follows: 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Holding company 700.0 350.1 314.0 367.5 274.7 3,606.7 5,613.0 Insurance and reinsurance companies 242.8 0.3 0.3 0.3 500.4 281.1 1,025.2 Non-insurance companies 1,309.2 210.8 58.7 309.5 34.5 288.1 2,210.8 Total 2,252.0 561.2 373.0 677.3 809.6 4,175.9 8,849.0

Total Equity (Tables)

Total Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share Capital, Reserves And Other Equity Interest [Abstract]
Disclosure of classes of share capital	The number of shares outstanding was as follows: 2020 2019 Subordinate voting shares – January 1 26,082,299 26,489,177 Purchases for cancellation (343,871) (249,361) Treasury shares acquired (457,603) (229,189) Treasury shares reissued 146,911 71,672 Subordinate voting shares – December 31 25,427,736 26,082,299 Multiple voting shares – beginning and end of year 1,548,000 1,548,000 Interest in multiple and subordinate voting shares held through ownership interest in shareholder – beginning and end of year (799,230) (799,230) Common stock effectively outstanding – December 31 26,176,506 26,831,069
Dividends paid	Dividends paid by the company on its outstanding multiple voting and subordinate voting shares were as follows: Date of declaration Date of record Date of payment Dividend per share Total cash payment January 5, 2021 January 21, 2021 January 28, 2021 $10.00 $272.1 January 3, 2020 January 17, 2020 January 28, 2020 $10.00 $275.7 January 3, 2019 January 18, 2019 January 28, 2019 $10.00 $278.0
Schedule of preferred shares	The terms of the company's cumulative five-year rate reset preferred shares at December 31, 2020 were as follows: Next possible redemption and conversion date (1)(2) Number of shares outstanding (3) Carrying value (3) Stated capital (3) Liquidation preference per share Fixed dividend rate per annum Floating dividend rate per annum (4) Series C December 31, 2024 7,515,642 $ 170.8 Cdn $ 187.9 Cdn $ 25.00 4.71 % — Series D December 31, 2024 2,484,358 $ 56.4 Cdn $ 62.1 Cdn $ 25.00 — 3.26 % Series E March 31, 2025 5,440,132 $ 124.5 Cdn $ 136.0 Cdn $ 25.00 3.18 % — Series F March 31, 2025 2,099,046 $ 48.1 Cdn $ 52.5 Cdn $ 25.00 — 2.27 % Series G September 30, 2025 7,719,843 $ 182.1 Cdn $ 193.0 Cdn $ 25.00 2.96 % — Series H September 30, 2025 2,280,157 $ 53.8 Cdn $ 57.0 Cdn $ 25.00 — 2.67 % Series I December 31, 2025 10,420,101 $ 250.5 Cdn $ 260.5 Cdn $ 25.00 3.33 % — Series J December 31, 2025 1,579,899 $ 38.0 Cdn $ 39.5 Cdn $ 25.00 — 2.96 % Series K March 31, 2022 9,500,000 $ 231.7 Cdn $ 237.5 Cdn $ 25.00 4.67 % — Series M March 31, 2025 9,200,000 $ 179.6 Cdn $ 230.0 Cdn $ 25.00 5.00 % — $ 1,335.5 Cdn $ 1,456.0 (1) Fixed and floating rate cumulative preferred shares are redeemable by the company at each stated redemption date and on each subsequent five-year anniversary date at Cdn$25.00 per share. (2) Holders of Series C, Series E, Series G, Series I, Series K and Series M fixed rate cumulative preferred shares will have the option to convert their shares into Series D, Series F, Series H, Series J, Series L and Series N floating rate cumulative preferred shares respectively, at the specified conversion dates, and on each subsequent five-year anniversary date. Holders of Series D, Series F, Series H and Series J floating rate cumulative preferred shares will have the option to convert their shares into Series C, Series E, Series G and Series I fixed rate cumulative preferred shares respectively, at the specified conversion dates, and on each subsequent five-year anniversary date. (3) For each series of preferred shares, the number of shares outstanding, carrying value and stated capital have remained consistent at January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 except for the conversions described below. (4) The Series D, Series F, Series H, and Series J preferred shares, and the Series L and Series N preferred shares (of which none are currently issued), have a floating dividend rate equal to the three-month Government of Canada treasury bill yield plus 3.15%, 2.16%, 2.56%, 2.85%, 3.51% and 3.98% respectively, with rate resets at the end of each calendar quarter.
Schedule of AOCI	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax was comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Pre-tax (Provision for) recovery of income tax After-tax Pre-tax (Provision for) recovery of income tax After-tax Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings Foreign currency translation losses (550.8) 12.2 (538.6) (423.4) 1.4 (422.0) Share of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans 43.7 (12.3) 31.4 (79.3) (2.4) (81.7) (507.1) (0.1) (507.2) (502.7) (1.0) (503.7) Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings Net losses on defined benefit plans (214.9) 54.7 (160.2) (147.7) 36.2 (111.5) Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates (159.1) 18.2 (140.9) (120.9) 15.1 (105.8) Other (0.8) 10.1 9.3 (0.8) 10.1 9.3 (374.8) 83.0 (291.8) (269.4) 61.4 (208.0) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax (881.9) 82.9 (799.0) (772.1) 60.4 (711.7)
Disclosure of non-controlling interests	Details of non-controlling interests as at and for the years ended December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Domicile Voting percentage (8) Carrying value Voting percentage (8) Carrying value 2020 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Allied World (1) Bermuda 29.1 % 1,329.0 29.9 % 1,256.3 106.6 88.1 Brit (2) U.K. — 121.7 10.7 % 197.4 (10.9) 15.8 All other (3) — — 381.1 — 90.9 10.9 4.3 1,831.8 1,544.6 106.6 108.2 Non-insurance companies Fairfax India (4) Canada 6.6 % 1,130.9 6.2 % 1,117.2 (29.4) 59.0 Recipe (5) Canada 38.9 % 447.7 38.4 % 437.5 (48.4) 28.5 Dexterra Group (6) Canada 51.0 % 121.4 — — 11.4 — Thomas Cook India India 33.1 % 69.4 33.1 % 93.8 (23.5) (186.2) Fairfax Africa (7) Canada — — 1.5 % 195.6 (161.1) (41.4) All other — — 69.5 — 140.4 (36.6) (1.0) 1,838.9 1,984.5 (287.6) (141.1) 3,670.7 3,529.1 (181.0) (32.9) (1) On April 30, 2020 Allied World paid a dividend of $126.4 (April 29, 2019 - $126.4) to its minority shareholders (OMERS, AIMCo and others). On June 30, 2020 Allied World received a capital contribution from the company of $100.0 primarily to support its underwriting plans, which increased the company’s ownership interest in Allied World to 70.9% from 70.1% at December 31, 2019. During 2019 Allied World redomesticated from Switzerland to Bermuda. (2) On April 9, 2020 Brit paid a dividend of $20.6 (April 29, 2019 - $20.6) to its minority shareholder (OMERS). The decrease in carrying value of Brit's non-controlling interests during 2020 primarily reflected the company's acquisition of the remaining shares of Brit that it did not already own on August 28, 2020 from Brit's minority shareholder (OMERS) for cash consideration of $220.0, inclusive of an accrued dividend paid of $13.6 on the shares purchased, partially offset by a third party's investment of $124.4 in Brit's newly formed subsidiary Ki Insurance, a fully digital and algorithmically-driven Lloyd’s of London syndicate that commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2020. Subsequent to December 31, 2020 the company entered into an agreement to sell an approximate 14% equity interest in Brit to OMERS as described in note 23. (3) Principally related to Fairfax consolidated internal investment funds held by the company's associates RiverStone Barbados and Eurolife. The increase in carrying value during 2020 primarily reflected the deconsolidation of European Run-off and its holdings in those funds as described in note 23. (4) The carrying value of Fairfax India's non-controlling interests increased modestly during 2020, primarily reflecting the deconsolidation of European Run-off and its investment in Fairfax India ($91.8) as described in note 23, partially offset by the non-controlling interests' share of Fairfax India's net loss ($29.4), the impact of share repurchases ($29.1) and the weakening of the Indian rupee relative to the U.S. dollar ($23.5). Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests of Fairfax India in 2019 primarily reflected the non-controlling interests' 66.2% share of Fairfax India's share of a spin-off distribution gain at IIFL Holdings on May 31, 2019. (5) The carrying value of Recipe's non-controlling interests increased modestly during 2020, primarily reflecting the deconsolidation of European Run-off and its investment in Recipe ($54.1) as described in note 23 and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar ($10.9), partially offset by the non-controlling interests' share of Recipe's net loss ($48.4). (6) The company acquired Horizon North (subsequently renamed "Dexterra Group") on May 29, 2020 as described in note 23. (7) Fairfax Africa was deconsolidated on December 8, 2020 as described in note 23. The non-controlling interests' share of Fairfax Africa's net loss ($161.1) during 2020 included the net loss on deconsolidation of Fairfax Africa ($33.2). (8) Non-controlling interests voting percentages are consistent with economic ownership in each subsidiary at December 31, 2020 except for Fairfax India and Recipe whose non-controlling interest economic ownership were 72.0% and 59.8% (December 31, 2019 - 66.2% and 52.1%). At December 31, 2019 Fairfax Africa's non-controlling interest economic ownership was 38.0%.
Schedule of capitalization	2020 2019 Retained earnings Non-controlling interests Retained earnings Non-controlling interests Third party's investment in Brit's newly formed subsidiary Ki Insurance — 124.4 — — Dividends paid to co-investors in Allied World and Brit (107.2) 107.2 (104.1) 104.1 Eurolife's investment in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund (note 6) — 93.7 — 22.1 Boat Rocker issuance of preferred shares — — — 20.0 Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa share repurchases 1.4 (32.1) 1.7 (31.8) Acquisition of Brit's non-controlling interest (17.8) (189.6) — — Thomas Cook India's spin-off of its investment in Quess — — — (147.2) Purchase of multiple voting shares from Recipe's non-controlling interests and Recipe's share repurchases 0.1 (0.3) (15.5) (105.5) Other 7.0 7.0 8.8 6.6 As presented in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity (116.5) 110.3 (109.1) (131.7)

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings per share [abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share	Net earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average common shares outstanding as follows: 2020 2019 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax 218.4 2,004.1 Preferred share dividends (44.0) (45.8) Net earnings attributable to common shareholders – basic and diluted 174.4 1,958.3 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 26,446,939 26,901,184 Share-based payment awards 1,273,250 1,159,352 Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted 27,720,189 28,060,536 Net earnings per common share – basic $6.59 $72.80 Net earnings per common share – diluted $6.29 $69.79

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Taxes [Abstract]
The company's provision for (recovery of) income taxes	The company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 were comprised as follows: 2020 2019 Current income tax: Current year expense 172.6 175.0 Adjustments to prior years’ income taxes (23.8) 2.7 148.8 177.7 Deferred income tax: Origination and reversal of temporary differences 51.1 87.5 Adjustments to prior years' deferred income taxes 15.4 (17.1) Other (8.6) 13.4 57.9 83.8 Provision for income taxes 206.7 261.5
Earnings before income taxes by jurisdiction	The company’s earnings (loss) before income taxes by jurisdiction and the associated provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table: 2020 2019 Canada (1) U.S. (2) U.K. (3) Other (4) Total Canada (1) U.S. (2) U.K. (3) Other (4) Total Earnings (loss) before income taxes 212.6 (110.8) (221.4) 363.7 244.1 183.4 848.0 244.7 956.6 2,232.7 Provision for income taxes 121.0 31.4 5.7 48.6 206.7 79.3 23.5 24.0 134.7 261.5 Net earnings (loss) 91.6 (142.2) (227.1) 315.1 37.4 104.1 824.5 220.7 821.9 1,971.2 (1) Includes Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa (deconsolidated on December 8, 2020). (2) Principally comprised of Crum & Forster, Zenith National, Odyssey Group (notwithstanding that certain operations of Odyssey Group conduct business outside of the U.S.), U.S. Run-off and other associated holding company results. (3) Principally comprised of Brit, European Run-off (deconsolidated on March 31, 2020) and other associated holding company results. (4) Includes primarily companies in India, Asia, Europe (excluding the U.K.) and Allied World (the majority of Allied World's net earnings (loss) is sourced from outside the U.S. and the U.K. ).
Reconciliations of the provision for (recovery of) income taxes	Reconciliations of the provision for income taxes calculated at the Canadian statutory income tax rate to the provision for income taxes at the effective tax rate in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31 are summarized in the following table: 2020 2019 Canadian statutory income tax rate 26.5 % 26.5 % Provision for income taxes at the Canadian statutory income tax rate 64.7 591.7 Non-taxable investment income (108.3) (56.6) Tax rate differential on income and losses outside Canada 5.2 (209.5) Change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences 172.8 (90.7) Change in tax rate for deferred income taxes (5.7) 0.5 Recovery relating to prior years (8.4) (14.4) Foreign exchange effect 40.9 (3.7) Other including permanent differences 45.5 44.2 Provision for income taxes 206.7 261.5
Income taxes refundable and payable	Income taxes refundable and payable were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Income taxes refundable 88.7 169.0 Income taxes payable (64.5) (78.4) Net income taxes refundable 24.2 90.6
Changes net income taxes (payable) refundable	Changes in net income taxes refundable during the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Balance - January 1 90.6 72.2 Amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings (148.8) (177.7) Payments made during the year 63.3 178.9 Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) (0.3) 6.7 Assets held for sale (note 23) — (17.1) Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23) — 29.6 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) 7.6 — Foreign exchange effect and other 11.8 (2.0) Balance - December 31 24.2 90.6
Changes in net deferred income tax asset	Changes in the net deferred income tax asset during the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Operating Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses Provision Deferred Intangible assets Investments Tax Other Total Balance - January 1 119.2 145.3 119.9 (96.9) (428.2) 128.0 211.0 177.6 375.9 Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings 105.0 22.5 21.8 (19.3) 37.9 (110.8) (36.0) (79.0) (57.9) Amounts recorded in total equity 0.4 — — — — 0.6 — 25.1 26.1 Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) (0.1) — — — — — 0.1 6.0 6.0 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23) (0.5) — — — — — — 2.3 1.8 Foreign exchange effect and other 12.3 1.0 — 0.1 0.8 6.1 (0.3) (14.4) 5.6 Balance - December 31 236.3 168.8 141.7 (116.1) (389.5) 23.9 174.8 117.6 357.5 2019 Operating Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses Provision Deferred Intangible assets Investments Tax Other Total Balance - January 1 107.4 134.7 96.8 (81.1) (419.6) 314.9 118.9 225.9 497.9 Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings (11.7) 8.8 23.1 (16.0) 28.3 (181.0) 92.5 (27.8) (83.8) Amounts recorded in total equity 2.5 — — — — (11.4) — 35.3 26.4 Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) 22.9 — — — (29.5) — — (58.3) (64.9) Assets held for sale (note 23) — — — — — 0.8 — (3.0) (2.2) Foreign exchange effect and other (1.9) 1.8 — 0.2 (7.4) 4.7 (0.4) 5.5 2.5 Balance - December 31 119.2 145.3 119.9 (96.9) (428.2) 128.0 211.0 177.6 375.9

Statutory Requirements (Tables)

Statutory Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Statutory Requirements [Abstract]
Schedule of dividend capacity available	Based on the surplus and net earnings (loss) of the primary insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020, the maximum dividend capacity available in 2021 at each of those subsidiaries, payable to all shareholders (including non-controlling interests) is as follows: December 31, 2020 Allied World 809.3 Odyssey Group 362.4 Northbridge (1) 175.2 Crum & Forster (1) 151.9 Zenith National 52.2 1,551.0

Pensions and Post Retirement _2

Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Pension And Post Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Disclosure of defined benefit plans	The funded status of the company's defined benefit pension and post retirement plans at December 31 were as follows: Defined benefit Defined benefit post retirement plans 2020 2019 2020 2019 Benefit obligation (914.8) (789.4) (89.2) (125.4) Fair value of plan assets 700.9 605.8 — — Funded status of plans - deficit (213.9) (183.6) (89.2) (125.4) Impact of asset ceiling — 0.3 — — Net accrued liability (1) (213.9) (183.3) (89.2) (125.4) Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Discount rate 2.2 % 3.0 % 2.6 % 3.3 % Rate of compensation increase 2.6 % 2.6 % 3.4 % 3.6 % Health care cost trend — — 3.5 % 4.5 % (1) The defined benefit pension plan net accrued liability at December 31, 2020 of $213.9 (December 31, 2019 - $183.3) was comprised of pension deficits of $262.7, partially offset by pension surpluses of $48.8 (December 31, 2019 - $235.2, partially offset by $51.9). See notes 13 and 14.
Pension and post retirement expenses recognized	Pension and post retirement benefit expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Defined benefit pension plan expense 24.3 18.8 Defined contribution pension plan expense 53.7 53.1 Defined benefit post retirement plan expense (recovery) (1) (39.8) 8.4 38.2 80.3 (1) During 2020 Odyssey Group amended its post retirement plan which resulted in a recovery of $48.5.
Pre-tax actuarial net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements	Pre-tax actuarial net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 were comprised as follows: 2020 2019 Defined benefit pension plans Actuarial net gains on plan assets and change in asset ceiling 17.6 18.8 Actuarial net losses on benefit obligations (101.5) (109.9) (83.9) (91.1) Defined benefit post retirement plans - actuarial net losses on benefit obligations (4.4) (8.0) (88.3) (99.1)

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases1 [Abstract]
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets	Changes in the company's right-of-use assets for the year ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Balance - January 1 385.4 635.2 1,020.6 418.9 632.5 1,051.4 Additions 81.5 100.6 182.1 59.9 73.2 133.1 Disposals (3.1) (19.9) (23.0) (8.3) (1.6) (9.9) Depreciation (2) (68.9) (118.0) (186.9) (69.3) (109.4) (178.7) Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) — 20.1 20.1 4.4 16.2 20.6 Assets held for sale (note 23) — — — (22.9) — (22.9) Foreign exchange effect and othe r (3) 1.2 (6.1) (4.9) 2.7 24.3 27.0 Balance - December 31 (note 13) 396.1 611.9 1,008.0 385.4 635.2 1,020.6 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other. (2) Recorded in operating expenses and other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. (3) Includes non-cash impairment charges of $18.2 (2019 - $0.9), principally related to COVID-19 in the Non-insurance companies reporting segment.
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments	The maturity profile of the company’s lease liabilities was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total One year or less 78.7 212.9 291.6 78.0 209.4 287.4 One to two years 72.5 179.6 252.1 72.0 193.1 265.1 Two to three years 64.3 152.0 216.3 63.2 163.8 227.0 Three to four years 56.5 128.7 185.2 54.7 136.5 191.2 Four to five years 50.6 110.6 161.2 48.8 115.6 164.4 More than five years 213.4 373.0 586.4 240.8 428.5 669.3 Lease liabilities, undiscounted 536.0 1,156.8 1,692.8 557.5 1,246.9 1,804.4 Lease liabilities, discounted (note 14) 456.8 995.3 1,452.1 434.3 1,062.1 1,496.4 Weighted average incremental borrowing rate 4.2 % 4.5 % 4.4 % 4.6 % 4.6 % 4.6 %
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable	The maturity profile of the company’s finance lease receivables was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies Non-insurance companies Total One year or less 1.8 65.4 67.2 1.7 72.0 73.7 One to two years 1.8 59.3 61.1 1.7 66.9 68.6 Two to three years 1.6 49.6 51.2 1.8 59.3 61.1 Three to four years 0.7 42.0 42.7 1.6 49.6 51.2 Four to five years 0.7 35.6 36.3 0.7 41.4 42.1 More than five years 3.4 90.5 93.9 4.0 130.2 134.2 Finance lease receivables, undiscounted 10.0 342.4 352.4 11.5 419.4 430.9 Unearned finance income 1.5 45.5 47.0 2.7 52.3 55.0 Finance lease receivables (note 13) 8.5 296.9 305.4 8.8 367.1 375.9

Acquisitions and Divestitures (

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations1 [Abstract]
Disclosure of non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale [text block]	As the agreement to contribute European Run-off to a joint venture was entered into prior to December 31, 2019, the assets and liabilities of European Run-off were presented on the company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 in assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale as follows: December 31, 2019 European Run-off Intercompany reinsurance (1) Consolidation adjustments (1) As presented on the consolidated balance sheet Assets held for sale: Insurance contract receivables 53.1 8.2 — 61.3 Portfolio investments (2) 2,688.7 — (313.4) 2,375.3 Deferred premium acquisition costs 1.9 (0.2) — 1.7 Recoverable from reinsurers 642.0 (382.0) — 260.0 Deferred income taxes 2.2 — — 2.2 Other assets 351.2 — (266.1) 85.1 3,739.1 (374.0) (579.5) 2,785.6 Liabilities associated with assets held for sale: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 77.6 — (10.5) 67.1 Derivative obligations 2.0 — — 2.0 Insurance contract payables 49.5 (11.7) — 37.8 Insurance contract liabilities 2,340.7 (503.9) — 1,836.8 Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies 91.4 — — 91.4 2,561.2 (515.6) (10.5) 2,035.1 (1) Primarily reflects reinsurance with Wentworth and investments in Fairfax subsidiaries. (2) Includes cash and cash equivalents of $283.7. See note 27.

Financial Risk Management (Tabl

Financial Risk Management (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [abstract]
Concentration of risk by region and line of business based on gross premiums written	The table that follows shows the company's concentration of insurance risk by region and line of business based on gross premiums written prior to giving effect to ceded reinsurance premiums. The company's exposure to general insurance risk varies by geographic region and may change over time. Premiums ceded to reinsurers (including retrocessions) in 2020 by line of business was comprised of property of $1,470.7 (2019 - $1,471.5), casualty of $2,361.2 (2019 - $1,842.9) and specialty of $429.5 (2019 - $361.2). Canada United States Asia (1) International (2) Total For the years ended December 31 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Property 996.2 853.5 3,364.7 3,087.9 735.4 710.4 1,756.2 1,669.4 6,852.5 6,321.2 Casualty 899.1 805.4 7,812.8 6,903.4 446.6 411.6 1,279.4 1,424.6 10,437.9 9,545.0 Specialty 188.9 177.6 735.7 597.7 248.4 237.6 662.5 632.1 1,835.5 1,645.0 Total 2,084.2 1,836.5 11,913.2 10,589.0 1,430.4 1,359.6 3,698.1 3,726.1 19,125.9 17,511.2 Insurance 1,969.4 1,724.5 9,020.4 8,389.9 682.2 676.1 2,637.4 2,377.3 14,309.4 13,167.8 Reinsurance 114.8 112.0 2,892.8 2,199.1 748.2 683.5 1,060.7 1,348.8 4,816.5 4,343.4 2,084.2 1,836.5 11,913.2 10,589.0 1,430.4 1,359.6 3,698.1 3,726.1 19,125.9 17,511.2 (1) The Asia geographic segment is primarily comprised of countries located throughout Asia, including China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, and the Middle East.
Schedule of aggregate gross credit risk exposure	The company's gross credit risk exposure (without consideration of amounts held by the company as collateral) was comprised as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Cash and short term investments 13,920.6 10,703.6 Investments in debt instruments: U.S. sovereign government (1) 3,058.4 5,610.8 Other sovereign government rated AA/Aa or higher (1)(2) 311.2 1,090.4 All other sovereign government (3) 649.3 1,230.0 Canadian provincials 49.9 2.9 U.S. states and municipalities 378.2 216.5 Corporate and other (4)(5) 11,848.3 8,164.8 Receivable from counterparties to derivative contracts 222.4 85.2 Insurance contract receivables 5,816.1 5,435.0 Recoverable from reinsurers 10,533.2 9,155.8 Other assets 1,424.2 1,362.9 Total gross credit risk exposure 48,211.8 43,057.9 (1) Represented together 7.8% of the company's total investment portfolio at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - 17.2%) and considered by the company to have nominal credit risk. (2) Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the governments of Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and Canada with fair values at December 31, 2020 of $95.7 , $58.7 , $42.0 and $16.5 respectively (December 31, 2019 - $99.4, $105.9 , $89.0 and $664.4). (3) Comprised primarily of bonds issued by the governments of Spain, Poland and India with fair values at December 31, 2020 of $233.9, $128.7 and $22.5 respectively (December 31, 2019 - $218.2, $149.6 and $519.0). (4) Represented 27.4% of the company's total investment portfolio at December 31, 2020 compared to 20.9% at December 31, 2019, with the increase principally related to net purchases of high quality corporate bonds rated A/A and BBB/Baa of $875.3 and $1,601.4, and net purchases of corporate bonds rated BB/Ba of $242.6. (5) Includes the company's investments in mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 of $775.4 (December 31, 2019 - $232.0) secured by real estate primarily in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
Schedule of fixed income portfolio according to credit rating	The composition of the company's investments in debt instruments classified according to the higher of each security's respective S&P and Moody's issuer credit rating is presented in the table that follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Issuer Credit Rating Amortized cost Fair value % Amortized cost Fair value % AAA/Aaa 3,574.3 3,604.8 22.1 6,795.2 6,820.4 41.8 AA/Aa 779.1 805.1 4.9 870.0 881.8 5.4 A/A 3,856.5 4,086.6 25.1 2,979.4 3,008.0 18.4 BBB/Baa 4,157.4 4,590.8 28.2 3,059.6 3,206.2 19.7 BB/Ba 489.6 518.8 3.2 121.9 135.0 0.8 B/B 41.7 42.9 0.3 59.9 61.6 0.4 Lower than B/B 62.4 63.8 0.4 31.6 16.4 0.1 Unrated (1)(2) 2,458.9 2,582.5 15.8 2,125.8 2,186.0 13.4 Total 15,419.9 16,295.3 100.0 16,043.4 16,315.4 100.0 (1) Comprised primarily of the fair value of the company's investments in Atlas Corp. of $575.9 (December 31, 2019 - $483.4), Blackberry Limited of $438.6 (December 31, 2019 - $442.1) and Chorus Aviation Inc. of $153.0 (December 31, 2019 - $155.8). (2) Includes the company's investments in mortgage loans at December 31, 2020 of $775.4 (December 31, 2019 - $232.0) secured by real estate primarily in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
Schedule of credit risk related to derivative contract counterparties	The following table sets out the company's net derivative counterparty risk assuming all derivative counterparties are simultaneously in default: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Total derivative assets (1) 222.4 85.2 Obligations that may be offset under net settlement arrangements (32.0) (19.2) Fair value of collateral deposited for the benefit of the company (2) (124.3) (14.2) Excess collateral pledged by the company in favour of counterparties 11.7 1.9 Initial margin not held in segregated third party custodian accounts 5.6 — Net derivative counterparty exposure after net settlement and collateral arrangements 83.4 53.7 (1) Excludes equity warrants, equity call options and other derivatives which are not subject to counterparty risk. (2) Excludes excess collateral pledged by counterparties of $5.0 at December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 -
Schedule of gross reinsurance recoverable by reinsurer financial strength rating	The following table presents the gross recoverable from reinsurers classified according to the financial strength ratings of the reinsurers. Pools and associations are generally government or similar insurance funds with limited credit risk. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 A.M. Best Rating Gross Outstanding Net unsecured Gross Outstanding Net unsecured A++ 473.9 27.5 446.4 357.1 28.8 328.3 A+ 5,244.2 361.5 4,882.7 5,005.9 351.9 4,654.0 A 3,072.9 97.6 2,975.3 2,567.7 106.0 2,461.7 A- 359.1 29.9 329.2 217.7 9.7 208.0 B++ 55.9 5.2 50.7 18.1 1.2 16.9 B+ 2.6 — 2.6 3.9 0.4 3.5 B or lower 16.0 0.4 15.6 11.0 1.4 9.6 Not rated 1,101.8 726.9 374.9 941.1 524.3 416.8 Pools and associations 362.4 7.0 355.4 194.8 6.5 188.3 10,688.8 1,256.0 9,432.8 9,317.3 1,030.2 8,287.1 Provision for uncollectible reinsurance (155.6) (155.6) (161.5) (161.5) Recoverable from reinsurers 10,533.2 9,277.2 9,155.8 8,125.6
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities	The following tables set out the maturity profile of the company's financial liabilities based on the expected undiscounted cash flows from the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date or the settlement date: December 31, 2020 3 months or less 3 months 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years More than Total Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1) 1,464.8 816.6 854.5 454.3 675.3 4,265.5 Insurance contract payables (2) 775.6 1,493.0 205.6 13.5 13.5 2,501.2 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,880.5 6,111.7 9,577.5 4,753.5 7,486.1 30,809.3 Borrowings - holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies: Principal 50.1 892.7 664.7 1,142.9 3,887.8 6,638.2 Interest 54.6 204.2 479.0 411.5 554.1 1,703.4 Borrowings - non-insurance companies: Principal 547.6 761.6 269.5 344.0 288.1 2,210.8 Interest 27.2 43.3 76.5 40.7 103.4 291.1 5,800.4 10,323.1 12,127.3 7,160.4 13,008.3 48,419.5 December 31, 2019 3 months or less 3 months 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years More than Total Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1) 1,321.1 799.9 798.1 426.0 853.2 4,198.3 Insurance contract payables (2) 717.2 1,294.8 133.2 9.6 63.0 2,217.8 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 2,475.6 5,325.9 8,490.8 4,619.5 7,588.4 28,500.2 Borrowings - holding company and insurance and reinsurance companies: Principal — 140.0 433.9 676.0 3,926.9 5,176.8 Interest 53.1 180.5 456.4 391.1 648.0 1,729.1 Borrowings - non-insurance companies: Principal 533.4 771.5 392.7 114.8 271.8 2,084.2 Interest 59.9 45.4 60.4 38.4 113.9 318.0 5,160.3 8,558.0 10,765.5 6,275.4 13,465.2 44,224.4 (1) Excludes pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21), deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue, accrued interest expense and other. The maturity profile of lease liabilities included in the table above is described in note 22.
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities	The following table provides a maturity profile of the company's derivative obligations based on the expected undiscounted cash flows from the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date or the settlement date: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 3 months or less 3 months More than 1 year Total 3 months or less 3 months More than 1 year Total Equity total return swaps - short positions — — — — 58.0 26.6 — 84.6 Equity total return swaps - long positions 8.3 9.7 — 18.0 — 3.0 — 3.0 U.S. treasury bond forward contracts — — — — 1.7 — — 1.7 Foreign currency forward and swap contracts 74.3 16.1 45.6 136.0 59.3 1.9 53.3 114.5 Other derivative contracts 25.8 9.5 0.1 35.4 1.6 0.4 0.1 2.1 108.4 35.3 45.7 189.4 120.6 31.9 53.4 205.9
Schedule of potential impact of changes in interest rates on fixed asset portfolio	The table below displays the potential impact of changes in interest rates on the company's fixed income portfolio based on parallel 200 basis points shifts up and down, in 100 basis points increments, which the company believes to be reasonably possible in the current economic environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis was performed on each individual security to determine the hypothetical effect on net earnings. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair value of fixed income portfolio Hypothetical change in net earnings (1) Hypothetical % change in fair value (1) Fair value of Hypothetical change in net earnings (1) Hypothetical % change in fair value (1) Change in interest rates 200 basis point increase 15,540.5 (624.5) (4.6) 15,752.1 (463.3) (3.5) 100 basis point increase 15,889.8 (335.2) (2.5) 16,018.9 (243.6) (1.8) No change 16,295.3 — — 16,315.4 — — 100 basis point decrease 16,790.2 410.0 3.0 16,712.8 326.8 2.4 200 basis point decrease 17,348.4 871.6 6.5 17,162.3 695.8 5.2 (1) Includes the impact of forward contracts to sell long dated U.S. treasury bonds with a notional amount at December 31, 2020 of $330.8 (December 31, 2019 - $846.5).
Schedule of impact of equity and equity related holdings on the financial position	The following table summarizes the net effect of the company's equity and equity-related holdings (long exposures net of short exposures) on the company's financial position as at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and results of operations for the years then ended. In that table the company considers its non-insurance investments in associates (note 6) with a fair value at December 31, 2020 of $5,609.8 (December 31, 2019 – $6,494.4) as a component of its equity and equity-related holdings when assessing its net equity exposures. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Year ended December 31, 2020 Year ended December 31, 2019 Exposure/Notional Carrying Exposure/Notional Carrying Pre-tax earnings (loss) Pre-tax earnings (loss) Long equity exposures: Common stocks (1) 4,939.7 4,939.7 4,604.2 4,604.2 24.7 915.9 Preferred stocks – convertible (2) 27.9 27.9 20.7 20.7 4.4 0.9 Bonds – convertible 461.3 461.3 667.6 667.6 143.4 1.4 Investments in associates (2)(3)(4) 5,609.8 5,134.9 6,494.4 5,492.3 8.6 0.7 Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiaries (5)(6) — — — — (61.5) 171.3 Derivatives and other invested assets: Equity total return swaps – long positions 1,788.3 126.3 406.3 8.1 325.6 20.5 Equity warrant forward contracts (7) — — — — — 45.4 Equity warrants and options (7) 132.8 132.8 200.3 200.3 (56.3) 123.9 Other — — — — (17.0) — Total equity and equity related holdings 12,959.8 10,822.9 12,393.5 10,993.2 371.9 1,280.0 Short equity exposures: Derivatives and other invested assets: Equity total return swaps – short positions — — (369.8) (84.6) (528.6) (45.0) Other — — — — — (12.8) — — (369.8) (84.6) (528.6) (57.8) Net equity exposures and financial effects 12,959.8 12,023.7 (156.7) 1,222.2 (1) During 2019 the company sold its 9.9% equity interest in ICICI Lombard for gross proceeds of $729.0 and recognized a net gain on investment of $240.0 (realized gains of $311.2, of which $71.2 was recorded as unrealized gains in prior years), primarily related to the removal of the discount for lack of marketability previously applied by the company to the traded market price of its ICICI Lombard common stock. (2) Excludes the company’s insurance and reinsurance investments in associates and joint ventures and certain other equity and equity-related holdings which are considered long term strategic holdings. See note 6. (3) On September 30, 2020 the company sold its investment in Davos Brands for cash proceeds of $58.6 and recorded a net realized gain of $19.3 as described in note 6. (4) On February 28, 2020 the company sold its investment in APR Energy to Atlas in an all-stock transaction as described in note 6. (5) On December 8, 2020 Fairfax Africa was deconsolidated pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (6) On May 17, 2019 the company deconsolidated Grivalia Properties upon its merger into Eurobank and recognized a non-cash gain of $171.3. See note 23. (7) Includes the Atlas (formerly Seaspan) warrants and forward contracts.
Schedule of potential impact of changes in the fair value of equity and equity related holdings	The table that follows illustrates the potential impact on net earnings of changes in the fair value of the company's equity and equity-related holdings (long exposures net of short exposures) as a result of changes in global equity markets at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The analysis assumes variations of 10% and 20% (December 31, 2019 - 5% and 10%) which the company believes to be reasonably possible in the current economic environment based on analysis of the return on various equity indexes and management's knowledge of global equity markets. December 31, 2020 Change in global equity markets 20% increase 10% increase No change 10% decrease 20% decrease Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings 8,799.0 8,074.2 7,350.0 6,627.5 5,897.4 Hypothetical $ change in net earnings 1,227.5 613.3 — (611.6) (1,228.8) Hypothetical % change in fair value 19.7 9.9 — (9.8) (19.8) December 31, 2019 Change in global equity markets 10% increase 5% increase No change 5% decrease 10% decrease Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings 6,048.3 5,788.2 5,529.3 5,271.8 5,015.7 Hypothetical $ change in net earnings 433.9 216.4 — (215.1) (428.8) Hypothetical % change in fair value 9.4 4.7 — (4.7) (9.3)
Schedule of pre-tax foreign currency effect	The pre-tax foreign exchange effects included in net gains (losses) on investments in the company's consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Net gains (losses) on investments: Investing activities 105.4 (68.0) Underwriting activities (16.8) 5.6 Foreign currency contracts (33.0) (1.3) Foreign currency net gains (losses) 55.6 (63.7)
Schedule of effect of currency appreciation	The table below shows the approximate effect of a 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar against each of the Canadian dollar, euro, British pound sterling, Indian rupee and all other currencies, respectively, on pre-tax earnings (loss), net earnings (loss), pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented, including the assumption that the 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar occurred at December 31, 2020 with all other variables held constant. Canadian dollar Euro British Indian rupee All other currencies Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Pre-tax earnings (loss) (25.6) 18.3 (35.2) 59.0 58.3 (5.1) (47.3) (110.1) 45.0 (57.7) (4.8) (95.6) Net earnings (loss) (25.1) 14.0 (26.5) 44.2 48.8 (2.0) (45.9) (95.3) 36.0 (38.1) (12.7) (77.2) Pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss) (112.1) (110.0) (17.4) (86.1) (56.4) (125.5) (247.7) (275.4) (108.6) (123.3) (542.2) (720.3) Other comprehensive income (loss) (115.5) (113.2) 13.7 (55.6) (55.6) (124.7) (229.2) (254.2) (109.1) (118.0) (495.7) (665.7)
Schedule of capital management, financial measurements	The company manages its capital based on the following financial measurements and ratios to provide an indication of the company's ability to issue and service debt without impacting the operating companies or their portfolio investments: Consolidated Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Holding company cash and investments (net of derivative obligations) 1,229.4 975.2 1,229.4 975.2 Borrowings – holding company 5,580.6 4,117.3 5,580.6 4,117.3 Borrowings – insurance and reinsurance companies 1,033.4 1,039.6 1,033.4 1,039.6 Borrowings – non-insurance companies 2,200.0 2,075.7 — — Total debt 8,814.0 7,232.6 6,614.0 5,156.9 Net debt (1) 7,584.6 6,257.4 5,384.6 4,181.7 Common shareholders’ equity 12,521.1 13,042.6 12,521.1 13,042.6 Preferred stock 1,335.5 1,335.5 1,335.5 1,335.5 Non-controlling interests 3,670.7 3,529.1 1,831.8 1,544.6 Total equity 17,527.3 17,907.2 15,688.4 15,922.7 Net debt/total equity 43.3% 34.9% 34.3% 26.3% Net debt/net total capital (2) 30.2% 25.9% 25.6% 20.8% Total debt/total capital (3) 33.5% 28.8% 29.7% 24.5% Interest coverage (4) 1.6x 6.5x 3.3x (6) 9.8x (6) Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage (5) 1.4x 5.7x 2.7x (6) 7.9x (6) (1) Net debt is calculated by the company as total debt less holding company cash and investments (net of derivative obligations). (2) Net total capital is calculated by the company as the sum of total equity and net debt. (3) Total capital is calculated by the company as the sum of total equity and total debt. (4) Interest coverage is calculated by the company as earnings (loss) before income taxes and interest expense on borrowings, divided by interest expense on borrowings. (5) Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage is calculated by the company as earnings (loss) before income taxes and interest expense on borrowings divided by the sum of interest expense on borrowings and preferred share dividend distributions adjusted to a pre-tax equivalent at the company’s Canadian statutory income tax rate. (6) Excludes earnings (loss) before income taxes, and interest expense on borrowings, of consolidated non-insurance companies.

