v3.26.3
Cover Page - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2026
Oct. 28, 2026
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2026  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-39511  
Entity Registrant Name BURFORD CAPITAL LIMITED  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Y7  
Entity Address, Address Line One Ground Floor  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Mill Court  
Entity Address, Address Line Three La Charroterie  
Entity Address, City or Town St. Peter Port  
Entity Address, Country GG  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code GY1 1EJ  
Country Region +44  
City Area Code 1481  
Local Phone Number 723 450  
Title of 12(b) Security Ordinary shares, no par value  
Trading Symbol BUR  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   219,595,601
Entity Central Index Key 0001714174  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false