SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (DETAILS 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues
Total revenues									$ 4,196,365	$ 3,926,565	$ 3,801,226
Expenses
Interest expense and financing costs									61,979	61,863	62,598
Net income									727,465	547,241	46,305
Preferred share dividends									40,474	38,228	36,875
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									3,081	14,009	0
Net income available to common shareholders	171,524	137,121	72,447	302,816	(18,551)	223,407	168,152	121,997	683,910	495,004	9,430
Comprehensive income (loss)									482,668	781,701	(2,354)
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Revenues
Net investment income									5	25	1
Total revenues									5	25	1
Expenses
General and administrative expenses									40,565	62,293	36,248
Interest expense and financing costs									29,201	29,201	29,201
Total expenses									69,766	91,494	65,449
Loss before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries									(69,761)	(91,469)	(65,448)
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries									797,226	638,710	111,753
Net income									727,465	547,241	46,305
Preferred share dividends									40,474	38,228	36,875
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									3,081	14,009	0
Net income available to common shareholders									683,910	495,004	9,430
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ 482,668	$ 781,701	$ (2,354)