Segmented Information (Tables)

Segmented Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Segments [Abstract]
Disclosure of operating segments	Sources of earnings by reporting segment for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Asia Other Total Run-off (1) Non-insurance companies Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Gross premiums written External 1,727.5 4,306.3 3,082.4 661.7 2,407.6 4,633.8 421.2 1,738.6 18,979.1 146.8 — — — 19,125.9 Intercompany 7.7 140.4 27.0 — 16.8 46.9 3.5 135.4 377.7 — — — (377.7) — 1,735.2 4,446.7 3,109.4 661.7 2,424.4 4,680.7 424.7 1,874.0 19,356.8 146.8 — — (377.7) 19,125.9 Net premiums written 1,540.4 3,789.6 2,543.0 646.1 1,775.6 3,017.6 221.6 1,183.8 14,717.7 146.8 — — — 14,864.5 Net premiums earned External 1,435.1 3,555.8 2,462.7 646.6 1,710.4 2,788.4 229.2 1,030.8 13,859.0 129.7 — — — 13,988.7 Intercompany (11.0) 30.8 (36.5) (2.8) 0.3 (65.8) (7.5) 94.1 1.6 (1.6) — — — — 1,424.1 3,586.6 2,426.2 643.8 1,710.7 2,722.6 221.7 1,124.9 13,860.6 128.1 — — — 13,988.7 Underwriting expenses (2) (1,315.3) (3,396.7) (2,366.1) (591.9) (1,951.0) (2,596.6) (214.6) (1,119.4) (13,551.6) (336.2) — — — (13,887.8) Underwriting profit (loss) 108.8 189.9 60.1 51.9 (240.3) 126.0 7.1 5.5 309.0 (208.1) — — — 100.9 Interest income 59.6 173.6 91.9 24.3 67.1 136.5 14.1 52.6 619.7 28.5 20.5 57.1 (9.3) 716.5 Dividends 7.9 8.6 2.2 1.8 3.4 20.3 7.1 3.7 55.0 4.9 17.2 0.7 — 77.8 Investment expenses (11.3) (31.0) (14.5) (7.1) (12.3) (30.1) (1.2) (6.6) (114.1) (8.7) 9.4 (2.0) 90.3 (25.1) Interest and dividends 56.2 151.2 79.6 19.0 58.2 126.7 20.0 49.7 560.6 24.7 47.1 55.8 81.0 769.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates (3.0) 27.8 (14.8) (4.2) 6.6 35.6 14.6 (16.4) 46.2 (11.2) (100.2) (47.6) — (112.8) Other Revenue — — — — — — — — — — 4,742.4 — (22.8) 4,719.6 Expenses — — — — — — — — — — (4,868.0) — 9.1 (4,858.9) — — — — — — — — — — (125.6) — (13.7) (139.3) Operating income (loss) 162.0 368.9 124.9 66.7 (175.5) 288.3 41.7 38.8 915.8 (194.6) (178.7) 8.2 67.3 618.0 Net gains (losses) on investments 105.7 (26.9) (158.2) (59.9) 24.4 246.0 12.3 (7.0) 136.4 (96.9) (65.6) 339.2 — 313.1 Gain (loss) on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary — (30.5) (25.8) — — — — — (56.3) (9.0) — 182.4 — 117.1 Interest expense (1.3) (6.4) (4.7) (3.8) (19.0) (30.3) (0.4) (1.7) (67.6) (2.3) (170.6) (235.6) 0.2 (475.9) Corporate overhead (8.1) (10.5) (28.2) (9.8) (11.9) (79.2) (6.0) (1.4) (155.1) (0.2) — (82.6) (90.3) (328.2) Pre-tax income (loss) 258.3 294.6 (92.0) (6.8) (182.0) 424.8 47.6 28.7 773.2 (303.0) (414.9) 211.6 (22.8) 244.1 Provision for income taxes (206.7) Net earnings 37.4 Attributable to: Shareholders of Fairfax 218.4 Non-controlling interests (181.0) 37.4 (1) Includes European Run-off prior to its deconsolidation on March 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23. (2) Underwriting expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were comprised as shown below. Accident year underwriting expenses exclude the impact of favourable or adverse prior year claims reserve development. Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Asia Other Total Loss & LAE - accident year 878.9 2,652.2 1,521.7 401.8 1,301.8 1,931.2 148.3 687.6 9,523.5 Commissions 243.8 693.5 415.2 74.1 436.4 253.7 30.8 215.6 2,363.1 Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 231.8 270.5 434.4 190.1 275.6 416.8 54.0 246.7 2,119.9 Underwriting expenses - accident year 1,354.5 3,616.2 2,371.3 666.0 2,013.8 2,601.7 233.1 1,149.9 14,006.5 Net favourable claims reserve development (39.2) (219.5) (5.2) (74.1) (62.8) (5.1) (18.5) (30.5) (454.9) Underwriting expenses - calendar year 1,315.3 3,396.7 2,366.1 591.9 1,951.0 2,596.6 214.6 1,119.4 13,551.6 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Asia Other Total Run-off Non-insurance companies Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Gross premiums written External 1,513.6 3,742.8 2,805.0 732.7 2,245.4 3,809.3 439.3 1,616.7 16,904.8 606.4 — — — 17,511.2 Intercompany 7.9 73.2 22.8 — 48.1 51.0 (1.0) 94.2 296.2 3.2 — — (299.4) — 1,521.5 3,816.0 2,827.8 732.7 2,293.5 3,860.3 438.3 1,710.9 17,201.0 609.6 — — (299.4) 17,511.2 Net premiums written 1,350.3 3,393.8 2,331.5 720.8 1,656.2 2,428.9 231.2 1,148.4 13,261.1 574.5 — — — 13,835.6 Net premiums earned External 1,247.3 3,162.2 2,234.4 737.3 1,608.1 2,345.9 228.2 981.3 12,544.7 685.0 — — — 13,229.7 Intercompany (7.0) 17.0 (40.6) (2.3) 33.8 (10.5) (13.0) 65.5 42.9 (42.9) — — — — 1,240.3 3,179.2 2,193.8 735.0 1,641.9 2,335.4 215.2 1,046.8 12,587.6 642.1 — — — 13,229.7 Underwriting expenses (1) (1,193.6) (3,089.3) (2,142.0) (626.2) (1,590.8) (2,277.7) (208.8) (1,064.7) (12,193.1) (906.3) — — — (13,099.4) Underwriting profit (loss) 46.7 89.9 51.8 108.8 51.1 57.7 6.4 (17.9) 394.5 (264.2) — — — 130.3 Interest income 65.9 189.5 93.6 36.7 82.0 165.6 16.9 66.8 717.0 60.5 24.5 33.7 (9.4) 826.3 Dividends 10.4 17.5 7.0 4.0 3.0 16.7 8.6 3.6 70.8 9.5 11.8 1.6 — 93.7 Investment expenses (11.3) (31.1) (14.7) (7.6) (11.5) (33.4) (7.8) (13.4) (130.8) (14.2) (89.0) (2.4) 196.6 (39.8) Interest and dividends 65.0 175.9 85.9 33.1 73.5 148.9 17.7 57.0 657.0 55.8 (52.7) 32.9 187.2 880.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates 1.1 55.1 19.1 (16.4) (2.4) 13.3 (0.1) (13.7) 56.0 (6.3) (45.2) 165.1 — 169.6 Other Revenue — — — — — — — — — — 5,537.1 — — 5,537.1 Expenses — — — — — — — — — — (5,441.6) — 8.4 (5,433.2) — — — — — — — — — — 95.5 — 8.4 103.9 Operating income (loss) 112.8 320.9 156.8 125.5 122.2 219.9 24.0 25.4 1,107.5 (214.7) (2.4) 198.0 195.6 1,284.0 Net gains on investments 0.5 149.5 75.2 22.5 62.1 210.2 632.3 106.2 1,258.5 168.2 72.6 216.9 — 1,716.2 Loss on repurchase of borrowings — — — — — — — — — — — (23.7) — (23.7) Interest expense (1.5) (7.8) (5.3) (3.9) (19.1) (29.1) (0.4) (1.9) (69.0) (7.0) (184.9) (212.1) 1.0 (472.0) Corporate overhead (5.7) (10.7) (20.5) (8.5) (9.2) (59.7) (9.8) (0.6) (124.7) 0.4 — 49.1 (196.6) (271.8) Pre-tax income (loss) 106.1 451.9 206.2 135.6 156.0 341.3 646.1 129.1 2,172.3 (53.1) (114.7) 228.2 — 2,232.7 Provision for income taxes (261.5) Net earnings 1,971.2 Attributable to: Shareholders of Fairfax 2,004.1 Non-controlling interests (32.9) 1,971.2 (1) Underwriting expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were comprised as shown below. Accident year underwriting expenses exclude the impact of favourable or adverse prior year claims reserve development. Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge Odyssey Group Crum & Forster Zenith National Brit Allied World Fairfax Other Total Loss & LAE - accident year 851.9 2,383.6 1,387.4 423.4 961.0 1,585.8 151.3 678.8 8,423.2 Commissions 204.1 629.9 350.8 80.1 444.6 256.2 29.1 187.5 2,182.3 Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses 204.7 305.4 410.0 204.8 231.7 403.7 56.7 250.4 2,067.4 Underwriting expenses - accident year 1,260.7 3,318.9 2,148.2 708.3 1,637.3 2,245.7 237.1 1,116.7 12,672.9 Net (favourable) adverse claims reserve development (67.1) (229.6) (6.2) (82.1) (46.5) 32.0 (28.3) (52.0) (479.8) Underwriting expenses - calendar year 1,193.6 3,089.3 2,142.0 626.2 1,590.8 2,277.7 208.8 1,064.7 12,193.1 Investments in associates, segment assets and segment liabilities at December 31, and additions to goodwill for the years then ended, by reporting segment were as follows: Investments in associates Additions to goodwill Segment assets Segment liabilities 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance Northbridge 182.1 198.6 — — 5,231.6 4,654.4 3,418.3 3,085.0 Odyssey Group 1,164.9 1,050.5 — — 15,041.7 13,489.0 10,141.0 8,710.8 Crum & Forster 368.2 394.3 — 0.5 7,596.0 6,803.3 5,448.2 4,995.4 Zenith National 124.5 154.7 — — 2,472.0 2,504.8 1,539.1 1,527.7 Brit 363.1 358.5 — 45.9 9,040.7 8,106.8 6,826.2 6,329.2 Allied World 537.0 513.2 — — 16,975.5 15,596.0 12,547.4 11,499.3 Fairfax Asia 149.9 92.1 — — 1,920.1 2,231.5 794.7 805.1 Other 219.6 255.6 — 3.9 5,097.8 4,520.1 4,021.4 3,442.5 3,109.3 3,017.5 — 50.3 63,375.4 57,905.9 44,736.3 40,395.0 Run-off 129.3 260.5 (1) — 3.8 2,601.9 6,372.6 (2) 2,095.9 4,530.2 (2) Non-insurance companies 1,373.5 1,663.0 182.1 262.1 8,349.0 9,261.1 5,124.2 5,232.5 Corporate and Other and eliminations and adjustments 1,827.5 (3) 1,043.4 — — (272.3) (3,031.1) 4,570.3 2,443.6 Consolidated 6,439.6 5,984.4 182.1 316.2 74,054.0 70,508.5 56,526.7 52,601.3 (1) Excludes European Run-off's investments in associates and joint ventures with a carrying value of $442.9 and a fair value of $504.6 that were included in assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019 and principally comprised of investments in Gulf Insurance, Eurobank, Atlas (formerly Seaspan Corporation), APR Energy and Resolute. (2) Includes European Run-off's assets and liabilities that were included in assets held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019. See note 23. (3) Includes investment in associate held for sale related to RiverStone Barbados of $729.5 as described in note 23. Revenue and expenses of the non-insurance companies were comprised as follows for the years ended December 31: Restaurants Fairfax India (1) Thomas Cook India (2) Other Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenue 1,734.2 2,120.6 312.8 410.7 225.2 1,087.4 2,470.2 1,918.4 4,742.4 5,537.1 Expenses (1,811.1) (2,049.5) (305.9) (401.8) (288.3) (1,081.3) (2,462.7) (1,909.0) (4,868.0) (5,441.6) Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other (3) (76.9) 71.1 6.9 8.9 (63.1) 6.1 7.5 9.4 (125.6) 95.5 Interest and dividends 6.1 8.3 28.9 (74.5) — — 12.1 13.5 47.1 (52.7) Share of profit (loss) of associates 1.3 — (24.8) 179.2 (3.4) (182.8) (73.3) (41.6) (100.2) (45.2) Operating income (loss) (69.5) 79.4 11.0 113.6 (66.5) (176.7) (53.7) (18.7) (178.7) (2.4) Net gains (losses) on investments (6.6) 9.2 (12.4) 54.7 4.0 4.2 (50.6) 4.5 (65.6) 72.6 Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense (76.1) 88.6 (1.4) 168.3 (62.5) (172.5) (104.3) (14.2) (244.3) 70.2 (1) These results differ from those published by Fairfax India due to Fairfax India's application of investment entity accounting under IFRS. (2) These results differ from those published by Thomas Cook India primarily due to differences between IFRS and Ind AS, and acquisition accounting adjustments. (3) Excludes interest and dividends, share of profit (loss) of associates and net gains (losses) on investments. The company's segmented balance sheets as at December 31, 2020 and 2019 present the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests in each of the company's reporting segments in accordance with the company's IFRS accounting policies and includes. where applicable, acquisition accounting adjustments principally related to goodwill and intangible assets which arose on initial acquisition of the subsidiaries or on a subsequent step acquisition. Certain of the company's subsidiaries hold equity interests in other Fairfax subsidiaries ("affiliates") which are carried at cost. Affiliated insurance and reinsurance balances are not shown separately and are eliminated in "Corporate and eliminations". December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies Run-off Non-insurance companies Corporate and eliminations (6) Consolidated Insurance and reinsurance companies Run-off Non-insurance companies Corporate and eliminations (6) Consolidated Assets Holding company cash and investments 598.1 — — 654.1 1,252.2 685.3 — — 290.2 975.5 Insurance contract receivables 6,052.5 8.4 — (244.8) 5,816.1 5,588.0 4.1 — (157.1) 5,435.0 Portfolio investments (1)(2) 37,947.8 1,592.4 1,810.3 758.1 42,108.6 33,918.5 1,906.3 2,730.7 (320.5) 38,235.0 Assets held for sale (3) — — — — — — 3,386.6 — (601.0) 2,785.6 Deferred premium acquisition costs 1,574.4 — — (30.7) 1,543.7 1,364.7 — — (20.4) 1,344.3 Recoverable from reinsurers 11,254.2 453.7 — (1,174.7) 10,533.2 9,839.0 494.8 — (1,178.0) 9,155.8 Deferred income tax assets 460.0 0.1 64.5 189.3 713.9 526.0 6.3 50.6 (207.0) 375.9 Goodwill and intangible assets 3,586.2 41.1 2,601.8 — 6,229.1 3,714.5 43.5 2,435.3 0.8 6,194.1 Due from affiliates 222.6 357.7 3.8 (584.1) — 573.2 356.1 0.6 (929.9) — Other assets 1,526.4 119.2 3,868.6 343.0 5,857.2 1,465.6 112.5 4,043.9 385.3 6,007.3 Investments in affiliates (4) 153.2 29.3 — (182.5) — 231.1 62.4 — (293.5) — Total assets 63,375.4 2,601.9 8,349.0 (272.3) 74,054.0 57,905.9 6,372.6 9,261.1 (3,031.1) 70,508.5 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,843.3 59.9 2,566.4 526.5 4,996.1 1,785.4 75.4 2,734.1 219.2 4,814.1 Derivative obligations 114.9 1.1 50.0 23.4 189.4 145.4 4.8 55.4 0.3 205.9 Due to affiliates 8.3 — 117.6 (125.9) — 14.7 — 145.1 (159.8) — Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (3) — — — — — — 2,203.7 — (168.6) 2,035.1 Deferred income tax liabilities 152.7 — 197.7 6.0 356.4 133.3 — 229.5 (362.8) — Insurance contract payables 3,224.2 11.6 — (271.8) 2,964.0 2,731.9 14.1 — (155.0) 2,591.0 Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses (5) 29,809.4 2,023.3 — (1,023.4) 30,809.3 27,226.8 2,232.2 — (958.8) 28,500.2 Provision for unearned premiums (5) 8,550.1 — — (152.6) 8,397.5 7,317.9 — — (95.5) 7,222.4 Borrowings 1,033.4 — 2,192.5 5,588.1 8,814.0 1,039.6 — 2,068.4 4,124.6 7,232.6 Total liabilities 44,736.3 2,095.9 5,124.2 4,570.3 56,526.7 40,395.0 4,530.2 5,232.5 2,443.6 52,601.3 Equity Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax 17,117.4 506.0 1,385.9 (5,152.7) 13,856.6 15,991.1 1,842.4 2,044.1 (5,499.5) 14,378.1 Non-controlling interests 1,521.7 — 1,838.9 310.1 3,670.7 1,519.8 — 1,984.5 24.8 3,529.1 Total equity 18,639.1 506.0 3,224.8 (4,842.6) 17,527.3 17,510.9 1,842.4 4,028.6 (5,474.7) 17,907.2 Total liabilities and total equity 63,375.4 2,601.9 8,349.0 (272.3) 74,054.0 57,905.9 6,372.6 9,261.1 (3,031.1) 70,508.5 (1) Includes intercompany investments in Fairfax non-insurance subsidiaries carried at cost that are eliminated on consolidation. (2) Includes investment in associate held for sale of at December 31, 2020 of $729.5 (December 31, 2019 - nil). See note 6 and note 23. (3) At December 31, 2019 the effects of intercompany reinsurance with Wentworth, which decreased assets held for sale by $352.5 and liabilities associated with assets held for sale by $357.7, were adjusted in the Run-off reporting segment. See note 23. (4) Intercompany investments in Fairfax insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries carried at cost that are eliminated on consolidation. (5) Included in insurance contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. (6) Corporate and eliminations includes the Fairfax holding company, subsidiary intermediate holding companies, and consolidating and eliminating entries. The most significant of those entries are the elimination of intercompany reinsurance provided by Group Re, and reinsurance provided by Odyssey Group and Allied World to the primary insurers.
Schedule of net premiums earned by product line	Net premiums earned by product line for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Property Casualty Specialty Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance - net premiums earned Northbridge 626.4 538.0 659.6 581.4 138.1 120.9 1,424.1 1,240.3 Odyssey Group 1,838.9 1,598.8 1,444.0 1,288.2 303.7 292.2 3,586.6 3,179.2 Crum & Forster 364.2 293.8 1,837.5 1,771.6 224.5 128.4 2,426.2 2,193.8 Zenith National 37.5 39.1 605.9 695.9 0.4 — 643.8 735.0 Brit 544.3 494.3 853.0 844.3 313.4 303.3 1,710.7 1,641.9 Allied World 882.6 832.1 1,755.4 1,394.1 84.6 109.2 2,722.6 2,335.4 Fairfax Asia 74.5 74.7 116.4 113.7 30.8 26.8 221.7 215.2 Other 634.3 601.2 332.1 305.8 158.5 139.8 1,124.9 1,046.8 5,002.7 4,472.0 7,603.9 6,995.0 1,254.0 1,120.6 13,860.6 12,587.6 Run-off (1) 31.6 103.8 31.5 379.2 65.0 159.1 128.1 642.1 Consolidated net premiums earned 5,034.3 4,575.8 7,635.4 7,374.2 1,319.0 1,279.7 13,988.7 13,229.7 Interest and dividends 769.2 880.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates (112.8) 169.6 Net gains on investments 313.1 1,716.2 Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary (note 23) 117.1 — Other revenue (Non-insurance companies) 4,719.6 5,537.1 Consolidated income 19,794.9 21,532.8 Distribution of net premiums earned 36.0 % 34.6 % 54.6 % 55.7 % 9.4 % 9.7 % 100.0 % 100.0 % (1) Includes European Run-off prior to its deconsolidation on March 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23.
Disclosure of geographical regions	Net premiums earned by geographic region for the years ended December 31 were as follows: Canada United States Asia (1) International (2) Total 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Insurance and Reinsurance - net premiums earned Northbridge 1,407.3 1,223.8 16.8 16.5 — — — — 1,424.1 1,240.3 Odyssey Group 101.2 80.8 2,356.3 2,126.5 469.8 377.1 659.3 594.8 3,586.6 3,179.2 Crum & Forster — — 2,409.2 2,191.7 0.2 — 16.8 2.1 2,426.2 2,193.8 Zenith National — — 643.8 735.0 — — — — 643.8 735.0 Brit 97.7 107.0 1,228.5 1,119.5 45.9 48.9 338.6 366.5 1,710.7 1,641.9 Allied World 52.6 34.7 2,030.5 1,710.2 227.6 239.7 411.9 350.8 2,722.6 2,335.4 Fairfax Asia — — — — 221.7 215.2 — — 221.7 215.2 Other 0.1 — 54.8 31.1 139.6 111.1 930.4 904.6 1,124.9 1,046.8 1,658.9 1,446.3 8,739.9 7,930.5 1,104.8 992.0 2,357.0 2,218.8 13,860.6 12,587.6 Run-off (3) 0.1 5.8 1.1 29.8 — 0.5 126.9 606.0 128.1 642.1 Consolidated net premiums earned 1,659.0 1,452.1 8,741.0 7,960.3 1,104.8 992.5 2,483.9 2,824.8 13,988.7 13,229.7 Interest and dividends 769.2 880.2 Share of profit (loss) of associates (112.8) 169.6 Net gains on investments 313.1 1,716.2 Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary (note 23) 117.1 — Other revenue (Non-insurance companies) 4,719.6 5,537.1 Consolidated income 19,794.9 21,532.8 Distribution of net premiums earned 11.9 % 11.0 % 62.4 % 60.1% 7.9 % 7.5% 17.8 % 21.4% 100.0 % 100.0% (1) The Asia geographic segment is primarily comprised of countries located throughout Asia, including China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, and the Middle East. (2) The International geographic segment is primarily comprised of countries located in South America, Europe and Africa. (3) Includes European Run-off prior to its deconsolidation on March 31, 2020 pursuant to the transaction described in note 23.

Expenses (Tables)

Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Schedule of losses on claims, net, operating expenses and other expenses	Losses on claims, net, operating expenses and other expenses for the years ended December 31 were comprised as follows: 2020 2019 Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Insurance and reinsurance companies (1) Non-insurance companies Total Losses and loss adjustment expenses 8,954.5 — 8,954.5 8,401.5 — 8,401.5 Cost of sales — 2,997.6 2,997.6 — 3,474.1 3,474.1 Wages and salaries 1,359.1 632.4 1,991.5 1,263.2 801.4 2,064.6 Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges (2) 234.6 517.5 752.1 253.8 397.0 650.8 Employee benefits 293.0 105.2 398.2 326.7 121.8 448.5 Premium taxes 240.3 — 240.3 223.9 — 223.9 Information technology costs 194.4 33.0 227.4 163.1 29.9 193.0 Audit, legal and tax professional fees 141.0 64.0 205.0 137.0 52.3 189.3 Share-based payments to directors and employees 103.6 5.9 109.5 89.1 13.4 102.5 Shipping and delivery 1.2 107.5 108.7 1.5 69.6 71.1 Marketing costs 27.6 67.5 95.1 30.8 108.5 139.3 Repairs and maintenance 4.8 61.4 66.2 4.8 63.8 68.6 Utilities 7.9 48.6 56.5 7.7 46.2 53.9 Short-term, low value and other lease costs (3) 15.7 30.8 46.5 17.5 60.5 78.0 Travel and entertainment 19.6 23.0 42.6 57.5 34.2 91.7 Loss on repurchase of borrowings (note 15) — — — — 23.7 23.7 Administrative expense and other 263.7 164.5 428.2 186.3 160.5 346.8 Losses on claims, net, operating expenses and other expenses (4)(5) 11,861.0 4,858.9 16,719.9 11,164.4 5,456.9 16,621.3 Commissions, net (note 9) (6) 2,355.0 — 2,355.0 2,206.8 — 2,206.8 Interest expense (note 15) (6) 305.3 170.6 475.9 288.1 183.9 472.0 14,521.3 5,029.5 19,550.8 13,659.3 5,640.8 19,300.1 (1) Includes the Run-off reporting segment and Corporate and Other. (2) Includes non-cash impairment charges on right-of-use assets of $18.2 (2019 - $0.9) and finance lease receivables of $11.1 (2019 - nil) principally related to COVID-19 in the non-insurance companies reporting segment. (3) Includes the benefit of COVID-19 lease concessions of $14.9, primarily in the non-insurance companies reporting segment. (4) Expenses of the insurance and reinsurance companies, excluding commissions, net and interest expense, are included in losses on claims, net and operating expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. (5) Expenses of the non-insurance companies, excluding commissions, net and interest expense, and loss on repurchase of borrowings of the holding company, are included in other expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings. (6) Presented as separate lines in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Supplementary Cash Flow Infor_2

Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash Flow Statement [Abstract]
Schedule of supplemental balance sheet disclosures	Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows excludes restricted cash and cash equivalents that are amounts primarily required to be maintained on deposit with various regulatory authorities to support the operations of the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Cash equivalents are comprised of treasury bills and other eligible bills. December 31, 2020 Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated statement of cash flows Restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents included on the consolidated balance sheet Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Holding company cash and investments 81.9 192.3 274.2 5.8 — 5.8 87.7 192.3 280.0 Subsidiary cash and short term investments 2,736.0 1,398.6 4,134.6 349.4 402.5 751.9 3,085.4 1,801.1 4,886.5 Fairfax India 36.0 22.3 58.3 31.9 — 31.9 67.9 22.3 90.2 2,853.9 1,613.2 4,467.1 387.1 402.5 789.6 3,241.0 2,015.7 5,256.7 December 31, 2019 Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated statement of cash flows Restricted cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents included on the consolidated balance sheet Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Cash Cash equivalents Total Holding company cash and investments 98.8 84.5 183.3 0.6 — 0.6 99.4 84.5 183.9 Subsidiary cash and short term investments 1,934.7 1,355.0 3,289.7 469.4 195.4 664.8 2,404.1 1,550.4 3,954.5 Fairfax India 67.0 19.1 86.1 18.6 — 18.6 85.6 19.1 104.7 Fairfax Africa 77.9 0.8 78.7 7.5 — 7.5 85.4 0.8 86.2 Assets held for sale (note 23) 160.5 65.0 225.5 54.0 4.2 58.2 214.5 69.2 283.7 2,338.9 1,524.4 3,863.3 550.1 199.6 749.7 2,889.0 1,724.0 4,613.0
Schedule of cash flow, supplemental disclosures	Details of certain cash flows included in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2020 2019 Net (purchases) sales of securities classified at FVTPL Short term investments (2,138.1) (4,646.5) Bonds 287.2 3,618.7 Preferred stocks (24.5) (52.4) Common stocks 18.4 898.3 Net Derivatives (479.2) (184.8) (2,336.2) (366.7) Changes in operating assets and liabilities Net increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents (187.8) (170.3) Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses 1,884.3 1,171.5 Provision for unearned premiums 1,243.2 893.9 Insurance contract receivables (496.7) (383.9) Insurance contract payables 441.9 616.5 Recoverable from reinsurers (898.8) (1,112.3) Other receivables 104.9 192.4 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (45.4) 3.8 Other (172.4) (297.0) 1,873.2 914.6 Net interest and dividends received Interest and dividends received 789.8 819.2 Interest paid on borrowings (370.4) (376.9) Interest paid on lease liabilities (62.4) (60.4) 357.0 381.9 Net income taxes paid (63.3) (178.9)

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party [Abstract]
Schedule of related parties	Compensation for the company's key management team for the years ended December 31 determined in accordance with the company's IFRS accounting policies was as follows: 2020 2019 Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 10.9 9.8 Share-based payments 3.5 5.1 14.4 14.9 Compensation for the company's Board of Directors for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2020 2019 Retainers and fees 1.1 1.1 Share-based payments 0.6 0.2 1.7 1.3

Subsidiaries (Tables)

Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Interests In Other Entities [Abstract]
Disclosure of interests in subsidiaries	The company has wholly-owned subsidiaries not presented in the tables below that are intermediate holding companies of investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances, and that are eliminated on consolidation. December 31, 2020 Domicile Fairfax's ownership Insurance and reinsurance Northbridge Financial Corporation (Northbridge) Canada Odyssey Group Holdings, Inc. (Odyssey Group) United States Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. (Crum & Forster) United States Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Zenith National) United States Brit Limited (Brit) (1) United Kingdom Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (Allied World) Bermuda 70.9% Fairfax Central and Eastern Europe, which consists of: Polskie Towarzystwo Reasekuracji Spólka Akcyjna (Polish Re) Poland Colonnade Insurance S.A. (Colonnade Insurance) Luxembourg FFH Ukraine Holdings (Fairfax Ukraine), which consists of: Ukraine 70.0% ARX Insurance Company (ARX Insurance) Ukraine Private Joint Stock Company Insurance Company Universalna (Universalna) Ukraine Fairfax Latin America, which consists of: Fairfax Brasil Seguros Corporativos S.A. (Fairfax Brasil) Brazil La Meridional Compañía Argentina de Seguros S.A. (La Meridional Argentina) Argentina SBS Seguros Colombia S.A. (SouthBridge Colombia) Colombia SBI Seguros Uruguay S.A. (SouthBridge Uruguay) Uruguay Southbridge Compañía de Seguros Generales S.A. (SouthBridge Chile) Chile Bryte Insurance Company Ltd (Bryte Insurance) South Africa Group Re, which underwrites business in: CRC Reinsurance Limited (CRC Re) Barbados Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd. (Wentworth) Barbados Connemara Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Connemara) Barbados Fairfax Asia, which consists of: Falcon Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited (Falcon) Hong Kong The Pacific Insurance Berhad (Pacific Insurance) Malaysia 85.0% PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk (AMAG Insurance) Indonesia 80.0% Fairfirst Insurance Limited (Fairfirst Insurance) Sri Lanka 78.0% Run-off U.S. Run-off: TIG Insurance Company (TIG Insurance) United States Investment management Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. (Hamblin Watsa) Canada December 31, 2020 Domicile Fairfax's ownership Primary business Non-insurance companies Restaurants and retail Recipe Unlimited Corporation (Recipe) Canada 40.2 % (2) Franchisor, owner and operator of restaurants Praktiker Hellas Trading Single Member SA (Praktiker) Greece 100.0 % Retailer of home improvement goods Toys "R" Us (Canada) Ltd. (Toys "R" Us Canada) Canada 84.6 % Retailer of toys and baby products Sporting Life Group Limited, which owns: Canada 71.4 % Invests in retail businesses 100.0% of Sporting Life Inc. (Sporting Life) Canada 71.4 % Retailer of sporting goods and sports apparel 100.0% of Golf Town Limited (Golf Town) Canada 71.4 % Retailer of golf equipment, apparel and accessories Kitchen Stuff Plus, Inc. (Kitchen Stuff Plus) Canada 55.0 % Retailer of housewares and home decor William Ashley China Corporation (William Ashley) Canada 100.0 % Retailer of tableware and gifts Fairfax India Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (Fairfax India), which owns: Canada 28.0 % (2) Invests in public and private Indian businesses 89.5% of National Collateral Management Services Limited (NCML) India 25.1 % Provider of agricultural commodities storage 48.8% of Fairchem Organics Limited (Fairchem) India 13.7 % Manufacturer of oleochemicals and neutraceuticals 48.8% of Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited (Privi) India 13.7 % Manufacturer, supplier and exporter of aroma chemicals 51.0% of Saurashtra Freight Private Limited (Saurashtra Freight) India 14.3 % Container freight station operator Thomas Cook India Thomas Cook (India) Limited (Thomas Cook India), which owns: India 66.9 % Provider of integrated travel and travel-related financial services 100.0% of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (Sterling Resorts) India 66.9 % Owner and operator of holiday resorts Other AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. (AGT) Canada 58.0 % Originator, processor and distributor of value-added pulses and staple foods Dexterra Group Inc. (Dexterra Group) Canada 49.0 % Provider of Infrastructure support services Boat Rocker Media Inc. (Boat Rocker) Canada 55.7 % (3) Entertainment content creator, producer and distributor Mosaic Capital Corporation (Mosaic Capital) Canada — (4) Invests in private Canadian businesses Pethealth Inc. (Pethealth) Canada 100.0 % (5) Pet medical insurance and database services Rouge Media Group Inc. and Rouge Media, Inc. (Rouge Media) Canada and United States 65.0 % (5) Media and marketing solutions Farmers Edge Inc. (Farmers Edge) Canada 41.1 % (6) Provider of advanced digital tools for agriculture (1) Subsequent to December 31, 2020 the company entered into an agreement to sell an approximate 14% equity interest in Brit to OMERS (note 23). (2) The company owns multiple voting shares and subordinate voting shares of Recipe and Fairfax India that give it voting rights of 61.1% and 93.4%. (3) The company has voting rights of 59.1% due to Boat Rocker's issuance of non-voting shares to non-controlling interests. (4) The company owns Mosaic Capital warrants that represent a substantive potential voting interest of approximately 61%. (5) Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on January 1, 2021 Pethealth became a wholly owned subsidiary of Crum & Forster, and the company sold substantially all of its interest in Rouge Media for consideration of approximately $10 and expects to record a nominal gain in the first quarter of 2021. (6) The company holds convertible debentures and warrants in Farmers Edge that, together with its holdings of common shares, represents a substantive potential voting interest of approximately 69%. Subsequent to December 31, 2020, on March 3, 2021 Farmers Edge completed an Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of common shares, prior to which the company exercised its warrants and converted its convertible debentures for common shares of Farmers Edge, resulting in the company's controlling equity interest in Farmers Edge increasing to approximately 62% on completion of the IPO (prior to any over-allotment option that may be exercised by the underwriters of the IPO).

