Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Maximum Maximum [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Asset freeze Measurement Input, Asset Freeze [Member] Measurement input using asset freeze. Issuance of new ordinary shares under the NED Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Issued for Services Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Treasury shares per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Common Shares, Cost Per share price of treasury shares common stock. Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Capital provision income/(loss) Capital Provision Income (Loss) [Member] Represents information pertaining to capital provision income. Liabilities: Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Ordinary shares, no par value; unlimited shares authorized; 221,829,450 ordinary shares issued and 219,584,503 ordinary shares outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and 220,667,387 ordinary shares issued and 218,897,440 ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2025 Common Stock, Value, Issued Transfers between types Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liabilities, Transfers Between Levels Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liabilities, Transfers Between Levels Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Change In Expected Timing [Axis] Change In Expected Timing [Axis] Change In Expected Timing Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Asset-backed securities Asset-Backed Securities [Member] Capital provision assets Capital Provision Assets [Abstract] No definition available. Proceeds from capital provision assets Accounts Receivable, Held At Fair Value, Proceeds Received Proceeds from capital provision assets. Foreign exchange gains/(losses) Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Assets, Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses) Amount of foreign exchange gains/(losses) recognized from asset measured at fair value on recurring basis using unobservable input (level 3). Significant ruling or other objective event prior to trial court judgment Measurement Input, Significant Positive Ruling Or Other Objective Event Prior To Trial Court Judgment [Member] Measurement input using significant positive ruling or other objective event prior to any trial court judgment. Debt payable Long-Term Debt, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Related party transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Due from settlement of capital provision assets, measurement input Accounts Receivable, Measurement Input Accounts Receivable, Measurement Input Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Exhaustion of as-of-right appeals Measurement Input, Exhaustion Of As-Of-Right Appeals [Member] Measurement Input, Exhaustion Of As-Of-Right Appeals PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Fundings of joint ventures and equity method investments Payments To Acquire Interest In Joint Ventures And Equity Method Investment The cash outflow from investment in joint ventures and equity method investments. Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Principal Finance Principal Finance Segment [Member] Principal Finance Segment Net proceeds from/(funding of) marketable securities Payments For (Proceeds From) Marketable Securities The net cash inflow or outflow from marketable securities. Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Redemption price, change in control, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Change In Control, Percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Change In Control, Percentage Insurance liabilities Accrued Insurance Schedule of Fundings and Proceeds from Joint Ventures and Equity Method Investments Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Total capital provision undrawn commitments Capital Provision Undrawn Commitments The amount of capital provision undrawn commitments as at the end of the reporting period. Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Proceeds from/(payments of) other income Proceeds from Other Operating Activity Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments 2030 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Five Capital provision loss Derivative Asset Loss, Judgment Reversal Derivative Asset Loss, Judgment Reversal Thereafter Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling After Year Five Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling After Year Five Schedule of Reconciliation of Capital Provision Assets Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries Company And Restricted Subsidiary [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Company and its restricted subsidiaries. Asset (liability) cost Assets (Liabilities) Net, Cost Amount of assets liabilities net at cost. Due from settlement of capital provision assets Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Dividends paid on ordinary shares Payments of Ordinary Dividends Cash flows Additional Cash Flow Elements and Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Assets of consolidated investment companies, measurement input Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Measurement Input Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Measurement Input Capital provision assets, Cost Derivative Assets, Cost Capital provision assets at cost. Issuance of new ordinary shares to satisfy vested share-based awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Fair Value Adjustments [Axis] Fair Value Adjustments [Axis] Information by fair value adjustment. Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Income/(loss) for the period Income/(loss) on capital provision assets Income (Loss) On Derivative Assets Income (Loss) On Derivative Assets Recently issued or adopted accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3 Schedule of Reportable Business Segments Segment Reporting [Table Text Block] Non-controlling interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Debt issuance costs incurred as finance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Axis] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Axis] Change In Interest Rate [Domain] Change In Interest Rate [Domain] Change In Interest Rate [Domain] Debt payable Carrying value (at amortized cost) as of Third-party indebtedness Long-Term Debt Assets of consolidated investment companies Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies [Abstract] Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies Schedule of Total Assets, Third-party Indebtedness and Revenues Schedule Of Total Assets Third Parties Indebtedness And Revenues [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of total assets, third party indebtedness and revenues pursuant to the indentures governing the 2028 Notes, the 2030 Notes and the 2031 Proceeds from capital provision assets Proceeds From Derivative Assets Proceeds From Derivative Assets Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Cash paid Accrued Bonuses, Payments Amount of cash paid during the year for long term incentive compensation. Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Annual incentive compensation Compensation Expense, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold Principal value Debt Instrument, Face Amount Net income/(loss) attributable to Burford Capital Limited shareholders per ordinary share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Shareholders' equity Equity [Text Block] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Treasury shares; 2,244,947 ordinary shares at $12.71 cost as of June 30, 2026 and 1,769,947 ordinary shares at $14.06 cost as of December 31, 2025 Treasury Stock, Common, Value Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Total liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Realizations Derivative Asset, Sales Capital provision assets realizations during the period. Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Income/(loss) for the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings 2028 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Three Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Three Issuance of new ordinary shares under the NED Plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Issued for Services Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Earnings per ordinary share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Net income/(loss) attributable to Burford Capital Limited shareholders per ordinary share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Positive case milestone factor: Positive Fair Value Adjustments [Member] Represents the information pertaining to positive fair value adjustments. Total liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Discount rate Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] Schedule of Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other income/(loss) Other Income (Loss) Amount of interest and other income from capital provision assets. Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Increase in interest rate (percent) Financial Instrument, Percentage Of Increase In Interest Rates Percentage of increase in interest rates. Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Exhaustion of all appeals Measurement Input, Exhaustion Of All Appeals [Member] Measurement input using Exhaustion of all appeals. Transfer of realizations from capital provision assets Transfer Of Realizations From Derivative Assets Transfer of realizations from capital provision assets. Single case, Portfolio, Joint ventures and equity method investments, Legal risk management, Core legal finance (BOF-C)(1), Core legal finance (EP Funds), Financial liabilities relating to third party interests in capital provision assets Single Case, Portfolio, Joint Ventures And Equity Method Investments, Legal Risk Management, Core Legal Finance, Financial Liabilities Relating To Third Party Interests In Capital Provision Assets [Member] Single Case, Portfolio, Joint Ventures And Equity Method Investments, Legal Risk Management, Core Legal Finance, Financial Liabilities Relating To Third Party Interests In Capital Provision Assets Due from settlement of capital provision assets, Unrealized Accounts Receivable, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Accounts Receivable, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Deployments Derivative Assets, Purchases Capital provision assets deployments during the period. Credit risk from financial instruments Concentration Risk [Line Items] Outstanding as of Long-Term Debt, Gross Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities Cash And Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Cash And Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities 2027 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Two Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Indentures governing the 2028 Notes, the 2030 Notes and the 2031 Notes Indentures Governing 2028 Notes, 2030 Notes And 2031 Notes [Member] Represents the information pertaining to indentures governing the 2028 Notes, the 2030 Notes and the 2031 Notes. Individual: Individual [Axis] Diluted (in shares) Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Asset management income Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Credit Loss [Abstract] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Capital provision assets Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Adjusted risk premium Measurement Input, Adjusted Risk Premium [Member] Measurement input using adjusted risk premium. Operating Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Operating Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Maximum exposure to loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Change In Expected Timing [Domain] Change In Expected Timing [Domain] Change In Expected Timing [Domain] Single case with equity risk Capital Provision Assets Single With Equity Risk [Member] Represents information relating to capital provision assets single with equity risk. Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Schedule of Analysis of the Movements in the Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unamortized Issuance Costs and Total Finance Costs Schedule Of Unamortized Issuance Costs And Total Finance Costs [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of changes from cash flows and non-cash changes of debt issued. Performance fee income Performance Fee Income [Member] Represents information pertaining to performance fees. Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Treasury shares Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Share-based and deferred compensation APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Due from settlement of capital provision assets Accounts Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Effective tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Percentage of discrete objective litigation events Percentage Of Discrete Objective Litigation Events The percentage of discrete objective litigation events. Dilutive effect of share-based awards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Deployments to capital provision assets Payments For Funding Of Derivative Assets The cash outflow from funding of capital provision asset. All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] 5.000% Bonds due 2026 5.0% Due Dec 2026 [Member] Represents the information pertaining Bonds issued at 6.125 percent due December 2026. Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] On-balance sheet exposure Variable Interest Entity, On Balance Sheet Exposure The amount of on balance sheet exposure. Other comprehensive income/(loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other Measurement Input, Other [Member] Measurement input related to other. 2026 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Rolling 12 Months Other liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Core legal finance (EP Funds), third party interests Derivative Assets Core Legal Finance EP Funds, Third Party Interests [Member] Derivative Assets Core Legal Finance EP Funds, Third Party Interests Schedule of Computation for Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Ordinary Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Segment reporting Segment Reporting [Text Block] Line of credit Long-Term Line of Credit Minimum Minimum [Member] Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect, Including Discontinued Operation Trial court judgment or tribunal award Measurement Input, Trial Court Judgment Or Tribunal Award [Member] Measurement input using trial court judgment or tribunal award. Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Audit fees payable Accrued Professional Fees Schedule of Asset Management Income Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Variable interest entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] 6 months duration 6 Months Duration [Member] Represents the member information pertaining to expected timing of a favorable outcome of six months. Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total shareholders' equity Balance at the beginning Balance at the end Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract] No definition available. Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Capital provision assets, measurement input Derivative Asset, Measurement Input Portfolio with equity risk, Core legal finance (BOF-C) Derivative Assets, Portfolio With Equity Risk And Core Legal Finance [Member] Derivative Assets, Portfolio With Equity Risk And Core Legal Finance Other liabilities Total other liabilities Other Liabilities Dividends paid Dividends, Common Stock Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Asset (Liability) unrealized Assets (Liabilities) Net, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Amount of unrealized gain (loss) on net assets (liabilities). Schedule of Debt Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Decrease in interest rate (percent) Financial Instrument, Percentage Of Decrease In Interest Rates Percentage of decrease in interest rates. Foreign exchange gains/(losses) Derivative Asset, Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss) Capital provision assets foreign exchange gains or losses during the period. Cash flows from investing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Segment reporting Segment Reporting [Line Items] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt interest payable Interest Payable Unamortized issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net (Income)/loss on marketable securities Marketable Security, Gain (Loss) Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Income/(loss) for the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Foreign exchange gains/(losses) Accrued Bonuses, Change From Foreign Exchange Gain (Losses) Amount of change in long term incentive compensation payable by foreign exchange gain (losses). Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Acquisitions of equity method and other investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Total Burford Capital Limited equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Minimum principal amount Debt Instrument, Covenant, Minimum Principal Amount Guaranteed To Be Required To Guarantee Notes Debt Instrument, Covenant, Minimum Principal Amount Guaranteed To Be Required To Guarantee Notes Cash received from interest and dividend income Proceeds from Interest and Dividends Received Total other expenses Nonoperating Income (Expense) 7.500% Senior Notes due July 15, 2033 Unsecured Notes 7.500 Percent Due July 2033 [Member] Unsecured Notes 7.500 Percent Due July 2033 Assets Assets [Abstract] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Third-party net capital contribution/(distribution) Payments of Capital Distribution Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Redemption price, proceeds not applied as permitted, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Proceeds Not Applied As Permitted, Percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Proceeds Not Applied As Permitted, Percentage Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Cash received from income tax refund Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Authorized repurchase amount (in shares) Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Number of Shares Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Deferred tax (benefit)/expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Assets of consolidated investment companies Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Fair Value Disclosure Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Fair Value Disclosure Schedule of Changes in Long-Term Incentive Compensation Payable Schedule Of Accrued Bonuses [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of changes in long term incentive compensation payable. Financial commitments and contingent liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Potential ordinary shares excluded from diluted weighted average ordinary shares (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 6.250% Senior Notes due 2028 Unsecured Notes 6.250 Percent Due April 2028 [Member] Represents information pertaining to unsecured Notes 6.250 Percent Due April 2028. Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Weighted average Weighted Average [Member] All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Equity [Abstract] Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Due from settlement of capital provision assets Accounts Receivable [Member] Net increase/(decrease) on financial liability to third-party investment Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Liabilities Off-balance sheet exposure - undrawn commitments Variable Interest Entity, Off Balance Sheet Exposure The amount of off balance sheet undrawn commitments. Income Statement [Abstract] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Transfer of share-based awards and NQDC Plan matching awards on vesting Adjustments To Additional Paid-In-Capital, Retained Earnings, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Adjustments To Additional Paid-In-Capital, Retained Earnings, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Deferred tax asset Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Salaries and benefits Salary and Wage, Excluding Cost of Good and Service Sold Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Thereafter Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling after Year Five Legal risk management Derivative Assets, Legal Risk Management [Member] Represents the information pertaining to capital provision assets legal risk management. City Area Code City Area Code Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Portfolio Derivative Assets, Portfolio [Member] Represents the information pertaining to capital provision assets portfolio. Subsequent events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Total assets Total assets Total assets Assets Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Long-term incentive compensation payable Accrued Bonuses [Text Block] The disclosure of long term incentive compensation. Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Core legal finance (BOF-C) Derivative Assets Core Legal Finance Burford Opportunity Fund C Lp [Member] Represents the information pertaining to capital provision assets, core legal finance (BOF-C) VIE not primary beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Increase in income and net assets due to decrease in interest rate Increase (Decrease) In Consolidated Income And Net Assets Due To (Decrease) Increase In Interest Rate Increase (Decrease) In Consolidated Income And Net Assets Due To (Decrease) Increase In Interest Rate Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Finance costs Total finance costs Interest Expense, Nonoperating Net total Asset (liability) fair value Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability) (Increase)/decrease in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Definitive Definitive Undrawn Commitments The amount of definitive undrawn commitments as at the end of the reporting period. Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net PEO PEO [Member] Credit risk from financial instruments Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Text Block] Accrued Bonuses [Roll Forward] Accrued Bonuses [Roll Forward] Accrued Bonuses Share-based and deferred compensation Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Non-derivative financial assets Non-Derivative Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Non-Derivative Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Goodwill Goodwill Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Assets of consolidated investment companies, Unrealized Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Transfers Derivative Asset, Transfers Derivative Asset, Transfers Management fee income Management Fee Income [Member] Represents information pertaining to management fees. Collection risk Measurement Input, Collection Risk [Member] Measurement input using collection risk. Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Schedule of Key Unobservable Inputs Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Changes in equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Ordinary shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Decrease in expected timing of a favorable outcome Financial Instrument, Decrease In Expected Timing Of A Favorable Outcome Represents the decrease in expected timing of a favorable outcome. 9.250% Senior Notes due 2031 Unsecured Notes 9.250 Percent Due July 2031 [Member] Represents the information pertaining to 9.250% senior notes due July 2031. Contingent fees Accrued Contingent Fees Accrued Contingent Fees Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Country Region Country Region Fair value adjustment during the period, net of previously recognized unrealized gains/(losses) transferred to realized gains/(losses) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Asset management income/(loss) Asset Management [Member] Decrease in income and net assets due to increase in interest rate Decrease In Consolidated Income And Net Assets Due To Increase In Interest Rate Decrease in income and assets due to increase in interest rate of capital provision assets Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] Payable for capital provision assets Capital Provision Assets, Payable Obligations from capital provision assets. Cash flows from financing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Asset management income/(loss) Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Appeal judgment Measurement Input, Appeal Judgment [Member] Measurement input using appeal judgment. Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Resolution timing (years) Measurement Input, Resolution Timing [Member] Measurement input using resolution timing. Schedule of Increase (Decrease) in Consolidated Income and Net Assets Due to Change in Actual Interest Rates Schedule Of Increase (Decrease) In Consolidated Income And Net Assets due to Change In Actual Interest Rates Used In Fair Value Estimation [Table Text Block] Schedule of increase (decrease) in consolidated income and net assets due to change in actual interest rates used in fair value estimation. Capital provision assets Beginning of period End of period Total capital provision assets Derivative financial assets Derivative Asset Other income/(loss) Other (income)/loss Other Income General expenses payable Accrued General Expenses Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for general expenses. Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount (Plus)/Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Asset management income Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Schedule of Increase (Decrease) in Consolidated Income or Net Assets Due to Expected Timing of Favorable Outcome Schedule Of Increase Or Decrease In Consolidated Income Or Net Assets Due To Expected Timing Of Favorable Outcome [Table Text Block] Schedule of increase (decrease) in consolidated income or net assets due to expected timing of favorable outcome. Realizations Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales Foreign exchange gains/(losses) Foreign Exchange Gain (Losses) On Accounts Receivable, Held At Fair Value Amount of foreign exchange gain (loss) on due from settlement of capital provision assets. Proceeds from joint ventures and equity method investments Proceeds From Joint Ventures And Equity Method Investments The cash inflow from investment in joint ventures and equity method investments. Foreign exchange gains/(losses) Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liabilities, Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses) Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liabilities, Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses) Deployed cost, end of period Derivative Asset, Cost Derivative Asset, Cost Segment Reporting [Table] Segment Reporting [Table] Asset Management and Other Services Asset Management And Other Services [Member] Represents the information pertaining to asset Management and Other services. Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Table] Related Party Transaction [Table] Joint ventures and equity method investments Joint Ventures And Equity Method Investments [Member] Represents the information pertaining to joint ventures and equity method investments. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Other expenses Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Beginning of period End of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Operating income/(loss) Operating Income (Loss) Debt interest payable Long-Term Debt, Interest, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Long-Term Debt, Interest, Rolling Maturity Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt issuance, including original issue premium Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Non-current assets Accounts Receivable, Held At Fair Value, Noncurrent Due from settlement of capital provision assets carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Lower risk legal finance (Advantage Fund) Lower risk legal finance (Advantage Fund) Derivative Assets, Lower Risk Legal Finance Advantage Fund [Member] Represents the information pertaining to capital provision assets, lower risk legal finance (advantage fund). Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Dividend (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity File Number Entity File Number Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Issuance of new ordinary shares to satisfy distributions under the NQDC Plan Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Interest rate 100bps Interest Rate Change Of 100 bps [Member] Represents the information pertaining to change in interest rate of 100bps. Fair Value Adjustments [Domain] Fair Value Adjustments [Domain] Fair value adjustment. 2029 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Four Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Four Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Ordinary shares issued (in shares) Ordinary shares, beginning balance (in shares) Ordinary shares, ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Measure: Measure [Axis] Beginning of period End of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Treasury shares (in shares) Treasury shares, beginning balance (in shares) Treasury shares, ending balance (in shares) Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Current assets Accounts Receivable, Held At Fair Value, Current Due from settlement of capital provision assets carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). YPF-related assets: YPF Related Assets [Member] Represents the information pertaining to YPF related assets. Number of litigation types Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques, Number Of Litigation Types The number of litigation types inputs considered for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities. Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Related Party Related Party [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Burford Capital Global Finance LLC Burford Capital Global Finance LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Burford Capital Global Finance Plc . Net income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Variable interest entities Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Deferred tax liability Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Burford Capital Limited shareholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Remaining authorized repurchase amount (in shares) Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized, Number of Shares Subsequent Events [Abstract] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Fair Value, Liability, Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Fair Value, Liability, Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Conversion ratio Measurement Input, Conversion Ratio [Member] Measurement input using conversion ratio. Legal risk (definitive) Legal Risk Definitive Undrawn Commitments The amount of Legal risk (definitive) undrawn commitments as at the end of the reporting period. Marketable securities Marketable Securities Document Type Document Type Loss on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Impairment Other Asset Impairment Charges Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Unrestricted Subsidiaries Unrestricted Subsidiaries [Member] Represents the information pertaining to unrestricted subsidiaries. 