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Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 19, 2016
Apr. 30, 2015
May 01, 2014
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares       1,936,812 5,252,026  
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired       4,669,513 6,047,437 4,906,785
Common stock, shares outstanding       87,098,120 90,959,635  
Shares cancelled, shares       1,936,812 5,252,026  
Allied World Switzerland (Parent Guarantor)            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Threshold for dividend restrictions       20.00%    
Minimum Annual Profit Percentage Required       5.00%    
Common shares            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Dividends declared per share $ 0.26 $ 0.26 $ 0.225      
Minimum            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Maximum percentage of registered capital in treasury shares       10.00%    
Maximum            
Class of Stock [Line Items]            
Maximum percentage of registered capital in treasury shares       20.00%