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Lease liabilities	$ 1,452.1	$ 1,496.4
Right-of-use assets	1,008	1,020.6	$ 1,051.4
Finance lease receivables (note 22)	305.4	375.9
Non-controlling interests	$ 3,670.7	$ 3,529.1
Customer and broker relationships | Bottom of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible asset useful lives	8 years
Customer and broker relationships | Top of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible asset useful lives	20 years
Computer software | Bottom of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible asset useful lives	3 years
Computer software | Top of range
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Intangible asset useful lives	15 years
Restricted Share Units
Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items]
Restricted share vesting period	15 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Reclassification of Prior Year Comparatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 17, 2019	May 16, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of reclassifications or changes in presentation [line items]
Investments in associates			$ 6,439.6	$ 5,984.4
Cash and investments			$ 1,252.2	975.5
Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of reclassifications or changes in presentation [line items]
Ownership percentage	32.40%	18.00%
Cash and investments				123.4
Common equity instrument, carrying value				$ 1,041
Non-insurance companies | Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of reclassifications or changes in presentation [line items]
Ownership percentage			30.50%	30.50%
Ownership percentage in assets held for sale				1.90%
Investments in associates			$ 1,166.3	$ 1,164.4

Cash and Investments - Schedule

Cash and Investments - Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	$ 1,252.2	$ 975.5
Cash and investments, net	41,900	38,000
Total investments, net of derivative obligations	43,171.4	39,004.6
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	789.6	691.5
Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	1,252.2	975.5
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations	79.5	5.5
Derivative obligations (note 7)	(22.8)	(0.3)
Cash and investments, net	1,229.4	975.2
Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	42,108.6	38,235
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations	196.4	146.9
Derivative obligations (note 7)	(166.6)	(205.6)
Cash and investments, net	41,942	38,029.4
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	751.9	664.8
Total | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	280	183.9
Total | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	4,886.5	3,954.5
Short term investments | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	159.2	128.3
Short term investments | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	8,311.3	6,066.8
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations	113.9	72.4
Bonds | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	457.2	395.9
Bonds | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	15,734.6	15,618.1
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations	82.5	74.5
Preferred stocks | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	4.7	4.7
Preferred stocks | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	605.2	578.2
Common stocks | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	123.7	173.5
Common stocks | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	4,599.1	4,246.6
Derivatives | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	147.9	83.7
Derivatives | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	234.8	202.7
Portfolio investments, net
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	42,108.6	38,235
Portfolio investments, net | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	1,172.7	970
Portfolio investments, net | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	40,060.4	35,583.5
Subsidiary assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations	79.5	2.8
Bonds pledged for short sale and derivative obligations | Holding company cash and investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations	0	2.7
Investments in associates | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	4,381.8	4,360.2
Investment in associate held for sale | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	729.5	0
Other invested assets | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	577.6	556.4
Common stock, limited partnerships
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	1,935.9	2,056.8
Fairfax India | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	1,851.8	1,979.8
Fairfax India | Total | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	90.2	104.7
Fairfax India | Bonds | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	21	124.1
Fairfax India | Common stocks | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	412.3	359.7
Fairfax India | Investments in associates | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	1,328.3	1,391.3
Fairfax Africa | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	0	524.8
Fairfax Africa | Total | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	0	86.2
Fairfax Africa | Short term investments | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	0	104
Fairfax Africa | Bonds | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	0	100.1
Fairfax Africa | Investments in associates | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	0	232.9
Fairfax Africa | Derivatives and other invested assets | Portfolio investments
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Cash and investments	$ 0	$ 1.6

Cash and Investments - Narrativ

Cash and Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 789.6	$ 691.5
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, including assets HFS	$ 789.6	749.7
Non-current assets held for sale
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, including assets HFS		$ 58.2

Cash and Investments - Schedu_2

Cash and Investments - Schedule of Pledged Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	$ 6,026.7	$ 5,774.1
Regulatory deposits
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	4,781	4,667.4
Regulatory deposits | European Run-off
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities		71.7
Security for reinsurance and other
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	$ 1,245.7	1,106.7
Security for reinsurance and other | European Run-off
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities		$ 65.5

Cash and Investments - Fixed In

Cash and Investments - Fixed Income Maturity Profile (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Bonds with call features	$ 7,155	$ 3,415.4
Bonds with put features	1.3	2.6
Bonds with call and put features	1,075.8	952.7
Notional amount	8,849	7,261
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	330.8	$ 846.5
Bonds, U.S. treasury
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Net proceeds	2,521.5
Bonds, Canadian government
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Net proceeds	626
Bonds, U.S. Corporate
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets	$ 2,071.9

Cash and Investments - Schedu_3

Cash and Investments - Schedule of Fixed Income Maturity (Details) - Debt securities - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 15,419.9	$ 16,043.4
Fair value	$ 16,295.3	$ 16,315.4
Pre-tax effective interest rate	3.20%	3.60%
Due in 1 year or less
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$ 4,968.1	$ 8,158.1
Fair value	4,935.3	8,206.3
Due after 1 year through 5 years
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Amortized cost	9,378.4	5,872.8
Fair value	10,096.9	5,980.8
Due after 5 years through 10 years
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Amortized cost	654.2	1,227.6
Fair value	718.5	1,242.3
Due after 10 years
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Amortized cost	419.2	784.9
Fair value	$ 544.6	$ 886

Cash and Investments - Schedu_4

Cash and Investments - Schedule of Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 17, 2019	May 16, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			$ 74,054	$ 70,508.5
Derivative obligations (note 7)			(56,526.7)	(52,601.3)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents			789.6	691.5
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)			6,439.6	5,984.4
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in associates			1,527.1
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			5,176.8
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Private Placement Debt Securities [Member] | Market approach
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			775.4	232
Recurring fair value measurement
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			$ 36,731.8	$ 33,020.2
Percentage of assets classified as level 1, 2, and 3			100.00%	100.00%
Fair value of investments in associates			$ 7,151.3	$ 7,200.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Short sale and derivative obligations
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative obligations (note 7)			189.4	205.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Cash and cash equivalents
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			5,256.7	4,329.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Short term investments
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			8,663.9	6,374.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Short term investments, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			638.1	373.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Short term investments, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			1,002.9	755.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Short term investments, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			6,343.3	3,154.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Short term investments, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			501.6	375.8
Recurring fair value measurement | Short term investments, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			178	1,714.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Bonds
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			16,295.3	16,315.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Bonds, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			16.5	664.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Bonds, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			49.9	2.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Bonds, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			3,058.4	5,610.8
Recurring fair value measurement | Bonds, U.S. states and municipalities
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			378.2	216.5
Recurring fair value measurement | Bonds, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			944	1,656
Recurring fair value measurement | Bonds, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			11,848.3	8,164.8
Recurring fair value measurement | Preferred stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			609.9	582.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Preferred stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			105.2	90.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Preferred stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			17	5
Recurring fair value measurement | Preferred stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			487.7	487
Recurring fair value measurement | Common stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			5,135.1	4,779.8
Recurring fair value measurement | Common stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			1,092.7	796.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Common stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			1,515.9	1,423.1
Recurring fair value measurement | Common stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			2,526.5	2,560.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Derivatives and other invested assets
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			960.3	844.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1)
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			$ 16,056.4	$ 10,902.4
Percentage of assets classified as level 1, 2, and 3			43.70%	33.00%
Fair value of investments in associates			$ 3,073.8	$ 3,147.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Short sale and derivative obligations
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative obligations (note 7)			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Cash and cash equivalents
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			5,256.7	4,329.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Short term investments
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			8,251	4,504.2
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Short term investments, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			638.1	373.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Short term investments, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			1,002.9	755.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Short term investments, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			6,343.3	3,154.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Short term investments, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			266.7	220.6
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Short term investments, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Bonds
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Bonds, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Bonds, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Bonds, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Bonds, U.S. states and municipalities
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Bonds, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Bonds, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Preferred stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			10.3	5.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Preferred stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Preferred stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Preferred stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			10.3	5.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Common stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			2,538.4	2,063.6
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Common stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			802.5	577.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Common stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			485.1	360.6
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Common stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			1,250.8	1,125.1
Recurring fair value measurement | Quoted prices (Level 1) | Derivatives and other invested assets
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			$ 15,498.6	$ 17,182.7
Percentage of assets classified as level 1, 2, and 3			42.20%	52.00%
Fair value of investments in associates			$ 17.7	$ 19.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short sale and derivative obligations
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative obligations (note 7)			(164.1)	(205.9)
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Cash and cash equivalents
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short term investments
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			412.9	1,870.1
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short term investments, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short term investments, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short term investments, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short term investments, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			234.9	155.2
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Short term investments, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			178	1,714.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Bonds
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			14,521.1	14,895.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Bonds, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			16.5	664.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Bonds, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			49.9	2.9
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Bonds, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			3,058.4	5,610.8
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Bonds, U.S. states and municipalities
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			378.2	216.5
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Bonds, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			944	1,656
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Bonds, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			10,074.1	6,744.7
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Preferred stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			12.2	8.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Preferred stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			12.2	8.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Preferred stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Preferred stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Common stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			479.1	534.7
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Common stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			108.7	103.7
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Common stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			32	33.2
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Common stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			338.4	397.8
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Derivatives and other invested assets
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			237.4	80.1
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			$ 5,176.8	$ 4,935.1
Percentage of assets classified as level 1, 2, and 3			14.10%	15.00%
Fair value of investments in associates			$ 4,059.8	$ 4,034.2
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short sale and derivative obligations
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative obligations (note 7)			(25.3)	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Cash and cash equivalents
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short term investments
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short term investments, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short term investments, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short term investments, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short term investments, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Short term investments, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Bonds
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			1,774.2	1,420.1
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Bonds, Canadian government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Bonds, Canadian provincials
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Bonds, U.S. treasury
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Bonds, U.S. states and municipalities
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Bonds, Other government
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			0	0
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Bonds, Corporate and other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			1,774.2	1,420.1
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Preferred stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			587.4	569.2
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Preferred stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			93	82.5
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Preferred stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			17	5
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Preferred stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			477.4	481.7
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Common stocks
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			2,117.6	2,181.5
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Common stocks, Canadian
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			181.5	114.8
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Common stocks, U.S.
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			998.8	1,029.3
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Common stocks, Other
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			937.3	1,037.4
Recurring fair value measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Derivatives and other invested assets
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Assets			722.9	764.3
Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	32.40%	18.00%
Eurobank Ergasias S.A | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurement Of Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in associates			$ 799.9	$ 1,164.4
Ownership percentage			30.50%	30.50%
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)			$ 1,166.3	$ 1,164.4

Cash and Investments - Changes

Cash and Investments - Changes in Level 3 Financial Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 17, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Ownership percentage			9.90%
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance - January 1		$ 4,935.1	$ 5,374
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings		178.2	708.3
Purchases		1,290.1	890.9
Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment		(149.3)
Sales and distributions		(894.3)	1,389.2
Transfer out of category		(44.4)	(613.3)
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income		17.9	31.3
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)		(156.5)
Assets held for sale (note 23)			(66.9)
Balance - December 31		5,176.8	4,935.1
Limited partnerships and other | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance - January 1		1,846.7	1,810.7
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings		155.9	136
Purchases		198.1	196.6
Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment		0
Sales and distributions		392.8	251.9
Transfer out of category		(44.4)	(39)
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income		3.4	6.8
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)		0
Assets held for sale (note 23)			(12.5)
Balance - December 31		1,766.9	1,846.7
Private placement debt securities | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance - January 1		1,420.1	1,992.9
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings		99.3	(159.8)
Purchases		1,012.8	424.5
Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment		(149.3)
Sales and distributions		474.6	806.6
Transfer out of category		0	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income		12.5	23.3
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)		(146.6)
Assets held for sale (note 23)			(54.2)
Balance - December 31		1,774.2	1,420.1
Derivatives and other invested assets | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance - January 1		764.3	476.7
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings		(100.4)	195.9
Purchases		44.2	195.3
Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment		0
Sales and distributions		0	109.2
Transfer out of category		0	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income		(0.6)	5.8
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)		(9.9)
Assets held for sale (note 23)			(0.2)
Balance - December 31		697.6	764.3
Private company preferred shares | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance - January 1		569.2	255.7
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings		(3)	374.3
Purchases		20.7	49
Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment		0
Sales and distributions	$ 108.7	0.1	108.7
Transfer out of category		0	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income		0.6	(1.1)
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)		0
Assets held for sale (note 23)			0
Balance - December 31		587.4	569.2
Common shares | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance - January 1		205.6	668
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings		27.4	132
Purchases		14.3	25.5
Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment		0
Sales and distributions		8	45.4
Transfer out of category		0	(574.3)
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income		0.6	(0.2)
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)		0
Assets held for sale (note 23)			0
Balance - December 31		239.9	205.6
Private equity funds | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Changes in fair value measurement, assets [abstract]
Balance - January 1		129.2	170
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in the consolidated statement of earnings		(1)	29.9
Purchases		0	0
Transfer out of category due to change in accounting treatment		0
Sales and distributions		18.8	67.4
Transfer out of category		0	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) on foreign operations included in other comprehensive income		1.4	(3.3)
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)		0
Assets held for sale (note 23)			0
Balance - December 31		$ 110.8	$ 129.2

Cash and Investments - Fair Val

Cash and Investments - Fair Value Assets Measurement Techniques (Details) $ / a in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / a	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 74,054	$ 70,508.5
Recurring fair value measurement
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 36,731.8	33,020.2
Recurring fair value measurement | Private placement debt securities | Discounted cash flow | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Credit spread	1.80%
Recurring fair value measurement | Private placement debt securities | Discounted cash flow | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Credit spread	29.50%
Recurring fair value measurement | Mortgage loans | Discounted cash flow | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Credit spread	2.10%
Recurring fair value measurement | Mortgage loans | Discounted cash flow | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Credit spread	4.90%
Recurring fair value measurement | Investment property | Income capitalization and/or sales comparison | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Terminal capitalization rate	6.80%
Discount rate	7.10%
Market rent growth rate	2.50%
Recurring fair value measurement | Investment property | Income capitalization and/or sales comparison | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Terminal capitalization rate	7.50%
Discount rate	9.30%
Market rent growth rate	3.00%
Recurring fair value measurement | Investment property | Sales comparison | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Price per acre (Cdn$ thousands) | $ / a	15
Recurring fair value measurement | Investment property | Sales comparison | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Price per acre (Cdn$ thousands) | $ / a	170
Recurring fair value measurement | Warrants | Option pricing model | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Equity volatility	31.20%
Recurring fair value measurement | Warrants | Option pricing model | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Equity volatility	55.10%
Recurring fair value measurement | CPI-linked derivatives | Option pricing model | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Inflation volatility	0.00%
Recurring fair value measurement | CPI-linked derivatives | Option pricing model | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Inflation volatility	3.30%
Recurring fair value measurement | Private company preferred shares | Discounted cash flow | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Discount rate	11.50%
Long term growth rate	6.00%
Discount for lack of marketability	10.50%
Recurring fair value measurement | Private company preferred shares | Discounted cash flow | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Discount rate	11.50%
Long term growth rate	6.00%
Discount for lack of marketability	10.50%
Recurring fair value measurement | Private placement preferred shares | Discounted cash flow | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Credit spread	4.20%
Recurring fair value measurement | Private placement preferred shares | Discounted cash flow | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Credit spread	4.20%
Recurring fair value measurement | Common shares | Market comparable | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Book value multiple	1.5
Recurring fair value measurement | Common shares | Market comparable | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Book value multiple	1.5
Recurring fair value measurement | Private equity funds | Market comparable | Bottom of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Price/Earnings multiple	10
Recurring fair value measurement | Private equity funds | Market comparable | Top of range
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Price/Earnings multiple	10
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 5,176.8
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Limited partnerships and other
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	1,766.9
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Limited partnerships and other | Net asset value
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	1,748.6
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Private placement debt securities | Discounted cash flow
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	858.3
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Private placement debt securities | Market approach
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	775.4	232
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Investment property | Income capitalization and/or sales comparison
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	488
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Investment property | Sales comparison
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	50.9
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Warrants | Option pricing model
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	133.2
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | CPI-linked derivatives | Option pricing model
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	2.8
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Private company preferred shares | Discounted cash flow
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	475.1
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Private placement preferred shares | Discounted cash flow
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	71.6
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Common shares | Market comparable
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	80.9
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Private equity funds | Net asset value
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	45
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Private equity funds | Market comparable
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	65.6
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	381.4
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Recurring fair value measurement
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 5,176.8	$ 4,935.1

Cash and Investments - Fair V_2

Cash and Investments - Fair Value Disclosures, Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)investment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)investment
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 74,054	$ 70,508.5
Net asset value
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	10.00%
Credit spread
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	1.00%
Equity volatility
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	10.00%
Discount rate
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.50%
Long term growth rate
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.25%
Net asset value | Limited partnerships and other - largest investment | Beverage manufacturing
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 299.5	482.3
Net asset value | Limited partnerships and other - largest investment | Industrials
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	191.8	128.3
Net asset value | Limited partnerships and other - largest investment | Oil and gas extraction
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 146.4
Net asset value | Limited partnerships and other - largest investment | Household appliance manufacturing
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets		$ 128.9
Net asset value | Limited partnerships and other
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Number of investments | investment	51	49
Discounted cash flow | Limited partnerships and other
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	$ 174.9
Discounted cash flow | Private equity funds
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	$ 4.5
Discounted cash flow | Private placement debt securities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Number of investments | investment	10	16
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	$ 14.8
Decrease in fair value measurement due to change in multiple unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	17.7
Discounted cash flow | Private placement debt securities - largest investment
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	438.6	$ 442.1
Discounted cash flow | Private company preferred shares | Equity volatility
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	25.8
Decrease in fair value measurement due to change in multiple unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	25.9
Discounted cash flow | Private company preferred shares | Discount rate
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	54.2
Decrease in fair value measurement due to change in multiple unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	45.1
Discounted cash flow | Private company preferred shares | Long term growth rate
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	17.4
Decrease in fair value measurement due to change in multiple unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	15.8
Discounted cash flow | Private placement preferred shares | Credit spread
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	8.4
Decrease in fair value measurement due to change in multiple unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	$ 8.2
Market approach | Private placement debt securities
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Number of investments | investment	22	6
Market approach | Private placement debt securities - largest investment
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Assets	$ 111.5	$ 108.1
Option pricing model | Warrants
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]
Increase in fair value measurement due to change in one or more unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	22.7
Decrease in fair value measurement due to change in multiple unobservable inputs to reflect reasonably possible alternative assumptions, assets	$ 23.5

Cash and Investments - Schedu_5

Cash and Investments - Schedule of Interest Income and Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest income:
Cash and short term investments	$ 104.1	$ 156.5
Bonds	557.4	618
Derivatives and other invested assets	55	51.8
Interest income	716.5	826.3
Dividends:
Dividend income	77.8	93.7
Investment expenses	(25.1)	(39.8)
Interest and dividends	769.2	880.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(112.8)	169.6
Non-insurance companies
Dividends:
Non-cash impairment charge	240.3	211.2
Preferred stocks
Dividends:
Dividend income	4.3	11.2
Common stocks
Dividends:
Dividend income	73.5	82.5
Investments in associates
Dividends:
Share of profit (loss) of associates	$ (112.8)	$ 169.6

Cash and Investments - Net Gain

Cash and Investments - Net Gains (Losses) on Investments (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions, ₨ in Billions	Dec. 08, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 23, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 23, 2019INR (₨)	Dec. 21, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2019INR (₨)	Jun. 28, 2019USD ($)	May 17, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 18, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) on investments											$ 313.1	$ 1,716.2
Proceeds from sales of interests in associates											139.8	323.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates											(112.8)	169.6
Consideration paid										$ (561.5)
Proceeds from issue of bonds, notes and debentures											$ 287.2	$ 3,618.7
EXCO Resources, Inc
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)							$ (179.3)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)							(117)
Share of profit (loss) of associates							$ (296.3)
Atlas Corp
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Warrants, exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares											$ 8.05
Davos Brands
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)		$ 19.3
Proceeds from sales of interests in associates		$ 58.6
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Share of profit (loss) of associates			$ 350.9
Ownership percentage											49.00%	49.00%
First Capital Insurance Limited
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of interests in associates											$ 33.9
Ambridge Partners LLC
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Share of profit (loss) of associates									$ 10.4
Percentage of economic interests acquired									50.00%
Consideration paid									$ 46.6
Associates
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											8.6	$ 10.9
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments											8.6	10.9
Subsidiaries
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(61.5)	171.3
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments											(61.5)	171.3
Other
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(36.9)	20.3
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											8.5	134.7
Net gains (losses) on investments											(28.4)	155
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)												240
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)												71.2
Net gains (losses) on investments												311.2
Proceeds from sales of interests in associates												$ 729
Ownership percentage												9.90%
Grivalia Properties
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)								$ 171.3
Fairfax Africa
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)	$ (61.5)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$ (26.9)
Bonds
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											112.1	$ (59.6)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											593.5	258.1
Net gains (losses) on investments											705.6	198.5
Preferred stocks
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											0	(23.4)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											10	397.3
Net gains (losses) on investments											10	373.9
Common stocks
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											243.7	548
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											(212.4)	377.9
Net gains (losses) on investments											31.3	925.9
Debt and equity securities
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											355.8	465
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											391.1	1,033.3
Net gains (losses) on investments											746.9	1,498.3
Derivatives and foreign currency net gains (losses)
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(669.1)	633.4
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											982.2	1,082.8
Net gains (losses) on investments											313.1	1,716.2
Derivatives:
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(869.4)	(30.7)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											461.3	(24.9)
Net gains (losses) on investments											(408.1)	(55.6)
Equity total return swaps - short positions
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(613.2)	48.2
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											84.6	(93.2)
Net gains (losses) on investments											(528.6)	(45)
Equity total return swaps - long positions
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											207.4	(34.5)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											118.2	55
Net gains (losses) on investments											325.6	20.5
Equity warrant forward contracts
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											0	83.8
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											0	(38.4)
Net gains (losses) on investments											0	45.4
Equity warrants and options
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(1.6)	(4.7)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											(54.7)	128.6
Net gains (losses) on investments											(56.3)	123.9
CPI-linked derivatives
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(300)	(14.1)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											286.1	1.8
Net gains (losses) on investments											(13.9)	(12.3)
U.S. treasury bond forwards
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(103)	(119.3)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											1	32.6
Net gains (losses) on investments											(102)	(86.7)
Other
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(59)	9.9
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											26.1	(111.3)
Net gains (losses) on investments											(32.9)	(101.4)
Foreign currency net gains (losses)
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(65.7)	(3.4)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											121.3	(60.3)
Net gains (losses) on investments											55.6	(63.7)
Investing activities
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(51)	(17.3)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											156.4	(50.7)
Net gains (losses) on investments											105.4	(68)
Underwriting activities
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											(16.8)	5.6
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments											(16.8)	5.6
Foreign currency contracts
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net realized gains (losses)											2.1	8.3
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)											(35.1)	(9.6)
Net gains (losses) on investments											$ (33)	$ (1.3)
Fairfax India | Sanmar Chemicals Group
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)					$ 107.7
Net gains (losses) on investments					48.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates					156.5
Bonds issued					300
Proceeds from issue of bonds, notes and debentures					$ 425.5	₨ 30.3
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited
Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents1 [Line Items]
Value of shares committed to be issued			91	₨ 6.5
Investment, value of company			$ 858	₨ 61.2

Investments in Associates - Inv

Investments in Associates - Investments in Associates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 23, 2019	Dec. 09, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	May 31, 2019	May 17, 2019	May 16, 2019	Apr. 18, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								$ 6,439.6	$ 5,984.4
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (112.8)	169.6
European Run-off
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates									504.6
Total carrying value									$ 442.9
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								49.00%	49.00%
Share of profit (loss) of associates	$ 350.9
Ambridge Partners LLC
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Share of profit (loss) of associates							$ 10.4
Quess
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage		31.80%
IIFL Securities Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage				35.40%
Fair value of investments in associates				$ 121.9
Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage					32.40%	18.00%
EXCO Resources, Inc
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Share of profit (loss) of associates			$ (296.3)
Non-insurance associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 5,609.8	$ 6,494.4
Investments in associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								7,151.3	7,200.9
Carrying value								5,111.3	4,360.2
Total carrying value								6,439.6	5,984.4	$ 4,863
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(112.8)	169.6
Investments in associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								4,154.3	4,521.7
Total carrying value								4,381.8	4,360.2
Investments in associates | Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								2,267.5
Total carrying value								1,328.3
Investment in associate held for sale
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								729.5
Fairfax India investments in associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates									2,679.2
Total carrying value									1,624.2
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Insurance and reinsurance associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								1,541.5	706.5
Carrying value								1,304.7	492.1
Total carrying value								1,304.7	492.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 119.3	$ 146.5
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								50.00%	50.00%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 457.9	$ 403.1
Carrying value								336.2	303.9
Total carrying value								336.2	303.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 6.1	$ 154.8
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Thai Re Public Company Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								47.10%	47.10%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 84.9	$ 43.3
Carrying value								35.2	43.3
Total carrying value								35.2	43.3
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (12.9)	$ (15)
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam Insurance Joint Stock Corporation
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								35.00%	35.00%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 41.3	$ 45.2
Carrying value								51	48.6
Total carrying value								51	48.6
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 3.7	$ 2.7
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								28.20%	27.80%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 36.2	$ 35.6
Carrying value								39.2	39.2
Total carrying value								39.2	39.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 0.5	$ 3.2
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Falcon Insurance PLC
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								41.20%	41.20%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 11.5	$ 10.4
Carrying value								11.5	10.4
Total carrying value								11.5	10.4
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 1.5	$ 0.5
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								49.00%	49.00%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 120.5	$ 122.3
Carrying value								41.8	0
Total carrying value								41.8	0
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 8.8	(7.6)
Insurance and reinsurance companies | RiverStone Barbados
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								60.00%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 729.5
Carrying value								729.5	0
Total carrying value								729.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates								113
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Other Insurance and Reinsurance Investments in Associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								59.7	46.6
Carrying value								60.3	46.7
Total carrying value								60.3	46.7
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(1.4)	7.9
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								1,527.1
Total carrying value								2,221.9
Non-insurance companies | Non-insurance associates, India
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								2,706.5	2,803.6
Carrying value								657.5	800.1
Total carrying value								1,985.8	2,191.4
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (142)	$ 46.8
Non-insurance companies | Quess
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								33.20%	33.20%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 366.8	$ 332.1
Carrying value								558.9	704.1
Total carrying value								558.9	704.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (124.6)	$ (183.2)
Non-insurance companies | Bangalore International Airport Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								54.00%	54.00%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 1,396.1	$ 1,429.8
Carrying value								0	0
Total carrying value								642.4	689.3
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (30.5)	$ 30.8
Non-insurance companies | IIFL Finance Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								29.90%	35.40%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 175.6	$ 221.4
Carrying value								57.7	56.4
Total carrying value								233.6	223.6
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 19.9	$ 198.9
Non-insurance companies | Sanmar Chemicals Group
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								42.90%	42.90%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 338.6	$ 412.9
Carrying value								0	0
Total carrying value								128.6	178.7
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (48.6)	$ 0
Non-insurance companies | Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								49.70%	49.70%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 214.4	$ 229.3
Carrying value								0	0
Total carrying value								164.4	157.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 14.1	$ (4)
Non-insurance companies | IIFL Securities Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								35.30%	35.40%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 74.3	$ 65
Carrying value								32.1	30.8
Total carrying value								125.5	121.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 9.8	$ 1.6
Non-insurance companies | Seven Islands Shipping Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								48.50%	48.50%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 103.6	$ 88.8
Carrying value								0	0
Total carrying value								100.8	84.7
Share of profit (loss) of associates								17.8	3
Non-insurance companies | Other, India
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								37.1	24.3
Carrying value								8.8	8.8
Total carrying value								31.6	32.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates								0.1	(0.3)
Non-insurance companies | Non-insurance associates, Africa
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								205.2	285.4
Carrying value								207.2	0
Total carrying value								207.2	232.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (74.2)	$ (41.1)
Non-insurance companies | Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								32.30%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 185.9
Carrying value								185.9
Total carrying value								185.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 0
Non-insurance companies | Atlas Mara Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								50.00%	42.40%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 19.3	$ 78.1
Carrying value								21.3	0
Total carrying value								21.3	82.3
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (31.3)	$ (54)
Non-insurance companies | AFGRI Proprietary Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								0.00%	62.80%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 0	$ 141
Carrying value								0	0
Total carrying value									79.6
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (18.4)	19.5
Non-insurance companies | Other, Africa
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								0.00%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 0	66.3
Carrying value									0
Total carrying value								0	71
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(24.5)	(6.6)
Non-insurance companies | Non-insurance associates, Agriculture
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								49.9	72.7
Carrying value								65.3	156.5
Total carrying value								65.3	156.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (49.8)	$ (59)
Non-insurance companies | Astarta Holding N.V.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								28.40%	27.40%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 49.9	$ 28.9
Carrying value								65.3	115.5
Total carrying value								65.3	115.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (28)	$ (19.1)
Non-insurance companies | Farmers Edge Inc
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								0.00%	50.40%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 0	$ 43.8
Carrying value								0	41
Total carrying value								0	41
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(21.8)	(39.9)
Non-insurance companies | Non-insurance associates, Real estate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								132.6	179.8
Carrying value								135.1	173.7
Total carrying value								135.1	173.7
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (18.1)	$ 44
Non-insurance companies | KWF Real Estate Ventures Limited Partnerships
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								0.00%	0.00%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 84.3	$ 99
Carrying value								84.3	99
Total carrying value								84.3	99
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(17.9)	49.8
Non-insurance companies | Other, Real estate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								48.3	80.8
Carrying value								50.8	74.7
Total carrying value								50.8	74.7
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(0.2)	(5.8)
Non-insurance companies | Non-insurance associates, Other
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								2,515.6	3,152.9
Carrying value								2,741.5	2,737.8
Total carrying value								2,741.5	2,737.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 52	$ 32.4
Non-insurance companies | Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								30.50%	30.50%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 799.9	$ 1,164.4
Carrying value								1,166.3	1,164.4
Total carrying value								1,166.3	1,164.4
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (11.9)	$ 0
Non-insurance companies | Atlas Corp
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								36.70%	32.50%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 978.9	$ 994.5
Carrying value								900.1	626.9
Total carrying value								900.1	626.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ 116.4	$ 83.8
Non-insurance companies | EXCO Resources, Inc
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								43.70%	43.30%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 237.7	$ 238.2
Carrying value								238.5	243.2
Total carrying value								238.5	243.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (4.6)	$ 21.6
Non-insurance companies | Resolute Forest Products Inc.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								30.60%	27.70%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 161.9	$ 104
Carrying value								134.3	207.5
Total carrying value								134.3	207.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (57)	$ (4.9)
Non-insurance companies | APR Energy PLC
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								0.00%	53.40%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 0	$ 266.2
Carrying value								0	189.3
Total carrying value								0	189.3
Share of profit (loss) of associates								$ (13.6)	$ (57)
Non-insurance companies | Peak Achievement Athletics
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage								42.60%	42.60%
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 171.5	$ 163.9
Carrying value								140.2	104.4
Total carrying value								140.2	104.4
Share of profit (loss) of associates								34.2	(5.1)
Non-insurance companies | Partnerships, trusts and other
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								165.7	221.7
Carrying value								162.1	202.1
Total carrying value								162.1	202.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(11.5)	(6)
Non-insurance companies | Non-insurance associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								5,609.8	6,494.4
Carrying value								3,806.6	3,868.1
Total carrying value								5,134.9	5,492.3
Share of profit (loss) of associates								(232.1)	23.1
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | Non-insurance associates, India
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								1,328.3	1,391.3
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | Bangalore International Airport Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								642.4	689.3
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | IIFL Finance Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								175.9	167.2
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | Sanmar Chemicals Group
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								128.6	178.7
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								164.4	157.8
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | IIFL Securities Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								93.4	90.3
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | Seven Islands Shipping Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								100.8	84.7
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India | Other, India
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								22.8	23.3
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax Africa | Non-insurance associates, Africa
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								0	232.9
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax Africa | Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								0
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax Africa | Atlas Mara Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								0	82.3
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax Africa | AFGRI Proprietary Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								0	79.6
Non-insurance companies, Fairfax Africa | Other, Africa
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								0	71
Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa | Non-insurance associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								1,328.3	1,624.2
Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa | Investments in associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Carrying value								1,328.3	1,624.2
Portfolio investments
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								4,154.3	4,521.7
Carrying value								4,381.8	$ 4,360.2
Portfolio investments | Non-insurance companies, Fairfax India
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates								$ 2,791