2028 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Three Redemption price, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Long-term incentive compensation payable Beginning of period End of period Accrued Bonuses Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Compensation and benefits Compensation Items [Abstract] Due from settlement of capital provision assets Beginning of period End of period Total due from settlement of capital provision assets Accounts Receivable, Held At Fair Value Accounts Receivable, Held At Fair Value Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Bonds Bonds [Member] Debt extinguishment Payment for Debt Extinguishment or Debt Prepayment Cost Income/(loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Total revenues Total revenues Revenues Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Discretionary Discretionary Undrawn Commitments The amount of discretionary undrawn commitments as at the end of the reporting period. Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Long-term incentive compensation including accruals reversal Labor and Related Expense Reversal Labor and Related Expense Reversal Core legal finance (EP Funds) Derivative Assets Core Legal Finance EP Funds [Member] Derivative Assets Core Legal Finance EP Funds Increase in expected timing of a favorable outcome Financial Instrument, Increase In Expected Timing Of A Favorable Outcome Represents the increase in expected timing of a favorable outcome. Schedule of Capital Provisions for Undrawn Commitments Schedule Of Capital Provision Undrawn Commitments [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of capital provision undrawn commitments. All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Fair value of assets and liabilities Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Table] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Supplemental disclosure Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Maximum credit exposure Maximum Exposure To Credit Risk Of Financial Assets The maximum exposure to the credit risk of financial assets. Percentage of principal amount to be redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Acquisition of ordinary shares held in treasury (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Common Stock, Shares Authorized, Unlimited [Fixed List] Common Stock, Shares Authorized, Unlimited [Fixed List] PEO Name PEO Name No case milestone: No Case Milestone [Member] Represents the information pertaining to no case milestone. Due from settlement of capital provision assets, Cost Accounts Receivable, Cost Accounts Receivable, Cost Single case Derivative Assets, Single [Member] Represents the information pertaining to capital provision assets single. Cash paid for income taxes Income Tax Paid, before Refund Received 12 months duration 12 Months Duration [Member] Represents the member information pertaining to expected timing of a favorable outcome of twelve months. Other assets Other Assets Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Transfers Fair Value, Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Assets Transfers Between Levels Amount of transfer of financial instrument classified as an asset into level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Debt interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Mutual funds Mutual Fund [Member] Acquisition of ordinary shares held in treasury Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation (Funding) Payments For Variable Interest Entities The net cash outflow from VIEs. Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Third-party interests in capital provision assets Third Party Interest In Capital Provision Assets [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for third party interest in capital provision assets. Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Deployments Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] 2030 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Five Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Five Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive income/(loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Net income/(loss) Accounts Receivable, Held At Fair Value, Other Income Amount of other income on financial asset recognized at fair value through profit or loss. Share-based and deferred compensation Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Long-term incentive compensation including accruals Labor and Related Expense Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Acquisition of ordinary shares held in treasury Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Ordinary shares Common Stock [Member] Portfolios with multiple factors Measurement Input, Portfolios With Multiple Factors [Member] Measurement input using portfolios with multiple factors. Unrealized fair value, end of period Unrealized Fair Value, Derivative Assets Unrealized fair value of capital provision assets. Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Cover [Abstract] Derivative Assets [Roll Forward] Derivative Assets Roll Forward [Roll Forward] Derivative Assets Roll Forward Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Proceeds Proceeds From Variable Interest Entities The net cash inflow from VIEs. 8.50% Senior Notes due January 15, 2034 Unsecured Notes 8.50 Percent Due January 2034 [Member] Unsecured Notes 8.50 Percent Due January 2034 Total capital provision assets Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Marketable securities income/(loss) and interest Marketable Security, Gain (Loss) And Interest Income Marketable Security, Gain (Loss) And Interest Income Net realized gains/(losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Deployments Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Non-controlling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Change In Interest Rate [Axis] Change In Interest Rate [Axis] Change In Interest Rate Related and Nonrelated Parties [Domain] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Domain] Schedule of Due From Settlement of Capital Provision Assets Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Case-related expenditures ineligible for inclusion in asset cost Expenditure Ineligible For Inclusion In Asset Cost The amount of case-related expenditure that are ineligible for inclusion in asset cost. Total Burford Capital Limited equity Parent [Member] Minimum principal amount outstanding, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption, Minimum Principal Amount Outstanding, As A Percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption, Minimum Principal Amount Outstanding, As A Percentage Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Capital provision assets, Unrealized Derivative Assets, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Amount of unrealized gain (loss) on capital provision