Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Fixed Maturities [Member] Fixed maturities Short Term Investments [Member] Short-term investments Assets [Abstract] Assets Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Investments available for sale, at fair value Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Total investments Total investments Total investments available for sale Cash Cash Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued investment income Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable Accounts receivable, net Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred policy acquisition costs Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment (at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $38,630 in 2014 and $36,796 in 2013) Represents, for a mortgage guaranty insurer, the amount of investment in United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds issued by the Treasury Department for eligibility for certain tax deductions under enacted tax laws. Mortgage Guaranty Insurer United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds Prepaid federal income tax Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred tax asset Net deferred tax asset Other Assets Other assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of period Net reserve for losses and LAE at end of period Net reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period Reserve for losses and LAE Unearned Premiums Unearned premium reserve Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Amounts due under Asset Purchase Agreement Employee-related Liabilities Accrued payroll and bonuses Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax liability Net deferred tax liability Other Accrued Liabilities Other accrued liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Shares, $0.015 par value: Authorized - 233,333; issued - 86,524 shares in 2014 and 86,491 shares in 2013 Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings accumulated deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total equity Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation (in dollars) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Shares, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Shares, authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Shares, issued Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Class A Represents the B-2 classification of common stock that has different rights than provided to Class A or B-1 shares, representing ownership interest in a corporation. Common Class B2 [Member] Class B-2 Share Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Premiums Written, Net Net premiums written (Increase) Decrease in Unearned Premiums, Net Increase in unearned premiums Premiums Earned, Net Net premiums earned Net Investment Income Net investment income Net investment income Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Gain on the sale of investments, net Realized investment gains, net Other Income Other income Revenues Total revenues Benefits, Losses and Expenses [Abstract] Losses and expenses: Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Provision for losses and LAE Represents the aggregate amount of costs incurred during the period, such as those relating to general administration and policy maintenance that do not vary with, and are not primarily related to the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts and other operating costs, that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Other Underwriting and Operating Expenses Other underwriting and operating expenses Benefits, Losses and Expenses Total losses and expenses Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Total income tax expense Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income Net income Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings common per share (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($494) and $339 in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and $1,971 and ($1,843) in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Total other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, tax expense (benefit) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Shares Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Deficit Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common shares net of issuance cost of $1,143, Class A and Class B-2 common shares and $25,546, Common Shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Conversion of Class A and Class B-2 common shares into Common Shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of management incentive shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited Forfeiture of management incentive shares Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation expense Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock acquired Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Cancellation of treasury stock Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation expense Represents information in the aggregate pertaining to Class A and Class B-2 classifications of common stock representing ownership interest in a corporation. Common Class A And Class B2 [Member] Class A and Class B-2 Common Shares Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Common stock, issuance cost Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Operating Activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Accretion Expense Amortization of discount on payments due under Asset Purchase Agreement Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Investment Income, Amortization of Premium Amortization of premium on investment securities Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred income tax provision Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in: Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued investment income Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred policy acquisition costs Represents, for a mortgage guaranty insurer, the increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amount of investment in United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds issued by the Treasury Department for eligibility for certain tax deductions under enacted tax laws. Increase (Decrease) in Mortgage Guaranty Insurer United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds Prepaid federal income tax T&L Bonds purchased Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve Reserve for losses and LAE Increase (Decrease) in Unearned Premiums Unearned premium reserve Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Net change in short-term investments Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchase of investments available for sale Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from maturity of investments available for sale Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of investments available for sale Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase of property and