Investments in Associates - Add

Investments in Associates - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions, ₨ in Billions	Jan. 21, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 23, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 23, 2019INR (₨)	Dec. 17, 2019	Dec. 16, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 16, 2019INR (₨)	Dec. 09, 2019USD ($)	May 31, 2019USD ($)	May 17, 2019	May 16, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Investments in associates																	$ 6,439.6	$ 5,984.4
Consideration paid																$ (561.5)
Sales of investments in associates																	139.8	323.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	(112.8)	169.6
Notional amount																	8,849	7,261
Non-controlling interests | Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Eurolife's investment in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund (note 6)																	$ 93.7	$ 22.1
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	49.00%	49.00%
Share of profit (loss) of associates							$ 350.9
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited | Common stocks
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																		45.30%
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited | Preferred shares
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																		3.70%
Davos Brands
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Sales of investments in associates		$ 58.6
Net realized gains (losses)		19.3
Quess
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage												31.80%
IIFL Wealth Management Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage													19.00%
Fair value of investments in associates													$ 255.6
IIFL Holdings Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Share of profit (loss) of associates													$ 172.9
IIFL Securities Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage													35.40%
Fair value of investments in associates													$ 121.9
Atlas Mara Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares) | shares																	26,400,000
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary																	50.00%
Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage														32.40%	18.00%
European Run-off
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates																		$ 504.6
Consideration paid						$ (146.5)
Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Value of shares committed to be issued							91	₨ 6.5
Investment, value of company							$ 858	₨ 61.2
Thomas Cook India | Quess
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage												48.60%
Non-cash impairment charge												$ 190.6
IIFL Holdings Limited | IIFL Wealth Management Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage													53.30%
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Notional amount																	$ 1,025.2	1,028.1
Insurance and reinsurance companies | RiverStone Barbados
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	60.00%
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture				60.00%
Fair value of investments in joint ventures for which there are quoted market prices				$ 605
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 729.5
Investments in associates																	729.5	$ 0
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ 113
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Go Digit Infoworks Services Private Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	49.00%	49.00%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 120.5	$ 122.3
Investments in associates																	41.8	0
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ 8.8	$ (7.6)
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	50.00%	50.00%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 457.9	$ 403.1
Investments in associates																	336.2	303.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	6.1	154.8
Insurance and reinsurance companies | OMERS
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture				62.50%
Insurance and reinsurance companies | OMERS | Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture				80.00%
Insurance and reinsurance companies | OMERS | Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in joint venture				20.00%
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates																	1,527.1
Non-cash impairment charge																	240.3	211.2
Notional amount																	$ 2,210.8	$ 2,084.2
Non-insurance companies | Farmers Edge Inc
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	0.00%	50.40%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 0	$ 43.8
Voting interest percentage			67.00%
Investments in associates																	0	41
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ (21.8)	$ (39.9)
Non-insurance companies | APR Energy PLC
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	0.00%	53.40%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 0	$ 266.2
Investments in associates																	0	189.3
Gains (losses) on fair value adjustment, investment property					$ 7.6
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ (13.6)	$ (57)
Non-insurance companies | Davos Brands
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Net realized gains (losses)		$ 19.3
Non-insurance companies | Quess
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	33.20%	33.20%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 366.8	$ 332.1
Investments in associates																	558.9	704.1
Non-cash impairment charge																	98.3	190.6
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ (124.6)	$ (183.2)
Non-insurance companies | IIFL Securities Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	35.30%	35.40%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 74.3	$ 65
Investments in associates																	32.1	30.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ 9.8	$ 1.6
Non-insurance companies | Atlas Mara Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	50.00%	42.40%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 19.3	$ 78.1
Investments in associates																	21.3	0
Non-cash impairment charge																	35
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ (31.3)	$ (54)
Non-insurance companies | Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	30.50%	30.50%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 799.9	$ 1,164.4
Investments in associates																	1,166.3	1,164.4
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	$ (11.9)	$ 0
Non-insurance companies | Bangalore International Airport Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage																	54.00%	54.00%
Fair value of investments in associates																	$ 1,396.1	$ 1,429.8
Investments in associates																	0	0
Share of profit (loss) of associates																	(30.5)	$ 30.8
Non-insurance companies | Atlas Corp
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates					178.1
Investments in associates					575
Debt instruments held																	575.9
Derivatives																	$ 110.5
Non-insurance companies | Atlas Corp | APR Energy PLC
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Consideration paid					388.3
Non-insurance companies | Atlas Corp | European Run-off
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Investments in associates					45.9
Fairfax India | Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Sales of investments in associates										$ 130	₨ 9.5
Sale of interest in associates, percentage										11.00%	11.00%
Fairfax India | Bangalore International Airport Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage										54.00%	54.00%
Fairfax India | Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings Limited | Bangalore International Airport Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Ownership percentage									44.00%
5.50% Unsecured Debentures Due March 1, 2027 | Non-insurance companies | Atlas Corp
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Investments in associates					$ 100
Debt instrument, interest rate					5.50%
HFP Debentures
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Financial assets, at fair value																			$ 102.6
HFP Debentures | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Notional amount	$ 100
Interest rate	3.00%
Warrant exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 4.90
Percentage of voting equity interests upon exercise of warrants	2.70%
Number of subordinated voting equity interests acquired | shares	3,000,000

Investments in Associates - Ass

Investments in Associates - Associates Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Purchases and acquisitions	$ 29.8	$ 772.1
Sales of investments in associates	(139.8)	(323.8)
Non-insurance companies
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - December 31	2,221.9
Non-cash impairment charge	240.3	211.2
Investments in associates
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	2,876.6	1,465.6
Share of profit (loss)	83.4	111.6
Impairment charges	(88.3)	(20.6)
Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans	88	26.2
Share of losses on defined benefit plans	(32.2)	(42.3)
Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss) of associates and joint arrangements	50.9	74.9
Dividends and distributions received	(70)	(160.7)
Purchases and acquisitions	223.4	677.2
Sales of investments in associates	(107.2)	(0.5)
Reclassifications	174.4	1,201.8
Transfers	21.3
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0	(390.9)
Foreign exchange effect	1	9.2
Balance - December 31	3,170.4	2,876.6
Joint ventures
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	1,483.6	2,006.3
Share of profit (loss)	91.8	131.1
Impairment charges	(98.9)	(190.6)
Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans	42.1	(3.8)
Share of losses on defined benefit plans	(20.8)	(0.2)
Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss) of associates and joint arrangements	14.2	(63.5)
Dividends and distributions received	(3.7)	(245)
Purchases and acquisitions	20.8	71.6
Sales of investments in associates	(180.6)	(221)
Reclassifications	605	0
Transfers	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0	(52)
Foreign exchange effect	1.6	(12.8)
Balance - December 31	1,940.9	1,483.6
Fairfax India
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	1,391.3	1,103
Share of profit (loss)	(24.8)	179.2
Impairment charges	0	0
Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans	3.2	(0.7)
Share of losses on defined benefit plans	(4.9)	(5.5)
Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss) of associates and joint arrangements	(26.5)	173
Dividends and distributions received	(4.9)	(288.8)
Purchases and acquisitions	0	441
Sales of investments in associates	0.9	(9.7)
Reclassifications	0	0
Transfers	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0	0
Foreign exchange effect	(32.5)	(27.2)
Balance - December 31	1,328.3	1,391.3
Fairfax Africa
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	232.9	288.1
Share of profit (loss)	(27.3)	(41.1)
Impairment charges	(35)	0
Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans	(41.7)	(51.6)
Share of losses on defined benefit plans	0	0
Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss) of associates and joint arrangements	(104)	(92.7)
Dividends and distributions received	(1.4)	0
Purchases and acquisitions	5	45.1
Sales of investments in associates	(1.7)	(7.4)
Reclassifications	0	0
Transfers	(21.3)
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	(103.6)	0
Foreign exchange effect	(5.9)	(0.2)
Balance - December 31	0	232.9
Associates
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	5,984.4	4,863
Share of profit (loss)	123.1	380.8
Impairment charges	(222.2)	(211.2)
Share of other comprehensive income (loss), excluding losses on defined benefit plans	91.6	(29.9)
Share of losses on defined benefit plans	(57.9)	(48)
Share of pre-tax comprehensive income (loss) of associates and joint arrangements	(65.4)	91.7
Dividends and distributions received	(80)	(694.5)
Purchases and acquisitions	249.2	1,234.9
Sales of investments in associates	(288.6)	(238.6)
Reclassifications	779.4	1,201.8
Transfers	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	(103.6)	(442.9)
Foreign exchange effect	(35.8)	(31)
Balance - December 31	6,439.6	5,984.4
Quess | Non-insurance companies
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	704.1
Balance - December 31	558.9	704.1
Non-cash impairment charge	98.3	190.6
Astarta Holding N.V. | Non-insurance companies
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	115.5
Balance - December 31	65.3	115.5
Non-cash impairment charge	26.3	10.1
Fairfax Africa And European Run-off | Non-insurance companies
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Non-cash impairment charge	18.1
Grivalia Properties
Schedule Of Associates [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	$ 68.5
Balance - December 31		$ 68.5

Investments in Associates - Imp

Investments in Associates - Impairment Assessments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Long term growth rate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.25%
Discount rate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.50%
Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of associates [line items]
After-tax discount rate	9.50%
Long-term growth rate	1.50%
Recoverable amount as a percent of carrying value	108.00%
Recoverable amount as a percent of carrying value, decrease due to change in long term growth rate	102.00%
Recoverable amount as a percent of carrying value, increase due to change in long term growth rate	115.00%
Eurobank Ergasias S.A | Long term growth rate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.25%
Eurobank Ergasias S.A | Discount rate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.50%
Quess
Disclosure of associates [line items]
After-tax discount rate	13.60%	12.80%
Long-term growth rate	6.00%
Recoverable amount as a percent of carrying value	113.00%	109.00%
Recoverable amount as a percent of carrying value, decrease due to change in long term growth rate	103.00%
Recoverable amount as a percent of carrying value, increase due to change in long term growth rate	125.00%
Quess | Long term growth rate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.25%
Quess | Discount rate
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Percentage of reasonably possible increase in unobservable input, assets	0.50%
IIFL Finance Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
After-tax discount rate	17.70%
Long-term growth rate	3.00%
IIFL Securities Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates			$ 121.9
After-tax discount rate	13.20%	12.30%
Long-term growth rate	6.00%
Investments in associates
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	$ 7,151.3	$ 7,200.9
Total carrying value	6,439.6	5,984.4		$ 4,863
Impairment charges recorded in share of profit of associates	222.2	211.2
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	1,527.1
Total carrying value	2,221.9
Non-cash impairment charge	240.3	211.2
Non-insurance companies | Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	799.9	1,164.4
Total carrying value	1,166.3	1,164.4
Non-insurance companies | Quess
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	366.8	332.1
Total carrying value	558.9	704.1
Non-cash impairment charge	98.3	190.6
Non-insurance companies | IIFL Finance Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	175.6	221.4
Total carrying value	233.6	223.6
Non-insurance companies | IIFL Securities Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	74.3	65
Total carrying value	125.5	121.1
Non-insurance companies | All other
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	110.5
Total carrying value	137.6
Non-cash impairment charge	142
Non-insurance companies | Atlas Mara Limited
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	19.3	78.1
Total carrying value	21.3	82.3
Non-cash impairment charge	35
Non-insurance companies | Resolute Forest Products Inc.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	161.9	104
Total carrying value	134.3	207.5
Non-cash impairment charge	56.5
Non-insurance companies | Astarta Holding N.V.
Disclosure of associates [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	49.9	28.9
Total carrying value	65.3	115.5
Non-cash impairment charge	$ 26.3	$ 10.1

Derivatives - Financial Instrum

Derivatives - Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	$ 8,849	$ 7,261
Market value	382.7	288
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	189.4	205.9
Equity total return swaps - short positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	0	369.8
Cost	0	0
Market value	0	0
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	0	84.6
Equity total return swaps - long positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	1,788.3	406.3
Cost	0	0
Market value	144.3	11.1
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	18	3
Equity warrants and options
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	626.9	528.1
Cost	102.4	114.8
Market value	133.2	200.3
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	0.4	0
CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	74,906	99,804.7
Cost	347.5	614.9
Market value	2.8	6.7
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	0	0
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	330.8	846.5
Cost	0	0
Market value	3.1	3.9
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	0	1.7
Foreign currency forward and swap contracts
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	0	0
Cost	0	1.8
Market value	66.4	55.3
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	136	114.5
Foreign currency options
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	0	0
Cost	53.7	102.7
Market value	5.8	8.2
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	0	0
Other derivative contracts
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	0	0
Cost	25.6	3.4
Market value	27.1	2.5
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	35	2.1
AGT | Foreign currency forward and swap contracts
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Short sale and derivative obligations, holding company	$ 46.2	53.3
Atlas Corp
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Warrants, exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.05
Atlas Corp | Equity warrants and options
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Market value	$ 110.5	$ 164.8

Derivatives - Additional Inform

Derivatives - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2021CAD ($)	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)shares	Jan. 01, 2021CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2020CAD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	$ 8,849,000,000	$ 7,261,000,000
Net gains (losses) on investments	313,100,000	1,716,200,000
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations, at fair value	275,900,000	152,400,000
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations, collateral, entering derivative contracts	226,400,000	70,300,000
Assets pledged for short sale and derivative obligations, collateral, fair value changes	49,500,000	82,100,000
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	6,026,700,000	5,774,100,000
Borrowings, At Fair Value	9,437,400,000	7,585,300,000
Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	5,613,000,000	4,148,700,000
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	79,500,000	5,500,000
Borrowings, At Fair Value	6,167,400,000	4,444,900,000
Fairfax Financial Holdings
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount per share (in dollars per share) | (per share)									$ 330.95	$ 428.82
Major ordinary share transactions | Fairfax Financial Holdings
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Number of shares under equity swap contracts (in shares) | shares					413,169	413,169
Equity total return swaps – short positions, investment purposes
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	0	194,400,000
Equity total return swaps - short positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	0	369,800,000
Net cash paid (received) for derivative closures and reset provisions	613,200,000	(48,200,000)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(528,600,000)	30,300,000
Notional amount of derivatives settled	898,400,000	89,900,000
Gain (loss) on designation of financial instrument as measured at fair value through profit or loss because credit derivative is used to manage credit risk	(703,900,000)	(7,900,000)
Unrealized gain (loss)	(175,300,000)	(38,200,000)
Equity total return swaps – long positions, individual equities
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	1,746,200,000	501,500,000							$ 1,906,900,000
Subordinate voting shares | Fairfax Financial Holdings
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount									$ 329,200,000	$ 426,500,000
Number of shares under equity swap contracts (in shares) | shares									994,695	994,695
Subordinate voting shares | Major ordinary share transactions | Fairfax Financial Holdings
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount					$ 155,700,000	$ 198,500,000
Equity total return swaps - long positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	1,788,300,000	406,300,000
Net cash paid (received) for derivative closures and reset provisions	(207,400,000)	34,500,000
Net gains (losses) on investments	216,700,000
Notional amount of derivatives settled	878,800,000
Equity total return swaps - long positions | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Net cash paid (received) for derivative closures and reset provisions	(222,800,000)	17,000,000
CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	74,906,000,000	99,804,700,000
Unrealized gain (loss)	$ (344,700,000)	$ (608,200,000)
Average life (in years)	2 years 8 months 12 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	$ 330,800,000	$ 846,500,000
Net gains (losses) on investments	(102,000,000)	(86,700,000)
3.95% Unsecured Senior Notes Due March 3, 2031 | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			$ 671,600,000	$ 850,000,000
5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0) | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	350,100,000	343,900,000					$ 446,000,000
Borrowings, At Fair Value	377,600,000	373,800,000
4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0) | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	314,000,000	308,500,000					400,000,000
Borrowings, At Fair Value	334,100,000	326,000,000
2.75% due March 29, 2028 (€750.0) | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	917,700,000	841,900,000						€ 750,000,000
Borrowings, At Fair Value	1,023,900,000	910,200,000
Credit risk | Cash
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	116,400,000	5,300,000
Credit risk | Government securities
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	12,900,000	10,800,000
United States, European Union, and United Kingdom | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	27,215,300,000	1,800,300,000
Canada
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment	(38,000,000)	(105,600,000)
Canada  | Hedges of net investment in foreign operations | Unsecured senior notes
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Borrowings							$ 2,796,000,000				$ 2,796,000,000
Borrowings at fair value	2,397,600,000	2,270,000,000
Europe
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment	(75,800,000)	(35,300,000)
Europe | Hedges of net investment in foreign operations | Unsecured senior notes
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Borrowings | €								€ 750,000,000				€ 277,000,000
Borrowings at fair value	$ 1,023,900,000	$ 336,200,000

Derivatives - Underlying CPI In

Derivatives - Underlying CPI Index (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / derivative_unit	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / derivative_unit	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)$ / derivative_unit	Dec. 31, 2020GBP (£)$ / derivative_unit	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)$ / derivative_unit	Dec. 31, 2019GBP (£)$ / derivative_unit
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	$ 8,849	$ 7,261
Market value	382.7	288
Net gains (losses) on investments	313.1	1,716.2
CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Net gains (losses) on investments	$ (13.9)	$ (12.3)
CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Average life (in years)	2 years 8 months 12 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Notional amount	$ 74,906	$ 99,804.7
Cost	347.5	614.9
Market value	2.8	6.7
Unrealized gain (loss)	$ (344.7)	$ (608.2)
United States  | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.50%		0.50%	0.50%
Weighted average index value or strike price (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	245.86	244.63	245.86	245.86	244.63	244.63
United States, 1 | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average life (in years)	2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Notional amount	$ 32,175	$ 44,775
Weighted average index value or strike price (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	232.09	231.35	232.09	232.09	231.35	231.35
Index value at period end (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	260.47	256.97	260.47	260.47	256.97	256.97
Cost	$ 121	$ 277.5
Cost (in bps)	0.376%	0.62%	0.376%	0.376%	0.62%	0.62%
Market value	$ 0.9	$ 1.6
Market value (in bps)	0.003%	0.004%	0.003%	0.003%	0.004%	0.004%
Unrealized gain (loss)	$ (120.1)	$ (275.9)
United States, 2 | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%
Average life (in years)	3 years 9 months 18 days	4 years 9 months 18 days
Notional amount	$ 12,600	$ 12,600
Weighted average index value or strike price (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	238.30	238.30	238.30	238.30	238.30	238.30
Index value at period end (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	260.47	256.97	260.47	260.47	256.97	256.97
Cost	$ 39.8	$ 39.7
Cost (in bps)	0.316%	0.315%	0.316%	0.316%	0.315%	0.315%
Market value	$ 1.1	$ 4.4
Market value (in bps)	0.009%	0.035%	0.009%	0.009%	0.035%	0.035%
Unrealized gain (loss)	$ (38.7)	$ (35.3)
European Union | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average life (in years)	2 years 4 months 24 days	2 years 2 months 12 days
Notional amount	$ 24,226.4	$ 36,509.3	€ 19,800		€ 32,525
Weighted average index value or strike price (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	98.96	96.57	98.96	98.96	96.57	96.57
Index value at period end (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	104.70	105.13	104.70	104.70	105.13	105.13
Cost	$ 155.6	$ 263.6
Cost (in bps)	0.642%	0.722%	0.642%	0.642%	0.722%	0.722%
Market value	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Market value (in bps)	0.002%	0.002%	0.002%	0.002%	0.002%	0.002%
Unrealized gain (loss)	$ (155)	$ (263)
United Kingdom | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average life (in years)	2 years 4 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days
Notional amount	$ 2,050.4	$ 2,384.5		£ 1,500		£ 1,800
Weighted average index value or strike price (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	249.23	243.79	249.23	249.23	243.79	243.79
Index value at period end (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	295.40	291.90	295.40	295.40	291.90	291.90
Cost	$ 10.4	$ 13.4
Cost (in bps)	0.507%	0.562%	0.507%	0.507%	0.562%	0.562%
Market value	$ 0	$ 0
Market value (in bps)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Unrealized gain (loss)	$ (10.4)	$ (13.4)
France | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average life (in years)	2 years 1 month 6 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Notional amount	$ 3,854.2	$ 3,535.9	€ 3,150		€ 3,150
Weighted average index value or strike price (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	99.27	99.27	99.27	99.27	99.27	99.27
Index value at period end (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	104.09	104.39	104.09	104.09	104.39	104.39
Cost	$ 20.7	$ 20.7
Cost (in bps)	0.537%	0.585%	0.537%	0.537%	0.585%	0.585%
Market value	$ 0.2	$ 0.1
Market value (in bps)	0.005%	0.003%	0.005%	0.005%	0.003%	0.003%
Unrealized gain (loss)	$ (20.5)	$ (20.6)
United States, European Union, and United Kingdom | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount	$ 27,215.3	1,800.3
Payout At Maturity Scenario 1
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%
Payout At Maturity Scenario 2
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Floor rate	0.50%		0.50%	0.50%
Weighted average index value or strike price (usd per unit) | $ / derivative_unit	250.49		250.49	250.49
European Run-off | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount		12,054.3
Market value		$ 0.2

Insurance Contract Liabilitie_2

Insurance Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for unearned premiums	$ 8,397.5	$ 7,222.4	$ 6,272.2
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	30,809.3	28,500.2	$ 29,081.7	$ 28,610.8	$ 19,481.8	$ 19,816.4	$ 17,749.1	$ 19,212.8	$ 19,648.8	$ 17,232.2
Total insurance contract liabilities	39,206.8	35,722.6
Total insurance contract liabilities, current	17,389.7	15,023.9
Total ceded insurance contract liabilities, current	4,218.2	3,715.8
Total insurance contract liabilities, net, current	13,171.5	11,308.1
Total insurance contract liabilities, non-current	21,817.1	20,698.7
Total ceded insurance contract liabilities, non-current	5,628.2	4,802.7
Total insurance contract liabilities, net, non-current	16,188.9	15,896
Total insurance contract liabilities, ceded	9,846.4	8,518.5
Total insurance contract liabilities, net	29,360.4	27,204.1
Gross
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for unearned premiums	8,397.5	7,222.4
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	30,809.3	28,500.2
Total insurance contract liabilities	39,206.8	35,722.6
Ceded
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for unearned premiums	1,899.1	1,583.7
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	7,947.3	6,934.8
Total insurance contract liabilities	9,846.4	8,518.5
Net
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for unearned premiums	6,498.4	5,638.7
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	22,862	21,565.4
Total insurance contract liabilities	$ 29,360.4	$ 27,204.1

Insurance Contract Liabilitie_3

Insurance Contract Liabilities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 01, 2020	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses				$ 28,500.2	$ 29,081.7	$ 28,610.8	$ 19,481.8	$ 19,816.4	$ 17,749.1	$ 19,212.8	$ 19,648.8	$ 17,232.2	$ 30,809.3
Net loss reserves, case reserves				9,061.1									9,390.3
Net loss reserves, IBNR				12,504.3									13,471.7
Consideration paid			$ (561.5)
Consideration paid (received)			(561.5)
Loss reserve development				(266.7)	$ (98.8)	$ (632.5)	$ (884.3)	$ (1,513.2)	$ (1,344.3)	$ (1,291.7)	$ (1,016.3)	$ (297.8)
European Run-off
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses													196.9
Net loss reserves, case reserves				793.4
Net loss reserves, IBNR				796.8
Net
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses				21,565.4									$ 22,862
Net | European Run-off
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses				$ 1,590.2
European Run-off
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Insurance contract liabilities, net		$ 145.5	$ 556.8
Consideration paid		(146.5)
Consideration paid (received)		$ (146.5)
RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited (RiverStone (UK))
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Insurance contract liabilities, net	$ 134.7
Consideration paid	(143.3)
Consideration paid (received)	$ (143.3)

Insurance Contract Liabilitie_4

Insurance Contract Liabilities - Provision For Unearned Premiums (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Change In Unearned Premiums [Roll Forward]
Provision for unearned premiums – January 1	$ 7,222.4	$ 6,272.2
Gross premiums written	18,979.4	17,511.2
Less: gross premiums earned(1)	(17,782.9)	(16,611)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	53.6
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(6)
Foreign exchange effect and other	(21.4)	2.4
Provision for unearned premiums - December 31	8,397.5	7,222.4
Gross premiums earned	17,898.8	$ 16,611
European Run-off
Change In Unearned Premiums [Roll Forward]
Gross premiums written	146.5
Gross premiums earned	$ 115.9

Insurance Contract Liabilitie_5

Insurance Contract Liabilities - Provision For Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2020	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Provision For Loss On Insurance Contracts [Roll Forward]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – January 1	$ 28,500.2	$ 29,081.7	$ 28,500.2	$ 29,081.7
Decrease in estimated losses and expenses for claims occurring in the prior years			(267.7)	(166.5)
Losses and expenses for claims occurring in the current year			12,303.9	11,927.5
Paid on claims occurring during:
the current year			(2,987.5)	(2,830.3)
the prior years			(7,338)	(7,733.7)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and reinsurance transactions (note 23)			0	44
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)			0	(1,830.8)
Foreign exchange effect and other			598.4	8.3
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses – December 31			30,809.3	$ 28,500.2
Consideration paid		(561.5)
European Run-off
Paid on claims occurring during:
Foreign exchange effect and other			$ 347.7
Insurance contract liabilities, net	145.5	$ 556.8
Consideration paid	$ (146.5)

Insurance Contract Liabilitie_6

Insurance Contract Liabilities - Development Of Insurance Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	$ 28,500.2	$ 29,081.7	$ 28,610.8	$ 19,481.8	$ 19,816.4	$ 17,749.1	$ 19,212.8	$ 19,648.8	$ 17,232.2	$ 30,809.3
Less: CTR Life	7	8	8.7	12.8	14.2	15.2	17.9	20.6	24.2	5.5
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of CTR Life	28,493.2	29,073.7	28,602.1	19,469	19,802.2	17,733.9	19,194.9	19,628.2	17,208	$ 30,803.8
Favourable development	267.7	234.3	1,150.8	725.1	1,311.7	1,610.8	1,774.9	1,587	548.7
Effect of foreign currency translation	1	135.5	518.3	(159.2)	(201.5)	266.5	483.2	570.7	250.9
Favourable loss reserve development	266.7	98.8	632.5	884.3	1,513.2	1,344.3	1,291.7	1,016.3	297.8
One year later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments	7,288.8	7,732	7,564	4,608	4,441.4	3,801.6	4,081.1	4,323.5	3,627.6
Reserves re-estimated	$ 28,225.5	28,974.3	27,580.6	19,343.1	19,169.3	16,696.4	18,375.6	19,021.2	17,316.4
Two years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments		12,313.5	12,081.3	7,631.4	7,283.6	6,364.5	6,787.6	7,153.1	6,076.7
Reserves re-estimated		$ 28,839.4	27,565.9	18,804.8	18,973.6	16,269.2	17,475	18,529.4	17,013.6
Three years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments			15,222.3	9,655.9	9,466.5	8,172.7	8,775.5	9,148	7,920.3
Reserves re-estimated			$ 27,451.3	18,752.8	18,502.5	16,114	17,307.9	17,820.5	16,721
Four years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments				11,122.6	10,914.2	9,561.8	10,212.4	10,702.8	9,333.4
Reserves re-estimated				$ 18,743.9	18,469.1	15,938.9	17,287.2	17,735.5	16,233.9
Five years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments					12,013.9	10,496.4	11,354.4	11,783.3	10,458.7
Reserves re-estimated					$ 18,490.5	16,049.6	17,203.5	17,830.5	16,269.6
Six years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments						11,202.2	12,123.4	12,729.6	11,263.6
Reserves re-estimated						$ 16,123.1	17,340.1	17,791.8	16,331.8
Seven years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments							12,754.2	13,335.1	12,030
Reserves re-estimated							$ 17,420	17,931.9	16,340.6
Eight years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments								13,877	12,558.1
Reserves re-estimated								$ 18,041.2	16,535.1
Nine years later
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Cumulative payments									13,047.5
Reserves re-estimated									$ 16,659.3

Insurance Contract Liabilitie_7

Insurance Contract Liabilities - Provision For Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses - Asbestos (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Gross
Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses - January 1	$ 1,074.6	$ 1,217.9
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred	161	135.4
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid	(205)	(164)
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(114.7)
Net	1,030.6	1,074.6
Net
Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses - January 1	860.5	995.3
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred	121.2	114.8
Losses and loss adjustment expenses paid	(141.7)	(138.4)
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(111.2)
Provision for asbestos claims and loss adjustment expenses - December 31	$ 840	$ 860.5

Insurance Contract Liabilitie_8

Insurance Contract Liabilities - Fair Value/Change In Interest Rates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Carrying value	$ 39,206.8	$ 35,722.6
Insurance contracts
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Fair value	40,475.1	35,248
Carrying value	39,206.8	35,722.6
Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Fair value	9,668.5	8,049.4
Carrying value	9,846.4	8,518.5
100 basis point increase | Insurance contracts
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Fair value	39,216	34,240.4
100 basis point increase | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Fair value	9,360.8	7,836.5
100 basis point decrease | Insurance contracts
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Fair value	41,853.2	36,343
100 basis point decrease | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of types of insurance contracts [line items]
Fair value	$ 10,007	$ 8,285.1

Reinsurance - Reinsurers' Share

Reinsurance - Reinsurers' Share of Insurance Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Assets under reinsurance ceded	$ 10,533.2	$ 9,155.8
Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	7,947.3	6,934.8
Reinsurers’ share of paid losses	686.8	637.3
Provision for unearned premiums	1,899.1	1,583.7
Assets under reinsurance ceded	10,533.2	9,155.8	$ 8,400.9
Recoverable from reinsurers, current	4,839	4,314.8
Recoverable from reinsurers, non-current	5,694.2	4,841
Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	7,971.7	6,956.7
Reinsurers’ share of paid losses	818	776.9
Provision for unearned premiums	1,899.1	1,583.7
Assets under reinsurance ceded	10,688.8	9,317.3
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of net, gross and reinsurer's share for amounts arising from insurance contracts [line items]
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	(24.4)	(21.9)
Reinsurers’ share of paid losses	(131.2)	(139.6)
Provision for unearned premiums	0	0
Assets under reinsurance ceded	$ (155.6)	$ (161.5)	$ (164.8)

Reinsurance - Reinsurers' Sha_2

Reinsurance - Reinsurers' Share of Paid Losses, Unpaid Losses, Unearned Premiums and the Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurance recoverables, beginning balance	$ 9,155.8
Reinsurance recoverables, ending balance	10,533.2	$ 9,155.8
Ceded reinsurance contracts
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurance recoverables, beginning balance	9,155.8	8,400.9
Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds	0	0
Reinsurance recoveries received	(2,317.9)	(2,277)
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned	(1,081.3)	(311.7)
Premiums ceded to reinsurers	4,261.4	3,675.6
Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances	3.3	(17.2)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) and reinsurance transactions		11.8
Assets held for sale (note 23)		(260)
Foreign exchange effect and other	511.9	(66.6)
Reinsurance recoverables, ending balance	10,533.2	9,155.8
Commission income on premiums ceded	821	652.3
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Paid losses
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurance recoverables, beginning balance	776.9	792.6
Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds	2,375.4	2,299.4
Reinsurance recoveries received	(2,317.9)	(2,277)
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned	0	0
Premiums ceded to reinsurers	0	0
Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances	(2.7)	(20.6)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) and reinsurance transactions		0.2
Assets held for sale (note 23)		(19.4)
Foreign exchange effect and other	(13.7)	1.7
Reinsurance recoverables, ending balance	818	776.9
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Unpaid losses
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurance recoverables, beginning balance	6,956.7	6,482.3
Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds	(2,375.4)	(2,299.4)
Reinsurance recoveries received	0	0
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned	2,842.3	3,069.6
Premiums ceded to reinsurers	0	0
Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances	0	0
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) and reinsurance transactions		8.7
Assets held for sale (note 23)		(241)
Foreign exchange effect and other	548.1	(63.5)
Reinsurance recoverables, ending balance	7,971.7	6,956.7
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Unpaid losses | European Run-off
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned	70.6
Foreign exchange effect and other	467.1
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Unearned premiums
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurance recoverables, beginning balance	1,583.7	1,290.8
Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds	0	0
Reinsurance recoveries received	0	0
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned	(3,923.6)	(3,381.3)
Premiums ceded to reinsurers	4,261.4	3,675.6
Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances	0	0
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) and reinsurance transactions		2.9
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0
Foreign exchange effect and other	(22.4)	(4.3)
Reinsurance recoverables, ending balance	1,899.1	1,583.7
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Unearned premiums | European Run-off
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned	13.5
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Provision for uncollectible reinsurance
Changes In Reinsurance Recoverables [Roll Forward]
Reinsurance recoverables, beginning balance	(161.5)	(164.8)
Reinsurers’ share of losses paid to insureds	0	0
Reinsurance recoveries received	0	0
Reinsurers’ share of unpaid losses and premiums earned	0	0
Premiums ceded to reinsurers	0	0
Change in provision, recovery or write-off of impaired balances	6	3.4
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23) and reinsurance transactions		0
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0.4
Foreign exchange effect and other	(0.1)	(0.5)
Reinsurance recoverables, ending balance	$ (155.6)	$ (161.5)

Insurance Contract Receivable_3

Insurance Contract Receivables and Payables - Insurance Contract Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Insurance premiums receivable	$ 3,665.6	$ 3,325	$ 2,949.8
Reinsurance premiums receivable	1,385.3	1,176	$ 1,082.1
Funds withheld receivable	567.3	753.7
Other	235.6	211
Provision for uncollectible receivables	(37.7)	(30.7)
Insurance contract receivables	5,816.1	5,435
Current	5,144.7	4,921.5
Non-current	$ 671.4	$ 513.5

Insurance Contract Receivable_4

Insurance Contract Receivables and Payables - Changes in Insurance Contract Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance premiums receivable
Insurance premiums receivable, beginning balance	$ 3,325	$ 2,949.8
Gross premiums written(1)	14,309.4	13,167.8
Premiums collected	(12,537.2)	(11,516.3)
Amounts due to brokers and agents	(1,417.3)	(1,284.5)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	17.1
Assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(1.7)
Recovery (impairments)	(0.4)	(1.3)
Foreign exchange effect and other	(13.9)	(5.9)
Insurance premiums receivable, ending balance	3,665.6	3,325
Reinsurance premiums receivable
Reinsurance premiums receivable, beginning balance	1,176	1,082.1
Gross premiums written(1)	4,670	4,343.4
Premiums collected	(3,375.6)	(3,288.5)
Amounts due to brokers and agents	(1,104.8)	(917.2)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	0
Assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(22.6)
Recovery (impairments)	(1.7)	0.3
Foreign exchange effect and other	21.4	(21.5)
Reinsurance premiums receivable, ending balance	1,385.3	$ 1,176
European Run-off
Insurance premiums receivable
Gross premiums written(1)	$ 146.5