assets. Shareholders' equity Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Entity Address, Country Entity Address, Country Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Corporate bonds Corporate Bonds [Member] Represents the information pertaining to corporate bonds. General, administrative and other General and Administrative Expense Settlement Measurement Input, Settlement [Member] Measurement input using settlement. Assets of consolidated investment companies, Cost Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Cost Assets Of Consolidated Investment Companies, Cost Plus/(Less): Third-party interests in capital provision assets Third Party Interests In Capital Provision Assets [Member] Third Party Interests In Capital Provision Assets Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Financial liabilities relating to third-party interests in capital provision assets Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] Credit Concentration Risk Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Cash paid for debt interest Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activity Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Realizations Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Sales Decrease in consolidated income and net assets due to increase in expected timing of a favorable outcome Decrease In Consolidated Income And Net Assets Due To Increase In Expected Timing Of A Favorable Outcome Amount of decrease in consolidated income and net assets due to increase in expected timing of a favorable outcome. Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Increase in consolidated income and net assets due to decrease in expected timing of a favorable outcome Increase In Consolidated Income And Net Assets Due To Decrease In Expected Timing Of A Favorable Outcome Amount of increase in consolidated income and net assets due to decrease in expected timing of a favorable outcome. Name Measure Name Income taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Burford Capital PLC Burford Capital Plc [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Burford Capital Plc. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Net income/(loss) from due from settlement of capital provision assets Net Realized And Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Accounts Receivable Amount of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on due from settlement of capital provision assets. Schedule of Capital Provision Income on Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Third-party net capital contribution/(distribution) Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders, Net Of Contributions Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders, Net Of Contributions Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category 2027 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Two Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Rolling Year Two Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Compensation and benefits Compensation And Benefits Compensation And Benefits Cash and cash equivalents Cash balance as of end of period Cash and Cash Equivalent Duration (years) Measurement Input, Expected Term [Member] Revenues Capital provision (income)/loss Total capital provision income/(loss) as reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Fair Value, Asset, Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Issuance of new ordinary shares to satisfy distributions under the NQDC Plan (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Net income/(loss) Net income/(loss) Net income/(loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Exchange rate Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Financial liabilities relating to third-party interests in capital provision assets Derivative Liability Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Negative case milestone factor: Negative Fair Value Adjustments [Member] Represents the information pertaining to negative fair value adjustments. Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign currency transactions (gains)/losses and other expenses Foreign exchange gains/(losses) Gain (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction, before Tax 6.875% Senior Notes due 2030 6.875% Senior Notes due 2030 Unsecured Notes 6.875 Percent Due April 2030 [Member] Represents information relating to unsecured Notes 6.875 Percent Due April 2030. Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Core legal finance (EP Funds), other additions Derivative Assets Core Legal Finance EP Funds, Other Additions [Member] Derivative Assets Core Legal Finance EP Funds, Other Additions Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Contingent fee reversal Accrued Contingent Fees Reversal Accrued Contingent Fees Reversal VIE primary beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Interest rate 50bps Interest Rate Change Of 50 bps [Member] Represents the information pertaining to change in interest rate of 50bps. Net income/(loss) attributable to Burford Capital Limited shareholders Net income/(loss) attributable to Burford Capital Limited shareholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Discounted cash flow Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] 2026 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Next Rolling 12 Months Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Interest In Next Rolling 12 Months Reconciling items Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item, Excluding Corporate Nonsegment [Member] Number of litigation events Fair Value Measurement Inputs And Valuation Techniques, Number Of Litigation Events The number of litigation event inputs considered for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities. Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Government securities US Government Agencies Short-Term Debt Securities [Member] Certificates of deposit Certificates of Deposit [Member] Issuance of new ordinary shares to satisfy vested share-based awards Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross 2029 Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Four Tax payable Accrued Income Taxes Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Portfolio with equity risk Derivative Assets, Portfolio With Equity Risk [Member] Represents the information pertaining to capital provision assets portfolio with equity risk. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]