SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (DETAILS 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues
Total revenues									$ 3,801,226	$ 3,551,473	$ 2,814,977
Expenses
Interest expense and financing costs									62,598	55,876	32,031
Net income									46,305	856,723	497,886
Preferred share dividends									36,875	36,875	36,875
Net income available to common shareholders	80,064	212,058	101,068	(383,760)	264,343	238,842	204,852	111,812	9,430	819,848	461,011
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Revenues
Net investment Income									1	74	27
Total revenues									1	74	27
Expenses
General and administrative expense									36,248	33,785	42,114
Interest expense and financing costs									29,201	29,201	29,201
Total expenses									65,449	62,986	71,315
Loss before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries									(65,448)	(62,912)	(71,288)
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries									111,753	919,635	569,174
Net income									46,305	856,723	497,886
Preferred share dividends									36,875	36,875	36,875
Net income available to common shareholders									$ 9,430	$ 819,848	$ 461,011