Insurance Contract Receivable_5

Insurance Contract Receivables and Payables - Insurance Contract Payables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Insurance Contracts [Abstract]
Payable to reinsurers	$ 1,669.5	$ 1,469.4
Ceded deferred premium acquisition costs	441.1	373.2
Funds withheld payable to reinsurers	206.3	239.1
Amounts payable to agents and brokers	127.2	101.8
Accrued commissions	69	95.5
Accrued premium taxes	93.1	82.7
Other insurance contract payables	357.8	229.3
Insurance contract payables	2,964	2,591
Current	2,705.8	2,315.4
Non-current	$ 258.2	$ 275.6

Deferred Premium Acquisition _3

Deferred Premium Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance contracts [abstract]
Deferred premium acquisition costs, beginning balance	$ 1,344.3	$ 1,127.3
Premium acquisition costs deferred	3,629.4	3,271.4
Amortization(1)	(3,424)	(3,068.2)
Assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(1.7)
Foreign exchange effect and other	(6)	15.5
Deferred premium acquisition costs, ending balance	1,543.7	1,344.3
Commissions, net	2,355	$ 2,206.8
European Run-off
Reconciliation of changes in deferred acquisition costs arising from insurance contracts [abstract]
Commissions, net	$ 7.7

Other Assets (Details)

Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Premises and equipment	$ 1,746.1	$ 1,687.7
Right-of-use assets (note 22)	1,008	1,020.6	$ 1,051.4
Inventories	645.6	694.5
Other revenue receivables	550.8	583.5
Finance lease receivables (note 22)	305.4	375.9
Prepaid expenses	245.9	282.1
Accrued interest and dividends	197.9	206.5
Subsidies and taxes receivable	167.6	124.9
Prepaid losses on claims	118.6	114.4
Deferred compensation plans	89.1	87.4
Income taxes refundable	88.7	169
Pension surplus (note 21)	48.8	51.9
Other	644.7	608.9
Current	2,430	2,457.8
Non-current	3,427.2	3,549.5
Other assets	5,857.2	6,007.3
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Premises and equipment	362	367.8
Right-of-use assets (note 22)	396.1	385.4	418.9
Inventories	0	0
Other revenue receivables	0	0
Finance lease receivables (note 22)	8.5	8.8
Prepaid expenses	125.2	113.2
Accrued interest and dividends	195.5	195.7
Subsidies and taxes receivable	22.4	22.3
Prepaid losses on claims	118.6	114.4
Deferred compensation plans	89.1	87.4
Income taxes refundable	63	126.3
Pension surplus (note 21)	48.8	51.9
Other	559.5	490.3
Current	925.5	789.7
Non-current	1,063.2	1,173.8
Other assets	1,988.7	1,963.5
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Premises and equipment	1,384.1	1,319.9
Right-of-use assets (note 22)	611.9	635.2	$ 632.5
Inventories	645.6	694.5
Other revenue receivables	550.8	583.5
Finance lease receivables (note 22)	296.9	367.1
Prepaid expenses	120.7	168.9
Accrued interest and dividends	2.4	10.8
Subsidies and taxes receivable	145.2	102.6
Prepaid losses on claims	0	0
Deferred compensation plans	0	0
Income taxes refundable	25.7	42.7
Pension surplus (note 21)	0	0
Other	85.2	118.6
Current	1,504.5	1,668.1
Non-current	2,364	2,375.7
Other assets	$ 3,868.5	$ 4,043.8

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	$ 6,194.1	$ 5,676.9
Additions	402.2	704.5
Disposals	(96.8)	(1.3)
Amortization	(216)	(223.1)
Impairments	(86.1)	(46.8)
Foreign exchange effect and other	31.7	83.9
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	6,229.1	6,194.1
Intangible assets with indefinite useful life	1,751.6	1,790.5
PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk (AMAG Insurance)
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Proceeds from termination of agreements	66.3
Gains on disposals of intangible assets	3.2
Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	7,190.8
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	7,497.2	7,190.8
Accumulated amortization
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	(934.5)
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	(1,125.6)	(934.5)
Accumulated impairment
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	(62.2)
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	(142.5)	(62.2)
Goodwill
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	2,997.3	2,702.7
Additions	182.1	316.2
Disposals	(30.3)	0
Amortization	0	0
Impairments	(33)	(43.9)
Foreign exchange effect and other	10.2	22.3
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	3,126.3	2,997.3
Goodwill  | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	3,043.9
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	3,199.6	3,043.9
Goodwill  | Accumulated amortization
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	0
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	0	0
Goodwill  | Accumulated impairment
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	(46.6)
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	(73.3)	(46.6)
Lloyd's participation rights
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	503.2	503.2
Additions	0	0
Disposals	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Impairments	0	0
Foreign exchange effect and other	0	0
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	503.2	503.2
Lloyd's participation rights | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	503.2
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	503.2	503.2
Lloyd's participation rights | Accumulated amortization
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	0
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	0	0
Lloyd's participation rights | Accumulated impairment
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	0
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	0	0
Customer and broker relationships
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	969.8	932.8
Additions	(1)	134.9
Disposals	0	0
Amortization	(100.4)	(105.5)
Impairments	(2.1)	0
Foreign exchange effect and other	1.2	7.6
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	867.5	969.8
Customer and broker relationships | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	1,391.4
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	1,383.6	1,391.4
Customer and broker relationships | Accumulated amortization
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	(421.9)
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	(513.7)	(421.9)
Customer and broker relationships | Accumulated impairment
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	0.3
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	(2.4)	0.3
Brand names
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	1,181.1	1,096.8
Additions	0.1	34.8
Disposals	0	0
Amortization	0	0
Impairments	(44.7)	0
Foreign exchange effect and other	16.8	49.5
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	1,153.3	1,181.1
Brand names | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	1,181.1
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	1,200.4	1,181.1
Brand names | Accumulated amortization
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	0
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	0	0
Brand names | Accumulated impairment
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	0
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	(47.1)	0
Computer software and other
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	542.7	441.4
Additions	221	218.6
Disposals	(66.5)	(1.3)
Amortization	(115.6)	(117.6)
Impairments	(6.3)	(2.9)
Foreign exchange effect and other	3.5	4.5
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	578.8	542.7
Computer software and other | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	1,071.2
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	1,210.4	1,071.2
Computer software and other | Accumulated amortization
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	(512.6)
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	(611.9)	(512.6)
Computer software and other | Accumulated impairment
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]
Intangible assets and goodwill, beginning balance	(15.9)
Intangible assets and goodwill, ending balance	$ (19.7)	$ (15.9)

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Allocation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	$ 3,126.3	$ 2,997.3
Intangible assets	3,102.8	3,196.8
Total	6,229.1	6,194.1	$ 5,676.9
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	2,010.1	2,008.6
Intangible assets	1,617.2	1,750.2
Total	3,627.3	3,758.8
Allied World
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	940	938.8
Intangible assets	611.7	659.2
Total	1,551.7	1,598
Brit
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	200.2	200.2
Intangible assets	581.1	594.2
Total	781.3	794.4
Zenith National
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	317.6	317.6
Intangible assets	93.2	99.3
Total	410.8	416.9
Crum & Forster
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	188.8	188.2
Intangible assets	104.2	111.7
Total	293	299.9
Northbridge
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	95.4	92.5
Intangible assets	105.5	90.9
Total	200.9	183.4
Odyssey Group
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	119.7	119.7
Intangible assets	57.3	62.8
Total	177	182.5
All other insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	148.4	151.6
Intangible assets	64.2	132.1
Total	212.6	283.7
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	1,116.2	988.7
Intangible assets	1,485.6	1,446.6
Total	2,601.8	2,435.3
Recipe
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	280.9	279.3
Intangible assets	1,011	1,035.5
Total	1,291.9	1,314.8
Boat Rocker
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	90.1	93.8
Intangible assets	230.8	154.1
Total	320.9	247.9
Farmers Edge
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	202.6	0
Intangible assets	17	0
Total	219.6	0
AGT
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	168.5	174.7
Intangible assets	47.1	58.9
Total	215.6	233.6
Thomas Cook India
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	144.6	150.6
Intangible assets	56.3	55.8
Total	200.9	206.4
Dexterra Group
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	75.9	75.8
Intangible assets	17.7	15.7
Total	93.6	91.5
All other
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Goodwill	153.6	214.5
Intangible assets	105.7	126.6
Total	$ 259.3	$ 341.1

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Investment return rate	5.00%
Bottom of range
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections	2.50%
Top of range
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Growth rate used to extrapolate cash flow projections	3.00%
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Bottom of range
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Discount rate applied to cash flow projections	7.30%
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Top of range
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Discount rate applied to cash flow projections	13.90%
Non-insurance companies | Bottom of range
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Discount rate applied to cash flow projections	8.80%
Non-insurance companies | Top of range
Disclosure of information for cash-generating units [line items]
Discount rate applied to cash flow projections	15.30%

Accounts Payable and Accrued _3

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Lease liabilities (note 22)	$ 1,452.1	$ 1,496.4
Payables related to cost of sales	625.7	778.4
Salaries and employee benefit liabilities	485	434.6
Deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue	454.4	372.8
Amounts withheld and accrued taxes	396.4	346.2
Pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21)	351.9	360.6
Cash collateral from counterparties to derivative contracts (note 24)	116.4	5.3
Accrued interest expense	84.5	67.1
Advances and deposits from customers	74	109.6
Accrued legal and professional fees	71.6	68.7
Income taxes payable	64.5	78.4
Amounts payable for securities purchased but not yet settled	47.4	6.2
Accrued rent, storage and facilities costs	15.6	25.2
Administrative and other	756.6	664.6
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,996.1	4,814.1
Current	2,689.3	2,464
Non-current	2,306.8	2,350.1
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Lease liabilities (note 22)	456.8	434.3
Payables related to cost of sales	0	0
Salaries and employee benefit liabilities	394.4	354.9
Deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue	21.1	21.2
Amounts withheld and accrued taxes	367.3	314.7
Pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21)	325.3	338.8
Cash collateral from counterparties to derivative contracts (note 24)	116.4	5.3
Accrued interest expense	73.1	64.9
Advances and deposits from customers	0	0
Accrued legal and professional fees	59.3	57.3
Income taxes payable	42.8	47.5
Amounts payable for securities purchased but not yet settled	47.4	6.2
Accrued rent, storage and facilities costs	6.6	16.4
Administrative and other	519.2	418.5
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,429.7	2,080
Current	1,274.7	869.9
Non-current	1,155	1,210.1
Non-insurance companies
Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Lease liabilities (note 22)	995.3	1,062.1
Payables related to cost of sales	625.7	778.4
Salaries and employee benefit liabilities	90.6	79.7
Deferred gift card, hospitality and other revenue	433.3	351.6
Amounts withheld and accrued taxes	29.1	31.5
Pension and post retirement liabilities (note 21)	26.6	21.8
Cash collateral from counterparties to derivative contracts (note 24)	0	0
Accrued interest expense	11.4	2.2
Advances and deposits from customers	74	109.6
Accrued legal and professional fees	12.3	11.4
Income taxes payable	21.7	30.9
Amounts payable for securities purchased but not yet settled	0	0
Accrued rent, storage and facilities costs	9	8.8
Administrative and other	237.4	246.1
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,566.4	2,734.1
Current	1,414.6	1,594.1
Non-current	$ 1,151.8	$ 1,140

Borrowings - Schedule of Borrow

Borrowings - Schedule of Borrowings (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020GBP (£)	Dec. 09, 2020GBP (£)	Dec. 08, 2020	Jun. 26, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 8,849,000,000							$ 7,261,000,000
Notional amount	8,849,000,000							7,261,000,000
Carrying amount	8,814,000,000							7,232,600,000
Fair value	9,437,400,000							7,585,300,000
Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	5,613,000,000							4,148,700,000
Notional amount	5,613,000,000							4,148,700,000
Carrying amount	5,580,600,000							4,117,300,000
Fair value	6,167,400,000							4,444,900,000
Holding company cash and investments | 5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 350,100,000	$ 446,000,000						343,900,000
Interest rate	5.84%	5.84%	5.84%	5.84%
Notional amount	$ 350,100,000	$ 446,000,000						343,900,000
Fair value	377,600,000							373,800,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 314,000,000	$ 400,000,000						308,500,000
Interest rate	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Notional amount	$ 314,000,000	$ 400,000,000						308,500,000
Fair value	334,100,000							326,000,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.142% due February 7, 2024
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 85,000,000							85,000,000
Interest rate	4.142%	4.142%	4.142%	4.142%
Notional amount	$ 85,000,000							85,000,000
Fair value	85,100,000							85,100,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.875% due August 13, 2024
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 282,500,000							282,500,000
Interest rate	4.875%	4.875%	4.875%	4.875%
Notional amount	$ 282,500,000							282,500,000
Fair value	309,700,000							300,800,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.95% due March 3, 2025 (Cdn$350.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 274,700,000	$ 350,000,000						269,900,000
Interest rate	4.95%	4.95%	4.95%	4.95%
Notional amount	$ 274,700,000	$ 350,000,000						269,900,000
Fair value	306,300,000							293,100,000
Holding company cash and investments | 8.30% due April 15, 2026
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 91,800,000							91,800,000
Interest rate	8.30%	8.30%	8.30%	8.30%
Notional amount	$ 91,800,000							91,800,000
Fair value	118,600,000							116,100,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.70% due December 16, 2026 (Cdn$450.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 353,200,000	$ 450,000,000						347,000,000
Interest rate	4.70%	4.70%	4.70%	4.70%
Notional amount	$ 353,200,000	$ 450,000,000						347,000,000
Fair value	394,600,000							370,000,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.25% due December 6, 2027 (Cdn$650.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 510,200,000	$ 650,000,000						501,300,000
Interest rate	4.25%	4.25%	4.25%	4.25%
Notional amount	$ 510,200,000	$ 650,000,000						501,300,000
Fair value	558,300,000							515,700,000
Holding company cash and investments | 2.75% due March 29, 2028 (€750.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 917,700,000		€ 750,000,000					841,900,000
Interest rate	2.75%	2.75%	2.75%	2.75%
Notional amount	$ 917,700,000		€ 750,000,000					841,900,000
Fair value	1,023,900,000							910,200,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.85% due April 17, 2028
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 600,000,000							600,000,000
Interest rate	4.85%	4.85%	4.85%	4.85%
Notional amount	$ 600,000,000							600,000,000
Fair value	677,600,000							648,900,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.23% due June 14, 2029 (Cdn$500.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 392,500,000	$ 500,000,000						385,600,000
Interest rate	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%	4.23%
Notional amount	$ 392,500,000	$ 500,000,000						385,600,000
Fair value	426,700,000							391,400,000
Holding company cash and investments | 4.625% Unsecured Senior Notes Due April 30, 2030
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 650,000,000							0
Interest rate	4.625%	4.625%	4.625%	4.625%
Notional amount	$ 650,000,000							0
Fair value	731,800,000							0
Holding company cash and investments | 7.75% due July 15, 2037
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 91,300,000							91,300,000
Interest rate	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
Notional amount	$ 91,300,000							91,300,000
Fair value	123,100,000							113,800,000
Holding company cash and investments | Revolving Credit Facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	700,000,000							0
Notional amount	700,000,000							0
Fair value	700,000,000							0
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	1,025,200,000							1,028,100,000
Notional amount	1,025,200,000							1,028,100,000
Carrying amount	1,033,400,000							1,039,600,000
Fair value	1,067,400,000							1,063,800,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | OdysseyRe floating rate unsecured senior notes due 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	90,000,000							90,000,000
Notional amount	90,000,000							90,000,000
Fair value	91,000,000							92,500,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Allied World senior notes, 4.35% due October 29, 2025
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 500,000,000							500,000,000
Interest rate	4.35%	4.35%	4.35%	4.35%
Notional amount	$ 500,000,000							500,000,000
Fair value	544,900,000							524,100,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Allied World revolving credit facility and other borrowings
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	40,800,000							39,400,000
Notional amount	40,800,000							39,400,000
Fair value	51,400,000							46,400,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Zenith National 8.55% debentures due August 1, 2028
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 38,500,000							38,500,000
Interest rate	8.55%	8.55%	8.55%	8.55%
Notional amount	$ 38,500,000							38,500,000
Fair value	38,300,000							38,300,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Brit 3.6757% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	$ 184,500,000			£ 135,000,000	£ 135,000,000			178,800,000
Interest rate	3.6757%	3.6757%	3.6757%	3.6757%	3.6757%	6.625%
Notional amount	$ 184,500,000			£ 135,000,000	£ 135,000,000			178,800,000
Fair value	170,400,000							181,200,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Brit floating rate revolving credit facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	130,000,000							140,000,000
Notional amount	130,000,000							140,000,000
Fair value	130,000,000							140,000,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | First Mercury floating rate trust preferred securities due 2036 and 2037
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	41,400,000							41,400,000
Notional amount	41,400,000							41,400,000
Fair value	41,400,000							41,300,000
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	2,210,800,000							2,084,200,000
Notional amount	2,210,800,000							2,084,200,000
Carrying amount	2,200,000,000							2,075,700,000
Fair value	2,202,600,000							2,076,600,000
Non-insurance companies | Fairfax India floating rate term loans
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal							$ 550,000,000	550,000,000	$ 550,000,000
Notional amount							$ 550,000,000	550,000,000	$ 550,000,000
Fair value	550,000,000							550,000,000
Non-insurance companies | Fairfax India subsidiary borrowings
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	167,100,000							155,100,000
Notional amount	167,100,000							155,100,000
Fair value	166,400,000							155,100,000
Non-insurance companies | AGT credit facilities, senior notes and loans
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	516,400,000							435,700,000
Notional amount	516,400,000							435,700,000
Fair value	514,000,000							433,100,000
Non-insurance companies | Recipe term loans and credit facilities
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	430,700,000							413,500,000
Notional amount	430,700,000							413,500,000
Fair value	428,400,000							410,800,000
Non-insurance companies | Boat Rocker demand loans and revolving credit facilities
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	184,600,000							147,600,000
Notional amount	184,600,000							147,600,000
Fair value	183,000,000							147,500,000
Non-insurance companies | Fairfax Africa credit facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	0							102,400,000
Notional amount	0							102,400,000
Fair value	0							102,400,000
Non-insurance companies | Loans and revolving credit facilities primarily at floating rates
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Principal	362,000,000							279,900,000
Notional amount	362,000,000							279,900,000
Fair value	360,800,000							277,700,000
Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	8,814,000,000							7,232,600,000		$ 6,480,400,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	5,580,600,000							4,117,300,000		3,859,500,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	351,100,000							345,900,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	312,900,000							307,000,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.142% due February 7, 2024
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	85,000,000							85,000,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.875% due August 13, 2024
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	280,600,000							280,000,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.95% due March 3, 2025 (Cdn$350.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	272,500,000							267,100,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 8.30% due April 15, 2026
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	91,700,000							91,600,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.70% due December 16, 2026 (Cdn$450.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	351,500,000							345,100,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.25% due December 6, 2027 (Cdn$650.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	508,500,000							499,300,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 2.75% due March 29, 2028 (€750.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	904,400,000							827,000,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.85% due April 17, 2028
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	595,800,000							595,200,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.23% due June 14, 2029 (Cdn$500.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	390,600,000							383,600,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 4.625% Unsecured Senior Notes Due April 30, 2030
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	645,400,000							0
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | 7.75% due July 15, 2037
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	90,600,000							90,500,000
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments | Revolving Credit Facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	700,000,000							0
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	1,033,400,000							1,039,600,000		995,700,000
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies | OdysseyRe floating rate unsecured senior notes due 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	90,000,000							90,000,000
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Allied World senior notes, 4.35% due October 29, 2025
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	505,000,000							506,100,000
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Allied World revolving credit facility and other borrowings
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	44,200,000							43,000,000
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Zenith National 8.55% debentures due August 1, 2028
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	38,300,000							38,300,000
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Brit 3.6757% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	184,500,000							180,800,000
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Brit floating rate revolving credit facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	130,000,000							140,000,000
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies | First Mercury floating rate trust preferred securities due 2036 and 2037
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	41,400,000							41,400,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	2,200,000,000							2,075,700,000		$ 1,625,200,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies | Fairfax India floating rate term loans
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	547,200,000							547,200,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies | Fairfax India subsidiary borrowings
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	166,400,000							155,100,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies | AGT credit facilities, senior notes and loans
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	514,200,000							432,800,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies | Recipe term loans and credit facilities
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	428,400,000							410,700,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies | Boat Rocker demand loans and revolving credit facilities
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	183,000,000							147,600,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies | Fairfax Africa credit facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	0							102,400,000
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies | Loans and revolving credit facilities primarily at floating rates
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Carrying amount	$ 360,800,000							$ 279,900,000

Borrowings - Additional Informa

Borrowings - Additional Information (Details)	Mar. 03, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 05, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2021CAD ($)	Feb. 26, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2021CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020GBP (£)	Dec. 09, 2020GBP (£)	Dec. 08, 2020	May 29, 2020CAD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 21, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Jun. 28, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					$ 8,849,000,000	$ 7,261,000,000
Borrowings					$ 8,814,000,000	7,232,600,000
Maximum ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated capitalization					0.35
Required minimum of shareholders' equity balance					$ 9,500,000,000
Equity attributable to owners of parent					13,856,600,000	14,378,100,000
Interest expense on borrowings					413,100,000	404,200,000
Interest expense on lease liabilities					62,800,000	67,800,000
Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					8,814,000,000	7,232,600,000															$ 6,480,400,000
Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					5,613,000,000	4,148,700,000
Borrowings					5,580,600,000	4,117,300,000
Holding company cash and investments | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					5,580,600,000	4,117,300,000															3,859,500,000
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					2,210,800,000	2,084,200,000
Repayments of non-current borrowings					82,500,000	308,500,000
Borrowings					2,200,000,000	2,075,700,000
Non-insurance companies | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					2,200,000,000	2,075,700,000															1,625,200,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					1,025,200,000	1,028,100,000
Borrowings					1,033,400,000	1,039,600,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					1,033,400,000	1,039,600,000															$ 995,700,000
4.625% Unsecured Senior Notes Due April 29, 2030
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount				$ 650,000,000
Interest rate				4.625%
Net proceeds from borrowings				$ 645,000,000
Repayments of non-current borrowings					500,000,000
Borrowing costs incurred				$ 5,000,000
The credit facility
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Repayments of non-current borrowings					1,070,000,000
The credit facility | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Current borrowings																	$ 1,770,000,000
Revolving credit facility available					$ 2,000,000,000
Debt to consolidated capitalization ratio, actual					0.306							0.306	0.306
Fairfax India Floating Rate Term Loan Due June 2019 | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount			$ 550,000,000			550,000,000														$ 550,000,000
Repayments of non-current borrowings			$ 500,000,000
Fairfax India Floating Rate Term Loan Due June 2019 | Non-insurance companies | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					$ 547,200,000	547,200,000
AGT Floating Rate Secured Senior Credit Facility Due March 2020
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount																		$ 525,000,000
Borrowings					440,500,000	386,900,000						$ 561,200,000							$ 501,700,000
Dexterra Floating Rate Revolving Credit Facility Due December 2022 | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount																$ 175,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					700,000,000	0
Revolving Credit Facility | Holding company cash and investments | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					700,000,000	0
5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0) | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					$ 350,100,000	343,900,000						$ 446,000,000
Interest rate					5.84%							5.84%	5.84%
5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0) | Holding company cash and investments | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					$ 351,100,000	345,900,000
4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0) | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					$ 314,000,000	308,500,000						$ 400,000,000
Interest rate					4.50%							4.50%	4.50%
4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0) | Holding company cash and investments | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					$ 312,900,000	307,000,000
Brit 3.6757% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0) | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount					$ 184,500,000	178,800,000							£ 135,000,000	£ 135,000,000
Interest rate					3.6757%							3.6757%	3.6757%	3.6757%	6.625%
Brit 3.6757% subordinated notes due December 9, 2030 (£135.0) | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Gross carrying amount
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings					$ 184,500,000	$ 180,800,000
Subsequent Events | AGT Floating Rate Secured Senior Credit Facility Due March 2020
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount											$ 525,000,000
Subsequent Events | Revolving credit facility | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Borrowings							$ 500,000,000			$ 200,000,000
Subsequent Events | 3.95% Unsecured Senior Notes Due March 3, 2031
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount		$ 671,600,000						$ 850,000,000
Interest rate		3.95%						3.95%
Net proceeds from borrowings		$ 666,200,000
Borrowing costs incurred		$ 5,400,000
Subsequent Events | 3.65% Unsecured Senior Notes Due March 3, 2031
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount	$ 600,000,000
Interest rate	3.375%
Net proceeds from borrowings	$ 583,800,000
Borrowing costs incurred	$ 15,400,000
Subsequent Events | Fairfax India 5.00% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2028 | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount									$ 500,000,000
Interest rate									5.00%
Subsequent Events | Fairfax India 5.00% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2028 | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
Notional amount									$ 58,400,000

Borrowings - Carrying Amount Ro

Borrowings - Carrying Amount Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	$ 7,232.6
Balance – December 31	8,814	$ 7,232.6
Holding company cash and investments
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	4,117.3
Balance – December 31	5,580.6	4,117.3
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	1,039.6
Balance – December 31	1,033.4	1,039.6
Non-insurance companies
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	2,075.7
Net cash inflows (outflows) from credit facilities and short term loans		(16.9)
Balance – December 31	2,200	2,075.7
Gross carrying amount
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	7,232.6	6,480.4
Cash inflows from issuances	752.8	759.2
Cash outflows from repayments	(82.8)	(635.2)
Net cash inflows (outflows) from credit facilities and short term loans	750.5	115.2
Acquisitions (note 23)	127.4	687.7
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)	(118.7)	(246.2)
Loss on redemption	0	23.7
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(91.4)
Foreign exchange effect and other	152.2	139.2
Balance – December 31	8,814	7,232.6
Gross carrying amount | Holding company cash and investments
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	4,117.3	3,859.5
Cash inflows from issuances	645	456.5
Cash outflows from repayments	0	(326.5)
Net cash inflows (outflows) from credit facilities and short term loans	700	0
Acquisitions (note 23)	0	0
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)	0	0
Loss on redemption	0	23.7
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	0
Foreign exchange effect and other	118.3	104.1
Balance – December 31	5,580.6	4,117.3
Gross carrying amount | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	1,039.6	995.7
Cash inflows from issuances	0	0
Cash outflows from repayments	(0.3)	(0.2)
Net cash inflows (outflows) from credit facilities and short term loans	(10)	132.1
Acquisitions (note 23)	0	0
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)	0	0
Loss on redemption	0	0
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(91.4)
Foreign exchange effect and other	4.1	3.4
Balance – December 31	1,033.4	1,039.6
Gross carrying amount | Non-insurance companies
Carrying Value Of Borrowings [Roll Forward]
Balance – January 1	2,075.7	1,625.2
Cash inflows from issuances	107.8	302.7
Cash outflows from repayments	(82.5)	(308.5)
Net cash inflows (outflows) from credit facilities and short term loans	60.5	(16.9)
Acquisitions (note 23)	127.4	687.7
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (note 23)	(118.7)	(246.2)
Loss on redemption	0	0
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	0
Foreign exchange effect and other	29.8	31.7
Balance – December 31	$ 2,200	$ 2,075.7

Borrowings - Schedule of Borr_2

Borrowings - Schedule of Borrowings Principal Payments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
2021	$ 2,252
2022	561.2
2023	373
2024	677.3
2025	809.6
Thereafter	4,175.9
Total	8,849
Holding company
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
2021	700
2022	350.1
2023	314
2024	367.5
2025	274.7
Thereafter	3,606.7
Total	5,613
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
2021	242.8
2022	0.3
2023	0.3
2024	0.3
2025	500.4
Thereafter	281.1
Total	1,025.2
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]
2021	1,309.2
2022	210.8
2023	58.7
2024	309.5
2025	34.5
Thereafter	288.1
Total	$ 2,210.8

Total Equity - Narrative (Detai

Total Equity - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2020CAD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2020CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)shares	Mar. 04, 2021USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Reduction of issued capital purchases for cancellation | $										$ 100.9	$ 118
Purchases and amortization | $										48.1	19
Dividends paid, other shares | $										$ 44	$ 45.8
Recipe
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Economic ownership percentage										59.80%	52.10%
Fairfax India
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Economic ownership percentage										72.00%	66.20%
Fairfax Africa
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Economic ownership percentage											38.00%
Subsequent event
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Cost of cancellation | $									$ 57.2
Retained earnings
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Reduction of issued capital purchases for cancellation | $										$ 15.7	$ 56.2
Dividends paid, other shares | $										44	45.8
Treasury shares (at cost)
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Purchases and amortization | $										$ 137.9	$ 104.4
Treasury shares (at cost) | Subsequent event
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Purchases and amortization | $									$ 17.4
Multiple voting shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Voting percentage of multiple voting shares										41.80%
Number of shares issued (in shares)	1,548,000	1,548,000					1,548,000	1,548,000		1,548,000	1,548,000
Subordinate voting shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)	27,124,093	27,124,093					27,467,964	27,467,964		27,124,093	27,467,964
Number of shares reserved for share-based payments (in shares)	1,696,357	1,696,357					1,385,665	1,385,665		1,696,357	1,385,665
Purchases for cancellation (in shares)										343,871	249,361
Cost of cancellation | $										$ 100.9	$ 118
Treasury shares acquired (in shares)										457,603	229,189
Subordinate voting shares | Subsequent event
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Purchases for cancellation (in shares)									137,923
Treasury shares acquired (in shares)									42,197
Series I
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares converted (in shares)	45,452	45,452
Carrying value of amount converted	$ 1.1	$ 1.1
Series H
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares converted (in shares)			286,891	286,891
Carrying value of amount converted			$ 6.8	$ 7.2
Series F
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares converted (in shares)					1,472,998	1,472,998
Carrying value of amount converted					$ 33.7	$ 36.8
Series D
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares converted (in shares)							1,499,258	1,499,258
Carrying value of amount converted							$ 34.1	$ 37.5

Total Equity - Shares Outstandi

Total Equity - Shares Outstanding Rollforward (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Subordinate voting shares
Reconciliation of number of shares outstanding [abstract]
Beginning balance, shares outstanding (in shares)	26,082,299	26,489,177
Purchases for cancellation (in shares)	(343,871)	(249,361)
Treasury shares acquired (in shares)	(457,603)	(229,189)
Treasury shares reissued (in shares)	146,911	71,672
Interest in subordinate voting shares held through ownership interest in shareholder, beginning balance (in shares)	(799,230)	(799,230)
Interest in subordinate voting shares held through ownership interest in shareholder, ending balance (in shares)	(799,230)	(799,230)
Ending balance, shares outstanding (in shares)	25,427,736	26,082,299
Multiple voting shares
Reconciliation of number of shares outstanding [abstract]
Beginning balance, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,548,000	1,548,000
Ending balance, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,548,000	1,548,000
Common shares
Reconciliation of number of shares outstanding [abstract]
Beginning balance, shares outstanding (in shares)	26,831,069
Ending balance, shares outstanding (in shares)	26,176,506	26,831,069

Total Equity - Dividends Paid (

Total Equity - Dividends Paid (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 28, 2021	Jan. 28, 2020	Jan. 28, 2019	Jan. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Dividends Declared [Line Items]
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)		$ 10	$ 10		$ 10	$ 10
Total cash payment		$ 275.7	$ 278		$ 441.3	$ 453.8
Subsequent event
Dividends Declared [Line Items]
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 10			$ 10
Total cash payment	$ 272.1

Total Equity - Preferred Shares

Total Equity - Preferred Shares (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2020CAD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2020CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Preferred shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Stated capital	$ 1,335.5						$ 1,335.5		$ 1,335.5	$ 1,456
Series C
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	7,515,642								7,515,642	7,515,642
Stated capital	$ 170.8								$ 170.8	$ 187.9
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Fixed dividend rate per annum									4.71%
Series D
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,484,358								2,484,358	2,484,358
Stated capital	$ 56.4								$ 56.4	$ 62.1
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Floating dividend rate per annum									3.26%
Number of shares converted (in shares)							1,499,258	1,499,258
Carrying value of amount converted							$ 34.1	$ 37.5
Series E
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	5,440,132								5,440,132	5,440,132
Stated capital	$ 124.5								$ 124.5	$ 136
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Fixed dividend rate per annum									3.18%
Series F
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,099,046								2,099,046	2,099,046
Stated capital	$ 48.1								$ 48.1	$ 52.5
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Floating dividend rate per annum									2.27%
Number of shares converted (in shares)					1,472,998	1,472,998
Carrying value of amount converted					$ 33.7	$ 36.8
Series G
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	7,719,843								7,719,843	7,719,843
Stated capital	$ 182.1								$ 182.1	$ 193
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Fixed dividend rate per annum									2.96%
Series H
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,280,157								2,280,157	2,280,157
Stated capital	$ 53.8								$ 53.8	$ 57
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Floating dividend rate per annum									2.67%
Number of shares converted (in shares)			286,891	286,891
Carrying value of amount converted			$ 6.8	$ 7.2
Series I
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	10,420,101								10,420,101	10,420,101
Stated capital	$ 250.5								$ 250.5	$ 260.5
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Fixed dividend rate per annum									3.33%
Number of shares converted (in shares)	45,452	45,452
Carrying value of amount converted	$ 1.1	$ 1.1
Series J
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	1,579,899								1,579,899	1,579,899
Stated capital	$ 38								$ 38	$ 39.5
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Floating dividend rate per annum									2.96%
Series K
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	9,500,000								9,500,000	9,500,000
Stated capital	$ 231.7								$ 231.7	$ 237.5
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Fixed dividend rate per annum									4.67%
Series M
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Number of shares outstanding (in shares)	9,200,000								9,200,000	9,200,000
Stated capital	$ 179.6								$ 179.6	$ 230
Liquidation preference per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares										$ 25
Fixed dividend rate per annum									5.00%
Government of Canada Treasury Bill | Series D
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Variable rate basis spread									3.15%
Government of Canada Treasury Bill | Series F
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Variable rate basis spread									2.16%
Government of Canada Treasury Bill | Series H
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Variable rate basis spread									2.56%
Government of Canada Treasury Bill | Series J
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Variable rate basis spread									2.85%
Government of Canada Treasury Bill | Series L
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Variable rate basis spread									3.51%
Government of Canada Treasury Bill | Series N
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]
Variable rate basis spread									3.98%

