Earnings per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Maiden shareholders									$ 46,510	$ 28,524	$ 69,866
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic (in shares)									72,263,022	72,155,503	70,799,966
Potentially dilutive securities:
Share options and restricted share units (in shares)									842,509	748,185	572,722
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted (in shares)									73,105,531	72,903,688	71,372,688
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Maiden shareholders: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.30	$ 0.20	$ 0.28	$ 0.25	$ 0.22	$ (0.34)	$ 0.27	$ 0.64	$ 0.40	$ 0.99
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Maiden shareholders: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.14)	$ 0.30	$ 0.20	$ 0.28	$ 0.24	$ 0.22	$ (0.34)	$ 0.27	$ 0.64	$ 0.39	$ 0.98