Investments - Schedule of the separate account managed by TP LLC (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Total assets	$ 2,249,665	$ 1,741,411
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	447,482	181,969
Total net investments managed by Third Point LLC	1,802,183	1,559,442
Total investments in securities and commodities
Assets
Total assets	1,828,761	1,460,864
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets
Total assets	3	869
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Assets
Total assets	308,763	100,563
Due from brokers
Assets
Total assets	58,241	98,386
Net investment gains (losses) on securities purchased under and agreement to resell
Assets
Total assets	29,852	38,147
Derivative assets
Assets
Total assets	21,130	39,045
Interest and dividends receivable
Assets
Total assets	2,590	2,604
Other assets
Assets
Total assets	325	933
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	464	1,759
Net investment gains (losses) on securities sold, not yet purchased
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	82,485	56,056
Due to brokers
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	312,609	44,870
Derivative liabilities
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	10,985	8,819
Interest and dividends payable
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	697	748
Non-controlling interest
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 40,242	$ 69,717