Total Equity - Accumulated Othe

Total Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - Equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pre-tax amount
Foreign currency translation losses	$ (550.8)	$ (423.4)
Share of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans	43.7	(79.3)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	(507.1)	(502.7)
Net losses on defined benefit plans	(214.9)	(147.7)
Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates	(159.1)	(120.9)
Other	(0.8)	(0.8)
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	(374.8)	(269.4)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	(881.9)	(772.1)
(Provision for) recovery of income tax
Foreign currency translation losses	12.2	1.4
Share of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans	(12.3)	(2.4)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	(0.1)	(1)
Net losses on defined benefit plans	54.7	36.2
Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates	18.2	15.1
Other	10.1	10.1
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	83	61.4
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	82.9	60.4
After-tax amount
Foreign currency translation losses	(538.6)	(422)
Share of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of associates, excluding net losses on defined benefit plans	31.4	(81.7)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	(507.2)	(503.7)
Net losses on defined benefit plans	(160.2)	(111.5)
Share of net losses on defined benefit plans of associates	(140.9)	(105.8)
Other	9.3	9.3
Items that will not be subsequently reclassified to net earnings	(291.8)	(208)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	$ (799)	$ (711.7)

Total Equity - Non-Controlling

Total Equity - Non-Controlling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 09, 2020	May 31, 2019	Apr. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Carrying value							$ 3,670.7	$ 3,529.1
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							(181)	(32.9)
Dividends paid, other shares							44	45.8
Investments in associates							6,439.6	5,984.4
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Carrying value							1,831.8	1,544.6
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							106.6	108.2
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Carrying value							1,838.9	1,984.5
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							$ (287.6)	$ (141.1)
Allied World
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary							70.90%	70.10%
Allied World | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage							29.10%	29.90%
Carrying value							$ 1,329	$ 1,256.3
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							$ 106.6	$ 88.1
Brit
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary
Brit | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage							0.00%	10.70%
Carrying value							$ 121.7	$ 197.4
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							$ (10.9)	$ 15.8
Fairfax India
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary							28.00%
Investments in associates							$ 91.8
Foreign exchange gain (loss)							$ 23.5
Economic ownership percentage							72.00%	66.20%
Fairfax India | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage							6.60%	6.20%
Carrying value							$ 1,130.9	$ 1,117.2
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							$ (29.4)	$ 59
Recipe
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary							40.20%
Investments in associates							$ 54.1
Foreign exchange gain (loss)							$ (10.9)
Economic ownership percentage							59.80%	52.10%
Recipe | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage							38.90%	38.40%
Carrying value							$ 447.7	$ 437.5
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							$ (48.4)	$ 28.5
Dexterra | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage							51.00%	0.00%
Carrying value							$ 121.4	$ 0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							$ 11.4	$ 0
Thomas Cook India
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary							66.90%
Thomas Cook India | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage							33.10%	33.10%
Carrying value							$ 69.4	$ 93.8
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							$ (23.5)	$ (186.2)
Fairfax Africa
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Economic ownership percentage								38.00%
Fairfax Africa | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage							0.00%	1.50%
Carrying value							$ 0	$ 195.6
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							(161.1)	(41.4)
Loss on deconsolidated noncontrolling interests							(33.2)
All other | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Carrying value							381.1	90.9
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							10.9	4.3
All other | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Carrying value							69.5	140.4
Net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests							(36.6)	(1)
IIFL Holdings Limited
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Minority voting percentage					66.20%
Brit
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Dividends paid, other shares				$ 20.6		$ 20.6
Cash paid for stock repurchase	$ 220
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests							13.6
Brit | Non-controlling interests
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Investment in subsidiary, third party							124.4	$ 0
Fairfax India
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Cash paid for stock repurchase							$ 29.1
Allied World's Minority Shareholders | Allied World
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Dividends paid, other shares			$ 126.4			$ 126.4
Capital contribution		$ 100

Total Equity - Other Net Change

Total Equity - Other Net Changes In Capitalization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Issue of equity	$ (12)	$ (5.1)
Acquisition of Brit's non-controlling interest	92.9	121.7
Increase (decrease) through disposal of subsidiary, equity	255.7	(466.2)
As presented in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity	(3.6)	(255.2)
Retained earnings
Dividends recognised as distributions to non-controlling interests	(107.2)	(104.1)
Increase (decrease) through disposal of subsidiary, equity	(53.2)
Other	7	8.8
As presented in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity	(116.5)	(109.1)
Retained earnings | Brit
Investment in subsidiary, third party	0	0
Retained earnings | Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa
Share repurchases	1.4	1.7
Non- controlling interests
Dividends recognised as distributions to non-controlling interests	107.2	104.1
Issue of equity	(2.2)	(0.3)
Acquisition of Brit's non-controlling interest	92.9	121.7
Increase (decrease) through disposal of subsidiary, equity	282.3	(466.2)
Other	7	6.6
As presented in other net changes in capitalization in the consolidated statement of changes in equity	110.3	(131.7)
Non- controlling interests | Brit
Investment in subsidiary, third party	124.4	0
Non- controlling interests | Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa
Share repurchases	(32.1)	(31.8)
Brit | Retained earnings
Acquisition of Brit's non-controlling interest	(17.8)	0
Brit | Non- controlling interests
Acquisition of Brit's non-controlling interest	(189.6)	0
Thomas Cook India | Retained earnings
Increase (decrease) through disposal of subsidiary, equity	0	0
Thomas Cook India | Non- controlling interests
Increase (decrease) through disposal of subsidiary, equity	0	(147.2)
Recipe | Retained earnings
Share repurchases	0.1	(15.5)
Recipe | Non- controlling interests
Share repurchases	(0.3)	(105.5)
Boat Rocker | Retained earnings
Issue of equity		0
Boat Rocker | Non- controlling interests
Issue of equity		20
Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. | Retained earnings
Eurolife's investment in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund (note 6)	0	0
Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A. | Non- controlling interests
Eurolife's investment in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund (note 6)	$ 93.7	$ 22.1

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings per share [abstract]
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	$ 218.4	$ 2,004.1
Preferred share dividends	(44)	(45.8)
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders – basic and diluted	$ 174.4	$ 1,958.3
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic (in shares)	26,446,939	26,901,184
Share-based payment awards (in shares)	1,273,250	1,159,352
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (in shares)	27,720,189	28,060,536
Net earnings per common share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ 6.59	$ 72.80
Net earnings per common share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 6.29	$ 69.79

Income Taxes - Provision for (R

Income Taxes - Provision for (Recovery of) Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current income tax:
Current year expense	$ 172.6	$ 175
Adjustments to prior years’ income taxes	(23.8)	2.7
Current income tax	148.8	177.7
Deferred income tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences	51.1	87.5
Adjustments to prior years' deferred income taxes	15.4	(17.1)
Other	(8.6)	13.4
Deferred income tax	57.9	83.8
Provision for income taxes	$ 206.7	$ 261.5

Income Taxes - Earnings Before

Income Taxes - Earnings Before Income Taxes by Jurisdiction (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$ 244.1	$ 2,232.7
Provision for income taxes	206.7	261.5
Net earnings	37.4	1,971.2
Canada
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	212.6	183.4
Provision for income taxes	121	79.3
Net earnings	91.6	104.1
United States
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(110.8)	848
Provision for income taxes	31.4	23.5
Net earnings	(142.2)	824.5
UK
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	(221.4)	244.7
Provision for income taxes	5.7	24
Net earnings	(227.1)	220.7
Other
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	363.7	956.6
Provision for income taxes	48.6	134.7
Net earnings	$ 315.1	$ 821.9

Income Taxes - Income Tax Recon

Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Provision for income taxes at the Canadian statutory income tax rate	$ 64.7	$ 591.7
Non-taxable investment income	(108.3)	(56.6)
Tax rate differential on income and losses outside Canada	5.2	(209.5)
Change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences	172.8	(90.7)
Change in tax rate for deferred income taxes	(5.7)	0.5
Recovery relating to prior years	(8.4)	(14.4)
Foreign exchange effect	40.9	(3.7)
Other including permanent differences	45.5	44.2
Provision for income taxes	$ 206.7	$ 261.5
Canada
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Canadian statutory income tax rate	26.50%	26.50%
Provision for income taxes	$ 121	$ 79.3

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Non-taxable investment income	$ 108.3	$ 56.6
Tax rate differential on income and losses incurred outside Canada	5.2	(209.5)
Change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences	172.8	(90.7)
Deferred tax assets	713.9	375.9
U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards		104
Other including permanent differences	45.5	44.2
Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries	3,200	3,500
Fairfax India
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Other including permanent differences		13.4
Canada
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	63.3	13.8
Unused tax losses	2,102.8	1,863.5
United States
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	54.7
Unused tax losses	46.1	46.1
Unused foreign tax credits	43	55
United Kingdom
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	53.9
Europe
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses	537.6	495.8
Operating And Capital Losses, And U.S. Foreign Tax Credits
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Deferred tax assets	837.8	814.7
Allied World
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]
Unused tax losses	$ 338.8	$ 359.4

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Ref

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Refundable and Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income taxes refundable	$ 88.7	$ 169
Income taxes payable	(64.5)	(78.4)
Net income taxes refundable	$ 24.2	$ 90.6	$ 72.2

Income Taxes - Changes in Net I

Income Taxes - Changes in Net Income Taxes (Payable) Refundable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Receivable (Payable) [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	$ 90.6	$ 72.2
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings	(148.8)	(177.7)
Payments made during the year	63.3	178.9
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	(0.3)	6.7
Assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(17.1)
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (note 23)	0	29.6
Deconsolidation of subsidiaries (note 23)	(7.6)	0
Foreign exchange effect and other	11.8	(2)
Balance - December 31	$ 24.2	$ 90.6

Income Taxes - Changes in Defer

Income Taxes - Changes in Deferred Net Income Tax Asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	$ 375.9	$ 497.9
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	(57.9)	(83.8)
Amounts recorded in total equity	26.1	26.4
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	6	(64.9)
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	(1.8)
Assets held for sale (note 23)		(2.2)
Foreign exchange effect and other	5.6	2.5
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	357.5	375.9
Operating and capital losses
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	119.2	107.4
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	105	(11.7)
Amounts recorded in total equity	0.4	2.5
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	(0.1)	22.9
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0.5
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0
Foreign exchange effect and other	12.3	(1.9)
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	236.3	119.2
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	145.3	134.7
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	22.5	8.8
Amounts recorded in total equity	0	0
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0
Foreign exchange effect and other	1	1.8
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	168.8	145.3
Provision for unearned premiums
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	119.9	96.8
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	21.8	23.1
Amounts recorded in total equity	0	0
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0
Foreign exchange effect and other	0	0
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	141.7	119.9
Deferred premium acquisition costs
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	(96.9)	(81.1)
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	(19.3)	(16)
Amounts recorded in total equity	0	0
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0
Foreign exchange effect and other	0.1	0.2
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	(116.1)	(96.9)
Intangible assets
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	(428.2)	(419.6)
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	37.9	28.3
Amounts recorded in total equity	0	0
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	(29.5)
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0
Foreign exchange effect and other	0.8	(7.4)
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	(389.5)	(428.2)
Investments
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	128	314.9
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	(110.8)	(181)
Amounts recorded in total equity	0.6	(11.4)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0.8
Foreign exchange effect and other	6.1	4.7
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	23.9	128
Tax credits
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	211	118.9
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	(36)	92.5
Amounts recorded in total equity	0	0
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0.1	0
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	0
Assets held for sale (note 23)		0
Foreign exchange effect and other	(0.3)	(0.4)
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	174.8	211
Other
Reconciliation of changes in deferred tax liability (asset) [abstract]
Deferred tax asset, beginning balance	177.6	225.9
Amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of earnings	(79)	(27.8)
Amounts recorded in total equity	25.1	35.3
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	6	(58.3)
Deconsolidation of non-insurance subsidiary (note 23)	(2.3)
Assets held for sale (note 23)		(3)
Foreign exchange effect and other	(14.4)	5.5
Deferred tax asset, ending balance	$ 117.6	$ 177.6

Statutory Requirements (Details

Statutory Requirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 28, 2020	Jan. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statutory Requirements [Line Items]
Common share dividends	$ 275.7	$ 278	$ 441.3	$ 453.8
Dividend capacity available			1,551
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Statutory Requirements [Line Items]
Common share dividends			239.7	$ 282.3
Investments in subsidiaries			1,381.4
Allied World
Statutory Requirements [Line Items]
Dividend capacity available			809.3
Odyssey Group
Statutory Requirements [Line Items]
Dividend capacity available			362.4
Northbridge
Statutory Requirements [Line Items]
Dividend capacity available			175.2
Crum & Forster
Statutory Requirements [Line Items]
Dividend capacity available			151.9
Zenith National
Statutory Requirements [Line Items]
Dividend capacity available			$ 52.2

Contingencies and Commitments (

Contingencies and Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2018	Jul. 26, 2006	Oct. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities				$ 6,026,700	$ 5,774,100
Capital commitments				878,200
Financial assets at fair value | Cash | Insurance underwriting | Lloyd's participants
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities				27,900
Financial assets at fair value | Securities | Insurance underwriting | Lloyd's participants
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities				$ 1,666,500
Various Defendants
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Damages sought in legal suit		$ 6,000,000
Damages awarded	$ 20,000
Exis Capital Management, Adam Sender and Andrew Heller
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Damages awarded			$ 10,900
Exis Capital Management
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Damages awarded			3,000
Adam Sender
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Damages awarded			2,250
Andrew Heller
Disclosure of contingent liabilities [line items]
Damages awarded			$ 250

Pensions and Post Retirement _3

Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits - Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension and Post Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Pension surpluses	$ 48.8	$ 51.9
Pension deficits	351.9	360.6
Defined benefit pension plans
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Benefit obligation	(914.8)	(789.4)
Fair value of plan assets	700.9	605.8
Funded status of plans - deficit	(213.9)	(183.6)
Impact of asset ceiling	0	0.3
Net accrued liability (notes 13 and 14)	$ (213.9)	$ (183.3)
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate	2.20%	3.00%
Rate of compensation increase	2.60%	2.60%
Health care cost trend	0.00%	0.00%
Pension surpluses	$ 48.8	$ 51.9
Pension deficits	262.7	235.2
Post retirement benefit plans
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Benefit obligation	(89.2)	(125.4)
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Funded status of plans - deficit	(89.2)	(125.4)
Impact of asset ceiling	0	0
Net accrued liability (notes 13 and 14)	$ (89.2)	$ (125.4)
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Discount rate	2.60%	3.30%
Rate of compensation increase	3.40%	3.60%
Health care cost trend	3.50%	4.50%

Pensions and Post Retirement _4

Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits - Pension and Post Retirement Expenses Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Employee benefits	$ 398.2	$ 448.5
Defined benefit pension plans
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Defined benefit plan expense	24.3	18.8
Defined contribution pension plan expense	53.7	53.1
Employee benefits	38.2	80.3
Post retirement benefit plans
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Defined benefit plan expense	(39.8)	$ 8.4
Post retirement benefit plans | Odyssey Group
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Defined benefit plan expense	$ 48.5

Pensions and Post Retirement _5

Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits - Pre-tax Actuarial Gains and (Losses) Recognized (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plans	$ (88.3)	$ (99.1)
Defined benefit pension plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Actuarial net gains on plan assets and change in asset ceiling	17.6	18.8
Actuarial net losses on benefit obligations	(101.5)	(109.9)
Gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plans	(83.9)	(91.1)
Post retirement benefit plans
Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items]
Actuarial net losses on benefit obligations	$ (4.4)	$ (8)

Pensions and Post Retirement _6

Pensions and Post Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension And Post Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employer contributions	$ 80.3	$ 36.8
Expected employer contributions	$ 26.1

Leases - Changes in Right-of-Us

Leases - Changes in Right-of-Use Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes In Right-Of-Use Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	$ 1,020.6	$ 1,051.4
Additions	182.1	133.1
Disposals	(23)	(9.9)
Depreciation	(186.9)	(178.7)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	20.1	20.6
Assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(22.9)
Foreign exchange effect and other(3)	(4.9)	27
Balance - December 31 (note 13)	1,008	1,020.6
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Changes In Right-Of-Use Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	385.4	418.9
Additions	81.5	59.9
Disposals	(3.1)	(8.3)
Depreciation	(68.9)	(69.3)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	0	4.4
Assets held for sale (note 23)	0	(22.9)
Foreign exchange effect and other(3)	1.2	2.7
Balance - December 31 (note 13)	396.1	385.4
Non-insurance companies
Changes In Right-Of-Use Assets [Roll Forward]
Balance - January 1	635.2	632.5
Additions	100.6	73.2
Disposals	(19.9)	(1.6)
Depreciation	(118)	(109.4)
Acquisitions of subsidiaries (note 23)	20.1	16.2
Assets held for sale (note 23)	0	0
Foreign exchange effect and other(3)	(6.1)	24.3
Balance - December 31 (note 13)	611.9	$ 635.2
Impairment loss, right-of-use assets, COVID related	$ 18.2

Leases - Maturity of Lease Liab

Leases - Maturity of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	$ 1,692.8	$ 1,804.4
Lease liabilities	$ 1,452.1	$ 1,496.4
Weighted average lessee's incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognised at date of initial application of IFRS 16	4.40%	4.60%
One year or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	$ 291.6	$ 287.4
One to two years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	252.1	265.1
Two to three years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	216.3	227
Three to four years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	185.2	191.2
Four to five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	161.2	164.4
More than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	586.4	669.3
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	536	557.5
Lease liabilities	$ 456.8	$ 434.3
Weighted average lessee's incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognised at date of initial application of IFRS 16	4.20%	4.60%
Insurance and reinsurance companies | One year or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	$ 78.7	$ 78
Insurance and reinsurance companies | One to two years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	72.5	72
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Two to three years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	64.3	63.2
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Three to four years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	56.5	54.7
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Four to five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	50.6	48.8
Insurance and reinsurance companies | More than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	213.4	240.8
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	1,156.8	1,246.9
Lease liabilities	$ 995.3	$ 1,062.1
Weighted average lessee's incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognised at date of initial application of IFRS 16	4.50%	4.60%
Non-insurance companies | One year or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	$ 212.9	$ 209.4
Non-insurance companies | One to two years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	179.6	193.1
Non-insurance companies | Two to three years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	152	163.8
Non-insurance companies | Three to four years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	128.7	136.5
Non-insurance companies | Four to five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	110.6	115.6
Non-insurance companies | More than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of operating lease payments [line items]
Lease liabilities, undiscounted	$ 373	$ 428.5

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Interest expense on lease liabilities	$ 62.8	$ 67.8
Short-term, low value and other lease costs	46.5	78
Interest revenue on finance lease receivables	14.1	14.7
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Short-term, low value and other lease costs	30.8	60.5
Lease concessions, COVID related	14.9
Impairment loss, finance lease receivables, COVID related impairments	$ 11.1	$ 0

Leases - Maturity of Finance Le

Leases - Maturity of Finance Lease Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	$ 352.4	$ 430.9
Unearned finance income	47	55
Finance lease receivables	305.4	375.9
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	10	11.5
Unearned finance income	1.5	2.7
Finance lease receivables	8.5	8.8
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	342.4	419.4
Unearned finance income	45.5	52.3
Finance lease receivables	296.9	367.1
Due in 1 year or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	67.2	73.7
Due in 1 year or less | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	1.8	1.7
Due in 1 year or less | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	65.4	72
One to two years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	61.1	68.6
One to two years | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	1.8	1.7
One to two years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	59.3	66.9
Two to three years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	51.2	61.1
Two to three years | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	1.6	1.8
Two to three years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	49.6	59.3
Three to four years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	42.7	51.2
Three to four years | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	0.7	1.6
Three to four years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	42	49.6
Four to five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	36.3	42.1
Four to five years | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	0.7	0.7
Four to five years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	35.6	41.4
More than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	93.9	134.2
More than five years | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	3.4	4
More than five years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis of finance lease payments receivable [line items]
Finance lease receivables, undiscounted	$ 90.5	$ 130.2

Acquisitions and Divestitures -

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Subsequent to 2020 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 02, 2020	Feb. 10, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 20, 2019
RiverStone Barbados
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Percentage of interests acquired	60.00%		60.00%	40.00%
OMERS | Brit | Major business combination
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Percentage of interests acquired		14.00%
Cash transferred		$ 375
OMERS | RiverStone Barbados
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Percentage of interests acquired				40.00%
RiverStone Barbados
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Proceeds from sales of investment property	$ 730
Contingent consideration recognised as of acquisition date	235.7
Amount of purchases of subsidiary investments committed	$ 1,200

Acquisitions and Divestitures_2

Acquisitions and Divestitures - 2020 Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

Dec. 07, 2020

Dec. 02, 2020

Sep. 30, 2020

May 29, 2020

Mar. 31, 2020

Jan. 01, 2020

Jan. 01, 2019

Mar. 31, 2020

Sep. 30, 2020

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 08, 2020

Dec. 20, 2019

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Consideration paid

$ (561.5)

Notional amount

$ 8,849

$ 7,261

Cash and investments

1,252.2

975.5

Increase (decrease) through changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in loss of control, equity attributable to owners of parent

$ 340.4

RiverStone Barbados

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

100.00%

Proceeds from sales of investment property

$ 730

Horizon North

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of interests acquired

49.00%

European Run-off

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

60.00%

Portion of gains (losses) recognised when control of subsidiary is lost, attributable to derecognising regulatory deferral account balances in former subsidiary

$ 243.4

Gains (losses) on exchange differences on translation, before tax

$ (161.9)

Proportion of ownership interest in associate disposed of

40.00%

Gain (loss) recognised as result of remeasuring to fair value equity interest in acquiree held by acquirer before business combination

$ 35.6

Horizon North | Dexterra

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

100.00%

European Run-off

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Consideration paid

$ (146.5)

Non-insurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Notional amount

2,210.8

2,084.2

Insurance and reinsurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Notional amount

1,025.2

1,028.1

Insurance and reinsurance companies | European Run-off

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Portion of gains (losses) recognised when control of subsidiary is lost, attributable to derecognising regulatory deferral account balances in former subsidiary

117.1

Portfolio investments

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Cash and investments

42,108.6

38,235

Portfolio investments | Cash and cash equivalents

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Cash and investments

$ 4,886.5

$ 3,954.5

Portfolio investments | European Run-off | Cash and cash equivalents

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Cash and investments

$ 377.8

$ 377.8

RiverStone Barbados | OMERS

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of interests acquired

40.00%

40.00%

Cash transferred

$ 599.5

$ 599.5

RiverStone Barbados | Insurance and reinsurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

60.00%

Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Trading price (in dollars per share)

$ 3.92

$ 2.96

Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation | Non-insurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

32.30%

Portion of gains (losses) recognised when control of subsidiary is lost, attributable to derecognising regulatory deferral account balances in former subsidiary

$ (61.5)

Gains (losses) on exchange differences on translation, before tax

$ (26.9)

Impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) recognised in profit or loss

$ (164)

Atlas Mara Limited | Non-insurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

50.00%

42.40%

Fairfax Africa | Atlas Mara Limited

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of interests acquired

42.30%

Consideration paid

$ 40

Fairfax Africa | Atlas Mara Limited | Atlas Mara Secured Borrowings | Non-insurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Notional amount

40

Fairfax Africa | Atlas Mara Limited | Fairfax Africa Term Deposits | Non-insurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Notional amount

$ 19.7

Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation | Helios Holding Limited

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of interests acquired

45.90%

European Run-off | RiverStone Barbados

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Proceeds from sales of investment property

$ 599.5

RiverStone Barbados

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of interests acquired

60.00%

60.00%

60.00%

40.00%

Equity interests issued in combination

$ 605

$ 605

RiverStone Barbados | OMERS

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of interests acquired

40.00%

Acquisitions and Divestitures_3

Acquisitions and Divestitures - 2019 Acquisitions (Details) $ / shares in Units, R in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions

Nov. 06, 2019USD ($)

May 17, 2019USD ($)shares

May 16, 2019

Apr. 17, 2019USD ($)

Apr. 17, 2019CAD ($)$ / shares

Feb. 14, 2019USD ($)

Jan. 04, 2019USD ($)

Jan. 04, 2019ZAR (R)

Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 02, 2020

Mar. 31, 2020

Dec. 20, 2019

Feb. 05, 2019€ / shares

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Increase (decrease) through disposal of subsidiary, equity

$ 255.7

$ (466.2)

Investments in associates

$ 6,439.6

$ 5,984.4

Consideration paid

$ (561.5)

AGT Food & Ingredients Inc.

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Consideration paid

$ 226.5

$ 301.8

Percentage of economic interests acquired

69.90%

ARX Insurance Company (ARX Insurance)

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Consideration paid

$ 17.4

RiverStone Barbados

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of common shares acquired

60.00%

60.00%

40.00%

Percentage of interests acquired

60.00%

60.00%

40.00%

Common shares | AGT Food & Ingredients Inc.

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 18

AGT Food & Ingredients Inc.

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage in equity method investment

59.60%

59.60%

58.00%

Ownership percentage in investment if warrants are exercised

80.00%

80.00%

Grivalia Properties

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

53.00%

Net realized gains (losses)

$ 171.3

Increase (decrease) through disposal of subsidiary, equity

$ (466.2)

Eurobank Ergasias S.A

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

32.40%

18.00%

Eurobank Ergasias S.A | Non-insurance companies

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage

30.50%

30.50%

Investments in associates

$ 1,166.3

$ 1,164.4

Limited Liability Company FFH Ukraine Holdings (Fairfax Ukraine) | Universalna

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Cash transferred

$ 4.6

Ownership percentage

30.00%

Fairfax Africa | Consolidated Infrastructure Group

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Percentage of common shares acquired

41.20%

41.20%

Consideration paid

$ 44.9

R 628.3

Percentage of interests acquired

41.20%

41.20%

Fairfax Africa | Consolidated Infrastructure Group

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Ownership percentage in equity method investment

49.10%

49.10%

Shareholder's of Grivalia Properties REIC

Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]

Right to receive exchange of shares | shares

15.8

Pre-merger dividend (in dollars per share) | € / shares

€ 0.42

Acquisitions and Divestitures_4

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Assets and Liabilities Held-For-Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets held for sale:
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale	$ 0	$ 2,785.6
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale:
Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale	0	2,035.1
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,256.7	4,613
Non-current assets held for sale
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale:
Cash and cash equivalents		283.7
Discontinued operations
Assets held for sale:
Insurance contract receivables		61.3
Portfolio investments(2)		2,375.3
Deferred premium acquisition costs		1.7
Recoverable from reinsurers		260
Deferred income taxes		2.2
Other assets		85.1
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale		2,785.6
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		67.1
Derivative obligations		2
Insurance contract payables		37.8
Insurance contract liabilities		1,836.8
Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies		91.4
Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale		2,035.1
Intercompany Reinsurance
Assets held for sale:
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale		(352.5)
Intercompany Reinsurance | Discontinued operations
Assets held for sale:
Insurance contract receivables		8.2
Portfolio investments(2)		0
Deferred premium acquisition costs		(0.2)
Recoverable from reinsurers		(382)
Deferred income taxes		0
Other assets		0
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale		(374)
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		0
Derivative obligations		0
Insurance contract payables		(11.7)
Insurance contract liabilities		(503.9)
Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies		0
Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale		(515.6)
Consolidation Adjustments | Discontinued operations
Assets held for sale:
Insurance contract receivables		0
Portfolio investments(2)		(313.4)
Deferred premium acquisition costs		0
Recoverable from reinsurers		0
Deferred income taxes		0
Other assets		(266.1)
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale		(579.5)
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(10.5)
Derivative obligations		0
Insurance contract payables		0
Insurance contract liabilities		0
Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies		0
Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale		(10.5)
European Run-off | Discontinued operations
Assets held for sale:
Insurance contract receivables		53.1
Portfolio investments(2)		2,688.7
Deferred premium acquisition costs		1.9
Recoverable from reinsurers		642
Deferred income taxes		2.2
Other assets		351.2
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale		3,739.1
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		77.6
Derivative obligations		2
Insurance contract payables		49.5
Insurance contract liabilities		2,340.7
Borrowings - insurance and reinsurance companies		91.4
Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale		$ 2,561.2

Financial Risk Management - Und

Financial Risk Management - Underwriting Risk - Gross Premiums Written (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	$ 10,533.2	$ 9,155.8
Gross premiums written	$ 19,125.9	17,511.2
Asbestos claims, maximum settlement period (in years)	40 years
Normalized net earnings, percent return on common shareholders' equity adjusted to pre-tax basis	15.00%
Canada
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	$ 2,084.2	1,836.5
United States
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	11,913.2	10,589
Asia
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,430.4	1,359.6
International
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	3,698.1	3,726.1
Property
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	6,852.5	6,321.2
Property  | Canada
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	996.2	853.5
Property  | United States
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	3,364.7	3,087.9
Property  | Asia
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	735.4	710.4
Property  | International
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,756.2	1,669.4
Casualty
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	10,437.9	9,545
Casualty  | Canada
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	899.1	805.4
Casualty  | United States
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	7,812.8	6,903.4
Casualty  | Asia
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	446.6	411.6
Casualty  | International
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,279.4	1,424.6
Specialty
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,835.5	1,645
Specialty  | Canada
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	188.9	177.6
Specialty  | United States
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	735.7	597.7
Specialty  | Asia
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	248.4	237.6
Specialty  | International
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	662.5	632.1
Insurance
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	14,309.4	13,167.8
Insurance | Canada
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,969.4	1,724.5
Insurance | United States
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	9,020.4	8,389.9
Insurance | Asia
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	682.2	676.1
Insurance | International
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	2,637.4	2,377.3
Reinsurance
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	4,816.5	4,343.4
Reinsurance | Canada
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	114.8	112
Reinsurance | United States
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	2,892.8	2,199.1
Reinsurance | Asia
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	748.2	683.5
Reinsurance | International
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,060.7	1,348.8
Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	10,533.2	9,155.8	$ 8,400.9
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Property
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	1,470.7	1,471.5
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Casualty
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	2,361.2	1,842.9
Ceded reinsurance contracts | Specialty
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	$ 429.5	$ 361.2

Financial Risk Management - Cre

Financial Risk Management - Credit Risk - Aggregate Gross Credit Risk Exposure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Assets	$ 74,054	$ 70,508.5
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Assets	5,176.8
Private Placement Debt Securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Market approach
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Assets	775.4	232
Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	48,211.8	43,057.9
Cash and short term investments | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	13,920.6	10,703.6
U.S. sovereign government | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	3,058.4	5,610.8
Other sovereign government rated AA/Aa or higher | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	311.2	1,090.4
All other sovereign government | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	649.3	1,230
Canadian provincials | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	49.9	2.9
U.S. states and municipalities | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	378.2	216.5
Corporate and other(4)(5) | AA/Aa
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Debt instruments held	875.3
Corporate and other(4)(5) | BBB/Baa
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Debt instruments held	1,601.4
Corporate and other(4)(5) | BB/Ba
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Debt instruments held	242.6
Corporate and other(4)(5) | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	$ 11,848.3	$ 8,164.8
Corporate and other(4)(5) | Credit risk | Low Risk Level
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	27.40%	20.90%
Receivable from counterparties to derivative contracts | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	$ 222.4	$ 85.2
Insurance contract receivables | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	5,816.1	5,435
Recoverable from reinsurers | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	10,533.2	9,155.8
Other assets | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	1,424.2	1,362.9
Bonds | Canada
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Bonds issued by government	16.5	664.4
Bonds | HONG KONG
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Bonds issued by government	58.7	105.9
Bonds | SINGAPORE
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Bonds issued by government	95.7	99.4
Bonds | Australia
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Bonds issued by government	42	89
Bonds | India
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Bonds issued by government	22.5	519
Bonds | Spain
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Bonds issued by government	233.9	218.2
Bonds | Poland
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Bonds issued by government	$ 128.7	$ 149.6
Bonds | Credit risk | Low Risk Level
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	7.80%	17.20%

Financial Risk Management - C_2

Financial Risk Management - Credit Risk - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Income taxes refundable	$ 88.7	$ 169
Proceeds from issue of bonds, notes and debentures	(287.2)	(3,618.7)
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	6,026.7	5,774.1
Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	48,211.8	$ 43,057.9
Capital and surplus requirement	$ 500
Investment grade or better | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	80.30%	85.30%
AA or better | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	27.00%	47.20%
AAA/Aaa | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	22.10%	41.80%
A/A | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	25.10%	18.40%
BBB/Baa | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	28.20%	19.70%
BB/Ba | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	3.20%	0.80%
Unrated | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	15.80%	13.40%
Cash and short term investments | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	$ 13,920.6	$ 10,703.6
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	116.4	$ 5.3
Bonds, U.S. treasury
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Net proceeds	2,521.5
Bonds, Canadian government
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Net proceeds	626
Bonds, Canadian government | AAA/Aaa | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Proceeds from issue of bonds, notes and debentures	(626)
Bonds, Indian government | BBB/Baa | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Proceeds from issue of bonds, notes and debentures	$ 479.6
Other than U.S., U.K., German, and Canadian sovereign government | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	8.00%	8.20%
Maximum exposure to credit risk	$ 3,474.4	$ 3,201.5
Largest single issuer of corporate bonds | Credit risk | Atlas Corp
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	1.30%	1.20%
Maximum exposure to credit risk	$ 575.9	$ 483.4
Government securities | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Financial assets pledged as liabilities	12.9	10.8
Recoverable from reinsurers | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	$ 10,533.2	$ 9,155.8
Recoverable from reinsurers | A Plus | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	8.00%	6.40%
Bonds, Corporate and other | AA/Aa
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Debt instruments held	$ 875.3
Bonds, Corporate and other | BBB/Baa
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Debt instruments held	1,601.4
Bonds, Corporate and other | BB/Ba
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Debt instruments held	242.6
Bonds, Corporate and other | Unrated
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Debt instruments held	839.1
Bonds, Corporate and other | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Maximum exposure to credit risk	$ 11,848.3	$ 8,164.8
Canada and United States | Cash and short term investments | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	86.70%	83.50%
Europe | Cash and short term investments | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	10.20%	11.00%
Other foreign countries | Cash and short term investments | Credit risk
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Risk exposure percentage	3.10%	5.50%

