CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 48,138	$ 124,284	$ 101,533
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized holdings gains (losses) on available-for-sale fixed maturities arising during the period	32,788	(132,511)	40,625
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized losses (gains) recognized in net income	576	(263)	3,278
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,373	13,566	25,592
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	38,737	(119,208)	69,495
Income tax benefit (expense) related to components of other comprehensive income	32	83	(52)
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax	38,769	(119,125)	69,443
Comprehensive income	86,907	5,159	170,976
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	842	192	(142)
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5)	65	66
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	837	257	(76)
Comprehensive income attributable to Maiden	$ 87,744	$ 5,416	$ 170,900