equipment, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Financing Activities Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of common shares net of costs Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Treasury stock acquired Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Payment of offering costs Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Represents the cash outflow from the repayments of contractual obligations to seller arising from a purchase transaction. Repayments of Contractual Obligations to Seller Payments under Asset Purchase Agreement Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net (decrease) increase in cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash at end of period Cash at beginning of year Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Income Taxes Paid, Net Income tax (payments) refunds Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Noncash Transactions Stock Issued Issuance of management incentive shares (see Note 6) Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Investments Available for Sale Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Available for Sale Accounts Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block] Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Dividends Restrictions ScheduleOfDividendPaymentRestrictionsTextBlock Dividends Restrictions Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Earnings per Share (EPS) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share (EPS) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Statutory Accounting Represents the entire disclosure pertaining to the statutory accounting. Statutory Accounting Disclosure [Text Block] Statutory Accounting Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of investments available for sale Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Schedule of amortized cost and fair value of available for sale securities by contractual maturity Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of realized gross gains and losses on sale of investments available for sale Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value of investments in an unrealized loss position and related unrealized losses Investment Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of net investment income Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of accounts receivable Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments of all non-cancelable operating leases Tabular disclosure of shares earned for unvested performance shares. Schedule of Shares Earned Unvested Performance Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of portion of nonvested Common Shares earned based upon achievement of compounded annual book value per share growth Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of nonvested Common Share and nonvested Common Share unit activity Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of compensation expense, net of forfeitures, and related tax effects recognized in connection with nonvested shares Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit) Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation using percentage or dollar amounts of the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the year to the amount of income tax expense that would result from applying the weighted average statutory tax rate to pretax income from continuing operations. Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Weighted Average Income Tax Rate [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of difference between income tax expense (benefit) and expected tax provision at weighted average tax rate Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of net deferred tax (liability) asset and components Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of net income and weighted average common shares outstanding used in computations of basic and diluted earnings per common share Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated fair values and related carrying amounts of financial instruments Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of assets measured at fair vale on a recurring basis Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of statutory net income, statutory surplus and contingency reserve liability Schedule of nature of operations and basis of presentation. Schedule of Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Represents information pertaining to Essent Reinsurance, Ltd. (Essent Re), a wholly-owned Bermuda domiciled reinsurer of the reporting entity. Essent Reinsurance Ltd [Member] Essent Re Represents information pertaining to Essent Guaranty, Inc. (Essent Guaranty), a regulated and licensed indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the reporting entity. Essent Guaranty Inc [Member] Essent Guaranty Schedule of Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Nature of operations and basis of presentation Represents the percentage of the total sale price that a home buyer contributes in cash towards the purchase of a home for which mortgage insurance is generally required. Loans and Leases Receivable Consumer Mortgage Insured Down Payment Percentage Residential mortgage down payment percentage for which mortgage insurance is generally required Number of States in which Entity Operates Number of states in which the entity is licensed to write mortgage insurance Reinsurance Retention Policy, Reinsured Risk, Percentage Reinsurance percentage Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Share split ratio Represents the ratio applied to the conversion of one type of equity or a class of equity into another type of equity, with the former equity shares divided by the new equity shares. Stock Conversion Ratio Ratio for conversion into common shares Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Investment Issuer [Axis] Investment Issuer [Domain] Investment Issuer [Domain] U S Government Corporations And Agencies Securities [Member] U.S. agency U S Treasury Securities [Member] U.S. Treasury securities U S Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] U.S. agency securities Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Mortgage-backed securities Municipal Bonds [Member] Municipal debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Mortgage Backed Securities Issued By Private Enterprises [Member] Mortgage-backed securities Asset Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed securities Money Market Funds [Member] Money market funds Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis] Investments By Secondary Categorization [Domain] Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain] A municipal bond whose debt service is payable solely from the revenues derived from operating the facilities acquired or constructed with the proceeds of the bonds. Special Revenue Municipal Bonds [Member] Special revenue bonds A bond secured by a pledge of the issuer's taxing powers (limited or unlimited). More commonly the general obligation bonds of local