Financial Risk Management - C_3

Financial Risk Management - Credit Risk - Schedule of Issuer Credit Rating (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Assets	$ 74,054	$ 70,508.5
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	5,176.8	4,935.1	$ 5,374
Assets	5,176.8
Private Placement Debt Securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	1,774.2	1,420.1	$ 1,992.9
Private Placement Debt Securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Market approach
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Assets	775.4	232
Bonds | Blackberry Limited
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	438.6	442.1
Bonds | Chorus Aviation
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	153	155.8
Bonds | Atlas Corp
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	$ 575.9	$ 483.4
Credit risk | AAA/Aaa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	22.10%	41.80%
Credit risk | AA/Aa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	4.90%	5.40%
Credit risk | A/A
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	25.10%	18.40%
Credit risk | BBB/Baa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	28.20%	19.70%
Credit risk | BB/Ba
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	3.20%	0.80%
Credit risk | B/B
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	0.30%	0.40%
Credit risk | Lower than B/B
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	0.40%	0.10%
Credit risk | Unrated
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	15.80%	13.40%
Credit risk | Total
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Percent	100.00%	100.00%
At cost | Credit risk | AAA/Aaa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	$ 3,574.3	$ 6,795.2
At cost | Credit risk | AA/Aa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	779.1	870
At cost | Credit risk | A/A
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	3,856.5	2,979.4
At cost | Credit risk | BBB/Baa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	4,157.4	3,059.6
At cost | Credit risk | BB/Ba
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	489.6	121.9
At cost | Credit risk | B/B
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	41.7	59.9
At cost | Credit risk | Lower than B/B
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	62.4	31.6
At cost | Credit risk | Unrated
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	2,458.9	2,125.8
At cost | Credit risk | Total
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	15,419.9	16,043.4
At fair value | Credit risk | AAA/Aaa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	3,604.8	6,820.4
At fair value | Credit risk | AA/Aa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	805.1	881.8
At fair value | Credit risk | A/A
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	4,086.6	3,008
At fair value | Credit risk | BBB/Baa
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	4,590.8	3,206.2
At fair value | Credit risk | BB/Ba
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	518.8	135
At fair value | Credit risk | B/B
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	42.9	61.6
At fair value | Credit risk | Lower than B/B
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	63.8	16.4
At fair value | Credit risk | Unrated
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	2,582.5	2,186
At fair value | Credit risk | Total
Disclosure of external credit grades [line items]
Financial assets	$ 16,295.3	$ 16,315.4

Financial Risk Management - C_4

Financial Risk Management - Credit Risk - Related Derivative Contract Counterparties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [abstract]
Total derivative assets	$ 222.4	$ 85.2
Obligations that may be offset under net settlement arrangements	(32)	(19.2)
Fair value of collateral deposited for the benefit of the company	(124.3)	(14.2)
Excess collateral pledged by the company in favour of counterparties	11.7	1.9
Initial margin not held in segregated third party custodian accounts	5.6	0
Net derivative counterparty exposure after net settlement and collateral arrangements	83.4	53.7
Excess collateral pledged by counterparties	$ 5	$ 1.9

Financial Risk Management - C_5

Financial Risk Management - Credit Risk - Gross Recoverable From Reinsurers Classified by Financial Strength (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	$ 10,533.2	$ 9,155.8
Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	10,533.2	9,155.8	$ 8,400.9
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance	7,947.3	6,934.8
Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	10,688.8	9,317.3
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance	7,971.7	6,956.7
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	(155.6)	(161.5)	$ (164.8)
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance	(24.4)	(21.9)
Credit risk | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	10,533.2	9,155.8
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	1,256	1,030.2
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	9,432.8	8,287.1
Provision for uncollectible reinsurance	(155.6)	(161.5)
Recoverable from reinsurers	9,277.2	8,125.6
Credit risk | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	10,688.8	9,317.3
Credit risk | Provision for uncollectible reinsurance | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	(155.6)	(161.5)
Credit risk | A Plus Plus | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	27.5	28.8
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	446.4	328.3
Credit risk | A Plus Plus | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	473.9	357.1
Credit risk | A Plus | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	361.5	351.9
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	4,882.7	4,654
Credit risk | A Plus | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	5,244.2	5,005.9
Credit risk | A | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	97.6	106
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	2,975.3	2,461.7
Credit risk | A | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	3,072.9	2,567.7
Credit risk | A Minus | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	29.9	9.7
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	329.2	208
Credit risk | A Minus | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	359.1	217.7
Credit risk | B Plus Plus | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	5.2	1.2
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	50.7	16.9
Credit risk | B Plus Plus | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	55.9	18.1
Credit risk | B Plus | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	0	0.4
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	2.6	3.5
Credit risk | B Plus | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	2.6	3.9
Credit risk | B or lower | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	0.4	1.4
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	15.6	9.6
Credit risk | B or lower | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	16	11
Credit risk | Not rated | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	726.9	524.3
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	374.9	416.8
Credit risk | Not rated | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	1,101.8	941.1
Credit risk | Pools and associations | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Outstanding balances for which security  is held	7	6.5
Net unsecured recoverable from reinsurers	355.4	188.3
Credit risk | Pools and associations | Gross recoverable from reinsurers | Ceded reinsurance contracts
Disclosure of credit risk exposure [line items]
Gross recoverable from reinsurers	$ 362.4	$ 194.8

Financial Risk Management - Liq

Financial Risk Management - Liquidity Risk - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 28, 2021USD ($)$ / shares	Jan. 28, 2020USD ($)$ / shares	Jan. 28, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Jan. 31, 2021$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 05, 2021USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2021CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 02, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Feb. 21, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 20, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Common share dividends		$ 275,700,000	$ 278,000,000		$ 441,300,000	$ 453,800,000
Dividend per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 10	$ 10		$ 10	$ 10
Cash and investments, net					$ 41,900,000,000	$ 38,000,000,000
Borrowings					8,814,000,000	7,232,600,000
Notional amount					8,849,000,000	7,261,000,000
Net (purchases) sales of securities classified as FVTPL					313,100,000	1,716,200,000
Repayments of borrowings in next fiscal year					2,252,000,000
Equity total return swaps - long positions
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Net cash paid (received) for derivative closures and reset provisions					(207,400,000)	34,500,000
Notional amount					1,788,300,000	406,300,000
Net (purchases) sales of securities classified as FVTPL					216,700,000
RiverStone Barbados
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Percentage of common shares acquired												60.00%	60.00%			40.00%
Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Cash and investments, net					1,229,400,000	975,200,000
Borrowings					5,580,600,000	4,117,300,000
Notional amount					5,613,000,000	4,148,700,000
Repayments of borrowings in next fiscal year					700,000,000
Holding company cash and investments | Equity total return swaps - long positions
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Net cash paid (received) for derivative closures and reset provisions					(222,800,000)	17,000,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Common share dividends					239,700,000	282,300,000
Borrowings					1,033,400,000	1,039,600,000
Notional amount					1,025,200,000	1,028,100,000
Repayments of borrowings in next fiscal year					242,800,000
Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Cash and investments, net					41,942,000,000	38,029,400,000
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Borrowings					2,200,000,000	2,075,700,000
Notional amount					2,210,800,000	2,084,200,000
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Repayments of borrowings in next fiscal year					1,309,200,000
Revolving credit facility | Holding company cash and investments | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Borrowings							$ 500,000,000		$ 200,000,000
The credit facility | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Revolving credit facility available					2,000,000,000
AGT Floating Rate Secured Senior Credit Facility Due March 2020
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Borrowings					440,500,000	386,900,000					$ 561.2				$ 501.7
Notional amount														$ 525
AGT Floating Rate Secured Senior Credit Facility Due March 2020 | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount										$ 525
Fairfax India 5.00% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2028 | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount								$ 58,400,000
Fairfax India 5.00% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2028 | Non-insurance companies | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount								$ 500,000,000
Interest rate								5.00%
Fairfax India | Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Investments lacking liquidity or inactively traded					$ 1,095,500,000
Fairfax India and Fairfax Africa | Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Investments lacking liquidity or inactively traded						$ 1,415,300,000
Liquidity risk | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Risk exposure percentage					11.30%	12.50%					11.30%				12.50%
Long and short equity and equity index total return swaps | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Net (purchases) sales of securities classified as FVTPL					$ (628,600,000)	$ 30,700,000
Subsequent event
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Common share dividends	$ 272,100,000
Dividend per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 10			$ 10

Financial Risk Management - L_2

Financial Risk Management - Liquidity Risk - Financial Liabilities Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Insurance contract payables	$ 2,964	$ 2,591
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	30,809.3	28,500.2	$ 29,081.7	$ 28,610.8	$ 19,481.8	$ 19,816.4	$ 17,749.1	$ 19,212.8	$ 19,648.8	$ 17,232.2
Liquidity risk
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,265.5	4,198.3
Insurance contract payables	2,501.2	2,217.8
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	30,809.3	28,500.2
Total financial liabilities	48,419.5	44,224.4
Liquidity risk | Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	6,638.2	5,176.8
Borrowings - interest	1,703.4	1,729.1
Liquidity risk | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	2,210.8	2,084.2
Borrowings - interest	291.1	318
Liquidity risk | 3 months or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,464.8	1,321.1
Insurance contract payables	775.6	717.2
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,880.5	2,475.6
Total financial liabilities	5,800.4	5,160.3
Liquidity risk | 3 months or less | Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	50.1	0
Borrowings - interest	54.6	53.1
Liquidity risk | 3 months or less | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	547.6	533.4
Borrowings - interest	27.2	59.9
Liquidity risk | 3 months to 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	816.6	799.9
Insurance contract payables	1,493	1,294.8
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	6,111.7	5,325.9
Total financial liabilities	10,323.1	8,558
Liquidity risk | 3 months to 1 year | Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	892.7	140
Borrowings - interest	204.2	180.5
Liquidity risk | 3 months to 1 year | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	761.6	771.5
Borrowings - interest	43.3	45.4
Liquidity risk | 1 - 3 years
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	854.5	798.1
Insurance contract payables	205.6	133.2
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	9,577.5	8,490.8
Total financial liabilities	12,127.3	10,765.5
Liquidity risk | 1 - 3 years | Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	664.7	433.9
Borrowings - interest	479	456.4
Liquidity risk | 1 - 3 years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	269.5	392.7
Borrowings - interest	76.5	60.4
Liquidity risk | 3 - 5 years
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	454.3	426
Insurance contract payables	13.5	9.6
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	4,753.5	4,619.5
Total financial liabilities	7,160.4	6,275.4
Liquidity risk | 3 - 5 years | Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	1,142.9	676
Borrowings - interest	411.5	391.1
Liquidity risk | 3 - 5 years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	344	114.8
Borrowings - interest	40.7	38.4
Liquidity risk | More than five years
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	675.3	853.2
Insurance contract payables	13.5	63
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	7,486.1	7,588.4
Total financial liabilities	13,008.3	13,465.2
Liquidity risk | More than five years | Holding company, insurance, and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	3,887.8	3,926.9
Borrowings - interest	554.1	648
Liquidity risk | More than five years | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings - principal	288.1	271.8
Borrowings - interest	$ 103.4	$ 113.9

Financial Risk Management - L_3

Financial Risk Management - Liquidity Risk - Derivative Financial Liabilities (Details) - Liquidity risk - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	$ 189.4	$ 205.9
3 months or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	108.4	120.6
3 months to 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	35.3	31.9
More than 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	45.7	53.4
Equity total return swaps - short positions
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	84.6
Equity total return swaps - short positions | 3 months or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	58
Equity total return swaps - short positions | 3 months to 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	26.6
Equity total return swaps - short positions | More than 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	0
Equity total return swaps - long positions
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	18	3
Equity total return swaps - long positions | 3 months or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	8.3	0
Equity total return swaps - long positions | 3 months to 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	9.7	3
Equity total return swaps - long positions | More than 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	0
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	1.7
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts | 3 months or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	1.7
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts | 3 months to 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	0
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts | More than 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	0	0
Foreign currency forward and swap contracts
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	136	114.5
Foreign currency forward and swap contracts | 3 months or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	74.3	59.3
Foreign currency forward and swap contracts | 3 months to 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	16.1	1.9
Foreign currency forward and swap contracts | More than 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	45.6	53.3
Other derivative contracts
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	35.4	2.1
Other derivative contracts | 3 months or less
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	25.8	1.6
Other derivative contracts | 3 months to 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	9.5	0.4
Other derivative contracts | More than 1 year
Disclosure of maturity analysis for derivative financial liabilities [line items]
Derivative financial liabilities	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Financial Risk Management - Mar

Financial Risk Management - Market Risk - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	$ 8,849	$ 7,261
Bonds
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Fair value	$ 16,295.3	16,315.4
Interest rate risk
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Change in interest rate on investments	2.00%
Increment change in interest rate on investments	1.00%
Interest rate risk | Bonds
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Fair value	$ 16,295.3	16,315.4
Bonds, U.S. Corporate
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets	2,071.9
Bonds, U.S. treasury
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Net proceeds	2,521.5
Bonds, Canadian government
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Net proceeds	626
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	330.8	$ 846.5
Bonds, India government
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Net proceeds	$ 479.6

Financial Risk Management - M_2

Financial Risk Management - Market Risk - Potential Impact of Changes in Interest Rates on Fixed Asset Portfolio (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	$ 8,849	$ 7,261
U.S. treasury bond forward contracts
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	330.8	846.5
Debt securities
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Fair value of fixed income portfolio, no change	16,295.3	16,315.4
Interest rate risk | Debt securities
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Fair value of fixed income portfolio, 200 basis point increase	15,540.5	15,752.1
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 200 basis point increase	$ (624.5)	$ (463.3)
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 200 basis point increase	(4.60%)	(3.50%)
Fair value of fixed income portfolio, 100 basis point increase	$ 15,889.8	$ 16,018.9
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 100 basis point increase	$ (335.2)	$ (243.6)
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 100 basis point increase	(2.50%)	(1.80%)
Fair value of fixed income portfolio, no change	$ 16,295.3	$ 16,315.4
Fair value of fixed income portfolio, 100 basis point decrease	16,790.2	16,712.8
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 100 basis point decrease	$ 410	$ 326.8
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 100 basis point decrease	3.00%	2.40%
Fair value of fixed income portfolio, 200 basis point decrease	$ 17,348.4	$ 17,162.3
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 200 basis point decrease	$ 871.6	$ 695.8
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 200 basis point decrease	6.50%	5.20%

Financial Risk Management - M_3

Financial Risk Management - Market Price Fluctuations - Narrative (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2021CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	$ 8,849	$ 7,261
Market value	382.7	288
Net gains (losses) on investments	313.1	1,716.2
Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	$ 5,613	$ 4,148.7
CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Average life (in years)	2 years 8 months 12 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Notional amount	$ 74,906	$ 99,804.7
Market value	2.8	6.7
Equity price risk | Investment Portfolio With Ten Largest Issuers
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Common equity instrument	$ 4,981.5	$ 5,136.2
Risk exposure percentage	11.50%	13.20%			11.50%	11.50%	13.20%	13.20%
Currency risk
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Change in interest rate on investments	10.00%
Bottom of range | Equity price risk
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Change in interest rate on investments	10.00%	5.00%
Top of range | Equity price risk
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Change in interest rate on investments	20.00%	10.00%
3.95% Unsecured Senior Notes Due March 3, 2031 | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount			$ 671.6	$ 850,000,000
5.84% due October 14, 2022 (Cdn$450.0) | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	$ 350.1	$ 343.9			$ 446,000,000
4.50% due March 22, 2023 (Cdn$400.0) | Holding company cash and investments
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	314	308.5			$ 400,000,000
Non-insurance associates
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Fair value of investments in associates	5,609.8	6,494.4
Eurobank Ergasias S.A
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Common equity instrument		1,041
Eurobank Ergasias S.A | Equity price risk | Investment Portfolio With Single Largest Issuer
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Common equity instrument	$ 1,166.3	$ 1,164.4
Risk exposure percentage	2.70%	3.00%			2.70%	2.70%	3.00%	3.00%
Canada
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries	$ (38)	$ (105.6)
Canada  | Unsecured senior notes | Hedges of net investment in foreign operations
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Borrowings					$ 2,796,000,000		$ 2,796,000,000
Borrowings at fair value	2,397.6	2,270
Europe
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Gains (losses) on hedge of net investment in Canadian subsidiaries	(75.8)	(35.3)
Europe | Unsecured senior notes | Hedges of net investment in foreign operations
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Borrowings | €						€ 750		€ 277
Borrowings at fair value	1,023.9	336.2
United States, European Union, and United Kingdom | CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Notional amount	27,215.3	1,800.3
CPI-linked derivatives
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]
Net gains (losses) on investments	$ (13.9)	$ (12.3)

Financial Risk Management - M_4

Financial Risk Management - Market Price Fluctuations - Equity and Equity Related Holdings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	May 17, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			$ 8,849	$ 7,261
Market value			382.7	288
Net gains (losses) on investments			313.1	1,716.2
Sales of investments in associates			139.8	323.8
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Net gains (losses) on investments				$ 311.2
Ownership percentage				9.90%
Gains (losses) recognised in profit or loss attributable to change in unrealised gains or losses for assets held at end of period, fair value measurement				$ 71.2
Sales of investments in associates				729
Net realized gains (losses)				240
Grivalia Properties
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Net realized gains (losses)		$ 171.3
Davos Brands
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Sales of investments in associates	$ 58.6
Net realized gains (losses)	$ 19.3
Equity total return swaps – long positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			1,788.3	406.3
Market value			144.3	11.1
Net gains (losses) on investments			216.7
Equity total return swaps – short positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			0	369.8
Market value			0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments			(528.6)	30.3
Equity price risk
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Net equity exposures and financial effects, exposure/notional amount			12,959.8	12,023.7
Net equity exposures and financial effects, pre-tax earnings (loss)			(156.7)	1,222.2
Equity price risk | Investments in associates and subsidiary
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount				6,494.4
Total carrying value			5,134.9	5,492.3
Net gains (losses) on investments			8.6	0.7
Equity price risk | Deconsolidation of non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			0	0
Total carrying value			0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments			(61.5)	171.3
Equity price risk | Common stocks
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			4,939.7	4,604.2
Common equity instrument, carrying value			4,939.7	4,604.2
Net gains (losses) on investments			24.7	915.9
Equity price risk | Preferred stocks – convertible
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			27.9	20.7
Preferred equity instrument, carrying value			27.9	20.7
Net gains (losses) on investments			4.4	0.9
Equity price risk | Bonds – convertible
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			461.3	667.6
Market value			461.3	667.6
Net gains (losses) on investments			143.4	1.4
Equity price risk | Equity hedges and long equity exposures
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			12,959.8	12,393.5
Total equity and equity related holdings			10,822.9	10,993.2
Net gains (losses) on investments			371.9	1,280
Equity price risk | Equity total return swaps – long positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			1,788.3	406.3
Market value			126.3	8.1
Net gains (losses) on investments			325.6	20.5
Equity price risk | Equity warrant forward contracts
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			0	0
Market value			0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments			0	45.4
Equity price risk | Equity warrants and call options
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			132.8	200.3
Market value			132.8	200.3
Net gains (losses) on investments			(56.3)	123.9
Equity price risk | Other
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			0	0
Market value			0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments			(17)	0
Equity price risk | Equity hedges and short equity exposures
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			0	(369.8)
Total equity and equity related holdings			0	(84.6)
Net gains (losses) on investments			(528.6)	(57.8)
Equity price risk | Equity total return swaps – short positions
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			0	(369.8)
Market value			0	(84.6)
Net gains (losses) on investments			(528.6)	(45)
Equity price risk | Other
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]
Notional amount			0	0
Market value			$ 0	0
Net gains (losses) on investments				$ (12.8)

Financial Risk Management - M_5

Financial Risk Management - Market Price Fluctuations - Impact on Net Earnings (Details) - Equity price risk - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]
Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings, 20% increase	$ 8,799
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 20% increase	$ 1,227.5
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 20% increase	19.70%
Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings, 10% increase	$ 8,074.2	$ 6,048.3
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 10% increase	$ 613.3	$ 433.9
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 10% increase	9.90%	9.40%
Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings, 5% increase		$ 5,788.2
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 5% increase		$ 216.4
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 5% increase		4.70%
Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings, no change	$ 7,350	$ 5,529.3
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, no change	$ 0	$ 0
Hypothetical % change in fair value, no change	0.00%	0.00%
Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings, 5% decrease		$ 5,271.8
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 5% decrease		$ (215.1)
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 5% decrease		(4.70%)
Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings, 10% decrease	$ 6,627.5	$ 5,015.7
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 10% decrease	$ (611.6)	$ (428.8)
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 10% decrease	(9.80%)	(9.30%)
Fair value of equity and equity-related holdings, 20% decrease	$ 5,897.4
Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings, 20% decrease	$ (1,228.8)
Hypothetical % change in fair value, 20% decrease	(19.80%)

Financial Risk Management - M_6

Financial Risk Management - Market Price Fluctuations - Pre Tax Foreign Exchange (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [abstract]
Investing activities	$ 105.4	$ (68)
Underwriting activities	(16.8)	5.6
Foreign currency contracts	(33)	(1.3)
Foreign currency net gains (losses)	$ 55.6	$ (63.7)

Financial Risk Management - M_7

Financial Risk Management - Market Price Fluctuations - Currency Appreciation (Details) - Currency risk - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Effect Of Currency Appreciation [Line Items]
Pre-tax earnings (loss)	$ (4.8)	$ (95.6)
Net earnings (loss)	(12.7)	(77.2)
Pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)	(542.2)	(720.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(495.7)	(665.7)
Canadian dollar
Effect Of Currency Appreciation [Line Items]
Pre-tax earnings (loss)	(25.6)	18.3
Net earnings (loss)	(25.1)	14
Pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)	(112.1)	(110)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(115.5)	(113.2)
Euro
Effect Of Currency Appreciation [Line Items]
Pre-tax earnings (loss)	(35.2)	59
Net earnings (loss)	(26.5)	44.2
Pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)	(17.4)	(86.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	13.7	(55.6)
British pound sterling
Effect Of Currency Appreciation [Line Items]
Pre-tax earnings (loss)	58.3	(5.1)
Net earnings (loss)	48.8	(2)
Pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)	(56.4)	(125.5)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(55.6)	(124.7)
Indian rupee
Effect Of Currency Appreciation [Line Items]
Pre-tax earnings (loss)	(47.3)	(110.1)
Net earnings (loss)	(45.9)	(95.3)
Pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)	(247.7)	(275.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(229.2)	(254.2)
All other currencies
Effect Of Currency Appreciation [Line Items]
Pre-tax earnings (loss)	45	(57.7)
Net earnings (loss)	36	(38.1)
Pre-tax other comprehensive income (loss)	(108.6)	(123.3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (109.1)	$ (118)

Financial Risk Management - Cap

Financial Risk Management - Capital Management - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [abstract]
Capitalization	$ 26,341.3	$ 25,139.8
Target capital level percentage	120.00%
Minimum supervisory target	150.00%

Financial Risk Management - C_6

Financial Risk Management - Capital Management - Schedule of Capital (Details) $ in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CAD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Holding company cash and investments (net of derivative obligations)	$ 41,900		$ 38,000
Borrowings	8,814		7,232.6
Net debt	7,584.6		6,257.4
Non-controlling interests	3,670.7		3,529.1
Total equity	$ 17,527.3		$ 17,907.2	$ 17,365.2
Net debt/total equity	43.30%	43.30%	34.90%
Net debt/net total capital	30.20%	30.20%	25.90%
Total debt/total capital	33.50%	33.50%	28.80%
Interest coverage	1.6	1.6	6.5
Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage	1.4	1.4	5.7
Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings	$ 6,614		$ 5,156.9
Net debt	5,384.6		4,181.7
Non-controlling interests	1,831.8		1,544.6
Total equity	$ 15,688.4		$ 15,922.7
Net debt/total equity	34.30%	34.30%	26.30%
Net debt/net total capital	25.60%	25.60%	20.80%
Total debt/total capital	29.70%	29.70%	24.50%
Interest coverage	3.3	3.3	9.8
Interest and preferred share dividend distribution coverage	2.7	2.7	7.9
Holding company
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Holding company cash and investments (net of derivative obligations)	$ 1,229.4		$ 975.2
Borrowings	5,580.6		4,117.3
Holding company | Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Holding company cash and investments (net of derivative obligations)	1,229.4		975.2
Borrowings	5,580.6		4,117.3
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings	1,033.4		1,039.6
Non-controlling interests	1,831.8		1,544.6
Insurance and reinsurance companies | Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings	1,033.4		1,039.6
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings	2,200		2,075.7
Non-insurance companies | Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Borrowings	0		0
Common shareholders’ equity
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Equity in stock	12,521.1		13,042.6
Common shareholders’ equity | Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Equity in stock	12,521.1		13,042.6
Preferred shares
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Equity in stock	1,335.5	$ 1,456	1,335.5
Preferred shares | Excluding consolidated non-insurance companies
Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items]
Equity in stock	$ 1,335.5		$ 1,335.5

Segmented Information - Operati

Segmented Information - Operating Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	$ 19,125.9	$ 17,511.2
Net premiums written	14,864.5	13,835.6
Net premiums earned	13,988.7	13,229.7
Underwriting expenses	(13,887.8)	(13,099.4)
Underwriting profit (loss)	100.9	130.3
Interest income	716.5	826.3
Dividends	77.8	93.7
Investment expenses	(25.1)	(39.8)
Interest and dividends	769.2	880.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(112.8)	169.6
Other revenue	4,719.6	5,537.1
Expenses	(4,858.9)	(5,433.2)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(139.3)	103.9
Operating income (loss)	618	1,284
Net gains (losses) on investments	313.1	1,716.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	117.1	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings	0	(23.7)
Interest expense	(475.9)	(472)
Corporate overhead	(328.2)	(271.8)
Earnings before income taxes	244.1	2,232.7
Provision for income taxes	(206.7)	(261.5)
Net earnings	37.4	1,971.2
Shareholders of Fairfax	218.4	2,004.1
Non-controlling interests	(181)	(32.9)
Operating companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	19,356.8	17,201
Net premiums written	14,717.7	13,261.1
Net premiums earned	13,860.6	12,587.6
Underwriting expenses	(13,551.6)	(12,193.1)
Underwriting profit (loss)	309	394.5
Interest income	619.7	717
Dividends	55	70.8
Investment expenses	(114.1)	(130.8)
Interest and dividends	560.6	657
Share of profit (loss) of associates	46.2	56
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	915.8	1,107.5
Net gains (losses) on investments	136.4	1,258.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(56.3)
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(67.6)	(69)
Corporate overhead	(155.1)	(124.7)
Earnings before income taxes	773.2	2,172.3
Other | Run-off
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	146.8	609.6
Net premiums written	146.8	574.5
Net premiums earned	128.1	642.1
Underwriting expenses	(336.2)	(906.3)
Underwriting profit (loss)	(208.1)	(264.2)
Interest income	28.5	60.5
Dividends	4.9	9.5
Investment expenses	(8.7)	(14.2)
Interest and dividends	24.7	55.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(11.2)	(6.3)
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	(194.6)	(214.7)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(96.9)	168.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(9)
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(2.3)	(7)
Corporate overhead	(0.2)	0.4
Earnings before income taxes	(303)	(53.1)
Other | Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
Underwriting expenses	0	0
Underwriting profit (loss)	0	0
Interest income	20.5	24.5
Dividends	17.2	11.8
Investment expenses	9.4	(89)
Interest and dividends	47.1	(52.7)
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(100.2)	(45.2)
Other revenue	4,742.4	5,537.1
Expenses	(4,868)	(5,441.6)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(125.6)	95.5
Operating income (loss)	(178.7)	(2.4)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(65.6)	72.6
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(170.6)	(184.9)
Corporate overhead	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	(414.9)	(114.7)
Corporate and Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
Underwriting expenses	0	0
Underwriting profit (loss)	0	0
Interest income	57.1	33.7
Dividends	0.7	1.6
Investment expenses	(2)	(2.4)
Interest and dividends	55.8	32.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(47.6)	165.1
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	8.2	198
Net gains (losses) on investments	339.2	216.9
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	182.4
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		(23.7)
Interest expense	(235.6)	(212.1)
Corporate overhead	(82.6)	49.1
Earnings before income taxes	211.6	228.2
Eliminations and adjustments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	(377.7)	(299.4)
Net premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
Underwriting expenses	0	0
Underwriting profit (loss)	0	0
Interest income	(9.3)	(9.4)
Dividends	0	0
Investment expenses	90.3	196.6
Interest and dividends	81	187.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates	0	0
Other revenue	(22.8)	0
Expenses	9.1	8.4
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(13.7)	8.4
Operating income (loss)	67.3	195.6
Net gains (losses) on investments	0	0
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	0.2	1
Corporate overhead	(90.3)	(196.6)
Earnings before income taxes	(22.8)	0
External
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	19,125.9	17,511.2
Net premiums earned	13,988.7	13,229.7
External | Operating companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	18,979.1	16,904.8
Net premiums earned	13,859	12,544.7
External | Other | Run-off
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	146.8	606.4
Net premiums earned	129.7	685
External | Other | Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
External | Corporate and Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
External | Eliminations and adjustments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
Intercompany
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
Intercompany | Operating companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	377.7	296.2
Net premiums earned	1.6	42.9
Intercompany | Other | Run-off
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	3.2
Net premiums earned	(1.6)	(42.9)
Intercompany | Other | Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
Intercompany | Corporate and Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	0	0
Intercompany | Eliminations and adjustments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	(377.7)	(299.4)
Net premiums earned	0	0
Northbridge | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,735.2	1,521.5
Net premiums written	1,540.4	1,350.3
Net premiums earned	1,424.1	1,240.3
Underwriting expenses	(1,315.3)	(1,193.6)
Underwriting profit (loss)	108.8	46.7
Interest income	59.6	65.9
Dividends	7.9	10.4
Investment expenses	(11.3)	(11.3)
Interest and dividends	56.2	65
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(3)	1.1
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	162	112.8
Net gains (losses) on investments	105.7	0.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(1.3)	(1.5)
Corporate overhead	(8.1)	(5.7)
Earnings before income taxes	258.3	106.1
Northbridge | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,727.5	1,513.6
Net premiums earned	1,435.1	1,247.3
Northbridge | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	7.7	7.9
Net premiums earned	(11)	(7)
Odyssey Group | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	4,446.7	3,816
Net premiums written	3,789.6	3,393.8
Net premiums earned	3,586.6	3,179.2
Underwriting expenses	(3,396.7)	(3,089.3)
Underwriting profit (loss)	189.9	89.9
Interest income	173.6	189.5
Dividends	8.6	17.5
Investment expenses	(31)	(31.1)
Interest and dividends	151.2	175.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	27.8	55.1
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	368.9	320.9
Net gains (losses) on investments	(26.9)	149.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(30.5)
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(6.4)	(7.8)
Corporate overhead	(10.5)	(10.7)
Earnings before income taxes	294.6	451.9
Odyssey Group | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	4,306.3	3,742.8
Net premiums earned	3,555.8	3,162.2
Odyssey Group | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	140.4	73.2
Net premiums earned	30.8	17
Crum & Forster | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	3,109.4	2,827.8
Net premiums written	2,543	2,331.5
Net premiums earned	2,426.2	2,193.8
Underwriting expenses	(2,366.1)	(2,142)
Underwriting profit (loss)	60.1	51.8
Interest income	91.9	93.6
Dividends	2.2	7
Investment expenses	(14.5)	(14.7)
Interest and dividends	79.6	85.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(14.8)	19.1
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	124.9	156.8
Net gains (losses) on investments	(158.2)	75.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(25.8)
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(4.7)	(5.3)
Corporate overhead	(28.2)	(20.5)
Earnings before income taxes	(92)	206.2
Crum & Forster | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	3,082.4	2,805
Net premiums earned	2,462.7	2,234.4
Crum & Forster | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	27	22.8
Net premiums earned	(36.5)	(40.6)
Zenith National | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	661.7	732.7
Net premiums written	646.1	720.8
Net premiums earned	643.8	735
Underwriting expenses	(591.9)	(626.2)
Underwriting profit (loss)	51.9	108.8
Interest income	24.3	36.7
Dividends	1.8	4
Investment expenses	(7.1)	(7.6)
Interest and dividends	19	33.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(4.2)	(16.4)
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	66.7	125.5
Net gains (losses) on investments	(59.9)	22.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(3.8)	(3.9)
Corporate overhead	(9.8)	(8.5)
Earnings before income taxes	(6.8)	135.6
Zenith National | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	661.7	732.7
Net premiums earned	646.6	737.3
Zenith National | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	0	0
Net premiums earned	(2.8)	(2.3)
Brit | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	2,424.4	2,293.5
Net premiums written	1,775.6	1,656.2
Net premiums earned	1,710.7	1,641.9
Underwriting expenses	(1,951)	(1,590.8)
Underwriting profit (loss)	(240.3)	51.1
Interest income	67.1	82
Dividends	3.4	3
Investment expenses	(12.3)	(11.5)
Interest and dividends	58.2	73.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates	6.6	(2.4)
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	(175.5)	122.2
Net gains (losses) on investments	24.4	62.1
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(19)	(19.1)
Corporate overhead	(11.9)	(9.2)
Earnings before income taxes	(182)	156
Brit | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	2,407.6	2,245.4
Net premiums earned	1,710.4	1,608.1
Brit | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	16.8	48.1
Net premiums earned	0.3	33.8
Allied World | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	4,680.7	3,860.3
Net premiums written	3,017.6	2,428.9
Net premiums earned	2,722.6	2,335.4
Underwriting expenses	(2,596.6)	(2,277.7)
Underwriting profit (loss)	126	57.7
Interest income	136.5	165.6
Dividends	20.3	16.7
Investment expenses	(30.1)	(33.4)
Interest and dividends	126.7	148.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	35.6	13.3
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	288.3	219.9
Net gains (losses) on investments	246	210.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(30.3)	(29.1)
Corporate overhead	(79.2)	(59.7)
Earnings before income taxes	424.8	341.3
Allied World | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	4,633.8	3,809.3
Net premiums earned	2,788.4	2,345.9
Allied World | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	46.9	51
Net premiums earned	(65.8)	(10.5)
Fairfax Asia | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	424.7	438.3
Net premiums written	221.6	231.2
Net premiums earned	221.7	215.2
Underwriting expenses	(214.6)	(208.8)
Underwriting profit (loss)	7.1	6.4
Interest income	14.1	16.9
Dividends	7.1	8.6
Investment expenses	(1.2)	(7.8)
Interest and dividends	20	17.7
Share of profit (loss) of associates	14.6	(0.1)
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	41.7	24
Net gains (losses) on investments	12.3	632.3
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(0.4)	(0.4)
Corporate overhead	(6)	(9.8)
Earnings before income taxes	47.6	646.1
Fairfax Asia | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	421.2	439.3
Net premiums earned	229.2	228.2
Fairfax Asia | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	3.5	(1)
Net premiums earned	(7.5)	(13)
Other | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,874	1,710.9
Net premiums written	1,183.8	1,148.4
Net premiums earned	1,124.9	1,046.8
Underwriting expenses	(1,119.4)	(1,064.7)
Underwriting profit (loss)	5.5	(17.9)
Interest income	52.6	66.8
Dividends	3.7	3.6
Investment expenses	(6.6)	(13.4)
Interest and dividends	49.7	57
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(16.4)	(13.7)
Other revenue	0	0
Expenses	0	0
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	0	0
Operating income (loss)	38.8	25.4
Net gains (losses) on investments	(7)	106.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Loss on repurchase of borrowings		0
Interest expense	(1.7)	(1.9)
Corporate overhead	(1.4)	(0.6)
Earnings before income taxes	28.7	129.1
Other | External | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	1,738.6	1,616.7
Net premiums earned	1,030.8	981.3
Other | Intercompany | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Gross premiums written	135.4	94.2
Net premiums earned	$ 94.1	$ 65.5

Segmented Information - Underwr

Segmented Information - Underwriting Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	$ 12,303.9	$ 11,927.5
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	13,887.8	13,099.4
Operating companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	9,523.5	8,423.2
Commissions	2,363.1	2,182.3
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	2,119.9	2,067.4
Underwriting expenses - accident year	14,006.5	12,672.9
Net favourable claims reserve development	(454.9)	(479.8)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	13,551.6	12,193.1
Northbridge | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	878.9	851.9
Commissions	243.8	204.1
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	231.8	204.7
Underwriting expenses - accident year	1,354.5	1,260.7
Net favourable claims reserve development	(39.2)	(67.1)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	1,315.3	1,193.6
Odyssey Group | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	2,652.2	2,383.6
Commissions	693.5	629.9
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	270.5	305.4
Underwriting expenses - accident year	3,616.2	3,318.9
Net favourable claims reserve development	(219.5)	(229.6)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	3,396.7	3,089.3
Crum & Forster | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	1,521.7	1,387.4
Commissions	415.2	350.8
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	434.4	410
Underwriting expenses - accident year	2,371.3	2,148.2
Net favourable claims reserve development	(5.2)	(6.2)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	2,366.1	2,142
Zenith National | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	401.8	423.4
Commissions	74.1	80.1
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	190.1	204.8
Underwriting expenses - accident year	666	708.3
Net favourable claims reserve development	(74.1)	(82.1)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	591.9	626.2
Brit | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	1,301.8	961
Commissions	436.4	444.6
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	275.6	231.7
Underwriting expenses - accident year	2,013.8	1,637.3
Net favourable claims reserve development	(62.8)	(46.5)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	1,951	1,590.8
Allied World | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	1,931.2	1,585.8
Commissions	253.7	256.2
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	416.8	403.7
Underwriting expenses - accident year	2,601.7	2,245.7
Net favourable claims reserve development	(5.1)	32
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	2,596.6	2,277.7
Fairfax Asia | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	148.3	151.3
Commissions	30.8	29.1
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	54	56.7
Underwriting expenses - accident year	233.1	237.1
Net favourable claims reserve development	(18.5)	(28.3)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	214.6	208.8
Other | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Loss & LAE - accident year	687.6	678.8
Commissions	215.6	187.5
Premium acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	246.7	250.4
Underwriting expenses - accident year	1,149.9	1,116.7
Net favourable claims reserve development	(30.5)	(52)
Underwriting expenses - calendar year	$ 1,119.4	$ 1,064.7

Segmented Information - Investm

Segmented Information - Investments In Associates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	$ 6,439.6	$ 5,984.4
Additions to goodwill	182.1	316.2
Segment assets	74,054	70,508.5
Segment liabilities	56,526.7	52,601.3
Portfolio investments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	4,381.8	4,360.2
Fair value of investments in associates	4,154.3	4,521.7
Investment in associate held for sale (fair value $729.5; December 31, 2019 – nil)		0
Portfolio investments | RiverStone Barbados
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investment in associate held for sale (fair value $729.5; December 31, 2019 – nil)	729.5
European Run-off
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Total carrying value		442.9
Fair value of investments in associates		504.6
Operating companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Segment assets	63,375.4	57,905.9
Segment liabilities	44,736.3	40,395
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	3,109.3	3,017.5
Additions to goodwill	0	50.3
Segment assets	63,375.4	57,905.9
Segment liabilities	44,736.3	40,395
Operating companies | Northbridge | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	182.1	198.6
Additions to goodwill	0	0
Segment assets	5,231.6	4,654.4
Segment liabilities	3,418.3	3,085
Operating companies | Odyssey Group | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	1,164.9	1,050.5
Additions to goodwill	0	0
Segment assets	15,041.7	13,489
Segment liabilities	10,141	8,710.8
Operating companies | Crum & Forster | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	368.2	394.3
Additions to goodwill	0	0.5
Segment assets	7,596	6,803.3
Segment liabilities	5,448.2	4,995.4
Operating companies | Zenith National | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	124.5	154.7
Additions to goodwill	0	0
Segment assets	2,472	2,504.8
Segment liabilities	1,539.1	1,527.7
Operating companies | Brit | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	363.1	358.5
Additions to goodwill	0	45.9
Segment assets	9,040.7	8,106.8
Segment liabilities	6,826.2	6,329.2
Operating companies | Allied World | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	537	513.2
Additions to goodwill	0	0
Segment assets	16,975.5	15,596
Segment liabilities	12,547.4	11,499.3
Operating companies | Fairfax Asia | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	149.9	92.1
Additions to goodwill	0	0
Segment assets	1,920.1	2,231.5
Segment liabilities	794.7	805.1
Operating companies | Other | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	219.6	255.6
Additions to goodwill	0	3.9
Segment assets	5,097.8	4,520.1
Segment liabilities	4,021.4	3,442.5
Other | Run-off
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	129.3	260.5
Additions to goodwill	0	3.8
Segment assets	2,601.9	6,372.6
Segment liabilities	2,095.9	4,530.2
Other | Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	1,373.5	1,663
Additions to goodwill	182.1	262.1
Segment assets	8,349	9,261.1
Segment liabilities	5,124.2	5,232.5
Corporate and Other and eliminations and adjustments
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates	1,827.5	1,043.4
Additions to goodwill	0	0
Segment assets	(272.3)	(3,031.1)
Segment liabilities	$ 4,570.3	$ 2,443.6

Segmented Information - Product

Segmented Information - Product Line (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 13,988.7	$ 13,229.7
Interest and dividends	769.2	880.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(112.8)	169.6
Net gains on investments	313.1	1,716.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	117.1	0
Other revenue	4,719.6	5,537.1
Income	19,794.9	21,532.8
Property
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	5,034.3	4,575.8
Casualty
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	7,635.4	7,374.2
Specialty
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,319	1,279.7
Operating companies
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	13,860.6	12,587.6
Interest and dividends	560.6	657
Share of profit (loss) of associates	46.2	56
Net gains on investments	136.4	1,258.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(56.3)
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Property
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	5,002.7	4,472
Operating companies | Casualty
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	7,603.9	6,995
Operating companies | Specialty
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,254	1,120.6
Other | Run-off
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	128.1	642.1
Interest and dividends	24.7	55.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(11.2)	(6.3)
Net gains on investments	(96.9)	168.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(9)
Other revenue	0	0
Other | Property  | Run-off
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	31.6	103.8
Other | Casualty  | Run-off
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	31.5	379.2
Other | Specialty  | Run-off
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 65	$ 159.1
Product Concentration | Net Premiums Earned
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	100.00%	100.00%
Product Concentration | Net Premiums Earned | Property
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	36.00%	34.60%
Product Concentration | Net Premiums Earned | Casualty
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	54.60%	55.70%
Product Concentration | Net Premiums Earned | Specialty
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	9.40%	9.70%
Northbridge | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 1,424.1	$ 1,240.3
Interest and dividends	56.2	65
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(3)	1.1
Net gains on investments	105.7	0.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Northbridge | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	626.4	538
Northbridge | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	659.6	581.4
Northbridge | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	138.1	120.9
Odyssey Group | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	3,586.6	3,179.2
Interest and dividends	151.2	175.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	27.8	55.1
Net gains on investments	(26.9)	149.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(30.5)
Other revenue	0	0
Odyssey Group | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,838.9	1,598.8
Odyssey Group | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,444	1,288.2
Odyssey Group | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	303.7	292.2
Crum & Forster | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,426.2	2,193.8
Interest and dividends	79.6	85.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(14.8)	19.1
Net gains on investments	(158.2)	75.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(25.8)
Other revenue	0	0
Crum & Forster | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	364.2	293.8
Crum & Forster | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,837.5	1,771.6
Crum & Forster | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	224.5	128.4
Zenith National | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	643.8	735
Interest and dividends	19	33.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(4.2)	(16.4)
Net gains on investments	(59.9)	22.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Zenith National | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	37.5	39.1
Zenith National | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	605.9	695.9
Zenith National | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	0.4	0
Brit | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,710.7	1,641.9
Interest and dividends	58.2	73.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates	6.6	(2.4)
Net gains on investments	24.4	62.1
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Brit | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	544.3	494.3
Brit | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	853	844.3
Brit | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	313.4	303.3
Allied World | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,722.6	2,335.4
Interest and dividends	126.7	148.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	35.6	13.3
Net gains on investments	246	210.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Allied World | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	882.6	832.1
Allied World | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,755.4	1,394.1
Allied World | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	84.6	109.2
Fairfax Asia | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	221.7	215.2
Fairfax Asia | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	74.5	74.7
Fairfax Asia | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	116.4	113.7
Fairfax Asia | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	30.8	26.8
Other | Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,124.9	1,046.8
Interest and dividends	49.7	57
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(16.4)	(13.7)
Net gains on investments	(7)	106.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Other | Operating companies | Property  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	634.3	601.2
Other | Operating companies | Casualty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	332.1	305.8
Other | Operating companies | Specialty  | Insurance and Reinsurance
Disclosure of products and services [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 158.5	$ 139.8

Segmented Information - Geograp

Segmented Information - Geographic Region (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 13,988.7	$ 13,229.7
Interest and dividends	769.2	880.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(112.8)	169.6
Net gains (losses) on investments	313.1	1,716.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	117.1	0
Other revenue	4,719.6	5,537.1
Income	19,794.9	21,532.8
Canada
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,659	1,452.1
United States
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	8,741	7,960.3
Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,104.8	992.5
International
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 2,483.9	$ 2,824.8
Geographic | Net Premiums Earned
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	100.00%	100.00%
Geographic | Net Premiums Earned | Canada
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	11.90%	11.00%
Geographic | Net Premiums Earned | United States
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	62.40%	60.10%
Geographic | Net Premiums Earned | Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	7.90%	7.50%
Geographic | Net Premiums Earned | International
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Distribution of net premiums earned	17.80%	21.40%
Operating companies
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 13,860.6	$ 12,587.6
Interest and dividends	560.6	657
Share of profit (loss) of associates	46.2	56
Net gains (losses) on investments	136.4	1,258.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(56.3)
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Canada
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,658.9	1,446.3
Operating companies | United States
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	8,739.9	7,930.5
Operating companies | Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,104.8	992
Operating companies | International
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,357	2,218.8
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Northbridge
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,424.1	1,240.3
Interest and dividends	56.2	65
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(3)	1.1
Net gains (losses) on investments	105.7	0.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Odyssey Group
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	3,586.6	3,179.2
Interest and dividends	151.2	175.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	27.8	55.1
Net gains (losses) on investments	(26.9)	149.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(30.5)
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Crum & Forster
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,426.2	2,193.8
Interest and dividends	79.6	85.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(14.8)	19.1
Net gains (losses) on investments	(158.2)	75.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(25.8)
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Zenith National
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	643.8	735
Interest and dividends	19	33.1
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(4.2)	(16.4)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(59.9)	22.5
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Brit
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,710.7	1,641.9
Interest and dividends	58.2	73.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates	6.6	(2.4)
Net gains (losses) on investments	24.4	62.1
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Allied World
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,722.6	2,335.4
Interest and dividends	126.7	148.9
Share of profit (loss) of associates	35.6	13.3
Net gains (losses) on investments	246	210.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	0
Other revenue	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Fairfax Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	221.7	215.2
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Other
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,124.9	1,046.8
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Northbridge
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,407.3	1,223.8
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Odyssey Group
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	101.2	80.8
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Crum & Forster
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Zenith National
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Brit
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	97.7	107
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Allied World
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	52.6	34.7
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Fairfax Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Canada  | Other
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0.1	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Northbridge
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	16.8	16.5
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Odyssey Group
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,356.3	2,126.5
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Crum & Forster
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,409.2	2,191.7
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Zenith National
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	643.8	735
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Brit
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1,228.5	1,119.5
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Allied World
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	2,030.5	1,710.2
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Fairfax Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | United States  | Other
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	54.8	31.1
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Northbridge
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Odyssey Group
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	469.8	377.1
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Crum & Forster
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0.2	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Zenith National
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Brit
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	45.9	48.9
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Allied World
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	227.6	239.7
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Fairfax Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	221.7	215.2
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | Asia | Other
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	139.6	111.1
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Northbridge
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Odyssey Group
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	659.3	594.8
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Crum & Forster
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	16.8	2.1
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Zenith National
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Brit
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	338.6	366.5
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Allied World
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	411.9	350.8
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Fairfax Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0
Operating companies | Insurance and Reinsurance | International | Other
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	930.4	904.6
Other | Run-off
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	128.1	642.1
Interest and dividends	24.7	55.8
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(11.2)	(6.3)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(96.9)	168.2
Gain on deconsolidation of insurance subsidiary	(9)
Other revenue	0	0
Other | Run-off | Canada
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0.1	5.8
Other | Run-off | United States
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	1.1	29.8
Other | Run-off | Asia
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	0	0.5
Other | Run-off | International
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]
Net premiums earned	$ 126.9	$ 606

Segmented Information - Other O

Segmented Information - Other Operating Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other revenue	$ 4,719.6	$ 5,537.1
Expenses	(4,858.9)	(5,433.2)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(139.3)	103.9
Interest and dividends	769.2	880.2
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(112.8)	169.6
Net gains (losses) on investments	313.1	1,716.2
Profit (loss) before tax	244.1	2,232.7
Other | Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other revenue	4,742.4	5,537.1
Expenses	(4,868)	(5,441.6)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(125.6)	95.5
Interest and dividends	47.1	(52.7)
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(100.2)	(45.2)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(65.6)	72.6
Profit (loss) before tax	(414.9)	(114.7)
Other | Other | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other revenue	4,742.4	5,537.1
Expenses	(4,868)	(5,441.6)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(125.6)	95.5
Interest and dividends	47.1	(52.7)
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(100.2)	(45.2)
Operating income (loss)	(178.7)	(2.4)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(65.6)	72.6
Profit (loss) before tax	(244.3)	70.2
Restaurants and retail | Other | Other | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other revenue	1,734.2	2,120.6
Expenses	(1,811.1)	(2,049.5)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(76.9)	71.1
Interest and dividends	6.1	8.3
Share of profit (loss) of associates	1.3	0
Operating income (loss)	(69.5)	79.4
Net gains (losses) on investments	(6.6)	9.2
Profit (loss) before tax	(76.1)	88.6
Fairfax India | Other | Other | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other revenue	312.8	410.7
Expenses	(305.9)	(401.8)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	6.9	8.9
Interest and dividends	28.9	(74.5)
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(24.8)	179.2
Operating income (loss)	11	113.6
Net gains (losses) on investments	(12.4)	54.7
Profit (loss) before tax	(1.4)	168.3
Thomas Cook India | Other | Other | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other revenue	225.2	1,087.4
Expenses	(288.3)	(1,081.3)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	(63.1)	6.1
Interest and dividends	0	0
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(3.4)	(182.8)
Operating income (loss)	(66.5)	(176.7)
Net gains (losses) on investments	4	4.2
Profit (loss) before tax	(62.5)	(172.5)
Other | Other | Other | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other revenue	2,470.2	1,918.4
Expenses	(2,462.7)	(1,909)
Pre-tax income (loss) before interest expense and other	7.5	9.4
Interest and dividends	12.1	13.5
Share of profit (loss) of associates	(73.3)	(41.6)
Operating income (loss)	(53.7)	(18.7)
Net gains (losses) on investments	(50.6)	4.5
Profit (loss) before tax	$ (104.3)	$ (14.2)

Segmented Information - Segment

Segmented Information - Segmented Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	$ 975.5	$ 1,252.2
Insurance contract receivables	5,435	5,816.1
Assets held for sale	2,785.6	0
Deferred premium acquisition costs	1,344.3	1,543.7	$ 1,127.3
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid losses – $686.8; December 31, 2019 – $637.3)	9,155.8	10,533.2
Deferred income tax assets	375.9	713.9
Goodwill and intangible assets	6,194.1	6,229.1	5,676.9
Due from affiliates	0	0
Other assets	6,007.3	5,857.2
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Total assets	70,508.5	74,054
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,814.1	4,996.1
Derivative obligations (including at the holding company – $22.8; December 31, 2019 – $0.3)	205.9	189.4
Due to affiliates	0	0
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	2,035.1	0
Deferred income tax liabilities	0	356.4
Insurance contract payables	2,591	2,964
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	28,500.2	30,809.3	29,081.7	$ 28,610.8	$ 19,481.8	$ 19,816.4	$ 17,749.1	$ 19,212.8	$ 19,648.8	$ 17,232.2
Provision for unearned premiums	7,222.4	8,397.5	6,272.2
Borrowings	7,232.6	8,814
Total liabilities	52,601.3	56,526.7
Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	14,378.1	13,856.6
Non-controlling interests	3,529.1	3,670.7
Total equity	17,907.2	17,527.3	$ 17,365.2
Equity and liabilities	70,508.5	74,054
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)	5,984.4	6,439.6
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Other assets	1,963.5	1,988.7
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,080	2,429.7
Borrowings	1,039.6	1,033.4
Non-controlling interests	1,544.6	1,831.8
RiverStone Barbados | Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)	0	729.5
Portfolio investments, net
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	38,235	42,108.6
Operating companies
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	685.3	598.1
Insurance contract receivables	5,588	6,052.5
Assets held for sale	0	0
Deferred premium acquisition costs	1,364.7	1,574.4
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid losses – $686.8; December 31, 2019 – $637.3)	9,839	11,254.2
Deferred income tax assets	526	460
Goodwill and intangible assets	3,714.5	3,586.2
Due from affiliates	573.2	222.6
Other assets	1,465.6	1,526.4
Investments in affiliates	231.1	153.2
Total assets	57,905.9	63,375.4
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,785.4	1,843.3
Derivative obligations (including at the holding company – $22.8; December 31, 2019 – $0.3)	145.4	114.9
Due to affiliates	14.7	8.3
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	0
Deferred income tax liabilities	133.3	152.7
Insurance contract payables	2,731.9	3,224.2
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	27,226.8	29,809.4
Provision for unearned premiums	7,317.9	8,550.1
Borrowings	1,039.6	1,033.4
Total liabilities	40,395	44,736.3
Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	15,991.1	17,117.4
Non-controlling interests	1,519.8	1,521.7
Total equity	17,510.9	18,639.1
Equity and liabilities	57,905.9	63,375.4
Operating companies | Portfolio investments, net
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	33,918.5	37,947.8
Corporate and eliminations(6)
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	290.2	654.1
Insurance contract receivables	(157.1)	(244.8)
Assets held for sale	(601)	0
Deferred premium acquisition costs	(20.4)	(30.7)
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid losses – $686.8; December 31, 2019 – $637.3)	(1,178)	(1,174.7)
Deferred income tax assets	(207)	189.3
Goodwill and intangible assets	0.8	0
Due from affiliates	(929.9)	(584.1)
Other assets	385.3	343
Investments in affiliates	(293.5)	(182.5)
Total assets	(3,031.1)	(272.3)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	219.2	526.5
Derivative obligations (including at the holding company – $22.8; December 31, 2019 – $0.3)	0.3	23.4
Due to affiliates	(159.8)	(125.9)
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	(168.6)	0
Deferred income tax liabilities	(362.8)	6
Insurance contract payables	(155)	(271.8)
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	(958.8)	(1,023.4)
Provision for unearned premiums	(95.5)	(152.6)
Borrowings	4,124.6	5,588.1
Total liabilities	2,443.6	4,570.3
Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	(5,499.5)	(5,152.7)
Non-controlling interests	24.8	310.1
Total equity	(5,474.7)	(4,842.6)
Equity and liabilities	(3,031.1)	(272.3)
Corporate and eliminations(6) | Portfolio investments, net
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	(320.5)	758.1
Intercompany Reinsurance
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Assets held for sale	(352.5)
Decrease in liabilities associated with assets-held-for-sale	(357.7)
Other | Run-off
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	0	0
Insurance contract receivables	4.1	8.4
Assets held for sale	3,386.6	0
Deferred premium acquisition costs	0	0
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid losses – $686.8; December 31, 2019 – $637.3)	494.8	453.7
Deferred income tax assets	6.3	0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets	43.5	41.1
Due from affiliates	356.1	357.7
Other assets	112.5	119.2
Investments in affiliates	62.4	29.3
Total assets	6,372.6	2,601.9
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	75.4	59.9
Derivative obligations (including at the holding company – $22.8; December 31, 2019 – $0.3)	4.8	1.1
Due to affiliates	0	0
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	2,203.7	0
Deferred income tax liabilities	0	0
Insurance contract payables	14.1	11.6
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,232.2	2,023.3
Provision for unearned premiums	0	0
Borrowings	0	0
Total liabilities	4,530.2	2,095.9
Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	1,842.4	506
Non-controlling interests	0	0
Total equity	1,842.4	506
Equity and liabilities	6,372.6	2,601.9
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)	260.5	129.3
Other | Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	0	0
Insurance contract receivables	0	0
Assets held for sale	0	0
Deferred premium acquisition costs	0	0
Recoverable from reinsurers (including recoverables on paid losses – $686.8; December 31, 2019 – $637.3)	0	0
Deferred income tax assets	50.6	64.5
Goodwill and intangible assets	2,435.3	2,601.8
Due from affiliates	0.6	3.8
Other assets	4,043.9	3,868.6
Investments in affiliates	0	0
Total assets	9,261.1	8,349
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,734.1	2,566.4
Derivative obligations (including at the holding company – $22.8; December 31, 2019 – $0.3)	55.4	50
Due to affiliates	145.1	117.6
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale	0	0
Deferred income tax liabilities	229.5	197.7
Insurance contract payables	0	0
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	0	0
Provision for unearned premiums	0	0
Borrowings	2,068.4	2,192.5
Total liabilities	5,232.5	5,124.2
Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders of Fairfax	2,044.1	1,385.9
Non-controlling interests	1,984.5	1,838.9
Total equity	4,028.6	3,224.8
Equity and liabilities	9,261.1	8,349
Investments in associates (fair value $4,154.3; December 31, 2019 – $4,521.7)	1,663	1,373.5
Other | Portfolio investments, net | Run-off
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	1,906.3	1,592.4
Other | Portfolio investments, net | Other
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]
Cash and investments	$ 2,730.7	$ 1,810.3

Expenses (Details)

Expenses (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Expenses [Line Items]
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	$ 8,954,500,000	$ 8,401,500,000
Cost of sales	2,997,600,000	3,474,100,000
Wages and salaries	1,991,500,000	2,064,600,000
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	752,100,000	650,800,000
Employee benefits	398,200,000	448,500,000
Premium taxes	240,300,000	223,900,000
Information technology costs	227,400,000	193,000,000
Audit, legal and tax professional fees	205,000,000	189,300,000
Share-based payments to directors and employees	109,500,000	102,500,000
Shipping and delivery	108,700,000	71,100,000
Marketing costs	95,100,000	139,300,000
Repairs and maintenance	66,200,000	68,600,000
Utilities	56,500,000	53,900,000
Short-term, low value and other lease costs	46,500,000	78,000,000
Travel and entertainment	42,600,000	91,700,000
Loss on repurchase of borrowings	0	23,700,000
Administrative expense and other	428,200,000	346,800,000
Total expenses	16,719,900,000	16,621,300,000
Commissions, net	2,355,000,000	2,206,800,000
Interest expense	475,900,000	472,000,000
Expenses	19,550,800,000	19,300,100,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Expenses [Line Items]
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	8,954,500,000	8,401,500,000
Cost of sales	0	0
Wages and salaries	1,359,100,000	1,263,200,000
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	234,600,000	253,800,000
Employee benefits	293,000,000	326,700,000
Premium taxes	240,300,000	223,900,000
Information technology costs	194,400,000	163,100,000
Audit, legal and tax professional fees	141,000,000	137,000,000
Share-based payments to directors and employees	103,600,000	89,100,000
Shipping and delivery	1,200,000	1,500,000
Marketing costs	27,600,000	30,800,000
Repairs and maintenance	4,800,000	4,800,000
Utilities	7,900,000	7,700,000
Short-term, low value and other lease costs	15,700,000	17,500,000
Travel and entertainment	19,600,000	57,500,000
Loss on repurchase of borrowings	0	0
Administrative expense and other	263,700,000	186,300,000
Total expenses	11,861,000,000	11,164,400,000
Commissions, net	2,355,000,000	2,206,800,000
Interest expense	305,300,000	288,100,000
Expenses	14,521,300,000	13,659,300,000
Non-insurance companies
Expenses [Line Items]
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	0	0
Cost of sales	2,997,600,000	3,474,100,000
Wages and salaries	632,400,000	801,400,000
Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges	517,500,000	397,000,000
Employee benefits	105,200,000	121,800,000
Premium taxes	0	0
Information technology costs	33,000,000	29,900,000
Audit, legal and tax professional fees	64,000,000	52,300,000
Share-based payments to directors and employees	5,900,000	13,400,000
Shipping and delivery	107,500,000	69,600,000
Marketing costs	67,500,000	108,500,000
Repairs and maintenance	61,400,000	63,800,000
Utilities	48,600,000	46,200,000
Short-term, low value and other lease costs	30,800,000	60,500,000
Travel and entertainment	23,000,000	34,200,000
Loss on repurchase of borrowings	0	23,700,000
Administrative expense and other	164,500,000	160,500,000
Total expenses	4,858,900,000	5,456,900,000
Commissions, net	0	0
Interest expense	170,600,000	183,900,000
Expenses	5,029,500,000	5,640,800,000
Impairment loss, right-of-use assets, COVID related	18,200,000
Impairment loss, right-of-use assets		(900,000)
Impairment loss, finance lease receivables, COVID related impairments	11,100,000	0
Lease concessions, COVID related	14,900,000
Decrease in other expenses due to wage assistance	$ 123,800,000	$ 0

Supplementary Cash Flow Infor_3

Supplementary Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	$ 4,467.1	$ 3,863.3	$ 4,536.9
Restricted cash	387.1	550.1
Restricted cash equivalents	402.5	199.6
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	789.6	749.7
Cash	3,241	2,889
Cash equivalents	2,015.7	1,724
Cash and cash equivalents	5,256.7	4,613
Holding company cash and investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Restricted cash	5.8	0.6
Restricted cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	5.8	0.6
Cash	87.7	99.4
Cash equivalents	192.3	84.5
Cash and cash equivalents	280	183.9
Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Restricted cash	349.4	469.4
Restricted cash equivalents	402.5	195.4
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	751.9	664.8
Cash	3,085.4	2,404.1
Cash equivalents	1,801.1	1,550.4
Cash and cash equivalents	4,886.5	3,954.5
Fairfax India
Entity Information [Line Items]
Restricted cash	31.9	18.6
Restricted cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	31.9	18.6
Cash	67.9	85.6
Cash equivalents	22.3	19.1
Cash and cash equivalents	90.2	104.7
Fairfax Africa
Entity Information [Line Items]
Restricted cash		7.5
Restricted cash equivalents		0
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		7.5
Cash		85.4
Cash equivalents		0.8
Cash and cash equivalents		86.2
Assets held for sale (note 23)
Entity Information [Line Items]
Restricted cash		54
Restricted cash equivalents		4.2
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		58.2
Cash		214.5
Cash equivalents		69.2
Cash and cash equivalents		283.7
Cash
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	2,853.9	2,338.9
Cash | Holding company cash and investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	81.9	98.8
Cash | Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	2,736	1,934.7
Cash | Fairfax India
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	36	67
Cash | Fairfax Africa
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows		77.9
Cash | Assets held for sale (note 23)
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows		160.5
Cash equivalents
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	1,613.2	1,524.4
Cash equivalents | Holding company cash and investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	192.3	84.5
Cash equivalents | Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	1,398.6	1,355
Cash equivalents | Fairfax India
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	22.3	19.1
Cash equivalents | Fairfax Africa
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows		0.8
Cash equivalents | Assets held for sale (note 23)
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows		65
Total
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	4,467.1	3,863.3
Total | Holding company cash and investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	274.2	183.3
Total | Subsidiary cash and short term investments
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	4,134.6	3,289.7
Total | Fairfax India
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows	$ 58.3	86.1
Total | Fairfax Africa
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows		78.7
Total | Assets held for sale (note 23)
Entity Information [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows		$ 225.5

Supplementary Cash Flow Infor_4

Supplementary Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Net (purchases) sales of securities classified at FVTPL
Short term investments	$ (2,138.1)	$ (4,646.5)
Bonds	287.2	3,618.7
Preferred stocks	(24.5)	(52.4)
Common stocks	18.4	898.3
Net Derivatives	(479.2)	(184.8)
Net sales of securities classified as FVTPL	(2,336.2)	(366.7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Net increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(187.8)	(170.3)
Provision for losses and loss adjustment expenses	1,884.3	1,171.5
Provision for unearned premiums	1,243.2	893.9
Insurance contract receivables	(496.7)	(383.9)
Insurance contract payables	441.9	616.5
Recoverable from reinsurers	(898.8)	(1,112.3)
Other receivables	104.9	192.4
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(45.4)	3.8
Other	(172.4)	(297)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	1,873.2	914.6
Net interest and dividends received
Interest and dividends received	789.8	819.2
Interest paid on borrowings	(370.4)	(376.9)
Interest paid on lease liabilities	(62.4)	(60.4)
Net interest and dividends received	357	381.9
Net income taxes paid	$ (63.3)	$ (178.9)

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 07, 2020	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 26, 2021
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Consideration paid		$ (561,500,000)
Notional amount			$ 8,849,000,000	$ 7,261,000,000
Non-controlling interests | Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings S.A.
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Eurolife's investment in a Fairfax consolidated internal investment fund (note 6)			93,700,000	22,100,000
Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Notional amount			2,210,800,000	2,084,200,000
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Notional amount			1,025,200,000	1,028,100,000
Key management team
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Salaries and other short-term employee benefits			10,900,000	9,800,000
Share-based payments			3,500,000	5,100,000
Related party compensation			$ 14,400,000	$ 14,900,000
Shares in entity held by related party (in shares)			482,600
Shares in entity held by related party, value			$ 148,900,000
Proportion of voting rights held by related parties			43.60%	42.50%
Board of Directors
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Retainers and fees			$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000
Share-based payments			600,000	200,000
Related party compensation			1,700,000	$ 1,300,000
Fairfax India
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Amounts receivable, related party transactions			$ 5,200,000
Fairfax India | Subordinate voting shares
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Number of shares issued			546,263
Fairfax India 5.00% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2028 | Non-insurance companies | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Notional amount					$ 500,000,000
Interest rate					5.00%
Fairfax India 5.00% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2028 | Insurance and reinsurance companies | Subsequent Events
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Notional amount					$ 58,400,000
Atlas Mara Limited | Fairfax Africa
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Percentage of common shares acquired	42.30%
Consideration paid	$ 40,000,000
Atlas Mara Limited | Atlas Mara Secured Borrowings | Fairfax Africa | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Notional amount	40,000,000
Atlas Mara Limited | Fairfax Africa Term Deposits | Fairfax Africa | Non-insurance companies
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]
Notional amount	$ 19,700,000

Subsidiaries (Details)

Subsidiaries (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 03, 2021	Jan. 01, 2021	Apr. 17, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 10, 2021
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Consideration paid				$ (561.5)
Northbridge Financial Corporation (Northbridge)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Odyssey Group
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. (Crum & Forster)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Zenith National Insurance Corp. (Zenith National)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Brit
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (Allied World)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					70.90%	70.10%
Limited Liability Company FFH Ukraine Holdings (Fairfax Ukraine)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					70.00%
Polskie Towarzystwo Reasekuracji Spólka Akcyjna (Polish Re)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Colonnade Insurance S.A. (Colonnade Insurance)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
ARX Insurance Company (ARX Insurance)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Private Joint Stock Company Insurance Company Universalna (Universalna)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Fairfax Brasil Seguros Corporativos S.A. (Fairfax Brasil)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
La Meridional Compañía Argentina de Seguros S.A. (La Meridional Argentina)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
SBS Seguros Colombia S.A. (SouthBridge Colombia)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
SBI Seguros Uruguay S.A. (SouthBridge Uruguay)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Southbridge Compañía de Seguros Generales S.A. (SouthBridge Chile)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
CRC Reinsurance Limited (CRC Re)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Wentworth Insurance Company Ltd. (Wentworth)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Falcon Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited (Falcon)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
The Pacific Insurance Berhad (Pacific Insurance)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					85.00%
PT Asuransi Multi Artha Guna Tbk (AMAG Insurance)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					80.00%
Fairfirst Insurance Limited (Fairfirst Insurance)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					78.00%
TIG Insurance Company (TIG Insurance)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. (Hamblin Watsa)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Recipe Unlimited Corporation
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					40.20%
Proportion of voting rights held in associate					61.10%
Praktiker Hellas Trading Single Member SA (Praktiker)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Toys "R" Us (Canada) Ltd. (Toys "R" Us Canada)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					84.60%
Sporting Life Group Limited
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					71.40%
Sporting Life Inc. (Sporting Life)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					71.40%
Golf Town Limited (Golf Town)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					71.40%
Kitchen Stuff Plus, Inc. (Kitchen Stuff Plus)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					55.00%
William Ashley China Corporation (William Ashley)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Fairfax India
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					28.00%
Proportion of voting rights held in associate					93.40%
National Collateral Management Services Limited (NCML)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					25.10%
Fairchem Organics Limited (Fairchem)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					13.70%
Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited (Privi)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					13.70%
Saurashtra Freight Private Limited (Saurashtra Freight)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					14.30%
Thomas Cook India
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					66.90%
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (Sterling Resorts)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					66.90%
AGT Food and Ingredients Inc. (AGT)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary			59.60%		58.00%
Dexterra Group Inc. (Dexterra Group)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					49.00%
Boat Rocker Media Inc. (Boat Rocker)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					55.70%
Proportion of voting rights held in associate					59.10%
Mosaic Capital Corporation (Mosaic Capital)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					0.00%
Proportion of voting rights held in associate					61.00%
Pethealth Inc. (Pethealth)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Rouge Media Group Inc. and Rouge Media, Inc. (Rouge Media)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					65.00%
Rouge Media Group Inc. and Rouge Media, Inc. (Rouge Media) | Disposal of major subsidiary
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Consideration paid		$ 10
Farmers Edge Inc
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					41.10%
Proportion of voting rights held in associate					69.00%
Farmers Edge Inc | Major ordinary share transactions
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of voting rights held in associate	62.00%
Bryte Insurance Company Ltd (Bryte Insurance)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Connemara Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Connemara)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Sporting Life Group Limited | Sporting Life Inc. (Sporting Life)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Sporting Life Group Limited | Golf Town Limited (Golf Town)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
Fairfax India | National Collateral Management Services Limited (NCML)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					89.50%
Fairfax India | Fairchem Organics Limited (Fairchem)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					48.80%
Fairfax India | Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited (Privi)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					48.80%
Fairfax India | Saurashtra Freight Private Limited (Saurashtra Freight)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					51.00%
Thomas Cook India | Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (Sterling Resorts)
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary					100.00%
OMERS | Major business combination | Brit
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]
Percentage of common shares acquired							14.00%