governments are paid from ad valorem property taxes and other general revenues. Considered the most secure of all municipal debt. General Obligation Municipal Bonds [Member] General obligation bonds Bonds issued in conjunction with a redevelopment project. The taxes pledged to their repayment come from the increase of assessed value over and above a pre-established base. The redevelopment creates this added value, known as the tax increment. Tax Allocation Municipal Bonds [Member] Tax allocation bonds Represents a type of financing where an investor purchases a share of the lease revenues of a program rather than the bond being secured by those revenues. Certification Of Participation Bonds [Member] Certification of participation bonds A special type of municipal bond used to fund a development project. Interest owed to lenders is paid by taxes levied on the community benefiting from the particular bond-funded project. Special Assessment Bond [Member] Special assessment bonds Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Investments available for sale Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Total investments available for sale Unrealized Gains Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Unrealized Losses Investment Owned, Percent of Net Assets Percentage of total investments Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract] Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Due in 1 year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Due after 1 but within 5 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Due after 5 but within 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Due after 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis Subtotal Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Basis Periodic payments throughout Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Due in 1 year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Due after 1 but within 5 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Due after 5 but within 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Fair Value Due after 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Single Maturity Date Subtotal Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Periodic payments throughout Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Disclosures [Abstract] Realized gross gains and losses on the sale of investments available for sale Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Realized gross gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Realized gross losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value 12 months or more Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Gross Unrealized Losses Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Accumulated Loss Less than 12 months Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Accumulated Loss 12 months or more Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Accumulated Loss Total Available-for-sale Securities, Other Disclosure Items [Abstract] Other information Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities Other-than-temporary impairments Available-for-sale Securities, Restricted Fair value of investments deposited with insurance regulatory authorities Investment Income [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [Domain] Net Investment Income [Line Items] Components of net investment income Gross Investment Income, Operating Gross investment income Investment Income, Investment Expense Investment expenses Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Premiums Receivable, Gross Premiums receivable Other Receivables Other receivables Accounts Receivable, Gross Total accounts receivable Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) Reserve for losses and LAE at end of period Reserve for losses and LAE at beginning of period Reserve for losses and LAE at end of period Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract] Add provision for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims Current Year Current period Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims, Prior Years Prior years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims Net incurred losses during the current period Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract] Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, occurring in: Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year Current period Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years Prior years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid Net loss and LAE payments during the current period Represents the number of loans in default. Number of Loans in Default Loans in default at end of period Liability, as of the balance sheet date, for amounts representing estimated cost of settling unpaid claims for prior years under the terms of the underlying insurance policies, less estimated reinsurance recoveries on such claims. This includes an estimate for claims which have been incurred but not reported. Claim adjustment expenses represent the costs estimated to be incurred in the settlement of unpaid claims. Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Prior Years Reserve for losses and LAE, for prior years Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Indemnification Guarantee [Member] Indemnifications related to contract underwriting services Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and contingencies Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments Amount paid for remedies Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Future minimum lease payments of all non-cancelable operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2017 Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing after the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years and Thereafter 2018 and thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total minimum payments required Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Represents the Essent Group Limited 2013 Long-term Incentive Plan (2013 Plan). Essent Group Limited2013 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] 2013 Plan Information about the type of vesting for share-based compensation awards. Vesting Criteria [Axis] The types of vesting specified for share-based compensation awards. Vesting Criteria [Domain] Vesting Criteria [Domain] Represents a share based compensation award with vesting based on a combination of length of service and achievement of performance conditions. Vesting Based On Service And Performance [Member] Time and Performance-Based Represents information pertaining to 11% compounded annual book value per share growth achieved. Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Achieved11 Percent [Member] Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 11% Represents information pertaining to 12% compounded annual book value per share growth achieved. Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Achieved12 Percent [Member] Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 12% Represents information pertaining to 13% compounded annual book value per share growth achieved. Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Achieved13 Percent [Member] Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 13% Represents information pertaining to 14% compounded annual book value per share growth achieved. Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Achieved14 Percent [Member] Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 14% Represents information pertaining to 15% compounded annual book value per share growth achieved. Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Achieved15 Percent [Member] Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth 15% Represents a share based compensation award with vesting based on length of service. Vesting Based On Service [Member] Time-Based Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Represents information pertaining to the vesting of equity-based compensation on the one-year anniversary of the completion of the performance period. First Anniversary Of Completion Of Performance Period Vesting [Member] One-year anniversary of completion of performance period Represents information pertaining to the vesting of equity-based compensation on the grant date. Grant Date Vesting [Member] Vesting on grant date Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted stock Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member] Nonvested share units Minimum [Member] Greater than or equal to Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of shares available for future grant Represents the period over which a performance condition to the award is measured, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Performance Period Performance period Represents the compounded annual book value per share growth rate, expressed as a percentage. Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth Rate Compounded Annual Book Value Per Share Growth (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Nonvested Common Shares Earned (as a percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Additional information Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Total fair value of shares vested Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Total unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Expected weighted average period for recognition of expense Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Shares tendered by employees to pay employee withholding taxes Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Income tax benefit Statutory Accounting Practices [Table] Represents information pertaining to Essent Guaranty of PA, Inc. (Essent PA), a regulated and licensed indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the reporting entity. Essent Guaranty Of P A Inc [Member] Essent PA Represents Essent US Holdings, Inc. (Essent Holdings), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the reporting entity through which, by way of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the reported entity's primary operations are conducted. Essent Us Holdings Inc [Member] Essent Holdings Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items] Statutory accounting Represents the period of payment of dividends that can be declared or paid without approval of regulatory agency. Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval, Dividend Payment Period Dividend payment ability, period of payment of dividends Represents the amount of dividends that can be declared or paid without approval of regulatory agency, as a percentage of the previous fiscal year end statutory policyholders' surplus. Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval, Previous Fiscal Year End Statutory Policyholders Surplus Percentage Dividend payment ability, as a percentage of preceding year-end statutory policyholders' surplus Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments without Regulatory Approval Unassigned surplus Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries Dividend paid Cumulative Dividends Dividends since inception Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Equity Disclosures pertaining to income taxes. Income Taxes [Table] Geographical [Axis] Segment Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U [S] United States B [M] Bermuda Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Statutory rate (as a percent) Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Components of income tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Reconciliation of the difference between income tax expense and the expected tax provision at the weighted average tax rate The amount of income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the weighted average income tax rate to pretax income from continuing operations. Income Tax Reconciliation Income Tax Expense Benefit at Weighted Average Income Tax Rate Tax provision at weighted average statutory rates Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible expenses. Income Tax Reconciliation at Weighted Average Income Tax Rate Nondeductible Expense Non-deductible expenses Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to income (loss) exempt from income taxes. Income Tax Reconciliation at Weighted Average Income Tax Rate Tax Exempt Income Tax-exempt interest Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to increase (decrease) in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Income Tax Reconciliation at Weighted Average Income Tax Rate Valuation Allowance Change in valuation allowance Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the estimated full-year weighted average income tax rate and the year-to-date actual weighted average income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations. Income Tax Reconciliation at Weighted Average Income Tax Rate and Actual Rate Difference in estimated full-year rate and year-to-date actual rate Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to other adjustments. Income Tax Reconciliation at Weighted Average Income Tax Rate Other Adjustments Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] % of pretax income Percentage of weighted average statutory tax rate applicable to pretax income (loss). Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Weighted Average Statutory Income Tax Rate Tax provision at statutory rates (as a percent) Percentage of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average statutory income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible expenses. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Weighted Average Statutory Income Tax Rate Non-deductible Expense Non-deductible expenses (as a percent) Percentage of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average statutory income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to income (loss) exempt from income taxes. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Weighted Average Statutory Income Tax Rate Tax Exempt Income Tax exempt interest (as a percent) Percentage of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average statutory income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Weighted Average Statutory Income Tax Rate Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Change in valuation allowance (as a percent) Percentage of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the estimated full-year weighted average statutory income tax rate and the year-to-date actual weighted average statutory income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Estimated Weighted Average Statutory Income Tax Rate and Actual Weighted Average Statutory Income Tax Rate, Difference Difference in estimated full-year rate and year-to-date actual rate (as a percent) Percentage of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the weighted average statutory income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to other adjustments. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Weighted Average Statutory Income Tax Rate Other Adjustments Other (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Total income tax expense (as a percent) Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred tax liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of the net deferred tax asset Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from contingency reserves. Deferred Tax Liabilities Contingency Reserves Contingency reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Unearned Premiums Reserve Unearned premium reserve Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Fixed assets Represents the amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from net start-up expenditures. Deferred Tax Assets, Start Up Expenses Net Start-up expenditures, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Deferred policy acquisition costs Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Nonvested shares Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Unrealized gain on investments Deferred Tax Assets, Investments Unrealized loss on investments Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from accrued liabilities. Deferred Tax Liabilities Tax Deferred Expense Reserves and Accruals Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Loss Reserves Loss reserves Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Prepaid expenses Represents the amount before the allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from organizational expenditures. Deferred Tax Assets, Organizational Expenses Organizational expenditures Represents the total amount of United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds (T&L Bonds) purchased since inception. Amount of United States Mortgage Guaranty Tax and Loss Bonds Purchased Since Inception Total amount of T & L Bonds purchased since inception Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Performance Shares [Member] Performance-based share awards Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings (loss) per share (EPS) Undistributed Earnings, Basic Undistributed net income Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Nonvested Shares with Forfeitable Dividends Dilutive effect of nonvested shares (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive shares Percentage of vesting of share-based compensation awards if the end of the current reporting period were the end of the vesting period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Period to Date Vesting Rights, Percentage Percentage of award issuable if current period end were end of contingency period Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares Dilutive effect of nonvested contingently issuable share awards (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares, Contingently Issuable Weighted average contingently issuable share awards outstanding (in shares) Undistributed Earnings, Basic [Abstract] Undistributed earnings Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Increase (Decrease) amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Roll Forward] Before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax Effect [Roll Forward] Tax Effect Represents the tax expense (benefit) on the amount of increase (decrease) in accumulated in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources attributable to the parent entity. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tax Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (1) Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Amount Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Estimated fair values and carrying amounts of financial instruments Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Financial Assets: Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Financial Liabilities: Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Recurring basis Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of financial instruments Effects of Reinsurance [Table] Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items] Insurance policy Derivative, Notional Amount Risk covered Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Net Income Amount Statutory net income Represents the amount of statutory surplus (stockholders' equity), as of the balance sheet date, using prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices (rather than GAAP, if different) of the state or country. Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Surplus Balance Statutory surplus Represents the amount of contingency reserve liability, as of the balance sheet date, using prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices (rather than GAAP, if different) of the state or country. Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Contingency Reserve Liability Contingency reserve liability Represents the amount of increase (decrease) in contingency reserve. Statutory Accounting Practices, Increase (Decrease) in Contingency Reserve Increase in contingency reserve Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale Of Stock Name Of Transaction [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Private Placement [Member] Shareholders agreements, as amended I P O [Member] IPO Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Represents an agreement between an insurer and a reinsurer whereby the reinsurer pays an agreed-upon percentage of all losses the insurer sustains. Quota Share Reinsurance Transaction [Member] Quota share reinsurance transaction Title of Individual [Axis] Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Director [Member] Director Represents information pertaining to an employee. Employee [Member] Employees Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Credit Risk Contract [Member] Loan risk Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Represents the insurance policy issued in connection with Freddie Mac's Agency Credit Insurance Structure. Freddie Mac Agency Credit Insurance Structure Insurance Policy [Member] Freddie Mac's Agency Credit Insurance Structure insurance policy